BEYOND JOHN WAYNE
My interest in Native Americans began with John Wayne in the movie "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon". He played a near retired cavalry Colonel Nathan Brittles, riding out on one last campaign to settle down a tribe of Indians. Then came the television series, "Rin Tin Tin" with the dog, a boy, and Lt. Rip Masters, riding around trying to keep the peace while demanding the Indians "know their place."
Then came college. As a student at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, I became active in a group who spent weekends on the Neegonee and White Earth Indian Reservations in north central Minnesota. I worked not with savages who needed to be tamed, but a people in poverty, stripped of culture and dignity.
Over time as camp director for 17 years, I developed ministries with the Native American people on the Upper and Lower Sioux Reservations in Minnesota, The Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, and Pine Ridge in South Dakota. At Sky Ranch, we were fortunate to have a Native American on our camp board, Joe Brown Thunder, who taught us the power and grace of the Talking Circle. We developed an area called Villore', consisting of tee pee poles from South Dakota, poles used as part of a Columbus Day demonstration of genocide on the Augustana College campus in Sioux Falls. In Villore' we told a part of the tragic story of this near annihilation of a people. Villore' means: Village of Reconciliation. Also, thanks to the efforts of a staff member, Erik Evenson, we developed an area of camp known as Oyateyamni, meaning "One Circle People".
And now, I am working with a great group of people concerned about Native American justice. We are part of the Joint Peace with Justice Committee of the two Twin Cities ELCA synods. Recently, we sponsored a Council of Conversation, bringing together Native American and White leaders. The purpose: TO GIVE VOICE TO ISSUES OF JUSTICE AND INJUSTICE WITHIN THE NATIVE AMERICAN AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES.
The theological foundations opening the council were: ""Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream", Amos; "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied", Jesus; "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we all are one in Jesus Christ", Paul.
The Council of Conversation focused on the areas of: ISSUES, SOLUTIONS, PRIORITIES, and ACTION. The methodology followed the Talking Circle or Talking Feather style: people sitting around a table, one person talks for a couple of minutes with no interruption or discussion, then the next, until all have spoken, uninterrupted. The focus was on the dignity of every one's voice being heard and valued.
What did we learn? ISSUES: About 50 were mentioned, with the dominant being poverty, racism, tribal council corruption, the need to learn the history of the people and what happened, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the need for education, equal justice under the law, and sovereignty.
SOLUTIONS: Learn the truth of what is happening, de-colonization, education, work with people already in the trenches, deal with corruption in tribal councils, fair allocation of casino money, fair employment practices on reservations, economic development on reservations, getting beyond POW feeling on reservations, fair wages for casino workers, teach truthful history, nurture spirituality.
PRIORITIES: Poverty, education, addressing tribal government, nurturing healthy people, directed funding, insuring genuine democracy.
ACTIONS: Develop grass roots leadership, form action team, have conversations on reservations to give more people voice, begin addressing PRIORITIES.
I recall two strong comments that seem to crystallize the morning: 1) When asked what happens to all the money generated by the casinos? Jim Randolph, former Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals said, "You don't want to know."; 2) After a passionate plea, during which Curtis said, "I've had enough of seeing my people die", he said, "Truth is the new hate speech."
It was heartening that of the 25 people attending, 50% of us agreed to sit on the ACTION TEAM. Now the real work begins.
I am grateful to people who have helped me move beyond John Wayne.
Blessings and Peace!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Holy Week Ethics
Holy Week is about costly grace. Implied within the grace is the ethic. If one desires to understand the character of Christian discipleship, the events of Holy Week are seminal. Initiated by Jesus, Christ's actions serve as models for the actions of obedient followers.
The Gospel of Luke is most appropriate for laying open Holy Week ethics, because it is the most socially conscious, justice oriented Gospel. Furthermore, Luke is the dominant Biblical source for Liberation Theology, the theology which stresses social justice and societal transformation.
PALM SUNDAY: Some call this moment Passion Sunday, preferring to read the texts covering the events forthcoming: the cleansing of the Temple, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. However, Palm Sunday needs to stand by itself. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, not a stallion. A donkey is a humble symbol, of an animal used by the common people for carrying loads and transportation, kind of like a pick-up truck or a car. Roman generals and political figures rode on stallions to trumpet their power and prestige, with a tinge of fearful respect. Not Jesus. The message is "I am with you. I enter your life. I share your burdens. I understand the common life."
Jesus confronts the politically and religiously powerful on Palm Sunday. Jesus does not avoid the powers. Jesus accepts conflict as part of his faithfulness. Jerusalem is the center of religious and political power. He has come to transform these powers with the power of love. He is not afraid. He stands up for reforming the world. Jesus enters the maw of the world. It is like MLK, Jr. going to Washington, DC with a message of freedom, or Gandhi walking to the sea to pick-up a pinch of salt in defiance of unjust laws. Jesus is not silent. Jesus has courage. What situations beg my courage? What places demand a visit from me? Am I willing to accept conflict as part of my witness? What people and places do I avoid, but which beg my response?
JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE: Just as Luther believed the church needed reforming, so did Jesus believe the Temple needed reform. Jesus directly confronted the religious elite and their practices. The Kingdom of God is not about buying and selling your way into God's favor. It is not about having levels of holiness. It is not about specified holy places reserved for the professional holy men. On the contrary, the Kingdom of God is about what Christ has done for us, about all people being welcome and included, about loving God and your neighbor, about all people being part of the priesthood of all believers, about holiness being God's gift for everyone, about all people being created in the Image of God, about equality before God. Jesus came to reform and transform our relationship with God. Jesus confronted the religious leadership and challenged long-standing religious practices with a new message of grace and welcome. There are no more forbidden places in the Kingdom, no more hierarchy. We are ONE. How can I be a reformer? What needs to be said to our church leaders? What beliefs and practices of our Church need reforming? What or whom do I need to denounce? What or who needs my critical words? How do I feel about being critical? Am I an instrument of change? How can I become God's instrument for renewal?
