There were fewer of us that met this Monday, but we had a valuable time of practicing presence with each other.
We began with the story of the raising of Lazarus from John 11:17-36. Reading it in a different version (The Message) brought out some different aspects of the story. Was Jesus angry with all the mourners? If so, why? Or was he caught up with their emotions? When he wept - was it from anger and frustration or was it mourning Lazarus or from some other emotion? Unfortunately we did not have any answers, but it did bring up the idea that tears come from different emotional places.
So how do you feel when someone cries in your presence? There was a Sudanese funeral in our church just over a week ago, and some of the mourners were overwhelmed with grief - crumpling to the floor because it was just too much. We don't see that much in our society. We like to stay in control - put a lid on our emotions. Some of the mourners at that recent funeral were not hampered by that ideal. And some of their Canadian friends were willing to sit with them and cry with them. This is what practicing presence is - being fully present to others' pain. This is often not so easy to do. We, like many people we meet in the Bible, want to "jump to the resurrection". We want to go to the happy ending and avoid feeling all that comes before.
Our efforts to skip over the mourning can hinder others' healing. We don't have to find words to make others feel better, just spend time with them, where they are, so they know they are not alone in their time of sadness and loss.
As it says in Romans 12:15, we should "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
We moved on to Matthew 4:1-11 and the story of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. We all had trouble imagining not eating for forty days - let alone refusing food after that. That was our biggest temptation. But seriously, how did Jesus have the fortitude to turn down the temptation to turn rocks into bread? He must have been hungry. He would not have been hurting anyone else. How did he manage not to give in?
Just prior to his heading into the wilderness, Jesus was baptized. As he rose from the river a voice from Heaven claimed him as God's own son. Did this make a difference? Did some of the strength to keep going and resist the temptation of an easy fix come from the confidence that was displayed in that declaration? How can we remind our brothers and sisters that they, too, are loved and claimed by God? Is there a way to get this notion so ingrained it stays with us even through the times of wilderness & temptation?
Jesus also called upon memorized Scriptures to withstand the seemingly logical arguments of the tempter. Is this guidance for something we can do to help when we are going through hard times? Will having memorized scriptures and hymns (and poetry?) help?
The number 40 seems to be significant. In Biblical times 40 is a number of completion, of cleansing, of growth. There are 40 weeks of gestation for the birth of a full term child. There were 40 days (and 40 nights) of rain for the flood. There are 40 litres of water in the bath for ritual cleansing. For Forty years the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. It takes about 40 years for power etc. to pass to the next generation (traditionally). Maybe sometimes we need to go through the process, through the 40 days of testing or trials in order to come out whole on the other side.
It is hard to understand but it seems that we need to develop a kind of patience. Just as Jesus didn't skip to the resurrection when he met Martha and then Mary but took time to mourn with them, we need to be prepared to wait, to journey, to endure, until the time of completion - until our 40 days (or however long) is over and we are cleansed and ready to accept the ministrations of angels, the resurrection, or whatever the outcome that awaits on the other side of our wildernesses.
We talked a lot about our wildernesses. And yes, there was weeping. We truly practiced presence with each other as we shared difficult times in our lives and in the lives of others' we care about. It was closer to 40 minutes than 40 days/weeks/years - but it was good. Sometimes it is good to just let the masks, the walls, the composure slip away and be truly present with each other. May each of us experience that kind of presence with others in our lives.
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
Monday, 26 October 2015
3 John
Though 3 John has 2 more verses than 2 John, it somehow seems shorter. I struggle to find much meaning for me in this letter.
After a brief greeting the writer commends Gaius for his hospitality and his faithfulness in living his life in keeping with his faith. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have people speak of your faithfulness to the truth? To be seen as the epitome of love and hospitality? While I usually fail miserably, I will hear this as a call to continue to learn to grow in "faithfulness to the truth" (v3). This is a real challenge as day to day distractions arise that pull at time, energy, finances. I admire Gaius for continuing to remain faithful.
The second section names someone, Diotrephes, who did not acknowledge the writer's authority. I guess here, again, we are warned against false teaching. I find it interesting that this person was preventing people from "welcoming the friends", and expelling people who want to do so (v10). In light of modern controversy, who are the "friends" - then and now. I assume then it was some travelling preachers, now ???? Could it be committed Christians from the LGBTQ community? Just wondering because they are the current "friends" who are often not welcome and whose inclusion can mean expulsion from the larger church body.
In general - I think this letter gives a tiny bit of insight into the age in which Paul lived - with itinerant preachers traveling around to support the churches, and other "charlatans" travelling around with different ideas trying to get them off track. Even then there were people who tried to take over the church and run it their own way. This letter can inspire us to be more like Gaius and Demitrius and to watch out charismatic, powerful false teachers like Diotrephes.
After a brief greeting the writer commends Gaius for his hospitality and his faithfulness in living his life in keeping with his faith. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have people speak of your faithfulness to the truth? To be seen as the epitome of love and hospitality? While I usually fail miserably, I will hear this as a call to continue to learn to grow in "faithfulness to the truth" (v3). This is a real challenge as day to day distractions arise that pull at time, energy, finances. I admire Gaius for continuing to remain faithful.
The second section names someone, Diotrephes, who did not acknowledge the writer's authority. I guess here, again, we are warned against false teaching. I find it interesting that this person was preventing people from "welcoming the friends", and expelling people who want to do so (v10). In light of modern controversy, who are the "friends" - then and now. I assume then it was some travelling preachers, now ???? Could it be committed Christians from the LGBTQ community? Just wondering because they are the current "friends" who are often not welcome and whose inclusion can mean expulsion from the larger church body.
In general - I think this letter gives a tiny bit of insight into the age in which Paul lived - with itinerant preachers traveling around to support the churches, and other "charlatans" travelling around with different ideas trying to get them off track. Even then there were people who tried to take over the church and run it their own way. This letter can inspire us to be more like Gaius and Demitrius and to watch out charismatic, powerful false teachers like Diotrephes.
Sunday, 25 October 2015
2 John - Short & Sweet
2 John is roughly a page long (13 verses) with the characteristics of a letter. It starts with a salutation and ends with greetings. It identifies the sender as "the elder" and the recipient as "the elect lady and her children".
I find the address of this document interesting - even before I read the letter. With all those modern people who want to keep women from leadership by claiming they should be silent in church, it is interesting to me that (it sounds to me like) an ancient writer is writing to a woman who is a leader of an early Christian community - and bringing greetings from another. This has never really been pointed out to me before. While numerous sources have quoted anything that remotely hints that women should not be in leadership, here is another little nugget suggesting women have held leadership positions since the beginning of the church. I think this avaoidance is another case of us reading into Scriptures. Our traditions have formed our opinions and influence what we read and how we read the passages we do read. I have found a lot of new understandings through this exercise of reading each document as a letter written to me. This is just one more insight into the ancient church that many ignore because it doesn't fit notions formed by interpretations filtered through culture.
I am not free of reading through my filters (of culture and current debates) - but I am trying to read what is written in the context in and into which it was written, and hear what it has to say to me. This may make my ramblings irrelevant to you - but I hope they might give you food for further thought (and maybe research). Back to 2 John.....
Once again we are reminded - not of new commandment but one "we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments;"
We are also warned, once again, about deceivers. We are to "Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for".
And that's about it . Those are the two things that the writer found worth important enough to write this letter. It is so scarey to think we may be swayed by "deceivers" - people with the words and arguments that twist what is said in Scripture. Is it any wonder some people want to stick with the traditional interpretations? But maybe tradition can become the "deceiver"? Maybe it can become a filter through which the living Word cannot keep its meaning intact? How can we keep "what we have worked for" when we are so hard pressed to convince each other what is true and what is deception? However we work at discerning the meaning of Scriptures, I hope we can keep the other admonition, to love one another, central in our interactions with people with whom we may not agree. Let us also remember to pray. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we can remain confident in our reading of words written way before our time and from a very different mindset.
Let us continue to pray the God will be with us, will help us to love each other, and will help us understand the message of the Bible.
I find the address of this document interesting - even before I read the letter. With all those modern people who want to keep women from leadership by claiming they should be silent in church, it is interesting to me that (it sounds to me like) an ancient writer is writing to a woman who is a leader of an early Christian community - and bringing greetings from another. This has never really been pointed out to me before. While numerous sources have quoted anything that remotely hints that women should not be in leadership, here is another little nugget suggesting women have held leadership positions since the beginning of the church. I think this avaoidance is another case of us reading into Scriptures. Our traditions have formed our opinions and influence what we read and how we read the passages we do read. I have found a lot of new understandings through this exercise of reading each document as a letter written to me. This is just one more insight into the ancient church that many ignore because it doesn't fit notions formed by interpretations filtered through culture.
I am not free of reading through my filters (of culture and current debates) - but I am trying to read what is written in the context in and into which it was written, and hear what it has to say to me. This may make my ramblings irrelevant to you - but I hope they might give you food for further thought (and maybe research). Back to 2 John.....
Once again we are reminded - not of new commandment but one "we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments;"
We are also warned, once again, about deceivers. We are to "Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for".
And that's about it . Those are the two things that the writer found worth important enough to write this letter. It is so scarey to think we may be swayed by "deceivers" - people with the words and arguments that twist what is said in Scripture. Is it any wonder some people want to stick with the traditional interpretations? But maybe tradition can become the "deceiver"? Maybe it can become a filter through which the living Word cannot keep its meaning intact? How can we keep "what we have worked for" when we are so hard pressed to convince each other what is true and what is deception? However we work at discerning the meaning of Scriptures, I hope we can keep the other admonition, to love one another, central in our interactions with people with whom we may not agree. Let us also remember to pray. It is only with the help of the Holy Spirit that we can remain confident in our reading of words written way before our time and from a very different mindset.
Let us continue to pray the God will be with us, will help us to love each other, and will help us understand the message of the Bible.
October 19 - Practicing Presence through Compassion and Nurture
After taking time off for Thanksgiving and, previously, for various appointments/commitments, five of us met on Monday to talk about Practicing Presence.
We started with reading a part of the creation story from Genesis 1:26-28. This is a reminder that we are created in God's image. How does this play out in our lives? Though, of course, we do not have the same abilities or capacities as God has, we are called to be God's image bearers. Psalm 139: 13ff says:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you....
Once again we are reminded that God made us. God knows what we are capable of. God walks along side us and helps us when we stumble - and wants us to do the same with people we see around us. One way we can bear God's image is to be compassionate - to walk alongside those who are hurting and want to help.
We also read Luke 6:36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. We were a little confused - but if you look at the Complete Jewish Bible it translates as "Show compassion, just as your Father shows compassion". It seems that, while to many of us compassion and mercy are quite different, when translating the Hebrew word used here, they can be interchangeable.
So, basically, there is to be no more "not my problem" - knowing ourselves to be image bearers of our caring creator, we are to practice compassion and help bring others through their suffering into new life.
The second aspect of Practicing Presence that we looked at was Nurture.
Here we looked at 4 passages:
1 Thessalonians 2:7b & 8; "We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children...."
Hosea 11:3 & 4: "Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk....I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them."
Numbers 11:10-15: [Moses talking to God about the hungry Isaraelites] "...Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a suckling child.,'...."
Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."
It is almost inconceivable to us that a mother would "forget" her child, so we thought and talked about the Isaiah passage for a while. To think that God loves us even more than we love our children is almost unfathomable - but a great thing to ponder.
The idea of God as mother was also something we discussed for a while. It brings out some different aspects of God. We talked about how this was not a super popular idea among some Christians - how inclusion of "Mothering God, you gave me birth" (HWB 482) was a part of some congregations' reasoning for not purchasing the "new" Hymnal, a Worship Book when it first came out. But the real question is, how do/should we be nurturing to those around us? So often our conversations are limited to the "Hi, How are you?" in the foyer Sunday morning. But then we spoke of mentors, older people who we picture as somehow significant to our growing up years. People who nurtured our faith in some way. We spoke of people who, even in brief conversations, could make you feel like you were the only person that mattered in that moment, that what you had to say was important. We spoke of people who have a gift/talent of bringing conversations to a deeper level. We named people we remembered as nurturing our faith in some way.
We are called to nurture each other's faith. We are called to respectful listening that helps draw out faith, that encourages growth and development. We are called to vulnerability - to open ourselves so that others feel it safe to be open with us. Through this we we are called to nurture, feed, help develop growth and wholeness for others, for our communities and for our world.
We started with reading a part of the creation story from Genesis 1:26-28. This is a reminder that we are created in God's image. How does this play out in our lives? Though, of course, we do not have the same abilities or capacities as God has, we are called to be God's image bearers. Psalm 139: 13ff says:
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you....
Once again we are reminded that God made us. God knows what we are capable of. God walks along side us and helps us when we stumble - and wants us to do the same with people we see around us. One way we can bear God's image is to be compassionate - to walk alongside those who are hurting and want to help.
We also read Luke 6:36 - Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. We were a little confused - but if you look at the Complete Jewish Bible it translates as "Show compassion, just as your Father shows compassion". It seems that, while to many of us compassion and mercy are quite different, when translating the Hebrew word used here, they can be interchangeable.
So, basically, there is to be no more "not my problem" - knowing ourselves to be image bearers of our caring creator, we are to practice compassion and help bring others through their suffering into new life.
The second aspect of Practicing Presence that we looked at was Nurture.
Here we looked at 4 passages:
1 Thessalonians 2:7b & 8; "We were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children...."
Hosea 11:3 & 4: "Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk....I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them."
Numbers 11:10-15: [Moses talking to God about the hungry Isaraelites] "...Did I conceive all this people? Did I give birth to them, that you should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a suckling child.,'...."
Isaiah 49:15: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you."
It is almost inconceivable to us that a mother would "forget" her child, so we thought and talked about the Isaiah passage for a while. To think that God loves us even more than we love our children is almost unfathomable - but a great thing to ponder.
The idea of God as mother was also something we discussed for a while. It brings out some different aspects of God. We talked about how this was not a super popular idea among some Christians - how inclusion of "Mothering God, you gave me birth" (HWB 482) was a part of some congregations' reasoning for not purchasing the "new" Hymnal, a Worship Book when it first came out. But the real question is, how do/should we be nurturing to those around us? So often our conversations are limited to the "Hi, How are you?" in the foyer Sunday morning. But then we spoke of mentors, older people who we picture as somehow significant to our growing up years. People who nurtured our faith in some way. We spoke of people who, even in brief conversations, could make you feel like you were the only person that mattered in that moment, that what you had to say was important. We spoke of people who have a gift/talent of bringing conversations to a deeper level. We named people we remembered as nurturing our faith in some way.
We are called to nurture each other's faith. We are called to respectful listening that helps draw out faith, that encourages growth and development. We are called to vulnerability - to open ourselves so that others feel it safe to be open with us. Through this we we are called to nurture, feed, help develop growth and wholeness for others, for our communities and for our world.
Sunday, 18 October 2015
I John
I have now read 1 John about three times (plus some failed attempts). It does read a lot like the gospel of John, though Marcus J. Borg states that there is a consensus that it was not written by the same author(p 405). I find the writing somewhat circular - and that weighs me down as I read - but the two themes that keep coming at me are to avoid false prophets/idols - or I guess this could be to stay true to the message of Christ - and that love is extremely important - as a gift from God, as a sign of being a true disciple, as a response to God's love.
In the midst of reading through this document, I am also trying to read a book lent to me by well meaning friends. This book is written as a proof that one cannot be both Christian and Gay. I am finding it disheartening as I read this book. The author seems to be very well read and intelligent. His credentials are impressive yet so much of his argument is based on his 20th (or 21st) century understanding (the correct reading?) of Scripture. He quotes many scholars that hold opposing views, but seems to refute their arguments (though not necessarily to my satisfaction). Is this a false prophet of whom I should be wary? Or are the many voices I hear calling for full acceptance of alternate sexuality within the church the ones for which I need to watch out? How do I "test every spirit...to see whether they are from God" (4:1)? If people arguing both sides of an issue claim to be professing God's will and the gospel of Christ - or "that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" (4:2) - are they both from God? How do I gain guidance from all this?
When the writer of I John says "We know that those who are born of God do not sin" (5:18) does he mean that we should be judging each other and ourselves and, if we still find sin within us, recognize that we are not of God? Is homosexuality a sin? When the writer speaks of mortal and non mortal sins (ch 5:14-17) is he referring to sexual differences? if so - which category do they fall under? He is very clear that hating a brother or sister is a sin - does this extend to people who are not a part of the church because they have found it an unsafe, even hurtful place to be?
If chapter 2:20 and following are accurate, we "have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of [us] have knowledge" and it is the antichrist that causes the confusion - but who is the antichrist in this situation? Why do I still struggle? Why don't I just know the answers? Why don't we all agree?
While there are many questions that arise for me - the answer, and the author of 1 John, always seems to come back to "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God...: (chapter 4:7ff). People of different faiths, Christian and other, have known and shown love - even, at times, to those who seem unlovable. There are people who are gay, or lesbian, or bisexual, or transgender, or "queer" or straight that know and show love. Who am I, with my imperfect expressions of love for others, to say that these people don't know God as well as I do? Or that God loves them less? Or that their expressions of love are less worthy than mine? "EVERYONE who loves is born of God and knows God". If I exclude people because some other people don't like the way they express their love - how am I showing God's love? Am I, then, walking in "light" or "darkness"? Am I then becoming one of "those who say, 'I love God,' and hate their brothers or sisters," (chapter 4:20) ? Who 1 John says are liars? "The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also." (ch 5:21) This is where my thoughts rest.
What about purity? What about staying away from sin? "No one who abides in him sins" (ch 3:6). It seems to me there are two assumptions that allow that question in the midst of this debate - one is that straight people don't sin - "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us"(ch1:10) - and the other is that all LGBTQ people are sinning (willfully and often) - "You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin..." (ch 3:5). I guess I just don't see how anybody else's sins - even sexual sins if you consider homosexual activity a sin - are so much worse than my sins of omission (and commission). We have all sinned and fall short of God's glory and ultimate design - so if we want a pure church it is going to be mighty empty, I think. I'd rather lean toward love.
I do not have all the answers - but I believe that over and over again - in the Gospels, in the epistles and especially in I John - we are told that Love is the most important commandment, sign and gift. So if I am going to make a mistake - I am going to err on the side of love. I will continue to test the spirits - both of opinions and Biblical interpretation - and will continue to pray - to abide in Christ. I hope and trust that, somehow, I will discern which are the false teachings and understand better the true ones. I believe I will grow in love for my brothers and sisters, that I will be able to abide in Christ and hope that I will learn to free myself from sin, I believe this is the call of 1 John and I hope I will be able, with God's help, to answer that call.
In the midst of reading through this document, I am also trying to read a book lent to me by well meaning friends. This book is written as a proof that one cannot be both Christian and Gay. I am finding it disheartening as I read this book. The author seems to be very well read and intelligent. His credentials are impressive yet so much of his argument is based on his 20th (or 21st) century understanding (the correct reading?) of Scripture. He quotes many scholars that hold opposing views, but seems to refute their arguments (though not necessarily to my satisfaction). Is this a false prophet of whom I should be wary? Or are the many voices I hear calling for full acceptance of alternate sexuality within the church the ones for which I need to watch out? How do I "test every spirit...to see whether they are from God" (4:1)? If people arguing both sides of an issue claim to be professing God's will and the gospel of Christ - or "that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" (4:2) - are they both from God? How do I gain guidance from all this?
When the writer of I John says "We know that those who are born of God do not sin" (5:18) does he mean that we should be judging each other and ourselves and, if we still find sin within us, recognize that we are not of God? Is homosexuality a sin? When the writer speaks of mortal and non mortal sins (ch 5:14-17) is he referring to sexual differences? if so - which category do they fall under? He is very clear that hating a brother or sister is a sin - does this extend to people who are not a part of the church because they have found it an unsafe, even hurtful place to be?
If chapter 2:20 and following are accurate, we "have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of [us] have knowledge" and it is the antichrist that causes the confusion - but who is the antichrist in this situation? Why do I still struggle? Why don't I just know the answers? Why don't we all agree?
While there are many questions that arise for me - the answer, and the author of 1 John, always seems to come back to "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God...: (chapter 4:7ff). People of different faiths, Christian and other, have known and shown love - even, at times, to those who seem unlovable. There are people who are gay, or lesbian, or bisexual, or transgender, or "queer" or straight that know and show love. Who am I, with my imperfect expressions of love for others, to say that these people don't know God as well as I do? Or that God loves them less? Or that their expressions of love are less worthy than mine? "EVERYONE who loves is born of God and knows God". If I exclude people because some other people don't like the way they express their love - how am I showing God's love? Am I, then, walking in "light" or "darkness"? Am I then becoming one of "those who say, 'I love God,' and hate their brothers or sisters," (chapter 4:20) ? Who 1 John says are liars? "The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also." (ch 5:21) This is where my thoughts rest.
What about purity? What about staying away from sin? "No one who abides in him sins" (ch 3:6). It seems to me there are two assumptions that allow that question in the midst of this debate - one is that straight people don't sin - "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us"(ch1:10) - and the other is that all LGBTQ people are sinning (willfully and often) - "You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and in him there is no sin..." (ch 3:5). I guess I just don't see how anybody else's sins - even sexual sins if you consider homosexual activity a sin - are so much worse than my sins of omission (and commission). We have all sinned and fall short of God's glory and ultimate design - so if we want a pure church it is going to be mighty empty, I think. I'd rather lean toward love.
I do not have all the answers - but I believe that over and over again - in the Gospels, in the epistles and especially in I John - we are told that Love is the most important commandment, sign and gift. So if I am going to make a mistake - I am going to err on the side of love. I will continue to test the spirits - both of opinions and Biblical interpretation - and will continue to pray - to abide in Christ. I hope and trust that, somehow, I will discern which are the false teachings and understand better the true ones. I believe I will grow in love for my brothers and sisters, that I will be able to abide in Christ and hope that I will learn to free myself from sin, I believe this is the call of 1 John and I hope I will be able, with God's help, to answer that call.
Tuesday, 6 October 2015
Jude
I am sure I have read Jude before. I read the whole New Testament for a class in college. I've tried to read through for personal growth - but I really don't remember Jude. Maybe it's because, on first reading there is not much to it. It is short. It is not poetic. There is no readily accessible theological break throughs, no great polemic on following Jesus or the way. It just doesn't seem to have a lot to say. I read it through three times trying to absorb something from the reading (yes it is THAT short). Eventually I got it - and now I can't get it out of my head. (By "it" I don't mean all the in depth theological meaning - I mean a message for me).
It is easy to skim over the central part of Jude where he talks of the Archangel fighting the devil for Moses' body (Weird - huh?) and the error of Balaam (?) and the rebellion of Korah (?) etc. etc. etc. This is all too different - these are not stories I learned in Sunday school. These are not stories that seem to fit together. And how do they relate to "waterless clouds carried along by the winds" or "autumn trees...twice dead, uprooted" ? The language and the references are all strange to me. I guess we really don't study Jude very often.
The commentary I read referred to Jude as "the strangest document in the New Testament". They don't know who wrote it to whom or when, or even why. We know he was the brother of James - but which James? If it was James the brother of Jesus it would have to have been written very early; but there are many James' - it could have been one from many years later. The only thing that seems certain (to scholars) is that Jude and 2 Peter are somehow related because they share so many phrases - but that still doesn't say who copied/quoted whom and so doesn't really give a lot of answers....so we have to ask different questions.
Jude is upset. He wanted to write a joyful letter of fellowship with the followers with whom he is corresponding, enticing them to an even deeper faith by reminding them of the "salvation we share" (v3). Instead he found it necessary to issue a call to arms - a rallying cry against "intruders" who were perverting the message. The letter is short and harsh and to the point. Stay True!
I have figured out some points through my limited research. Even the archangel did not accuse devil but called on the power of God.(From a Jewish Apocryphal book called the Testament of Moses) It is OK that we cannot do things on our own. We will not always have the right words or actions - but we can call on God to use what we do have to conquer evil.
Cain was given the same instructions as Abel about what God expected as a sacrifice - yet chose to do what was more convenient - which led to God not accepting his sacrifice which lead to jealousy that led to murder.(Genesis 4)
Balaam got a clear message from God not to go with the foreign powers as they sought to conquer Israel. When the princes offered him a lot of money, however, he dithered - and finally convinced himself that God did want him to go, after all. (Numbers 22)
Korah (Numbers 16) is a young rebel who accused Moses & Aaron, God's appointed leaders, of putting themselves ahead of everyone - "exalting themselves above the congregation of the Lord" (from gotquestions.org quoting Numbers 16:1-3). Basically he was doing what he was accusing Moses and Aaron of doing - trying to grab the power and respect of the group by taking over as leader. This revolt against God's leaders is equated to a revolt against God.
So we have stories of a man who ignored God's command, a man who twisted God's command to hear what he wanted to hear, a man who didn't even listen for God's command but wanted to do it on his own. Jude is warning about the intruders who were coming into the church, claiming leadership like Korah and their own interpretation of what God wanted, like Balaam, even to the point of ignoring the gospel that had been passed down, like Cain. How many televangelists could fit into those categories? How many cult leaders? But in a more subtle way - how many pastors, priests and congregations? We have people pushing us to ever looser interpretations of ethical behavior - and we have others who are fighting to close ranks and make choices black or white. When are we listening to God and when are we ignoring or perverting the message?
This is very troubling for me. For I know there is a push to say anything goes as long as you aren't hurting anybody (a subjective judgement). More and more we accept sexual relationships outside of marriage, "smart deals" which could be interpreted by some as stealing from another's profit (like ignoring copyright laws?). We admire the wealthy and equate their good fortune with God's blessings - so fight, sometimes bitterly, to get ahead. Where is the line? How do we hear God's voice? I can understand, to some extent, why some congregations want to stick to prescribed clothing and strict right and wrong ethics - even if it means excluding some people. I can sort of understand why some young people are drawn to cults or radical conservative religions that dictate what to wear and what to do. They don't want to have to figure out this confusing life. They don't want to risk getting it wrong. They don't want to risk being swayed by the intruders, by those who pull unsuspecting Christians from living a Godly life. Or is the strict fundamentalism the twisted message that is pulling Christians from God's loving inclusiveness? Are we being pulled by the promise of purity and justification to a radical fundamentalism as opposed to loving blind faith in God? How do we know which is the truth and which is the perversion?
Jude warns us to stay true - he exhorts us to "build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." This isn't easy but I think the message is to continue to work on learning for yourself - not just follow whatever charismatic leader happens along. We need to test the messages we receive and do our best to follow the message Christ has given, through his words and his life. Following Christ isn't an easy list of "do" and "don't" - it is a wonderfully messy, meandering journey of making mistakes and being forgiven again and again. That doesn't mean "anything goes". We need to try to live upright, faithful lives, and work to be worthy of the love and grace God showers on us - but we also need to realize we can't do it on our own. Even the Archangel Michael had his limits and had to call on God.
After 3 or 4 readings I really like Jude. Now I find it short but powerful, inspiring even. And definitely thought provoking. There is so much more there than first meets the eye - or at least than first met my eyes. I may need to read it for encouragement a few more times. Many find it harsh and judgmental - but now I read it more as a warning to me, not a condemnation of me. It is a condemnation of those who would lead me astray and a warning for me to be careful not to follow. It is very appropriate for this day and age. I need to continue to nourish my relationship - so I am not like a waterless cloud - promising life giving moisture but actually having nothing to offer - so I am not like an autumn tree that is dried up, and becomes uprooted. I need to trust God to lead as various issues arise and I need wisdom and guidance to think and do the right things.
I pray that God will keep me from falling, and will make me stand without blemish in the presence of God's glory with rejoicing.(from v24-25) (and help me figure it out).
It is easy to skim over the central part of Jude where he talks of the Archangel fighting the devil for Moses' body (Weird - huh?) and the error of Balaam (?) and the rebellion of Korah (?) etc. etc. etc. This is all too different - these are not stories I learned in Sunday school. These are not stories that seem to fit together. And how do they relate to "waterless clouds carried along by the winds" or "autumn trees...twice dead, uprooted" ? The language and the references are all strange to me. I guess we really don't study Jude very often.
The commentary I read referred to Jude as "the strangest document in the New Testament". They don't know who wrote it to whom or when, or even why. We know he was the brother of James - but which James? If it was James the brother of Jesus it would have to have been written very early; but there are many James' - it could have been one from many years later. The only thing that seems certain (to scholars) is that Jude and 2 Peter are somehow related because they share so many phrases - but that still doesn't say who copied/quoted whom and so doesn't really give a lot of answers....so we have to ask different questions.
Jude is upset. He wanted to write a joyful letter of fellowship with the followers with whom he is corresponding, enticing them to an even deeper faith by reminding them of the "salvation we share" (v3). Instead he found it necessary to issue a call to arms - a rallying cry against "intruders" who were perverting the message. The letter is short and harsh and to the point. Stay True!
I have figured out some points through my limited research. Even the archangel did not accuse devil but called on the power of God.(From a Jewish Apocryphal book called the Testament of Moses) It is OK that we cannot do things on our own. We will not always have the right words or actions - but we can call on God to use what we do have to conquer evil.
Cain was given the same instructions as Abel about what God expected as a sacrifice - yet chose to do what was more convenient - which led to God not accepting his sacrifice which lead to jealousy that led to murder.(Genesis 4)
Balaam got a clear message from God not to go with the foreign powers as they sought to conquer Israel. When the princes offered him a lot of money, however, he dithered - and finally convinced himself that God did want him to go, after all. (Numbers 22)
Korah (Numbers 16) is a young rebel who accused Moses & Aaron, God's appointed leaders, of putting themselves ahead of everyone - "exalting themselves above the congregation of the Lord" (from gotquestions.org quoting Numbers 16:1-3). Basically he was doing what he was accusing Moses and Aaron of doing - trying to grab the power and respect of the group by taking over as leader. This revolt against God's leaders is equated to a revolt against God.