PAYING TAXES: The religious elite try to manipulate Jesus into making a political error that would justify his being arrested and tried for breaking the tax laws. They wanted to send the I.R.S after him for tax evasion! Jesus' response? A degree of taxation is appropriate for the functions of the state, and so is generosity to the poor, to the specific ministry of the church. Share your wealth for the common good and the furtherance of the Kingdom of God, and do not try to hoard all earnings for your own pleasures and needs. Look outward to support wider responsibilities and needs. Jesus linked the purpose of government with the building of the Kingdom of God. Government has its proper place. Yet, Jesus also stressed our personal giving on behalf of Christ's ministry through the church, through each of us. What can I say and do about our nation's tax code? What is a fair tax? What constitutes a "just budget"? How can I hold the government accountable for who my/our tax money is spent?
THE WIDOW'S OFFERING: Jesus praises the generosity of the poor widow, contrasting her giving with the proportionally less giving of the wealthy. If you have more, give more. Be generous for the sake of the common good, that all may have enough. Wealth is for the good of all. Hoarding and greed are anathema to God and destructive to life. Do I tithe? How generous am I? How generous is our congregation?
MAUNDY THURSDAY: A time of service. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples and gives us the Lord's Supper. Jesus touches the dirtiest parts of the body. The leader, the teacher, the preacher, the healer, the one whom people have come to see and hear, is now, again, the servant to the least parts. Then, the ultimate gift of himself in the bread and wine: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sin." Gifts. For us. For life. For love. Servant. No shame. All of us are worthy of grace. How can we serve? Who are the poor in our midst? How can I serve my family? Is my comfort zone too comfortable? Is it time to break out of my comfort zone?
THE BETRAYAL: The soldiers come to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. One of the disciples takes his sword and cuts off the ear of one of the high priest's slaves. Jesus says, "No more of this." "[And Jesus] touched his ear and healed him." The Kingdom of God, the Reign of God is not about inflicting violence upon others, but accepting violence onto oneself. How do I inflict violence? What do I need to change? Is my Christian witness violent? How violent are my thoughts, words, and deeds? Do I need Christ's healing of my heart?
THE ARREST OF JESUS: Have I ever been arrested for my witness? Is it about time to break the law? Do I do enough to be arrested?
JESUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL, PILATE, AND HEROD: If I were brought before religious and political leaders because of my criticism of some of their policies, what would I say? Pick a policy that would be counter the religious and political status quo. How would I defend my position? Would I remain silent and let the chips fall where they fall? When is it time to keep silent before authority, and when is it time to shout? Who are the councils, the Pilates, the Herods of today? What would I say to them?
GOOD FRIDAY: Death is good because it is not the end, only the door to life. Jesus giving his life for us. Our substitute. I will take your place! I will take your sin! I will forgive you even before you ask! I will welcome you into the Kingdom of God, simply because I love you. Your burdens and past will not exile you from my Kingdom. Be not afraid of death. As I give myself for you, now you give yourself for others, for me. For whom, for what, will I give my life? Is my life faithfully purposeful? Am I willing to incur the wrath of authority and suffer the consequences? Am I willing to be crucified for Christ's sake? I willing to forgive those who would do me harm? Who do I need to forgive?
Holy Week is about costly grace. Implied within the grace is the ethic. Jesus' actions are vivid examples, models of God's love for us. We can learn "how to" lessons of discipleship, ask deeper questions from Christ's most Holy Week, and be inspired to "do likewise." Yet, underlying the practical modelling, is the greatness and gentleness of grace. Discipleship is not easy. It is this grace that frees us to faithful, obedient living. It is God's grace in Jesus through the Holy Spirit that guides and provides. It is out of this grace that the Christ ethic bursts forth through each of us in surprisingly fresh ways, yielding to each day being one of endless days of endless Holy Weeks, making painfully real the Kingdom, the Reign of God.
Blessings and Peace!
Ron
The Gospel of Luke is most appropriate for laying open Holy Week ethics, because it is the most socially conscious, justice oriented Gospel. Furthermore, Luke is the dominant Biblical source for Liberation Theology, the theology which stresses social justice and societal transformation.
PALM SUNDAY: Some call this moment Passion Sunday, preferring to read the texts covering the events forthcoming: the cleansing of the Temple, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. However, Palm Sunday needs to stand by itself. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, not a stallion. A donkey is a humble symbol, of an animal used by the common people for carrying loads and transportation, kind of like a pick-up truck or a car. Roman generals and political figures rode on stallions to trumpet their power and prestige, with a tinge of fearful respect. Not Jesus. The message is "I am with you. I enter your life. I share your burdens. I understand the common life."
Jesus confronts the politically and religiously powerful on Palm Sunday. Jesus does not avoid the powers. Jesus accepts conflict as part of his faithfulness. Jerusalem is the center of religious and political power. He has come to transform these powers with the power of love. He is not afraid. He stands up for reforming the world. Jesus enters the maw of the world. It is like MLK, Jr. going to Washington, DC with a message of freedom, or Gandhi walking to the sea to pick-up a pinch of salt in defiance of unjust laws. Jesus is not silent. Jesus has courage. What situations beg my courage? What places demand a visit from me? Am I willing to accept conflict as part of my witness? What people and places do I avoid, but which beg my response?
JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE: Just as Luther believed the church needed reforming, so did Jesus believe the Temple needed reform. Jesus directly confronted the religious elite and their practices. The Kingdom of God is not about buying and selling your way into God's favor. It is not about having levels of holiness. It is not about specified holy places reserved for the professional holy men. On the contrary, the Kingdom of God is about what Christ has done for us, about all people being welcome and included, about loving God and your neighbor, about all people being part of the priesthood of all believers, about holiness being God's gift for everyone, about all people being created in the Image of God, about equality before God. Jesus came to reform and transform our relationship with God. Jesus confronted the religious leadership and challenged long-standing religious practices with a new message of grace and welcome. There are no more forbidden places in the Kingdom, no more hierarchy. We are ONE. How can I be a reformer? What needs to be said to our church leaders? What beliefs and practices of our Church need reforming? What or whom do I need to denounce? What or who needs my critical words? How do I feel about being critical? Am I an instrument of change? How can I become God's instrument for renewal?