So we have stories of a man who ignored God's command, a man who twisted God's command to hear what he wanted to hear, a man who didn't even listen for God's command but wanted to do it on his own. Jude is warning about the intruders who were coming into the church, claiming leadership like Korah and their own interpretation of what God wanted, like Balaam, even to the point of ignoring the gospel that had been passed down, like Cain. How many televangelists could fit into those categories? How many cult leaders? But in a more subtle way - how many pastors, priests and congregations? We have people pushing us to ever looser interpretations of ethical behavior - and we have others who are fighting to close ranks and make choices black or white. When are we listening to God and when are we ignoring or perverting the message?
This is very troubling for me. For I know there is a push to say anything goes as long as you aren't hurting anybody (a subjective judgement). More and more we accept sexual relationships outside of marriage, "smart deals" which could be interpreted by some as stealing from another's profit (like ignoring copyright laws?). We admire the wealthy and equate their good fortune with God's blessings - so fight, sometimes bitterly, to get ahead. Where is the line? How do we hear God's voice? I can understand, to some extent, why some congregations want to stick to prescribed clothing and strict right and wrong ethics - even if it means excluding some people. I can sort of understand why some young people are drawn to cults or radical conservative religions that dictate what to wear and what to do. They don't want to have to figure out this confusing life. They don't want to risk getting it wrong. They don't want to risk being swayed by the intruders, by those who pull unsuspecting Christians from living a Godly life. Or is the strict fundamentalism the twisted message that is pulling Christians from God's loving inclusiveness? Are we being pulled by the promise of purity and justification to a radical fundamentalism as opposed to loving blind faith in God? How do we know which is the truth and which is the perversion?
Jude warns us to stay true - he exhorts us to "build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life." This isn't easy but I think the message is to continue to work on learning for yourself - not just follow whatever charismatic leader happens along. We need to test the messages we receive and do our best to follow the message Christ has given, through his words and his life. Following Christ isn't an easy list of "do" and "don't" - it is a wonderfully messy, meandering journey of making mistakes and being forgiven again and again. That doesn't mean "anything goes". We need to try to live upright, faithful lives, and work to be worthy of the love and grace God showers on us - but we also need to realize we can't do it on our own. Even the Archangel Michael had his limits and had to call on God.
After 3 or 4 readings I really like Jude. Now I find it short but powerful, inspiring even. And definitely thought provoking. There is so much more there than first meets the eye - or at least than first met my eyes. I may need to read it for encouragement a few more times. Many find it harsh and judgmental - but now I read it more as a warning to me, not a condemnation of me. It is a condemnation of those who would lead me astray and a warning for me to be careful not to follow. It is very appropriate for this day and age. I need to continue to nourish my relationship - so I am not like a waterless cloud - promising life giving moisture but actually having nothing to offer - so I am not like an autumn tree that is dried up, and becomes uprooted. I need to trust God to lead as various issues arise and I need wisdom and guidance to think and do the right things.
I pray that God will keep me from falling, and will make me stand without blemish in the presence of God's glory with rejoicing.(from v24-25) (and help me figure it out).
Friday, 2 October 2015
Sept 28 - Starting with the Shema
This past week has been one of various gatherings for our congregation. We spent some of our time together debriefing from these meetings and pondering the question of how to be and be perceived as a safe place for whoever would like to worship with us and share in our decision making.
We sequed into a discussion of companionship - the book we were following speaks of it coming from words meaning with (com) bread (pan) - so it is eating bread with - or the same bread. How do we walk along side each other and with others who are hurting or in need of a friend - how do we practice companionship?
We looked at Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Mark 12:28-31. The first is the command to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your sould, and with all your might (the shema) - and to keep these words with you at all times. The second is Jesus telling the scribe that this is the most important commandment, and the 2nd is to love your neighbor as yourself. So what do we take from this that is new?
The idea of binding the word to you (from Deuteronomy) - not literally as some have taken it - but making it such a part of you that it is with you always was somewhat intriguing. Think of developing such an attitude of God being with you, of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you. What would it be like if we became that God centred? How would our lives change if we saw God in EVERY interaction? How do we become so God-centric?
One person had been to a mindfulness workshop through work - there it was phrased more how to be truly present - or mindful. Even the secular world is recognizing that this is a need. But what if we took that seriously and spiritually? What if we took the time to just sit and breathe for 5 breaths? Would we feel the miracle of automatically doing that? Would we feel the Spirit being breathed into us? Can we become more mindful of God present with us and the Holy Spirit present in us?
What does loving God with all our heart, soul, strength & mind compel us to do? Perhaps "heart" is calling us to praise, to feelings of joy and worship. Perhaps "soul" is calling us to prayer and meditation? Perhaps "strength" is a call to action - to do what is right - make our activities count? Maybe "mind" is calling us to study - read, listen, take time for learning more about God and God's work? We thought about how this really is an encompassing call to God-centricity.
Interesting challenges - There was a quote from Brother Lawrence. According to Christian Classics Ethereal Library website (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence/practice):
- Brother Lawrence is one of the most admired and imitated sons of the Catholic church. He worked for a time as a soldier before entering the Discalced Carmelite Prior in Paris. Lawrence was uneducated, and so had to enter the monastery as a layman. He worked in the kitchens and as a cobbler there for the remainder of his life. Lawrence is known for his devotion and ability to bring God into every aspect of his life. His classic Christian work, Practice of the Presence of God, details how to gain that constant and comforting connection to God. Readers have treasured this short and easy book for centuries because of Lawrence's honest advice and his obvious passion for spiritual matters. He rejoiced in everyday tasks, prayed constantly, and was known around the monastery for his kindness and willingness to help others. Practice of the Presence of God is a creative Christian work that is required reading according to many believers. Readers will come away with great peace and joy, and a better understanding of what it means to constantly be in God's presence.
Unfortunately I don't have the quote word for word - though I found many that were powerful in my search - but it was a challenge to practice presence - to invite God into the mundane, everyday acts of our lives and be present to the Spirit's comfort and guidance. It was a call to mindfulness. Brother Lawrence encourages all to fully engage with their whole selves - turn to God and face obstacles.
Maybe this is the final thought and challenge we need to take into our week - to truly become more God-centric.
Monday, 21 September 2015
Ephesians
Ephesians is another of the disputed letters. Many scholars aren't convinced Paul wrote it,, or even that it was written to the Ephesians (as some of "the best ancient manuscripts lack the words 'in Ephesus' in verse 1" (Borg, Evolution of the Word, p351)). Some feel it was addressed, not to a specific congregation, but to Christians in general, or at least several church communities, by someone who was trying to follow Paul's teachings and letter writing style and format. Apparently, in the Greek, the sentence structure is very different - with long sentences (1:3-14, 1:15-23 for example, are each one sentence in Greek). The content, however, often echoes Paul's teachings, though strays when it goes off to speak of Households and 'the Church' in general.
Earlier this week I attended a webinar with Greg Boyd. One of the things he talked about is how we bring our culture into our Christianity. Some of this has been recognized as criticism of western missionaries has arisen. Too often western culture was taught instead of Christianity. But even in subtle ways in North America we bring baggage to our worship, to our beliefs - As Mennonites we see it in some places where Christianity is almost equated with Low German, Borscht and faspa. Boyd cites this as a reason we need to be constantly challenging each other to bring our focus back to Jesus - especially when dealing with issues. Reading Ephesians after attending that webinar makes me think that the writer of Ephesians may have, without realizing it, been bringing in the culture of his (or her) day. This would explain why, instead of "in Christ there is neither male nor female" (Gal 3:28) we have "Wives submit to your husbands" (Eph 5:22), Instead of "in Christ there is neither slave nor free" (Galatians 3:28) we have "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling"(Eph 6:5). To the credit of the author, the admonitions are not only for the less powerful - there are obligations for the husband, and for slave owners - but they are not equal. There is no push for owners to free their slaves. There is no expectation of equality or mutuality in the marriage relationship. This author may have pushed the boundaries a little, but was still firmly within them, in my (uninformed) view.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed and felt uplifted by the reading of Ephesians. The central theme is that of unity and inclusion. I am accepted. In this day and age where churches are struggling with whether or not to include people with different sexual orientations (or how to keep them out and still be seen as loving) - and some still fighting to keep women silent in the church, while still wanting them to feel included and volunteering - it is heartening to hear "at one time you Gentiles by birth....were at that time without Christ...But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near..." (From Ephesians 2:11-20). There was a time just not being Jewish was enough for your presence to be controversial in a church. Now there are other issues we use to divide and separate- but there is still hope that, some day, all will be "brought near". Somehow I feel a strong encouragement every time I read that.
There is also help for those "fighting" for inclusion - put on the full armor of God: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (6:13-17). As I read articles or facebook posts against various people, as I hear stories of the incredible hurt caused by Christians and Christian institutions, I tend to get discouraged and wonder where God is in all this. Have we totally lost our focus on Jesus and the greatest commandment? What happened to love your neighbor as yourself? But this passage says to fight on. Put on the belt of truth - protect against the lies of those defending the way things were, instead of the way God wants them to be. Put on the breastplate of righteousness - don't fight dirty - do the right thing. Put on the shield of faith - believe in the love and the example of Jesus who included people believed to be unclean and of less worth in his day. Trust the sword of the Spirit to help you discern God's will and to help you speak/do the right things. We have help - we need to accept it to make a difference.
So, yes, I am a child of my culture. I refuse to believe that, other than to keep the peace, there is much of value in admonitions for wives to be submissive or slaves to obey masters as they do Christ. I believe the writer didn't want the Christian church to be seen as destroying society - and was also trying to encourage people (wives and slaves) who didn't have much choice - while at least putting some onus on those in power. So I tend not to dwell on these passages. Instead I pull encouragement and strength from the main theme - that even though at one time I would have been nothing, in Christ I am a part of an amazing family, the child of a powerful God that provides what I need to work for what is right. I hope and pray I will have the courage and faith to put on the armor and fight for those who are still being seen as worth less, that they, too, may experience the joy of being brought near and included in God's loving arms.
Earlier this week I attended a webinar with Greg Boyd. One of the things he talked about is how we bring our culture into our Christianity. Some of this has been recognized as criticism of western missionaries has arisen. Too often western culture was taught instead of Christianity. But even in subtle ways in North America we bring baggage to our worship, to our beliefs - As Mennonites we see it in some places where Christianity is almost equated with Low German, Borscht and faspa. Boyd cites this as a reason we need to be constantly challenging each other to bring our focus back to Jesus - especially when dealing with issues. Reading Ephesians after attending that webinar makes me think that the writer of Ephesians may have, without realizing it, been bringing in the culture of his (or her) day. This would explain why, instead of "in Christ there is neither male nor female" (Gal 3:28) we have "Wives submit to your husbands" (Eph 5:22), Instead of "in Christ there is neither slave nor free" (Galatians 3:28) we have "Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling"(Eph 6:5). To the credit of the author, the admonitions are not only for the less powerful - there are obligations for the husband, and for slave owners - but they are not equal. There is no push for owners to free their slaves. There is no expectation of equality or mutuality in the marriage relationship. This author may have pushed the boundaries a little, but was still firmly within them, in my (uninformed) view.
Having said all that, I still enjoyed and felt uplifted by the reading of Ephesians. The central theme is that of unity and inclusion. I am accepted. In this day and age where churches are struggling with whether or not to include people with different sexual orientations (or how to keep them out and still be seen as loving) - and some still fighting to keep women silent in the church, while still wanting them to feel included and volunteering - it is heartening to hear "at one time you Gentiles by birth....were at that time without Christ...But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near..." (From Ephesians 2:11-20). There was a time just not being Jewish was enough for your presence to be controversial in a church. Now there are other issues we use to divide and separate- but there is still hope that, some day, all will be "brought near". Somehow I feel a strong encouragement every time I read that.
There is also help for those "fighting" for inclusion - put on the full armor of God: The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit (6:13-17). As I read articles or facebook posts against various people, as I hear stories of the incredible hurt caused by Christians and Christian institutions, I tend to get discouraged and wonder where God is in all this. Have we totally lost our focus on Jesus and the greatest commandment? What happened to love your neighbor as yourself? But this passage says to fight on. Put on the belt of truth - protect against the lies of those defending the way things were, instead of the way God wants them to be. Put on the breastplate of righteousness - don't fight dirty - do the right thing. Put on the shield of faith - believe in the love and the example of Jesus who included people believed to be unclean and of less worth in his day. Trust the sword of the Spirit to help you discern God's will and to help you speak/do the right things. We have help - we need to accept it to make a difference.
So, yes, I am a child of my culture. I refuse to believe that, other than to keep the peace, there is much of value in admonitions for wives to be submissive or slaves to obey masters as they do Christ. I believe the writer didn't want the Christian church to be seen as destroying society - and was also trying to encourage people (wives and slaves) who didn't have much choice - while at least putting some onus on those in power. So I tend not to dwell on these passages. Instead I pull encouragement and strength from the main theme - that even though at one time I would have been nothing, in Christ I am a part of an amazing family, the child of a powerful God that provides what I need to work for what is right. I hope and pray I will have the courage and faith to put on the armor and fight for those who are still being seen as worth less, that they, too, may experience the joy of being brought near and included in God's loving arms.
Monday, 7 September 2015
Hebrews
This is a mysterious book, in that scholars do not know who wrote it or to whom. It seems to be written to a group familiar with the Jewish religion. The importance of sacrifice, of the temple itself and the role of the priests all are background for this document where Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of Judaism. Jesus is the sacrifice. Jesus is the intermediary with God. Jesus is the high priest. Old Testament references abound as each argument is made.
An interesting note that Marcus Borg (Evolution of the Word) includes in his introduction to Hebrews, is that the whole idea of Jesus being a necessary sacrifice was not articulated, let alone common, until 1098 when it was brought forth by St. Anselm. So often we struggle with how, exactly, Jesus saves. So we read this book and come up with the idea of Jesus as the "once for all" sacrifice needed in order for God to be able to forgive our sins. Borg says this is a relatively modern construct. Jesus loved God so much he gave his whole life (not just his death) as a gift, as a part of his passion for God and God's will - not because he had to in order to satisfy some cosmic requirement. It's a little mind blowing to try to figure this out. The point, according to Borg, is the radical assertion that, through Jesus - all that separates us from God is taken away. We don't need temples. We don't need sacrifice. We don't need a human high priest to go into the Holy of Holies. God is with us. "The 'new covenant' is written in minds and hearts, not in a list of requirements. It is about 'knowing God,' who remembers sins no more" (p281). With this view of the purpose of the book, we get a new look at the message of Hebrews.