PAYING TAXES: The religious elite try to manipulate Jesus into making a political error that would justify his being arrested and tried for breaking the tax laws. They wanted to send the I.R.S after him for tax evasion! Jesus' response? A degree of taxation is appropriate for the functions of the state, and so is generosity to the poor, to the specific ministry of the church. Share your wealth for the common good and the furtherance of the Kingdom of God, and do not try to hoard all earnings for your own pleasures and needs. Look outward to support wider responsibilities and needs. Jesus linked the purpose of government with the building of the Kingdom of God. Government has its proper place. Yet, Jesus also stressed our personal giving on behalf of Christ's ministry through the church, through each of us. What can I say and do about our nation's tax code? What is a fair tax? What constitutes a "just budget"? How can I hold the government accountable for who my/our tax money is spent?
THE WIDOW'S OFFERING: Jesus praises the generosity of the poor widow, contrasting her giving with the proportionally less giving of the wealthy. If you have more, give more. Be generous for the sake of the common good, that all may have enough. Wealth is for the good of all. Hoarding and greed are anathema to God and destructive to life. Do I tithe? How generous am I? How generous is our congregation?
MAUNDY THURSDAY: A time of service. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples and gives us the Lord's Supper. Jesus touches the dirtiest parts of the body. The leader, the teacher, the preacher, the healer, the one whom people have come to see and hear, is now, again, the servant to the least parts. Then, the ultimate gift of himself in the bread and wine: "Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sin." Gifts. For us. For life. For love. Servant. No shame. All of us are worthy of grace. How can we serve? Who are the poor in our midst? How can I serve my family? Is my comfort zone too comfortable? Is it time to break out of my comfort zone?
THE BETRAYAL: The soldiers come to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus. One of the disciples takes his sword and cuts off the ear of one of the high priest's slaves. Jesus says, "No more of this." "[And Jesus] touched his ear and healed him." The Kingdom of God, the Reign of God is not about inflicting violence upon others, but accepting violence onto oneself. How do I inflict violence? What do I need to change? Is my Christian witness violent? How violent are my thoughts, words, and deeds? Do I need Christ's healing of my heart?
THE ARREST OF JESUS: Have I ever been arrested for my witness? Is it about time to break the law? Do I do enough to be arrested?
JESUS BEFORE THE COUNCIL, PILATE, AND HEROD: If I were brought before religious and political leaders because of my criticism of some of their policies, what would I say? Pick a policy that would be counter the religious and political status quo. How would I defend my position? Would I remain silent and let the chips fall where they fall? When is it time to keep silent before authority, and when is it time to shout? Who are the councils, the Pilates, the Herods of today? What would I say to them?
GOOD FRIDAY: Death is good because it is not the end, only the door to life. Jesus giving his life for us. Our substitute. I will take your place! I will take your sin! I will forgive you even before you ask! I will welcome you into the Kingdom of God, simply because I love you. Your burdens and past will not exile you from my Kingdom. Be not afraid of death. As I give myself for you, now you give yourself for others, for me. For whom, for what, will I give my life? Is my life faithfully purposeful? Am I willing to incur the wrath of authority and suffer the consequences? Am I willing to be crucified for Christ's sake? I willing to forgive those who would do me harm? Who do I need to forgive?
Holy Week is about costly grace. Implied within the grace is the ethic. Jesus' actions are vivid examples, models of God's love for us. We can learn "how to" lessons of discipleship, ask deeper questions from Christ's most Holy Week, and be inspired to "do likewise." Yet, underlying the practical modelling, is the greatness and gentleness of grace. Discipleship is not easy. It is this grace that frees us to faithful, obedient living. It is God's grace in Jesus through the Holy Spirit that guides and provides. It is out of this grace that the Christ ethic bursts forth through each of us in surprisingly fresh ways, yielding to each day being one of endless days of endless Holy Weeks, making painfully real the Kingdom, the Reign of God.
Blessings and Peace!
Ron
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Life in a Toxic World
In a toxic world, we are created and called to GO TO GOD and COME TO JESUS. The promise of God in Christ is that God/Jesus will RESPOND, and the response will be life-giving.
"Toxic" has become a frequently used word to describe the condition of our politics, our church, and our world. Gridlock in state and national politics, passage of Taliban-like laws relating to women's health, voter suppression laws, passage of right-to-work laws which harm the middle class and further stifle unions, corporate high-jacking of our electoral process, unemployment and foreclosures, poverty and racism, the Trayvon Martin tragedy, continual wars, rifts in the Church, and the list extends ad infinitude. Where do we find life and hope?
Our congregation's Lenten series focuses on Old Testament texts. I was asked to preach on a text from the Book of Numbers, chapter 21, verses 1-9. This text provides life and hope through the rhythm of GOING TO GOD, COMING TO JESUS, and God RESPONDING.
The people of Israel had been wandering in the wilderness for decades. Nearing Canaan, they encountered a Canaanite tribe and snakes. Here's what happened and how life and hope surfaced.
1. A Canaanite tribe attacked the People of Israel, killing some and taking others captive. The Israelites CALLED OUT to God, asking that God deliver them, promising they would destroy them and their towns. God said yes! The Israelites were victorious! I do not subscribe to the notion that God wills the killing of people. Considering that the Book of Numbers was written hundreds of years after the occasion, Old Testament historians had a theological axe to grind, and tended to kowtow to the warrior god as doing the will of God in order to justify the invasion of Canaan and the settling into their new Promised Land. Furthermore, there was considerable nationalistic hubris throughout the Exodus narrative, resulting in justification of invasion violence. The larger point in this story is that the people of God CALLED OUT to God and God RESPONDED by giving them strength to act because God sides with the oppressed, the alien, the stranger, the abused, and God had a made the promise of a Land. God was assuring the People of God that they were not powerless, but powerful because of God's grace, that God would guide and provide for their new home.
We are created for action, to step-up, and stand-up in the face of unwarranted violence. I recall what MLK, Jr. once said: "When your back ain't bent, nobody can ride you." The strong response to the Trayvon Martin tragedy is consistent with the action within these verses in Numbers. Historically, the march from Selma to Montgomery which we celebrate this week, was a push-back against injustice. Going to God and Coming to Jesus about these issues invites the action of God to transform the injustice into hope and life. Similarly, our calling out, followed by God's response, ignites our further response. Today, we are left with the question of what parts of life need our push-back, our invoking the action of God?
2. The people complained, CALLED OUT to God and Moses, because there was no water, no food, no food they liked. Complaint is not lack of faith. The prophets complained about the lack of justice. Job complained about his misfortunes. But in this text, complaint was linked with lack of faith, denial of God's grace, and disobedience. They "spoke against God and Moses." They had the integrity of their honesty. It was perhaps natural that the people felt betrayed. They had trusted Moses and God that they were to be led to a new home land, but with all this suffering? But there was a breakdown in faith and they began to follow their own whims. Therefore, God RESPONDED by sending snakes to bite and kill them. Here again, I do not subscribe to God sending snakes to kill people. In the desert, snakes happen! This is a metaphor based on reality, telling us that disobedience and turning against God is sinful. Where there is sin there are pain, consequences, and accountability. Sin is a fracture in relationship. In the OT, the snake was a symbol of evil, lying, deceit, Satan, of the fracture in our relationship with God and each other.
David Brooks, editorial writer for the New York Times, recently wrote an article entitled: "The Monster Lurking in Our Souls". He was writing in response to the tragic shooting of Afghanistan civilians by Staff Sargent Robert Bales. Bales was a model soldier and husband. But he snapped. Brooks writes that all of us have our dark sides, quoting John Calvin, who believed that "babies came out depraved", G.K. Chesterton that "The doctrine of original sin is the only part of Christian theology that can be proved", and C.S. Lewis saying "There is no such thing as an ordinary person. Each person you sit next to on the bus is capable of extraordinary horrors and extraordinary heroism." Crying out to God, to Jesus, in confession is proper Christian discipline. The People of Israel CALLED OUT to God in confession, and God RESPONDED in mercy.
Complaint is a valid response to many of life's rhythms. Yet, while we complain, can we still bend our knees? Can we chant our kyries in obedience? Kyries invite God's merciful response. Kyries sing our vulnerabilities. Kyries express trust in God's grace in our powerlessness. Complain, yes! But complain and believe!
3. Suffering from snake bites, the People of God CALLED OUT to God and Moses, confessing their sins, and asking God to remove the snakes from their midst. God RESPONDED by promising that if they were bitten in the future, they were to look upon a bronze snake that Moses was to construct, and they would live.
It is important that our CALLING OUT be specific. Why are we calling out, coming to Jesus? It must be because of this and that, this person, that situation. Calling out needs focus. God wants us to acknowledge the truth within our hearts, so that in calling out, we too have "skin in the game", that God's response also commits us to response through God's grace. Calling out is intercession involving the unity of God's action and our action. Certainly, God can transform by God self, but we are God's faithful servants and called to be God's instruments. As we call out to God, come to Jesus, we are also calling out ourselves. Obedience to God couples with obedience to ourselves.
As we live in our toxic world, we are given the GRACE to CALL OUT to God, GO TO GOD, COME TO JESUS, in the confidence that God in Christ will RESPOND in ways that grant hope and life! Living in our toxic world necessitates that we CALL OUT to God, because in our CALLING OUT, our GOING TO GOD, COMING TO JESUS, we are RESPONDING to God's grace, practicing obedience, living intentionally, straightening our backs to face the world, and insisting upon peace and justice, equality and dignity, with the strength of the promises of God's RESPONSE. CALLING OUT takes faith, humility and courage, how God responds may not always be nice, the journey is fraught with hope and peril, suffering is on the table, and expectations may at times seem out of reach, but the Promised Land is real, we are beckoned, we are focused for discipleship, and life and hope are guaranteed!
We are created and called to GO TO GOD and COME TO JESUS! In this is life in a toxic world!
Blessings and Peace!
Ron
"Toxic" has become a frequently used word to describe the condition of our politics, our church, and our world. Gridlock in state and national politics, passage of Taliban-like laws relating to women's health, voter suppression laws, passage of right-to-work laws which harm the middle class and further stifle unions, corporate high-jacking of our electoral process, unemployment and foreclosures, poverty and racism, the Trayvon Martin tragedy, continual wars, rifts in the Church, and the list extends ad infinitude. Where do we find life and hope?
Our congregation's Lenten series focuses on Old Testament texts. I was asked to preach on a text from the Book of Numbers, chapter 21, verses 1-9. This text provides life and hope through the rhythm of GOING TO GOD, COMING TO JESUS, and God RESPONDING.
The people of Israel had been wandering in the wilderness for decades. Nearing Canaan, they encountered a Canaanite tribe and snakes. Here's what happened and how life and hope surfaced.
1. A Canaanite tribe attacked the People of Israel, killing some and taking others captive. The Israelites CALLED OUT to God, asking that God deliver them, promising they would destroy them and their towns. God said yes! The Israelites were victorious! I do not subscribe to the notion that God wills the killing of people. Considering that the Book of Numbers was written hundreds of years after the occasion, Old Testament historians had a theological axe to grind, and tended to kowtow to the warrior god as doing the will of God in order to justify the invasion of Canaan and the settling into their new Promised Land. Furthermore, there was considerable nationalistic hubris throughout the Exodus narrative, resulting in justification of invasion violence. The larger point in this story is that the people of God CALLED OUT to God and God RESPONDED by giving them strength to act because God sides with the oppressed, the alien, the stranger, the abused, and God had a made the promise of a Land. God was assuring the People of God that they were not powerless, but powerful because of God's grace, that God would guide and provide for their new home.
We are created for action, to step-up, and stand-up in the face of unwarranted violence. I recall what MLK, Jr. once said: "When your back ain't bent, nobody can ride you." The strong response to the Trayvon Martin tragedy is consistent with the action within these verses in Numbers. Historically, the march from Selma to Montgomery which we celebrate this week, was a push-back against injustice. Going to God and Coming to Jesus about these issues invites the action of God to transform the injustice into hope and life. Similarly, our calling out, followed by God's response, ignites our further response. Today, we are left with the question of what parts of life need our push-back, our invoking the action of God?