My first impression of Hebrews is that it seems more of a lecture, or maybe sermon, than a letter. The English translation, at least, seems more formal in its presentation of its message. There seems to be a careful proving of each point: Jesus is above all - above angels, above Moses. Jesus is the son of God, the Great High Priest, the mediator between God & humankind. Through him we can achieve the rest that God has promised.as well as the mercy, grace, and help we need (4:16) We need to trust, to persevere, to keep the faith as did the old testament heroes ( side note - I do find it interesting that it is Rahab, a foreign prostitute that is the only female held up as a hero of faith in this passage - 11:31). The writer then reminds us that these people of our faith history are witnesses that challenge us to stay true. He (?) then exhorts us to pursue peace & holiness, not to reject God's Grace and to serve God through mutual love & hospitality. The presentation then concludes with a benediction. The only part that seems letter like is the very end (13:22-25) which contains greetings. That section doesn't feel, to me, like it really fits.
Form and structure aside, this document has a lot to say. While I don't feel the need for old Testament proof of Jesus' transcendence over angels, nor do I resonate with the image of Jesus as High Priest, the whole idea of Jesus having come and given his whole life to break down the barriers between God and humankind is huge. So often we pay lip service to this, but then seem to insist that people worship in a certain way, maybe even in a certain place, so that they can be "true" Christians. Jesus has torn the curtain dividing us from God so each of us can see God in our own, unique way. God is so great, so amazing, so superior to our experience that there is no way any one of us can grasp all that is true about God, so we disagree - but may all be right to some extent, because we can only see a part of who God is. This is also why we need to learn from one another: Mennonites grasp the need for community. Salvation Army members grasp the call for service to the outcast. Quakers grasp the need for listening for God's word. Pentecostals seem to grasp the joy of exuberant worship. Other congregations grasp the power of prayer. Even within each denomination there are variations - but God is so great, each of our concepts is only a part of who our wonderful God truly is. But God also cares enough to speak to each person, care for each person, love each person and so can become real to each person, even if not all that any given congregation says makes sense to that person.
The reminder of the number, even if only a few are listed by name, of people who have managed to stay faithful is a challenge for me to have faith, even when I don't see the results. We have not only the Old Testament heroes, but also a large number of people who have lived and died since Hebrews was written. These people provide us with examples of how to live in faith even when prayers do not seem to be answered. This is hard for me. Growing up there was a trend to make your prayer lists then mark off when prayers were answered so you would have your own proof of God answering prayer - but some things never went from the "ask" column to the "answered" column. Even now, as I watch loved ones struggle with health issues, job issues, social issues, I wonder why God is not answering our prayers for their assistance. Is God listening? But God spoke to Job and told him that it was not his to understand why things went the way they did - so I try to let go and rely on the assurance that God knows the right thing to do. But it is hard. I want answers and I want answers now. And I want the answer (yes) that I asked for. I do not want people I care about (or anyone else, I guess - but especially those important to me) to suffer. Hebrews 11 & 12 still has a lot to teach me. I will try to remember the exhortation from Hebrews 12:12&13: "..lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."
There is much more in this book/letter/sermon. It is definitely worth reading and a closer study. Right now, however, I think I will focus on that part - having faith, lifting my drooping hands in prayer and, I hope, eventually seeing those I care about "healed". May God's grace be with all of us.
An interesting note that Marcus Borg (Evolution of the Word) includes in his introduction to Hebrews, is that the whole idea of Jesus being a necessary sacrifice was not articulated, let alone common, until 1098 when it was brought forth by St. Anselm. So often we struggle with how, exactly, Jesus saves. So we read this book and come up with the idea of Jesus as the "once for all" sacrifice needed in order for God to be able to forgive our sins. Borg says this is a relatively modern construct. Jesus loved God so much he gave his whole life (not just his death) as a gift, as a part of his passion for God and God's will - not because he had to in order to satisfy some cosmic requirement. It's a little mind blowing to try to figure this out. The point, according to Borg, is the radical assertion that, through Jesus - all that separates us from God is taken away. We don't need temples. We don't need sacrifice. We don't need a human high priest to go into the Holy of Holies. God is with us. "The 'new covenant' is written in minds and hearts, not in a list of requirements. It is about 'knowing God,' who remembers sins no more" (p281). With this view of the purpose of the book, we get a new look at the message of Hebrews.
My first impression of Hebrews is that it seems more of a lecture, or maybe sermon, than a letter. The English translation, at least, seems more formal in its presentation of its message. There seems to be a careful proving of each point: Jesus is above all - above angels, above Moses. Jesus is the son of God, the Great High Priest, the mediator between God & humankind. Through him we can achieve the rest that God has promised.as well as the mercy, grace, and help we need (4:16) We need to trust, to persevere, to keep the faith as did the old testament heroes ( side note - I do find it interesting that it is Rahab, a foreign prostitute that is the only female held up as a hero of faith in this passage - 11:31). The writer then reminds us that these people of our faith history are witnesses that challenge us to stay true. He (?) then exhorts us to pursue peace & holiness, not to reject God's Grace and to serve God through mutual love & hospitality. The presentation then concludes with a benediction. The only part that seems letter like is the very end (13:22-25) which contains greetings. That section doesn't feel, to me, like it really fits.
Form and structure aside, this document has a lot to say. While I don't feel the need for old Testament proof of Jesus' transcendence over angels, nor do I resonate with the image of Jesus as High Priest, the whole idea of Jesus having come and given his whole life to break down the barriers between God and humankind is huge. So often we pay lip service to this, but then seem to insist that people worship in a certain way, maybe even in a certain place, so that they can be "true" Christians. Jesus has torn the curtain dividing us from God so each of us can see God in our own, unique way. God is so great, so amazing, so superior to our experience that there is no way any one of us can grasp all that is true about God, so we disagree - but may all be right to some extent, because we can only see a part of who God is. This is also why we need to learn from one another: Mennonites grasp the need for community. Salvation Army members grasp the call for service to the outcast. Quakers grasp the need for listening for God's word. Pentecostals seem to grasp the joy of exuberant worship. Other congregations grasp the power of prayer. Even within each denomination there are variations - but God is so great, each of our concepts is only a part of who our wonderful God truly is. But God also cares enough to speak to each person, care for each person, love each person and so can become real to each person, even if not all that any given congregation says makes sense to that person.
The reminder of the number, even if only a few are listed by name, of people who have managed to stay faithful is a challenge for me to have faith, even when I don't see the results. We have not only the Old Testament heroes, but also a large number of people who have lived and died since Hebrews was written. These people provide us with examples of how to live in faith even when prayers do not seem to be answered. This is hard for me. Growing up there was a trend to make your prayer lists then mark off when prayers were answered so you would have your own proof of God answering prayer - but some things never went from the "ask" column to the "answered" column. Even now, as I watch loved ones struggle with health issues, job issues, social issues, I wonder why God is not answering our prayers for their assistance. Is God listening? But God spoke to Job and told him that it was not his to understand why things went the way they did - so I try to let go and rely on the assurance that God knows the right thing to do. But it is hard. I want answers and I want answers now. And I want the answer (yes) that I asked for. I do not want people I care about (or anyone else, I guess - but especially those important to me) to suffer. Hebrews 11 & 12 still has a lot to teach me. I will try to remember the exhortation from Hebrews 12:12&13: "..lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."
There is much more in this book/letter/sermon. It is definitely worth reading and a closer study. Right now, however, I think I will focus on that part - having faith, lifting my drooping hands in prayer and, I hope, eventually seeing those I care about "healed". May God's grace be with all of us.
Monday, 31 August 2015
Colossians
Colossians is the first of the epistles whose authorship is hotly debated. While the author of the commentary I've been following says it is almost definitely not Paul that wrote it, websites I checked varied from saying it is generally accepted as Pauline, to 50/50 scholarship acceptance/rejection of Paul's authorship, to agreeing that it wasn't his at all. The questions that are raised are whether Paul would have changed so much over the years- and/or how much leeway would a scribe have had. The outline is Pauline, the greeting includes Timothy's name. Did Timothy do the actual writing and, maybe, influence the style and vocabulary and even the theology enough to explain the differences from the undisputed letters? It is all quite interesting and made me approach this letter a bit differently from the previous ones. Having just read the undisputed letters I can see why there are questions. It does sound quite different in some parts, but other parts do sound like Paul - so I, in my totally subjective, uninformed opinion, like the idea of Paul writing it together with someone else, maybe Timothy, acting as scribe and adding his own comments/ideas.
Whatever the reason, I struggled a bit with Colossians this time around. Maybe it was because I had the suggestion in my head that this wasn't actually written by Paul. Maybe it was the translation I was reading. Maybe it was that it was different in more ways than I consciously noted. Maybe it is just some summer lethargy setting in as I am working on this. But I found the long exposition on Jesus as light, as the human incarnation of God, hard to read. I took issue with the "elemental spirits of the universe" mentioned in 2:8 & 20. I even felt patronized by "Wives be subject to your husbands" (3:18). I do not think, however, that my issues negate the central lessons of this letter.
The writer wants the listeners to live a new life in Christ and for Christ. They can know they are made whole through Christ. They don't need to be side tracked by scholars' musing about various philosophies and theologies or by long standing traditions. They can focus on Christ and, through his life and ministry, can learn to put off what is earthly (sin) and put on what is Godly (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness & patience - chapter 3:12). They should also make sure their lives are such that give a good opinion - like wives being subject and husbands not being harsh. They can achieve all this through prayer & thanksgiving.
All these ideals are within what Paul preached and, for the most part, what we have heard before. But in Colossians it repeats that there is no longer Greek & Jew etc - but leaves out male and female. This, put together with the "Haustafel" - rules for wives & husbands - gives a different feeling than previous Pauline epistles. It also affects people's opinion of Paul and his views. So I don't know if Timothy wrote it, with Paul giving a general gist of what he wanted to say and Timothy filling in the actual words, or if someone else wrote it to encourage the Colossians or if it is just different because the situation was different. I guess it doesn't matter so much - except for all the proof texting. So many people take one little verse (Like 3:18 Wives, be subject to your husbands) and extrapolate a whole life philosophy (Men are the head of the households and should make all the decisions and not have to answer to their wives while women should do whatever their husbands/fathers/brothers tell them). This, for me, is a problem and makes me want to, at least partially, write off parts of the letter as not really as valuable as others.
The funny part is, that my husband and I chose Colossians 3:12-17 as our wedding text; So this letter obviously has value for me. The ideas of clothing ourselves with characteristics that honor God and speaking to and teaching each other with hymns and Psalms and spiritual songs speak to me and encourage me. There are times when life feels so overwhelming and I start tending toward my default of either lashing back or hiding - but sometimes, with a deep breath and sober second thought I can figuratively put on the clothing of God and act in a way that is more loving (not mention appropriate). So often a hymn or song has helped me through a difficult time - given me the assurance or insight I needed right then. I have been spoken to and taught by music. So, whether Paul wrote this or not, I do find value and encouragement in this text.
I think this letter has a lot of good things to say, good encouragement to be what we should be and warnings against getting distracted or letting our wants rule, and I think we can take that as inspired by God, whether Paul wrote it or not. What do you think?
Whatever the reason, I struggled a bit with Colossians this time around. Maybe it was because I had the suggestion in my head that this wasn't actually written by Paul. Maybe it was the translation I was reading. Maybe it was that it was different in more ways than I consciously noted. Maybe it is just some summer lethargy setting in as I am working on this. But I found the long exposition on Jesus as light, as the human incarnation of God, hard to read. I took issue with the "elemental spirits of the universe" mentioned in 2:8 & 20. I even felt patronized by "Wives be subject to your husbands" (3:18). I do not think, however, that my issues negate the central lessons of this letter.
The writer wants the listeners to live a new life in Christ and for Christ. They can know they are made whole through Christ. They don't need to be side tracked by scholars' musing about various philosophies and theologies or by long standing traditions. They can focus on Christ and, through his life and ministry, can learn to put off what is earthly (sin) and put on what is Godly (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness & patience - chapter 3:12). They should also make sure their lives are such that give a good opinion - like wives being subject and husbands not being harsh. They can achieve all this through prayer & thanksgiving.
All these ideals are within what Paul preached and, for the most part, what we have heard before. But in Colossians it repeats that there is no longer Greek & Jew etc - but leaves out male and female. This, put together with the "Haustafel" - rules for wives & husbands - gives a different feeling than previous Pauline epistles. It also affects people's opinion of Paul and his views. So I don't know if Timothy wrote it, with Paul giving a general gist of what he wanted to say and Timothy filling in the actual words, or if someone else wrote it to encourage the Colossians or if it is just different because the situation was different. I guess it doesn't matter so much - except for all the proof texting. So many people take one little verse (Like 3:18 Wives, be subject to your husbands) and extrapolate a whole life philosophy (Men are the head of the households and should make all the decisions and not have to answer to their wives while women should do whatever their husbands/fathers/brothers tell them). This, for me, is a problem and makes me want to, at least partially, write off parts of the letter as not really as valuable as others.
The funny part is, that my husband and I chose Colossians 3:12-17 as our wedding text; So this letter obviously has value for me. The ideas of clothing ourselves with characteristics that honor God and speaking to and teaching each other with hymns and Psalms and spiritual songs speak to me and encourage me. There are times when life feels so overwhelming and I start tending toward my default of either lashing back or hiding - but sometimes, with a deep breath and sober second thought I can figuratively put on the clothing of God and act in a way that is more loving (not mention appropriate). So often a hymn or song has helped me through a difficult time - given me the assurance or insight I needed right then. I have been spoken to and taught by music. So, whether Paul wrote this or not, I do find value and encouragement in this text.
I think this letter has a lot of good things to say, good encouragement to be what we should be and warnings against getting distracted or letting our wants rule, and I think we can take that as inspired by God, whether Paul wrote it or not. What do you think?
Monday, 17 August 2015
James - Faith Aive!
James has always held a special place in my affections. In so many ways, it feels like it was written directly to me. It is not couched in all kinds of archaic language and unintelligible examples - it is pretty straight forward. The message is not always comfortable - but it is quite clear.
As a teen I often felt like life wasn't fair (what teen doesn't?) - but James starts off with - if you face trials of ANY kind (even teenage angst) consider it nothing but joy (1:2). Barely into the letter and already being challenged. With adolescent earnestness I wanted to know WWJD (What would Jesus do) - and James promised that if one asked God for wisdom, it would be provided "generously and ungrudgingly." (1:5) Sometimes it felt like everyone else, well at least some of the other girls, had more money, nicer clothes, fancier vacations (etc.) but James assures us we should "boast...in being brought low" (1:9) and on and on it went. This was a book that spoke to me then, and still does today.
One of the biggest challenges for me was (and is?) the challenge to tame the tongue. I have a tendency to argue, to use sarcasm, to subtly (and not so subtly) bring another person down in order to win an argument and/or to make my position stronger, or just in an attempt to be funny. It is taking a lifetime of working at speaking the truth in love, building up not tearing down, and having my words be a blessing to those around me. I fail on a regular basis but the words of James still ring in my ears and I keep working on it.
And I guess that is the beauty of James. Almost every section provides a challenge that is still a challenge today. When I read it right after reading Romans, especially reminding myself of the emphasis on salvation as in the present, it is even more powerful. Romans talks about the power of faith and James tells us more about that faith - how it can make a difference in our day to day lives, how it is revealed through actions. If our faith, our trust and reliance on God as revealed through Jesus, does not give us the ability to act differently, to live differently, it is not real. The faith that saves us gives us the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal 5:22-23) that enables us to seek wisdom, rejoice in suffering, control our tongues, avoid judging, and so on. While many people in the past, most notably Martin Luther, saw James as in contrast to Paul - arguing it was faith alone that brought about salvation and that James promotes salvation through works - I would say they work together beautifully.
In some ways I am amazed that I still like James so much. After all these years I still do not manage to live up to the challenges found in this document. It can be rather harsh in its condemnation of those who fail. Yet I still find it inspiring and encouraging. This is what being a Christian is about - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."(1:27). All the politics and superficial pretention we bring to our churches and our services really have nothing to do with following Christ - and James cuts through all that. Menno Simons agreed. He speaks of true evangelical faith which does not lie dormant but comes alive through the words and deeds of the Christian. Sometimes I wonder how we have strayed so far.
In conclusion I claim another promise found in James: "The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective." (5:16). I may not be righteous, as a matter of fact I know I fall short of that in many ways, but prayer is still powerful for even the likes of me, and I pray that I and my fellow Christians will grow in faith and that our faith may change into a living thing that makes a difference, in ourselves but also to those around us. May our faith truly come Alive!
As a teen I often felt like life wasn't fair (what teen doesn't?) - but James starts off with - if you face trials of ANY kind (even teenage angst) consider it nothing but joy (1:2). Barely into the letter and already being challenged. With adolescent earnestness I wanted to know WWJD (What would Jesus do) - and James promised that if one asked God for wisdom, it would be provided "generously and ungrudgingly." (1:5) Sometimes it felt like everyone else, well at least some of the other girls, had more money, nicer clothes, fancier vacations (etc.) but James assures us we should "boast...in being brought low" (1:9) and on and on it went. This was a book that spoke to me then, and still does today.
One of the biggest challenges for me was (and is?) the challenge to tame the tongue. I have a tendency to argue, to use sarcasm, to subtly (and not so subtly) bring another person down in order to win an argument and/or to make my position stronger, or just in an attempt to be funny. It is taking a lifetime of working at speaking the truth in love, building up not tearing down, and having my words be a blessing to those around me. I fail on a regular basis but the words of James still ring in my ears and I keep working on it.
And I guess that is the beauty of James. Almost every section provides a challenge that is still a challenge today. When I read it right after reading Romans, especially reminding myself of the emphasis on salvation as in the present, it is even more powerful. Romans talks about the power of faith and James tells us more about that faith - how it can make a difference in our day to day lives, how it is revealed through actions. If our faith, our trust and reliance on God as revealed through Jesus, does not give us the ability to act differently, to live differently, it is not real. The faith that saves us gives us the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control (Gal 5:22-23) that enables us to seek wisdom, rejoice in suffering, control our tongues, avoid judging, and so on. While many people in the past, most notably Martin Luther, saw James as in contrast to Paul - arguing it was faith alone that brought about salvation and that James promotes salvation through works - I would say they work together beautifully.
In some ways I am amazed that I still like James so much. After all these years I still do not manage to live up to the challenges found in this document. It can be rather harsh in its condemnation of those who fail. Yet I still find it inspiring and encouraging. This is what being a Christian is about - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."(1:27). All the politics and superficial pretention we bring to our churches and our services really have nothing to do with following Christ - and James cuts through all that. Menno Simons agreed. He speaks of true evangelical faith which does not lie dormant but comes alive through the words and deeds of the Christian. Sometimes I wonder how we have strayed so far.
In conclusion I claim another promise found in James: "The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective." (5:16). I may not be righteous, as a matter of fact I know I fall short of that in many ways, but prayer is still powerful for even the likes of me, and I pray that I and my fellow Christians will grow in faith and that our faith may change into a living thing that makes a difference, in ourselves but also to those around us. May our faith truly come Alive!
Friday, 7 August 2015
Romans - Faith is 'enough'
In his introduction to Romans, Marcus Borg (Evolution of the Word) emphasizes that when Paul speaks of being saved, he is not referring to going to heaven but talking "about transformation this side of death -- the transformation of ourselves and of "this world"." This puts an interesting twist on the whole justification by grace through faith. With today's view of Christianity and moral living as a hardship, it is an interesting exercise to encourage oneself to look at the relationship with Christ and the benefits of having faith here and now as the prize for which we are going. But if you think about it, it makes sense. I just read a novel where the antagonist was going after the protagonist just because the hero was happy and his, seemingly more successful, 'friend' wasn't. With faith, through grace, we can be happy - even if we aren't the richest, the most successful, the most talented (etc.). There can be an underlying joy, even in times of hardship and sorrow. We can influence the people around us, not by winning popularity contests, but by being an example of living fully with whatever we have. Reading Romans with this in mind is exciting and a different kind of challenging.
Another point Borg makes is that 'faith' had a different meaning then than it does for many people today. We emphasize believing the right set of claims about Jesus to be true. But in Paul's day these 'beliefs' were assumed, and faith meant loyalty to and trust in a person. So if you didn't have faith, it wasn't that you didn't believe 'facts' about Jesus, it was that you were anxious, doubted Jesus and what his life meant. In today's stress filled society - I guess many of us fall short of truly having faith in Jesus.
We are all affected by our surroundings, our context. So it is difficult to read Paul's letters exactly as he meant them. For me, this time, what I kept seeing was "do not judge" (2:2), "all are under the power of sin" (3:9); "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (8:1); "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law"(13:10) "Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister?...For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God" (14:10) "Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another" (14:13) etc. In these days I see the liberal and conservative factions of the church passing judgement on each other on a regular basis. I see, even within our small congregation, people judging each other and feeling justified in bad behavior/rhetoric because the other faction is found wanting - and I do it too. I judge the people who verbally attack people I respect. How do we stand up for what we believe, and for those we care about, without judging? How do we live by love? This is a quandary. Romans says love is the goal - we need to work harder on that. So, once again, I found a real challenge in this letter.
I also found myself fighting what seems to be a defense of predestination in Chapter 9. It makes it sound like some people are just destined to have "hardened hearts" . I don't really have an answer. When I read it another time it reads differently to me and I can read it as God seeing who will accept mercy and who will not instead of determining it. This is something I will have to ponder further another time.
In general, though, I found Romans to be a wonderful, uplifting book. Thinking about how true faith can change lives and make such a difference in outlook. Salvation is not about what we do - for we do the things we don't want to do and don't do the things we do want to (7:19). It is not about whether we are Jew or Gentile (or what form of Christianity we choose, for that matter) - we all mess up but, through faith, have all become children of Abraham and therefore heirs to God's promises. It is God's amazing grace that gives us a centre - something to trust, something to rely on no matter what is happening around and to us. For we can know "all things work together for good for those who love God..." (8:28)."If God is for us, who is against us?" (8:31); "...in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.: (8:37). "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (10:13).
In other words we can relax, rest in the knowledge that we are good enough. Actually we can't be good enough - but God has declared us good enough to receive love and acceptance just as we are. We don't have to stress. We can be happy - not necessarily the bubbly smiley bouncy kind of happy - but filled with an inner joy that comes from the assurance that God is watching over us God loves us and will take care of us. When others "persecute" us, or things go wrong, it doesn't matter because we know what is really important - We are precious children of God. When we make mistakes, we don't have to hang our heads in shame - God loves us anyway! We are forgiven not perfect. There is such peace in knowing that we don't have to work so hard to be what God wants us to be - we already are. Yes, there is still the challenge to present our "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God". But even that is easier when we know that we are already holy and acceptable to God. We still want to do good, we want to praise God with our very being - in all we say and do - this is a way of saying thank you for all God does for us - but when we are tired, or say or do the wrong thing - we can keep going because we know - we have faith - that God loves us and accepts us anyway.
I don't have the right words to express how much this brings me hope. As someone who deals regularly with depression and guilt and even shame - sometimes over things completely out of my control - there is a relief in knowing it's OK not to be good enough on my own. It's OK that I can't do everything so many of the amazing women I know can do. It's even OK that I don't have as many close friendships as so many other women seem to have. It doesn't feel OK - and I won't promise that it won't bother me - but if I focus on the promises, the arguments, the words of the letter to the Romans - I can rest in the knowledge that it is OK - that I am OK - not because of who I am or what I do - but because God has said so and I choose to believe.
"Now to God who is able to strengthen you ...be the glory forever!"
Another point Borg makes is that 'faith' had a different meaning then than it does for many people today. We emphasize believing the right set of claims about Jesus to be true. But in Paul's day these 'beliefs' were assumed, and faith meant loyalty to and trust in a person. So if you didn't have faith, it wasn't that you didn't believe 'facts' about Jesus, it was that you were anxious, doubted Jesus and what his life meant. In today's stress filled society - I guess many of us fall short of truly having faith in Jesus.
We are all affected by our surroundings, our context. So it is difficult to read Paul's letters exactly as he meant them. For me, this time, what I kept seeing was "do not judge" (2:2), "all are under the power of sin" (3:9); "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (8:1); "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law"(13:10) "Why do you pass judgment on your brother or sister?...For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God" (14:10) "Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another" (14:13) etc. In these days I see the liberal and conservative factions of the church passing judgement on each other on a regular basis. I see, even within our small congregation, people judging each other and feeling justified in bad behavior/rhetoric because the other faction is found wanting - and I do it too. I judge the people who verbally attack people I respect. How do we stand up for what we believe, and for those we care about, without judging? How do we live by love? This is a quandary. Romans says love is the goal - we need to work harder on that. So, once again, I found a real challenge in this letter.
I also found myself fighting what seems to be a defense of predestination in Chapter 9. It makes it sound like some people are just destined to have "hardened hearts" . I don't really have an answer. When I read it another time it reads differently to me and I can read it as God seeing who will accept mercy and who will not instead of determining it. This is something I will have to ponder further another time.
In general, though, I found Romans to be a wonderful, uplifting book. Thinking about how true faith can change lives and make such a difference in outlook. Salvation is not about what we do - for we do the things we don't want to do and don't do the things we do want to (7:19). It is not about whether we are Jew or Gentile (or what form of Christianity we choose, for that matter) - we all mess up but, through faith, have all become children of Abraham and therefore heirs to God's promises. It is God's amazing grace that gives us a centre - something to trust, something to rely on no matter what is happening around and to us. For we can know "all things work together for good for those who love God..." (8:28)."If God is for us, who is against us?" (8:31); "...in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.: (8:37). "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (10:13).
In other words we can relax, rest in the knowledge that we are good enough. Actually we can't be good enough - but God has declared us good enough to receive love and acceptance just as we are. We don't have to stress. We can be happy - not necessarily the bubbly smiley bouncy kind of happy - but filled with an inner joy that comes from the assurance that God is watching over us God loves us and will take care of us. When others "persecute" us, or things go wrong, it doesn't matter because we know what is really important - We are precious children of God. When we make mistakes, we don't have to hang our heads in shame - God loves us anyway! We are forgiven not perfect. There is such peace in knowing that we don't have to work so hard to be what God wants us to be - we already are. Yes, there is still the challenge to present our "bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God". But even that is easier when we know that we are already holy and acceptable to God. We still want to do good, we want to praise God with our very being - in all we say and do - this is a way of saying thank you for all God does for us - but when we are tired, or say or do the wrong thing - we can keep going because we know - we have faith - that God loves us and accepts us anyway.
I don't have the right words to express how much this brings me hope. As someone who deals regularly with depression and guilt and even shame - sometimes over things completely out of my control - there is a relief in knowing it's OK not to be good enough on my own. It's OK that I can't do everything so many of the amazing women I know can do. It's even OK that I don't have as many close friendships as so many other women seem to have. It doesn't feel OK - and I won't promise that it won't bother me - but if I focus on the promises, the arguments, the words of the letter to the Romans - I can rest in the knowledge that it is OK - that I am OK - not because of who I am or what I do - but because God has said so and I choose to believe.
"Now to God who is able to strengthen you ...be the glory forever!"
Monday, 27 July 2015
2 Corinthians - A Confusing Combination - but maybe not.
According to the commentary I'm reading (Evolution of the Word by Marcus J.Borg) most scholars agree that 2 Corinthians is actually a compilation of parts of different letters Paul wrote to the Corinthian church. Some even believe that the end comes first and that some of the comments about a previous letter in the early chapters actually refer to the letter of which chapters 10-13 are a part.
Generally it is believed that the three main divisions are chapters 1-7, 8-9, and 10-13 and that they are not necessarily kept in the order they were received. I would think, however, that these partial letters, be they 1, 3 or more, would contain important pieces of information if they were the portions carefully preserved by the Corinthians. I prefer to look at that, rather than try to figure out which part of the letter goes with which other part. It is helpful, however, to recognize that this may not have been written as one cohesive unit.
Borg points out that the tone of the first 7 chapters is quite different from the latter few chapters, and that in them "we find some of the most radiant and luminous language in all of Paul's letters." Chapters 10-13, in contrast, sound angry and defensive. Chapters 8-9 seem to be more business like - dealing with the collection for the "impoverished Christian Jewish community"(p103) in Jerusalem. If we go with Borg's timeline, we should read chapters 10-13 first, then chapter 8-9 (which may be more than one letter), then, finally, the conciliatory and inspiring chapters 1-7. I read it as it stands in the Bible, for we don't really know the timeline, or even if it is one letter or parts of more - so I just read the whole thing. While the divisions are there, it could be different points in one letter - but I will defer to the experts and acknowledge it could be parts of 3 (or more) letters.
The point of 2 Corinthians is less clear to me than that of some of the epistles. Again this could be due to it actually being parts of different letters with different points. Paul obviously wants to defend himself against some attack in the latter chapters, but is this the main point?
After the greeting, Paul states that God is the God of all consolation who consoles us so we can console others. Maybe this is one cohesive point. Our coming through times of affliction help us know what to do to help others going through the same thing. Recognizing that we have made mistakes helps us forgive others who wrong us. Making our way through anxiety helps us learn and teach others to rely on God's strength. So we are constantly learning and God is speaking to us through our various situations.
"Since..we have such a hope, we act with boldness: (3: 12). "Since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart" (4:1). "So we do not lose heart: (4:16). We are dependent on God's strength and faithfulness. Whatever we go through, God is there, will help us through, and will help us learn from it.
"Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us;our competence is from God." (3:4)"But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us" (4:7)
There are many encouraging quotes from the first few chapters, but they do seem to emphasize that our value does not come from our own capabilities, but from God working in spite of, or even through our weaknesses and trials. We are not competent in and of ourselves. We are just clay jars. In other words, we don't have to (and can't) do it all, but need to trust God to work through us and in whatever we are going through. There is some relief in that. It takes some pressure off our actions.