2. The people complained, CALLED OUT to God and Moses, because there was no water, no food, no food they liked. Complaint is not lack of faith. The prophets complained about the lack of justice. Job complained about his misfortunes. But in this text, complaint was linked with lack of faith, denial of God's grace, and disobedience. They "spoke against God and Moses." They had the integrity of their honesty. It was perhaps natural that the people felt betrayed. They had trusted Moses and God that they were to be led to a new home land, but with all this suffering? But there was a breakdown in faith and they began to follow their own whims. Therefore, God RESPONDED by sending snakes to bite and kill them. Here again, I do not subscribe to God sending snakes to kill people. In the desert, snakes happen! This is a metaphor based on reality, telling us that disobedience and turning against God is sinful. Where there is sin there are pain, consequences, and accountability. Sin is a fracture in relationship. In the OT, the snake was a symbol of evil, lying, deceit, Satan, of the fracture in our relationship with God and each other.
David Brooks, editorial writer for the New York Times, recently wrote an article entitled: "The Monster Lurking in Our Souls". He was writing in response to the tragic shooting of Afghanistan civilians by Staff Sargent Robert Bales. Bales was a model soldier and husband. But he snapped. Brooks writes that all of us have our dark sides, quoting John Calvin, who believed that "babies came out depraved", G.K. Chesterton that "The doctrine of original sin is the only part of Christian theology that can be proved", and C.S. Lewis saying "There is no such thing as an ordinary person. Each person you sit next to on the bus is capable of extraordinary horrors and extraordinary heroism." Crying out to God, to Jesus, in confession is proper Christian discipline. The People of Israel CALLED OUT to God in confession, and God RESPONDED in mercy.
Complaint is a valid response to many of life's rhythms. Yet, while we complain, can we still bend our knees? Can we chant our kyries in obedience? Kyries invite God's merciful response. Kyries sing our vulnerabilities. Kyries express trust in God's grace in our powerlessness. Complain, yes! But complain and believe!
3. Suffering from snake bites, the People of God CALLED OUT to God and Moses, confessing their sins, and asking God to remove the snakes from their midst. God RESPONDED by promising that if they were bitten in the future, they were to look upon a bronze snake that Moses was to construct, and they would live.
It is important that our CALLING OUT be specific. Why are we calling out, coming to Jesus? It must be because of this and that, this person, that situation. Calling out needs focus. God wants us to acknowledge the truth within our hearts, so that in calling out, we too have "skin in the game", that God's response also commits us to response through God's grace. Calling out is intercession involving the unity of God's action and our action. Certainly, God can transform by God self, but we are God's faithful servants and called to be God's instruments. As we call out to God, come to Jesus, we are also calling out ourselves. Obedience to God couples with obedience to ourselves.
As we live in our toxic world, we are given the GRACE to CALL OUT to God, GO TO GOD, COME TO JESUS, in the confidence that God in Christ will RESPOND in ways that grant hope and life! Living in our toxic world necessitates that we CALL OUT to God, because in our CALLING OUT, our GOING TO GOD, COMING TO JESUS, we are RESPONDING to God's grace, practicing obedience, living intentionally, straightening our backs to face the world, and insisting upon peace and justice, equality and dignity, with the strength of the promises of God's RESPONSE. CALLING OUT takes faith, humility and courage, how God responds may not always be nice, the journey is fraught with hope and peril, suffering is on the table, and expectations may at times seem out of reach, but the Promised Land is real, we are beckoned, we are focused for discipleship, and life and hope are guaranteed!
We are created and called to GO TO GOD and COME TO JESUS! In this is life in a toxic world!
Blessings and Peace!
Ron
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Theology Over Ideology
Christians are called to believe, think, and act THEOLOGICALLY. Our theology is to shape our ideology, not the other way around. THEOLOGY is about living in and out of relationship with God, being shaped by God's grace to do God's will. IDEOLOGY is about living in and out of political and social values shaped by culture, philosophy, and personal bias, for the purpose of doing our will.
I belong to an ecumenical progressive ministry called ISAIAH. Its purpose comes from Isaiah 58: to be a "repairer of the breach, a mender of cities." Towards this end, ISAIAH is committed to addressing major issues such as education, budget, voter ID by impacting legislation through influencing our state legislators. This means lobbying. No, we don't bribe, get big bucks, or kickbacks! We visit, have thoughtful conversation, listen, and share our views.
Recently, I was part of a lobbying team which visited two Republican legislators. One visit was particularly illuminating. We shared our views on an education proposal for equal access and opportunity for all. Finally, the legislator said, "I have noticed that the proposals of the Joint Religious and Legislative Council (another progressive ecumenical ministry) and ISAIAH tend to be similar to the DFL ideology."
At this I jumped in, saying, "It is not about ideology, but theology. I notice that you have a Bible on your lamp stand. ISAIAH understands the Bible as God calling us to insure equal access, equal opportunity, equal justice for all people. ISAIAH welcomes all people towards this effort, Republican and Democrat." I also said, "Jesus takes sides. Jesus wills that all people have enough for life, that there be dignity, access, opportunity, justice, and life for all." I tried to lift up THEOLOGY over IDEOLOGY, and to say that THEOLOGY must shape our IDEOLOGY, that THEOLOGY brings Christian folks together politically for the sake of the common good.
It was a time of witness as well as policy conversation. The tone changed from confrontation to contemplation, from argument to listening, from IDEOLOGY to THEOLOGY. In the end I felt a union of concern and spirit. Will his votes change? Yet, we witnessed, listened, and advocated.
At a recent ISAIAH training session, we focused on how to lobby, how to advocate, how to move the conversation beyond ideology to theology. Part of the answer is to focus on VALUES. Hence, we have developed GROUNDING QUESTIONS, asking: Will our leaders
1) CREATE racial equity in our state?
2) UNITE us rather that divide us?
3) CREATE prosperity for all rather than concentrating on wealth?
4) EXPAND participation and power in public decision making?
5) MOVE us from gridlock into working together creatively?
It is ISAIAH's belief that addressing the various issues of our time through asking these questions can lead to common ground for the common good. Why? Because these questions are VALUE QUESTIONS which lead us to conversation about the state of our common humanity and what we can do together to provide for ALL.