While not totally uplifting, the defense in the latter chapters does give us some insight into Paul and his life and experience.On second thought, maybe this is inspiring. With all Paul went through, he continued to preach and teach all over the world as he knew it. He was not universally loved and accepted. He was forced to defend himself more than once. Yet he kept going - not introducing himself with all his credentials first, but putting forth his message first. He expected people to accept that on its own merit. Sometimes it gets frustrating when people don't acknowledge the scholarship or experience of speakers/pastors but write them off because they don't agree. This is nothing new. So I guess those who are trying to share even as important a message as Jesus as messiah, or God as love, are still in good company when they get written off as reading Scripture incorrectly or being heretical. Even Paul was written off by some. I tend to get very frustrated when this happens to me, but I have nowhere near the credentials Paul had, so I guess have no right to expect to be listened to and/or have my perspective respected at all times. It is sad that we are so dismissive of each other - but Paul hung in there, I guess each of us should too.
So this is the flip side of my other point - we may not have to be able to do it all - but we should keep doing something. We need to persevere - continue to work so God can work through us more easily.
I guess I would say the message of 2 Corinthians is to keep on going and trust God to use you and your talents, efforts, and mistakes to speak to others. (Trust and Obey, for there's no other way....) God can use whatever we are going through - to teach us, to help us better embody the message of love, to which we are called, to give us the credentials to validate our message. This seems, in a way, to encapsulate a lot of what he has said before. It is not all about me or you, it is about God and spreading the message that Jesus came to give us. We may have to go through hard times, may have to endure disrespect and even slander, may suffer anxiety, financial hardship, and even physical abuse. Through all this God can, either directly or through others, console us, strengthen us, and use us to help others find their way. In short: Hang in there! God can do it!
Generally it is believed that the three main divisions are chapters 1-7, 8-9, and 10-13 and that they are not necessarily kept in the order they were received. I would think, however, that these partial letters, be they 1, 3 or more, would contain important pieces of information if they were the portions carefully preserved by the Corinthians. I prefer to look at that, rather than try to figure out which part of the letter goes with which other part. It is helpful, however, to recognize that this may not have been written as one cohesive unit.
Borg points out that the tone of the first 7 chapters is quite different from the latter few chapters, and that in them "we find some of the most radiant and luminous language in all of Paul's letters." Chapters 10-13, in contrast, sound angry and defensive. Chapters 8-9 seem to be more business like - dealing with the collection for the "impoverished Christian Jewish community"(p103) in Jerusalem. If we go with Borg's timeline, we should read chapters 10-13 first, then chapter 8-9 (which may be more than one letter), then, finally, the conciliatory and inspiring chapters 1-7. I read it as it stands in the Bible, for we don't really know the timeline, or even if it is one letter or parts of more - so I just read the whole thing. While the divisions are there, it could be different points in one letter - but I will defer to the experts and acknowledge it could be parts of 3 (or more) letters.
The point of 2 Corinthians is less clear to me than that of some of the epistles. Again this could be due to it actually being parts of different letters with different points. Paul obviously wants to defend himself against some attack in the latter chapters, but is this the main point?
After the greeting, Paul states that God is the God of all consolation who consoles us so we can console others. Maybe this is one cohesive point. Our coming through times of affliction help us know what to do to help others going through the same thing. Recognizing that we have made mistakes helps us forgive others who wrong us. Making our way through anxiety helps us learn and teach others to rely on God's strength. So we are constantly learning and God is speaking to us through our various situations.
"Since..we have such a hope, we act with boldness: (3: 12). "Since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart" (4:1). "So we do not lose heart: (4:16). We are dependent on God's strength and faithfulness. Whatever we go through, God is there, will help us through, and will help us learn from it.
"Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us;our competence is from God." (3:4)"But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us" (4:7)
There are many encouraging quotes from the first few chapters, but they do seem to emphasize that our value does not come from our own capabilities, but from God working in spite of, or even through our weaknesses and trials. We are not competent in and of ourselves. We are just clay jars. In other words, we don't have to (and can't) do it all, but need to trust God to work through us and in whatever we are going through. There is some relief in that. It takes some pressure off our actions.
While not totally uplifting, the defense in the latter chapters does give us some insight into Paul and his life and experience.On second thought, maybe this is inspiring. With all Paul went through, he continued to preach and teach all over the world as he knew it. He was not universally loved and accepted. He was forced to defend himself more than once. Yet he kept going - not introducing himself with all his credentials first, but putting forth his message first. He expected people to accept that on its own merit. Sometimes it gets frustrating when people don't acknowledge the scholarship or experience of speakers/pastors but write them off because they don't agree. This is nothing new. So I guess those who are trying to share even as important a message as Jesus as messiah, or God as love, are still in good company when they get written off as reading Scripture incorrectly or being heretical. Even Paul was written off by some. I tend to get very frustrated when this happens to me, but I have nowhere near the credentials Paul had, so I guess have no right to expect to be listened to and/or have my perspective respected at all times. It is sad that we are so dismissive of each other - but Paul hung in there, I guess each of us should too.
So this is the flip side of my other point - we may not have to be able to do it all - but we should keep doing something. We need to persevere - continue to work so God can work through us more easily.
I guess I would say the message of 2 Corinthians is to keep on going and trust God to use you and your talents, efforts, and mistakes to speak to others. (Trust and Obey, for there's no other way....) God can use whatever we are going through - to teach us, to help us better embody the message of love, to which we are called, to give us the credentials to validate our message. This seems, in a way, to encapsulate a lot of what he has said before. It is not all about me or you, it is about God and spreading the message that Jesus came to give us. We may have to go through hard times, may have to endure disrespect and even slander, may suffer anxiety, financial hardship, and even physical abuse. Through all this God can, either directly or through others, console us, strengthen us, and use us to help others find their way. In short: Hang in there! God can do it!
Friday, 24 July 2015
Philippians - Rejoice - It's not all about you (or me)
Well - after a week away and almost a week of trying to catch up after being away - I am now focusing on Philippians. Rejoice! I don't know why this is one of my favorite books - or why Philippians 4:4 has become my favorite verse : "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice". (4:4).
I am not always a "rejoice" type of person - but the call to rejoice still inspires me. God does not want us to drag our feet and be miserable. We are not to be burdened by a bunch of rules and regulations - we are to rejoice! Whatever we are going through, we can find something to rejoice in. This doesn't mean we are never sad. We are to rejoice IN THE LORD. We know there is a purpose to our lives, even if we don't see it. We know somehow we will get through whatever is happening even if we don't know how. While we keep working to become better representatives of Christ, God is the one who will really make a difference. God will sometimes even use our failures to bring about success.God is the source of a joy that is not dependent on whatever is happening to or around us.
Philippians is a mostly positive book. Paul is so thankful for the Philippian support and their ongoing ministry. He is a proud papa and the Philippians are his baby - one of the first European cities to hear and accept Paul's message. Even though he is writing from prison, he is rejoicing - that through his imprisonment the guards are hearing God's word, that through the Philippians many others are getting the message, even that through his infirmity God's strength is being shown. If pedigree or righteousness mattered - he could boast in those - and maybe so could some of the Philippians - but all that means nothing because his (and our) whole purpose is to worship God and live a life that bears witness to Jesus Christ. It's not all about Paul.
There are so many inspiring nuggets in this letter (to name a few):
"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, thought he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited....every tongue [shall] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(2:5-11)
"...it is God is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (2:13)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection..." (3:10)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (4:7)
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,....think about these things" (4:8).
There is so much inspiration to keep going, keep following, never give up. There is encouragement to be of one mind - the mind of Christ - even for the two women who seem to have had a disagreement. But, in the end run, it is not about Paul or the Philippians, it is about Christ. We will stumble, we will fall, we will endure hard times, we will go through times when our witness is not shining so brightly - but God loves us and is taking care of us, even if we can't always see it, and that is what is important. Let us focus on that. Let us not worry so much about what we think, what we feel, what we want. Let us focus on Jesus Christ, Then we can become of one mind. Then we can truly worship. Then we have some hope of being of one mind.
No, it is not all about me - or you, or Paul, or the Philippians. This is freeing. The weight is off us. We just need to focus on Jesus and keep working on being more like him. Then we can rest assured that God can use us and our efforts. Then we can rejoice whatever happens. Then we can have the "peace that passes understanding". Then "my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (4:19) Then we can rejoice - no matter what.
I am not always a "rejoice" type of person - but the call to rejoice still inspires me. God does not want us to drag our feet and be miserable. We are not to be burdened by a bunch of rules and regulations - we are to rejoice! Whatever we are going through, we can find something to rejoice in. This doesn't mean we are never sad. We are to rejoice IN THE LORD. We know there is a purpose to our lives, even if we don't see it. We know somehow we will get through whatever is happening even if we don't know how. While we keep working to become better representatives of Christ, God is the one who will really make a difference. God will sometimes even use our failures to bring about success.God is the source of a joy that is not dependent on whatever is happening to or around us.
Philippians is a mostly positive book. Paul is so thankful for the Philippian support and their ongoing ministry. He is a proud papa and the Philippians are his baby - one of the first European cities to hear and accept Paul's message. Even though he is writing from prison, he is rejoicing - that through his imprisonment the guards are hearing God's word, that through the Philippians many others are getting the message, even that through his infirmity God's strength is being shown. If pedigree or righteousness mattered - he could boast in those - and maybe so could some of the Philippians - but all that means nothing because his (and our) whole purpose is to worship God and live a life that bears witness to Jesus Christ. It's not all about Paul.
There are so many inspiring nuggets in this letter (to name a few):
"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, thought he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited....every tongue [shall] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."(2:5-11)
"...it is God is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (2:13)
"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection..." (3:10)
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (4:7)
"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,....think about these things" (4:8).
There is so much inspiration to keep going, keep following, never give up. There is encouragement to be of one mind - the mind of Christ - even for the two women who seem to have had a disagreement. But, in the end run, it is not about Paul or the Philippians, it is about Christ. We will stumble, we will fall, we will endure hard times, we will go through times when our witness is not shining so brightly - but God loves us and is taking care of us, even if we can't always see it, and that is what is important. Let us focus on that. Let us not worry so much about what we think, what we feel, what we want. Let us focus on Jesus Christ, Then we can become of one mind. Then we can truly worship. Then we have some hope of being of one mind.
No, it is not all about me - or you, or Paul, or the Philippians. This is freeing. The weight is off us. We just need to focus on Jesus and keep working on being more like him. Then we can rest assured that God can use us and our efforts. Then we can rejoice whatever happens. Then we can have the "peace that passes understanding". Then "my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (4:19) Then we can rejoice - no matter what.
Monday, 6 July 2015
Philemon- On returning a runaway
This letter is short and pretty much to the point.
Onesimus is a slave, who has run away from Philemon but Paul has convinced him to return to his owner with this letter asking Philemon to free him.
This strikes me as interesting in light of the previous letter where Paul tells the Corinthians to stay in whatever station they are found. So, by that standard, Onesimus should remain a slave. And I guess by having him return to his owner, Paul is standing by that. But Paul doesn't leave it there - doesn't just ask Philemon not to kill Onesimus , even though he would be within his rights to do so. Nor does he ask him to take him back as a slave and treat him well. No, Paul challenges Philemon (in what appears a pretty manipulative way) to free Onesimus.
I am seeing a bit of a parallel with the prodigal son. There a boy shows disrespect to his father, leaves behind his responsibilities, and takes off for what he sees as a better life. When that life lets him down he returns and the father welcomes him. Here Paul is asking Philemon for that kind of graciousness for a slave who did pretty much the same thing.
What I see is that Paul is challenging each man in his own way. Onesimus may have needed to forgive Philemon, we don't know, but what we do know is that he is expected by Paul to humble himself back into his role as a slave. He has to trust Paul and Philemon that he will not end up severely punished, perhaps even put to death. We don't even know if Onesimus knew that Paul was asking for his freedom. Paul was actually asking a lot of Onesimus.
Philemon, on the other hand, had been shown disrespect. In effect Onesimus running away degraded him as one unable to control his slaves. Philemon had also suffered a financial loss - Onesimus was property and therefore his running away was equal to theft. In spite of this insult and injury, Paul is now asking (telling) him to greet Onesimus as a brother, and set him free. Paul was asking a lot of Philemon, too.
Sometimes, when we are faced with difficult situations, we feel it is unfair, or too hard. These men had to deal with a situation that was harder than many we face, yet Paul expected them to take risks, to risk losing reputation, property, health or even life, and do the right thing. That is a real challenge to us, to me - one I hope I can take on with integrity and courage.
Onesimus is a slave, who has run away from Philemon but Paul has convinced him to return to his owner with this letter asking Philemon to free him.
This strikes me as interesting in light of the previous letter where Paul tells the Corinthians to stay in whatever station they are found. So, by that standard, Onesimus should remain a slave. And I guess by having him return to his owner, Paul is standing by that. But Paul doesn't leave it there - doesn't just ask Philemon not to kill Onesimus , even though he would be within his rights to do so. Nor does he ask him to take him back as a slave and treat him well. No, Paul challenges Philemon (in what appears a pretty manipulative way) to free Onesimus.
I am seeing a bit of a parallel with the prodigal son. There a boy shows disrespect to his father, leaves behind his responsibilities, and takes off for what he sees as a better life. When that life lets him down he returns and the father welcomes him. Here Paul is asking Philemon for that kind of graciousness for a slave who did pretty much the same thing.
What I see is that Paul is challenging each man in his own way. Onesimus may have needed to forgive Philemon, we don't know, but what we do know is that he is expected by Paul to humble himself back into his role as a slave. He has to trust Paul and Philemon that he will not end up severely punished, perhaps even put to death. We don't even know if Onesimus knew that Paul was asking for his freedom. Paul was actually asking a lot of Onesimus.
Philemon, on the other hand, had been shown disrespect. In effect Onesimus running away degraded him as one unable to control his slaves. Philemon had also suffered a financial loss - Onesimus was property and therefore his running away was equal to theft. In spite of this insult and injury, Paul is now asking (telling) him to greet Onesimus as a brother, and set him free. Paul was asking a lot of Philemon, too.
Sometimes, when we are faced with difficult situations, we feel it is unfair, or too hard. These men had to deal with a situation that was harder than many we face, yet Paul expected them to take risks, to risk losing reputation, property, health or even life, and do the right thing. That is a real challenge to us, to me - one I hope I can take on with integrity and courage.
I Corinthians - All for the glory of God
I have been trying for 3 days to complete this blog - There is an awful lot in I Corinthians. When I first read it I felt quite depressed - How are our numerous denominations any better than "'I belong to Paul' or 'I belong to Apollos' or 'I belong to Cephas'"? How few of the directions later in the letter do we actually follow? Are we supposed to? Do we manifest all the spiritual gifts? Do we not seem to have the gift of Tongues because we do not believe enough? Do we really embody love, as described in chapter 13? Where is the prophesy in this day and age? Do we really believe in the resurrection?
After a lot of thought I have come to a few answers for myself, anyway.
I think denominations are not God's first choice - but I think each group is earnestly trying to serve God to the best of their understanding - so they are not to glorify Menno Simons or Martin Luther or John Calvin but to allow like minded people to gather to worship in a way that is authentic for them. Paul's concern seems to be that the Corinthians are glorifying the apostles/missionaries instead of God. I think it is important that we keep our focus on God and becoming the best God followers we can.
Much of the discourse found in chapters 5 - 11 is disconcerting at first. Kick out the sexually immoral, appoint judges from within the church/community to judge disputes among the brethren; Be content with your station in life (if married, stay married, if single, stay single, if a slave, stay a slave); Women should wear head coverings (especially while praying or prophesying), but should also remain silent in worship. We do not follow these directives very well! Are we all wrong?
After I had calmed down and pondered these passages for a while I came to realize that a lot of what Paul was saying connects with his teaching on food offered to idols. While it is OK to eat it since idols aren't gods so don't affect the food, we should refrain if it will become " a stumbling block to the weak". So, too, in a society where women were expected to be covered, were expected to worship separately and/or silently, it makes sense that, in public worship, these norms should be upheld. Noisy uncovered women (unless in the privacy of their own homes with no men present)belonged in brothels - not churches. This could be a real stumbling block for some. We should note that it was assumed the women would prophesy & pray, as that is when the veil was most important. This is a pretty big thing in a time and place where women were usually not valued in a worship setting. In a society where people often trusted each other to sit in judgement over small civil cases it would make sense to keep those disputes "in the family" so to speak. Why air your dirty laundry to non-believers? It sure doesn't help the church look good. And so on. The answer to almost all the questions is - Do what helps the church/community glorify God. Paul says "all things are lawful" - but when making choices he also wants things to look right - not to be confused with religions that had prostitution as part of their rites, or with groups gathering just to disrupt society. Paul wants the attention to be on God, on worshiping God, on serving God, not on the people. It is all summed up in "...do everything to the glory of God (10:31b)"
This insight might help apply Paul's instructions. We don't deal with eating meat sacrificed to idols - but we may have people around us that are vegetarian or who strongly believe in the 100 mile diet. Does this mean we are obligated to follow those diets? No, but, if it makes a difference to some, perhaps we should try to follow them when gathered together to eat. Maybe the whole paper plate debate is an example of this philosophy - bring your own dishes to support those who strongly feel paper plates are environmentally irresponsible - even if we believe they are OK on occasion.
Society no longer equates head covering with modesty - so this is a non issue - but perhaps our choice of attire in church should reflect modest dress for whatever age/society we live in.
In today's society women have (legally) an equal right to speak and be heard - so forcing women to be silent in the church would give an impression of oppression - not really one of glorifying a God who wants us to have an abundant life. So it makes sense to empower women to be in leadership - at least here in North America.
And remaining in one's station? Well - these days it is not really acceptable NOT to disturb the status quo somewhat. The message we want to get out there is that God IS relevant today; that God DOES care about injustices. Even slavery wasn't understood as an injustice back in Paul's day - so maybe his admonition is less to maintain the status quo and more to take seriously the responsibilities we have taken on - if we are responsible for another person, as a spouse or a slave or a slave owner - let us take care of that person. If we have a job let us do it well. Let us do what we take on in such a manner that, if we were doing it for God, God would be honored and pleased. In a way it is like representing your family - what you do reflects not only on your own character but also on your whole family.
The issue of our not demonstrating all the gifts of the Spirit is still concerning. I see many gifts in our congregation and in other people I have met. I believe God is working through many people. I don't see much prophecy - and I'm not sure we would be open to it if someone tried. My biggest concern is that we are messing up when it comes to showing love to each other. I do not see Christians always being patient and kind, slow to anger, even with each other let alone with people from other or no faith background. I see envy and arrogance and rudeness appear in some meetings and interactions - and have heard of more. We really need to learn to love each other - to see each other as valuable, as beloved of God. We also need to learn to speak the truth in love. We need to learn to trust each other and God to make the right decisions so we can best be a community that loves each other and God, and embodies that love to the people around us.
So there is still some real challenge and disturbing realizations to be found in 1 Corinthians - and I think we need to take them seriously. There are also helpful guidelines as we discern the right way to go with our church decisions.
May the blessing of Paul be upon us as we work toward being a better "body" for Christ: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with [us]. [May] love be with all of [us] in Christ Jesus." Amen.
After a lot of thought I have come to a few answers for myself, anyway.
I think denominations are not God's first choice - but I think each group is earnestly trying to serve God to the best of their understanding - so they are not to glorify Menno Simons or Martin Luther or John Calvin but to allow like minded people to gather to worship in a way that is authentic for them. Paul's concern seems to be that the Corinthians are glorifying the apostles/missionaries instead of God. I think it is important that we keep our focus on God and becoming the best God followers we can.
Much of the discourse found in chapters 5 - 11 is disconcerting at first. Kick out the sexually immoral, appoint judges from within the church/community to judge disputes among the brethren; Be content with your station in life (if married, stay married, if single, stay single, if a slave, stay a slave); Women should wear head coverings (especially while praying or prophesying), but should also remain silent in worship. We do not follow these directives very well! Are we all wrong?
After I had calmed down and pondered these passages for a while I came to realize that a lot of what Paul was saying connects with his teaching on food offered to idols. While it is OK to eat it since idols aren't gods so don't affect the food, we should refrain if it will become " a stumbling block to the weak". So, too, in a society where women were expected to be covered, were expected to worship separately and/or silently, it makes sense that, in public worship, these norms should be upheld. Noisy uncovered women (unless in the privacy of their own homes with no men present)belonged in brothels - not churches. This could be a real stumbling block for some. We should note that it was assumed the women would prophesy & pray, as that is when the veil was most important. This is a pretty big thing in a time and place where women were usually not valued in a worship setting. In a society where people often trusted each other to sit in judgement over small civil cases it would make sense to keep those disputes "in the family" so to speak. Why air your dirty laundry to non-believers? It sure doesn't help the church look good. And so on. The answer to almost all the questions is - Do what helps the church/community glorify God. Paul says "all things are lawful" - but when making choices he also wants things to look right - not to be confused with religions that had prostitution as part of their rites, or with groups gathering just to disrupt society. Paul wants the attention to be on God, on worshiping God, on serving God, not on the people. It is all summed up in "...do everything to the glory of God (10:31b)"
This insight might help apply Paul's instructions. We don't deal with eating meat sacrificed to idols - but we may have people around us that are vegetarian or who strongly believe in the 100 mile diet. Does this mean we are obligated to follow those diets? No, but, if it makes a difference to some, perhaps we should try to follow them when gathered together to eat. Maybe the whole paper plate debate is an example of this philosophy - bring your own dishes to support those who strongly feel paper plates are environmentally irresponsible - even if we believe they are OK on occasion.
Society no longer equates head covering with modesty - so this is a non issue - but perhaps our choice of attire in church should reflect modest dress for whatever age/society we live in.
In today's society women have (legally) an equal right to speak and be heard - so forcing women to be silent in the church would give an impression of oppression - not really one of glorifying a God who wants us to have an abundant life. So it makes sense to empower women to be in leadership - at least here in North America.
And remaining in one's station? Well - these days it is not really acceptable NOT to disturb the status quo somewhat. The message we want to get out there is that God IS relevant today; that God DOES care about injustices. Even slavery wasn't understood as an injustice back in Paul's day - so maybe his admonition is less to maintain the status quo and more to take seriously the responsibilities we have taken on - if we are responsible for another person, as a spouse or a slave or a slave owner - let us take care of that person. If we have a job let us do it well. Let us do what we take on in such a manner that, if we were doing it for God, God would be honored and pleased. In a way it is like representing your family - what you do reflects not only on your own character but also on your whole family.
The issue of our not demonstrating all the gifts of the Spirit is still concerning. I see many gifts in our congregation and in other people I have met. I believe God is working through many people. I don't see much prophecy - and I'm not sure we would be open to it if someone tried. My biggest concern is that we are messing up when it comes to showing love to each other. I do not see Christians always being patient and kind, slow to anger, even with each other let alone with people from other or no faith background. I see envy and arrogance and rudeness appear in some meetings and interactions - and have heard of more. We really need to learn to love each other - to see each other as valuable, as beloved of God. We also need to learn to speak the truth in love. We need to learn to trust each other and God to make the right decisions so we can best be a community that loves each other and God, and embodies that love to the people around us.
So there is still some real challenge and disturbing realizations to be found in 1 Corinthians - and I think we need to take them seriously. There are also helpful guidelines as we discern the right way to go with our church decisions.
May the blessing of Paul be upon us as we work toward being a better "body" for Christ: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with [us]. [May] love be with all of [us] in Christ Jesus." Amen.
Friday, 3 July 2015
Galatians - What Fruit are we growing?
I have struggled with the letter to the Galatians this time round. I usually love the strong affirmations of faith and love as the way to God, as opposed to legalistic following of rules. I find release in the freedom that is preached and hope in the promised fruit of the Spirit. But today, before rereading Galatians, I was reading about the resolutions passed in Kansas City at the Mennonite Church USA assembly and some of the reactions. I also read a Facebook post by someone I care deeply about but whose opinions sadden me. They are so caught up in the "law" he was raised with. As I turned to Galatians I hear Paul expressing his frustration with us. Don't we know any better? Are we still caught up in trying to be pure and holy or, more accurately, trying to make others pure and holy, instead of being followers of Christ? Are we still clutching our measuring sticks to judge who is good enough to be a part of our congregations, and in the process raising "enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions" - in other words "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:20)? I know many people point to Paul as one of the writers who would definitely be anti same sex marriage/relationships. But I really wonder. Paul says "Take care that you yourselves are not tempted." (6:1) not "Take care that no one who has been tempted joins your community." Most of the concern for righteousness is a challenge for each person to work toward it - not that it be legislated or a prerequisite for belonging to the body of Christ. We are to bear one another's burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ (6:2) - and not "nullify the grace of God" by placing law/legalism first. "For if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing."( 2:21)
The resolutions that passed in the USA, in my understanding (which may be flawed), are basically to keep their official documents the same (that is prohibiting pastors from officiating at same sex marriages for example) but also to "forbear" with each other - work with, tolerate, maybe even dialogue with, people and congregations that believe differently. Even before the votes on these resolutions a new coalition of churches was formed - one with a great website that claims to truly follow the right reading of Scripture - in other words that is opposed to same sex relationships (even though it never outright says that). Basically the people forming this network have said that anyone willing to even consider a gay or lesbian church member, let alone pastor, is not reading the Bible correctly. (You need to be circumcised/straight to belong). Also before the vote Pink Menno's were gathering for a hymn sing and staged a demonstration - basically calling out the whole assembly as prejudiced, entitled and oppressive (You have to be circumcised/believe as we do to be true Christians). Those who care about the conference/church and were trying to find a way to help keep it together and keep people talking were attacked from both sides. I don't hear a lot of love, joy, peace, etc in the whole affair. Who has bewitched us? Did we receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what Jesus (and Paul) taught? (from 3:1 & 2).
Why do we keep making life in Christ a difficult thing? It should be wonderful. We no longer have to worry so much about following a strict set of rules - we are saved through the work of Jesus Christ. Yes we need self control - but if we are filled with love joy peace we can demonstrate patience kindness goodness, thoughtfulness, gentleness AND self control. I'm not saying Christians don't face hardships - there is real persecution out there, and health and economic (and other) problems that can be overwhelming - but for those of us who's choices are not life and death but about how to conduct ourselves and how to treat our fellow travelers on this road of life, we have Christ's example to follow. He didn't shun the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the fishermen, the Samaritans, the rich, the poor, the children. Why do we let people, like the "Judaizers" of Galatia, lead us astray and turn our focus from God, the three in one, to the law, or whatever do's or don'ts are the talk of the day. Back then Circumcision was the huge divider - along the way the issues have changed - dancing, alcohol, form of baptism, form of communion, working on Sunday, divorce, women in ministry - but it seems there is always one more thing to divide us. Now it is homosexuality. I can't help but think both Paul and Jesus would be more appalled by the church's treatment of each other and of those who want to be a part of it than of most anything else.
I really like Paul's analogy of the underage heir: "Heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property;" Just like children have stricter rules - like bedtime, vegetables before dessert, no hitting/biting, etc. to keep them healthy and teach them principles - ancient people needed guidelines, rules, to stay healthy and learn. Jesus came and said, good - you have learned the laws now lets move on to abstract thinking, to applying the principles behind the rules to make decisions appropriate to our current age. But we don't learn. We are like twenty somethings that still throw tantrums because someone else got to stay up late or have ice cream before dinner. What is wrong with us? Why, after all these years and all this scholarship can we not yet learn to talk with each other, work and pray with each other in a respectful atmosphere to discern God's will? Why do we think it is OK to call into question another person's personhood/faith because s/he believes something different?
I am very discouraged - and feel personally chastised by Paul. I pray, with Paul, that I can be true to these words:
"May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and i to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision [or any specific sexual orientation] is anything; but a new creation is everything!"
The resolutions that passed in the USA, in my understanding (which may be flawed), are basically to keep their official documents the same (that is prohibiting pastors from officiating at same sex marriages for example) but also to "forbear" with each other - work with, tolerate, maybe even dialogue with, people and congregations that believe differently. Even before the votes on these resolutions a new coalition of churches was formed - one with a great website that claims to truly follow the right reading of Scripture - in other words that is opposed to same sex relationships (even though it never outright says that). Basically the people forming this network have said that anyone willing to even consider a gay or lesbian church member, let alone pastor, is not reading the Bible correctly. (You need to be circumcised/straight to belong). Also before the vote Pink Menno's were gathering for a hymn sing and staged a demonstration - basically calling out the whole assembly as prejudiced, entitled and oppressive (You have to be circumcised/believe as we do to be true Christians). Those who care about the conference/church and were trying to find a way to help keep it together and keep people talking were attacked from both sides. I don't hear a lot of love, joy, peace, etc in the whole affair. Who has bewitched us? Did we receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what Jesus (and Paul) taught? (from 3:1 & 2).
Why do we keep making life in Christ a difficult thing? It should be wonderful. We no longer have to worry so much about following a strict set of rules - we are saved through the work of Jesus Christ. Yes we need self control - but if we are filled with love joy peace we can demonstrate patience kindness goodness, thoughtfulness, gentleness AND self control. I'm not saying Christians don't face hardships - there is real persecution out there, and health and economic (and other) problems that can be overwhelming - but for those of us who's choices are not life and death but about how to conduct ourselves and how to treat our fellow travelers on this road of life, we have Christ's example to follow. He didn't shun the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the fishermen, the Samaritans, the rich, the poor, the children. Why do we let people, like the "Judaizers" of Galatia, lead us astray and turn our focus from God, the three in one, to the law, or whatever do's or don'ts are the talk of the day. Back then Circumcision was the huge divider - along the way the issues have changed - dancing, alcohol, form of baptism, form of communion, working on Sunday, divorce, women in ministry - but it seems there is always one more thing to divide us. Now it is homosexuality. I can't help but think both Paul and Jesus would be more appalled by the church's treatment of each other and of those who want to be a part of it than of most anything else.