I think these questions put THEOLOGY on the table, and direct the conversation towards actions which unite for justice and the common good, rather than create an IDEOLOGICAL barrier of gridlock and abuse of power.
THEOLOGY shapes IDEOLOGY. The power of the Church is its THEOLOGY and reliance on the Word, in which Christ is proclaimed, who in turn transforms life and politics.
Peace!
Ron Letnes
I belong to an ecumenical progressive ministry called ISAIAH. Its purpose comes from Isaiah 58: to be a "repairer of the breach, a mender of cities." Towards this end, ISAIAH is committed to addressing major issues such as education, budget, voter ID by impacting legislation through influencing our state legislators. This means lobbying. No, we don't bribe, get big bucks, or kickbacks! We visit, have thoughtful conversation, listen, and share our views.
Recently, I was part of a lobbying team which visited two Republican legislators. One visit was particularly illuminating. We shared our views on an education proposal for equal access and opportunity for all. Finally, the legislator said, "I have noticed that the proposals of the Joint Religious and Legislative Council (another progressive ecumenical ministry) and ISAIAH tend to be similar to the DFL ideology."
At this I jumped in, saying, "It is not about ideology, but theology. I notice that you have a Bible on your lamp stand. ISAIAH understands the Bible as God calling us to insure equal access, equal opportunity, equal justice for all people. ISAIAH welcomes all people towards this effort, Republican and Democrat." I also said, "Jesus takes sides. Jesus wills that all people have enough for life, that there be dignity, access, opportunity, justice, and life for all." I tried to lift up THEOLOGY over IDEOLOGY, and to say that THEOLOGY must shape our IDEOLOGY, that THEOLOGY brings Christian folks together politically for the sake of the common good.
It was a time of witness as well as policy conversation. The tone changed from confrontation to contemplation, from argument to listening, from IDEOLOGY to THEOLOGY. In the end I felt a union of concern and spirit. Will his votes change? Yet, we witnessed, listened, and advocated.
At a recent ISAIAH training session, we focused on how to lobby, how to advocate, how to move the conversation beyond ideology to theology. Part of the answer is to focus on VALUES. Hence, we have developed GROUNDING QUESTIONS, asking: Will our leaders
1) CREATE racial equity in our state?
2) UNITE us rather that divide us?
3) CREATE prosperity for all rather than concentrating on wealth?
4) EXPAND participation and power in public decision making?
5) MOVE us from gridlock into working together creatively?
It is ISAIAH's belief that addressing the various issues of our time through asking these questions can lead to common ground for the common good. Why? Because these questions are VALUE QUESTIONS which lead us to conversation about the state of our common humanity and what we can do together to provide for ALL.
I think these questions put THEOLOGY on the table, and direct the conversation towards actions which unite for justice and the common good, rather than create an IDEOLOGICAL barrier of gridlock and abuse of power.
THEOLOGY shapes IDEOLOGY. The power of the Church is its THEOLOGY and reliance on the Word, in which Christ is proclaimed, who in turn transforms life and politics.
Peace!
Ron Letnes
Monday, February 27, 2012
Lessons of Lent: Temptation or Obedience?
We have begun our Lenten Journey. We are marked by the Cross of Jesus. We are presented with the Lessons of Lent: Temptation or Obedience.
The Temptation Story in the Gospel of Matthew 4:1-11 presents us with two opposing choices: God in Christ (OBEDIENCE), or Evil (Satan, Leviathan) (TEMPTATION). Our response indicates how we will respond to today's challenges.
Obedience to the TEMPTATIONS of Evil-Satan-Leviathan are, according to Matthew: 1) Eating well, filling our bellies, enjoying a satisfying meal, becoming obese physically and personally; 2) Celebrity, doing magic to the applause of spectators, glorying in fame; 3) Power and wealth, political influence, villas by the sea, mansions beside the lake, private jets, and all the perks of position.
On the otherhand, OBEDIENCE to God and the Way of Christ are: 1) Food for the stomach, mind, and heart: FOOD OF THE WORD; 2) Refusal to focus life on fame and self-glory; 3) Choosing to worship God, to place God in Christ at the Center of life, trusting that God will guide and provide according to God's gracious will.
What follows this story is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The Way of OBEDIENCE is the Way of the Sermon on the Mount.
OBEDIENCE to the Word, to God, to Christ, to the Cross calls us to compassion, empathy, justice, mercy, peacemaking, nonviolence, suffering for others, love of enemies, honoring marriage and relationship, inclusion, celebration of diversity, seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, generosity, prayer, humility, creation care, concern for the common good, and discipleship.
Yielding to TEMPTATION brings greed, profit at the expense of people, war, violence, abuse of power, self expression for the sake of self, waste of resources, environmental scourging, arrogance, abuse of bodies, racial and gender prejudice, economic inequality, neglect of the least of these, pre-occupation with pleasure to the exclusion of concern for the common good, and purposeful infliction of pain for the sake of self protection and love of power.
Specifically, the TEMPTATION side is exemplified by the rush to institute VOTER ID laws in order to exclude the votes of the most powerless and vulnerable. RIGHT TO WORK laws will further depress the earning power and safety net of the middle class. Prevention of GAY MARRIAGE will deny the civil rights of gender choice. The TABOR amendment (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) will strangle budget and tax reform and funnel more money to the upper 1% to the detriment of support for education, infrastructure, and health care. Intrusion into WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUES such as contraception and abortion rights, through invasive procedures is a violation of privacy and the dignity of choice. Further TAX-CUTTING for the upper 1% and failure to hold businesses financially accountable for OFF-SHORING their wealth, will lead to more education cuts, infrastructure neglect, more unemployment, continued erosion of the middle class, and continued rise in poverty. Chipping away at OBAMACARE will prevent more people from receiving necessary health care. Eliminating REGULATIONS and preventing the VOLCKER RULE from going into effect will further unplug the dam of careless speculation which led us into this economic hole.
TEMPTATION is about ABUSE OF POWER for the sake of the POWERFUL. Temptation scraps the Sermon on the Mount.
Yes, we all yield to temptation. Yes, we all have mixed records of obedience. Yet, God's grace calls us to yield to John the Baptist's call for repentance, and repentance opens us to obedience. Again and again and again. We can start over.
Lessons of Lent.
Peace!
Ron Letnes
The Temptation Story in the Gospel of Matthew 4:1-11 presents us with two opposing choices: God in Christ (OBEDIENCE), or Evil (Satan, Leviathan) (TEMPTATION). Our response indicates how we will respond to today's challenges.
Obedience to the TEMPTATIONS of Evil-Satan-Leviathan are, according to Matthew: 1) Eating well, filling our bellies, enjoying a satisfying meal, becoming obese physically and personally; 2) Celebrity, doing magic to the applause of spectators, glorying in fame; 3) Power and wealth, political influence, villas by the sea, mansions beside the lake, private jets, and all the perks of position.
On the otherhand, OBEDIENCE to God and the Way of Christ are: 1) Food for the stomach, mind, and heart: FOOD OF THE WORD; 2) Refusal to focus life on fame and self-glory; 3) Choosing to worship God, to place God in Christ at the Center of life, trusting that God will guide and provide according to God's gracious will.
What follows this story is Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The Way of OBEDIENCE is the Way of the Sermon on the Mount.
OBEDIENCE to the Word, to God, to Christ, to the Cross calls us to compassion, empathy, justice, mercy, peacemaking, nonviolence, suffering for others, love of enemies, honoring marriage and relationship, inclusion, celebration of diversity, seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, generosity, prayer, humility, creation care, concern for the common good, and discipleship.
Yielding to TEMPTATION brings greed, profit at the expense of people, war, violence, abuse of power, self expression for the sake of self, waste of resources, environmental scourging, arrogance, abuse of bodies, racial and gender prejudice, economic inequality, neglect of the least of these, pre-occupation with pleasure to the exclusion of concern for the common good, and purposeful infliction of pain for the sake of self protection and love of power.
Specifically, the TEMPTATION side is exemplified by the rush to institute VOTER ID laws in order to exclude the votes of the most powerless and vulnerable. RIGHT TO WORK laws will further depress the earning power and safety net of the middle class. Prevention of GAY MARRIAGE will deny the civil rights of gender choice. The TABOR amendment (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) will strangle budget and tax reform and funnel more money to the upper 1% to the detriment of support for education, infrastructure, and health care. Intrusion into WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUES such as contraception and abortion rights, through invasive procedures is a violation of privacy and the dignity of choice. Further TAX-CUTTING for the upper 1% and failure to hold businesses financially accountable for OFF-SHORING their wealth, will lead to more education cuts, infrastructure neglect, more unemployment, continued erosion of the middle class, and continued rise in poverty. Chipping away at OBAMACARE will prevent more people from receiving necessary health care. Eliminating REGULATIONS and preventing the VOLCKER RULE from going into effect will further unplug the dam of careless speculation which led us into this economic hole.
TEMPTATION is about ABUSE OF POWER for the sake of the POWERFUL. Temptation scraps the Sermon on the Mount.
Yes, we all yield to temptation. Yes, we all have mixed records of obedience. Yet, God's grace calls us to yield to John the Baptist's call for repentance, and repentance opens us to obedience. Again and again and again. We can start over.
Lessons of Lent.
Peace!
Ron Letnes
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Bonhoeffer's Church of the Word
The focus of my last blog was Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. I described the church using three adjectives: performance, production, and personality. It was Christianity lite, a half-a-loaf blend of money, success, and material American culture, mixed with the spoken and musical Word. No doubt spiritual needs were addressed and Christ was presented and celebrated. But the depth of Christ and the Cross were shallow. Here is where I find Dietrich Bonhoeffer helpful.
In his sermon on 28 May, 1933, delivered at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, Bonhoeffer focused on Exodus 32: 1-7, 9f, 15, 30-34. He contrasted the Church of Aaron with the Church of Moses.
He describes the Church of Aaron, the PRIESTLY church thusly: 1) It is IMPATIENT. We want visible results now because we are anxious, because we are fearful that God has forgotten us. We refuse to live by God's time because our lives are in peril and we need reassurance NOW; 2) It is about ME. Give me satisfaction. Prove to me that God is alive. Satisfy me. Bless me. Give me peace. 3) It demands SPLENDOR. We want pizzaz! We want lights and gold and sparkle and fashion and flowing robes and make-up and smoothness and comfort and ease and glory and positive feelings and cameras and.... Bonhoeffer writes: "Bring precious adornment, gold, jewellery, bring it as an offering. And they will come, without exception.... The human race is ready for any sacrifice in which it may celebrate itself and worship its own work.... The church of Aaron is lavish with its god.... Who would want to stand aside from this pious joy, this unparalleled exuberance, this achievement of human will and ability? The worldly church now has its god, come, celebrate him, enjoy yourselves, play, eat, drink, dance make merry, take yourselves out of yourselves! You have a god again.... The worldly church celebrates its triumph, the priest has shown his power.... then the orgy begins." This is the church of the world.
The church of Moses, on the other hand, is a distinct contrast according to Bonhoeffer. It is the PROPHETIC church: 1) The church TREMBLES for the people because it is disturbed at their godlessness; 2) The church of Moses is a PROPHETIC CRITIQUE, sounding a discord amidst the glory and partying. The church of Moses has notes of darkness, fear and threat at this idolatry of self glorification: "The living God has come among them, he rages against them." 3) Relief comes through the SUFFERING CHRIST who makes intercession for us, forgives us, in his Cross.
Bonhoeffer writes that the church is always the church of Aaron and the church of Moses "at the same time". There is a consistent tension between the "oughtness" of the church and its "isness", between its brokenness and its holiness, between its worldliness and its sanctification, between its PRIESTLY and PROPHETIC character, between its sinfulness and saintliness, between being guided by the Holy Spirit and by its own agenda, between success and obedience.