I really like Paul's analogy of the underage heir: "Heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property;" Just like children have stricter rules - like bedtime, vegetables before dessert, no hitting/biting, etc. to keep them healthy and teach them principles - ancient people needed guidelines, rules, to stay healthy and learn. Jesus came and said, good - you have learned the laws now lets move on to abstract thinking, to applying the principles behind the rules to make decisions appropriate to our current age. But we don't learn. We are like twenty somethings that still throw tantrums because someone else got to stay up late or have ice cream before dinner. What is wrong with us? Why, after all these years and all this scholarship can we not yet learn to talk with each other, work and pray with each other in a respectful atmosphere to discern God's will? Why do we think it is OK to call into question another person's personhood/faith because s/he believes something different?
I am very discouraged - and feel personally chastised by Paul. I pray, with Paul, that I can be true to these words:
"May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and i to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision [or any specific sexual orientation] is anything; but a new creation is everything!"
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
I Thessalonians - and a list
First thing I would like to do is give you the list I am working from for reading the epistles this summer. The list does include the gospels, in case anyone wants to know where they fit, but I was thinking I might skip them as we studied them this year in Bible Study. I'll see how I feel when I get there. According to Marcus J. Borg, the writing of the New Testament began around the decade of the 50's (yes that is 50's not 1950's) - so even the earliest parts were written decades after Jesus's life, death and resurrection. The Gospels weren't written until around the year 70. There is some debate about the actual dates but, to the best of his knowledge (according to Evolution of the Word), here is the chronological order:
I Thessalonians 50's
Galatians 50's
I Corinthians 50's
Philemon 50's
Philippians 50's
2 Corinthians 50's
Romans 50's
Mark 70's
James 80's
Colossians 80's
Matthew 80's
Hebrews 80's
John 90's
Ephesians 90's
Revelation 90's
Jude 100's
I John 100's
2 John 100's
3 John 100's
Luke 110's
Acts 110's
2 Thessalonians 110's
1 Peter 110's
1 Timothy 110's
2 Timothy 110's
Titus 110's
2 Peter 120's
As I began reading with such anticipation of inspiration, I found I Thessalonians not overly forthcoming, at least to me at first read. It seems to be a fairly formal " thanks for hosting me, I really appreciate it, you are great, hang in there" kind of note. Aside from the eschatological talk at the end of the fourth chapter, there isn't a lot that is controversial or that jumps out as a verse or principle to be remembered. But at second thought, this may be exactly the kind of encouraging message we may need.
While we may be muddling along, not always confident that what we are doing is the right thing, and sometimes wondering if those we love who are suffering or taken from us are not being spared because we haven't prayed hard enough or been good enough, it sometimes helps to know someone thinks we are doing OK. It's a funny thing that, even while we know that the opinion of others doesn't change anything, that our spiritual journeys are not in any way dependent on what others think, a word of appreciation can make the load lighter. Sometimes it does help to know that someone you respect appreciates you and your efforts. I sense that Paul's words about how others have talked so positively about the Thessalonian church, and how attached he felt to them would have bolstered their confidence. I know a simple comment about something I did right can help turn around a down day for me. So many times an off hand comment from one of the amazing women I know will help lift me up. Knowing they had, in even a small way, helped Paul, someone who had risked so much for them, would probably have brought much joy (and a little pride) to the Thessalonians. I think this is a reminder to me to pass on my appreciation; to let people know when they have done something that has touched me in a positive way. Sitting in the pew thinking "wow" doesn't really help the people at the front know that their efforts have paid off, and God has spoken through them. I have to actually tell them. Thinking what a wonderful job someone did hosting an event doesn't encourage them and let them know their gifts and efforts have made a difference. When someone shares or does something I find meaningful and/or special I should let them know. Saying thank you and letting them know what a blessing they have been may make a difference to them and their spiritual journey.
The other point I hear Paul making is "Don't rest on your laurels." I often get tired. I don't feel like doing anything worthwhile. I can usually find someone else who isn't doing much at that time and think, "See, I'm doing as much as she is". But that really isn't the point. We are to continue to grow in our relationship with God and Christ. We are to continue to practice right living. As "Children of the Day" we are to be looking to Christ as our example and listening to hear what God wants of us - not whether we are "better" or "worse" than anyone else. There is always some amazing person who seems to know how to say and do the right things and who just exudes the love of Christ to all kinds of people. It can be discouraging for us mere mortals. We don't know the toll that may take on that person, nor the joy that she or he may get from the activities we see. It's not our business. There is also usually someone, who we can't see doing a lot - not necessarily even attending church or Bible study regularly. But we don't know what service or worship or study he or she is doing when we are not around to see. We don't know what struggles might have to be overcome to do something we take for granted. Again - that is not our business. Our business is to find the path which will best help us to become more of what God wants us to be, whether or not that is like someone else we know.
The eschatalogical verses don't really grab me. Many people get all caught up in timelines and whether we go to heaven when we die or have to wait until we are raised after the second coming or whether we actually just come back to life here on earth or..... When I read this I hear Paul just trying to reassure the Thessalonians that a time will come when it will all be put right. God will triumph in the end. Even those who die now, will be happy and we will all be together some day. It is hope Paul is selling - not a map or timeline. This is what I need to hear when I am missing my parents who have both died while I have been miles away. This is what the Thessalonians may have needed to hear as people died from illnesses and, even harder take, from persecution for their faith. How and when it will happen is not for me to know - for me it is enough that God is in control and, in the end, will make all things right.
So the messages I got were: to encourage others by letting them know when they have amazed me; to keep building on my relationship with Christ; and to trust that God will make things work out some day. Not earth shattering - but useful messages none the less. What did you learn/read?
It is time to bring this super long and not overly scholarly blog to a close. Galatians has a lot more that has touched nerves in me - but that will wait for another day. In the meantime... "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances...May the God of peace himself santify you entirely." (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18a, 23)
I Thessalonians 50's
Galatians 50's
I Corinthians 50's
Philemon 50's
Philippians 50's
2 Corinthians 50's
Romans 50's
Mark 70's
James 80's
Colossians 80's
Matthew 80's
Hebrews 80's
John 90's
Ephesians 90's
Revelation 90's
Jude 100's
I John 100's
2 John 100's
3 John 100's
Luke 110's
Acts 110's
2 Thessalonians 110's
1 Peter 110's
1 Timothy 110's
2 Timothy 110's
Titus 110's
2 Peter 120's
As I began reading with such anticipation of inspiration, I found I Thessalonians not overly forthcoming, at least to me at first read. It seems to be a fairly formal " thanks for hosting me, I really appreciate it, you are great, hang in there" kind of note. Aside from the eschatological talk at the end of the fourth chapter, there isn't a lot that is controversial or that jumps out as a verse or principle to be remembered. But at second thought, this may be exactly the kind of encouraging message we may need.
While we may be muddling along, not always confident that what we are doing is the right thing, and sometimes wondering if those we love who are suffering or taken from us are not being spared because we haven't prayed hard enough or been good enough, it sometimes helps to know someone thinks we are doing OK. It's a funny thing that, even while we know that the opinion of others doesn't change anything, that our spiritual journeys are not in any way dependent on what others think, a word of appreciation can make the load lighter. Sometimes it does help to know that someone you respect appreciates you and your efforts. I sense that Paul's words about how others have talked so positively about the Thessalonian church, and how attached he felt to them would have bolstered their confidence. I know a simple comment about something I did right can help turn around a down day for me. So many times an off hand comment from one of the amazing women I know will help lift me up. Knowing they had, in even a small way, helped Paul, someone who had risked so much for them, would probably have brought much joy (and a little pride) to the Thessalonians. I think this is a reminder to me to pass on my appreciation; to let people know when they have done something that has touched me in a positive way. Sitting in the pew thinking "wow" doesn't really help the people at the front know that their efforts have paid off, and God has spoken through them. I have to actually tell them. Thinking what a wonderful job someone did hosting an event doesn't encourage them and let them know their gifts and efforts have made a difference. When someone shares or does something I find meaningful and/or special I should let them know. Saying thank you and letting them know what a blessing they have been may make a difference to them and their spiritual journey.
The other point I hear Paul making is "Don't rest on your laurels." I often get tired. I don't feel like doing anything worthwhile. I can usually find someone else who isn't doing much at that time and think, "See, I'm doing as much as she is". But that really isn't the point. We are to continue to grow in our relationship with God and Christ. We are to continue to practice right living. As "Children of the Day" we are to be looking to Christ as our example and listening to hear what God wants of us - not whether we are "better" or "worse" than anyone else. There is always some amazing person who seems to know how to say and do the right things and who just exudes the love of Christ to all kinds of people. It can be discouraging for us mere mortals. We don't know the toll that may take on that person, nor the joy that she or he may get from the activities we see. It's not our business. There is also usually someone, who we can't see doing a lot - not necessarily even attending church or Bible study regularly. But we don't know what service or worship or study he or she is doing when we are not around to see. We don't know what struggles might have to be overcome to do something we take for granted. Again - that is not our business. Our business is to find the path which will best help us to become more of what God wants us to be, whether or not that is like someone else we know.
The eschatalogical verses don't really grab me. Many people get all caught up in timelines and whether we go to heaven when we die or have to wait until we are raised after the second coming or whether we actually just come back to life here on earth or..... When I read this I hear Paul just trying to reassure the Thessalonians that a time will come when it will all be put right. God will triumph in the end. Even those who die now, will be happy and we will all be together some day. It is hope Paul is selling - not a map or timeline. This is what I need to hear when I am missing my parents who have both died while I have been miles away. This is what the Thessalonians may have needed to hear as people died from illnesses and, even harder take, from persecution for their faith. How and when it will happen is not for me to know - for me it is enough that God is in control and, in the end, will make all things right.
So the messages I got were: to encourage others by letting them know when they have amazed me; to keep building on my relationship with Christ; and to trust that God will make things work out some day. Not earth shattering - but useful messages none the less. What did you learn/read?
It is time to bring this super long and not overly scholarly blog to a close. Galatians has a lot more that has touched nerves in me - but that will wait for another day. In the meantime... "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances...May the God of peace himself santify you entirely." (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18a, 23)
Monday, 22 June 2015
June 22, Getting Started
This summer I plan to read through the epistles of the New Testament. I have read them before - at least I think I have read them all before - but thought it would be a good exercise in Biblical literacy, and a good reminder.
My daughter (who is also often my reference for good books to read) has shown me a book by Marcus J. Borg, titled Evolution of the Word, which I am going to use as a reference so I can read the books in the order they were written - at least that's the plan today. Borg states that there are 7 letters prior to the gospels and about 9 documents following Revelation - so chronological order is quite different than canonical order. It should be interesting. His theory is that, reading the New Testament this way shows more clearly the evolution of the themes and development of the church and its understandings of what it means to be a Christ follower.
Some interesting points Borg makes are that placing the documents (he says they are mostly relatively short letters written to people the author knew, not public tomes written for strangers and so should not be called books) in chronological order brings some new insights. The fact that Paul wrote 7 letters before the Gospels were even written shows us that that there were vibrant Christian communities around the Roman Empire even without them. We see that the gospels were a response to a need in the church of that time, not the start of a movement. It is also apparent that that each gospel is different, as was its time. He also states we can see, for better or worse, some of the developments of early Christianity through the 1st and 2nd century as we read the documents in the order they were written. In theory, this also allows the reader to get a better feel for the historical context of each document and, in Borg's opinion, a glimpse into how it may have been read in the time it was written. I am hoping this works for me. Enough scholarly introduction, though.
I am quite excited for this project and hope it will go well. This week I am planning on reading the introductory material from Evolution of the Word and I Thessalonians. If I have enough time I will move on to Galatians but I'm thinking that may be a bit much for one week. I hope and pray that this challenge will help me become, in some way, a better me. I also hope and pray that my musings will act as a catalyst for your thoughts and for God to speak to you through your Bible reading.
On a somewhat unrelated note: I read a quote in another book I was reading and I really wanted to share it and leave it with you as a kind of blessing. It is from Father Solomon as quoted by Michael Yankoski in The Sacred Year. When questioned whether practicing spiritual disciplines was actually like trying to work our way to God, trying to make God love, or at least like, us, Father Solomon replied:
"You needn't put that much faith in your own strength, for your strength is a mere atom beside an ocean of God's unending love. God is the Source. The Origin. The Ground of All Being. The One from whom and through whom and to whom are all things. You can't 'make God love you,' anymore than you make a star or a planet or even a human being....No, you can't make God love you. You can't make God like you. But nor do you need to; he already does. Never forget that that is why he made you -- because he wants you to exist. And not just exist. He wants you to live life in all its fullness."
I am hoping the discipline of reading through Scripture will open us to this possibility. Something to think about as we head into this summer's Bible reading challenge.
May God be with us and speak to us throughout this endeavor.
My daughter (who is also often my reference for good books to read) has shown me a book by Marcus J. Borg, titled Evolution of the Word, which I am going to use as a reference so I can read the books in the order they were written - at least that's the plan today. Borg states that there are 7 letters prior to the gospels and about 9 documents following Revelation - so chronological order is quite different than canonical order. It should be interesting. His theory is that, reading the New Testament this way shows more clearly the evolution of the themes and development of the church and its understandings of what it means to be a Christ follower.
Some interesting points Borg makes are that placing the documents (he says they are mostly relatively short letters written to people the author knew, not public tomes written for strangers and so should not be called books) in chronological order brings some new insights. The fact that Paul wrote 7 letters before the Gospels were even written shows us that that there were vibrant Christian communities around the Roman Empire even without them. We see that the gospels were a response to a need in the church of that time, not the start of a movement. It is also apparent that that each gospel is different, as was its time. He also states we can see, for better or worse, some of the developments of early Christianity through the 1st and 2nd century as we read the documents in the order they were written. In theory, this also allows the reader to get a better feel for the historical context of each document and, in Borg's opinion, a glimpse into how it may have been read in the time it was written. I am hoping this works for me. Enough scholarly introduction, though.
I am quite excited for this project and hope it will go well. This week I am planning on reading the introductory material from Evolution of the Word and I Thessalonians. If I have enough time I will move on to Galatians but I'm thinking that may be a bit much for one week. I hope and pray that this challenge will help me become, in some way, a better me. I also hope and pray that my musings will act as a catalyst for your thoughts and for God to speak to you through your Bible reading.
On a somewhat unrelated note: I read a quote in another book I was reading and I really wanted to share it and leave it with you as a kind of blessing. It is from Father Solomon as quoted by Michael Yankoski in The Sacred Year. When questioned whether practicing spiritual disciplines was actually like trying to work our way to God, trying to make God love, or at least like, us, Father Solomon replied:
"You needn't put that much faith in your own strength, for your strength is a mere atom beside an ocean of God's unending love. God is the Source. The Origin. The Ground of All Being. The One from whom and through whom and to whom are all things. You can't 'make God love you,' anymore than you make a star or a planet or even a human being....No, you can't make God love you. You can't make God like you. But nor do you need to; he already does. Never forget that that is why he made you -- because he wants you to exist. And not just exist. He wants you to live life in all its fullness."
I am hoping the discipline of reading through Scripture will open us to this possibility. Something to think about as we head into this summer's Bible reading challenge.
May God be with us and speak to us throughout this endeavor.
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