The Colorado Confession always poses the question: What does it mean to be the Church of Jesus Christ today? May I suggest lessons from Lakewood and Bonhoeffer. The Church of Jesus Christ: 1) Waits on God and refuses to yield to satisfying its own desires. Our immediate satisfaction takes second place to patient waiting; 2) Trusts that we are safely in the hands of Jesus at all times; 3) Places the Word in the center instead of pleasure; 4) Affirms faith before sight; 5) Replaces glitz with the Cross; 6) Focuses on the Lordship of Jesus rather than the personality of the priest; 7) Defines success as suffering for others; 8) Allows itself to be consistently critiqued by the prophetic Word, embracing discord; 9) Replaces blessing with freedom. Blessing is for me and freedom is for ALL; 10) Thee instead of me; 11) The Lord's Supper and Holy Baptism trump production, personality, and performance; 12) Commits itself to peace and justice for others through the Cross of Christ rather than worshipping at the altar of blessings for me; 13) Obedience before dancing; 14) Engages the world in the light of the cross rather the cross through the darkness of the world; 15) Affirms grace alone, faith alone, and Word alone, rather than glitz, success, and personality.
We of the Colorado Confession are presented with questions: What is the character of our congregations? What church do we create by our words and deeds? How do our congregations reflect Christ? How relevant are Bonhoeffer's distinctions for the church today?
The church, the congregation, is the Body of Christ in the world. This truth makes me shudder, but also gives me hope.
Peace!
Ron
In his sermon on 28 May, 1933, delivered at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin, Bonhoeffer focused on Exodus 32: 1-7, 9f, 15, 30-34. He contrasted the Church of Aaron with the Church of Moses.
He describes the Church of Aaron, the PRIESTLY church thusly: 1) It is IMPATIENT. We want visible results now because we are anxious, because we are fearful that God has forgotten us. We refuse to live by God's time because our lives are in peril and we need reassurance NOW; 2) It is about ME. Give me satisfaction. Prove to me that God is alive. Satisfy me. Bless me. Give me peace. 3) It demands SPLENDOR. We want pizzaz! We want lights and gold and sparkle and fashion and flowing robes and make-up and smoothness and comfort and ease and glory and positive feelings and cameras and.... Bonhoeffer writes: "Bring precious adornment, gold, jewellery, bring it as an offering. And they will come, without exception.... The human race is ready for any sacrifice in which it may celebrate itself and worship its own work.... The church of Aaron is lavish with its god.... Who would want to stand aside from this pious joy, this unparalleled exuberance, this achievement of human will and ability? The worldly church now has its god, come, celebrate him, enjoy yourselves, play, eat, drink, dance make merry, take yourselves out of yourselves! You have a god again.... The worldly church celebrates its triumph, the priest has shown his power.... then the orgy begins." This is the church of the world.
The church of Moses, on the other hand, is a distinct contrast according to Bonhoeffer. It is the PROPHETIC church: 1) The church TREMBLES for the people because it is disturbed at their godlessness; 2) The church of Moses is a PROPHETIC CRITIQUE, sounding a discord amidst the glory and partying. The church of Moses has notes of darkness, fear and threat at this idolatry of self glorification: "The living God has come among them, he rages against them." 3) Relief comes through the SUFFERING CHRIST who makes intercession for us, forgives us, in his Cross.
Bonhoeffer writes that the church is always the church of Aaron and the church of Moses "at the same time". There is a consistent tension between the "oughtness" of the church and its "isness", between its brokenness and its holiness, between its worldliness and its sanctification, between its PRIESTLY and PROPHETIC character, between its sinfulness and saintliness, between being guided by the Holy Spirit and by its own agenda, between success and obedience.
The Colorado Confession always poses the question: What does it mean to be the Church of Jesus Christ today? May I suggest lessons from Lakewood and Bonhoeffer. The Church of Jesus Christ: 1) Waits on God and refuses to yield to satisfying its own desires. Our immediate satisfaction takes second place to patient waiting; 2) Trusts that we are safely in the hands of Jesus at all times; 3) Places the Word in the center instead of pleasure; 4) Affirms faith before sight; 5) Replaces glitz with the Cross; 6) Focuses on the Lordship of Jesus rather than the personality of the priest; 7) Defines success as suffering for others; 8) Allows itself to be consistently critiqued by the prophetic Word, embracing discord; 9) Replaces blessing with freedom. Blessing is for me and freedom is for ALL; 10) Thee instead of me; 11) The Lord's Supper and Holy Baptism trump production, personality, and performance; 12) Commits itself to peace and justice for others through the Cross of Christ rather than worshipping at the altar of blessings for me; 13) Obedience before dancing; 14) Engages the world in the light of the cross rather the cross through the darkness of the world; 15) Affirms grace alone, faith alone, and Word alone, rather than glitz, success, and personality.
We of the Colorado Confession are presented with questions: What is the character of our congregations? What church do we create by our words and deeds? How do our congregations reflect Christ? How relevant are Bonhoeffer's distinctions for the church today?
The church, the congregation, is the Body of Christ in the world. This truth makes me shudder, but also gives me hope.
Peace!
Ron
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Lakewood Church: Performance - Production - Personality
On our recent trip south, I visited Lakewood Church in Houston. Joel Osteen is the minister and his wife Victoria also plays a prominent role. I had watched the services on television and was intrigued by the response and popularity of this ministry. Hence, being in Houston was an opportunity to seize the moment and experience this worship-ministry phenomenon. Also, I have always been interested in the question of what it means to be the Church? Lakewood is a "Church".
From the freeway, Lakewood Church looks like a modern business facility. Flat roof, rectangular shape, brownish facade with windows near the top. On one corner are the words LAKEWOOD CHURCH. 90 degrees away is the name: JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES with a logo that looks like a flame inside a circle.
Parking was an experience. Policemen and parking directors were everywhere. The church rents parking ramps from local businesses as well as having their own. After parking, people stream towards the church from blocks away, like blood through veins and arteries.
While walking towards the church, I was engaged by a young, single African-American woman who asked me if this was my first time at church? I said yes, that I had watched the service on television and my wife and I were traveling and happened to be in Houston, so I seized the opportunity to experience Lakewood. I asked her how long she had been attending and she said since 2006. I asked her why she kept coming back? She said she felt welcome, there was a feeling of family, and no expectations. You could find your own way. I asked her if the pastors talked about social issues, justice issues in worship. She said "No, they let you make your own decisions about that."
Entering the worship center was like entering an athletic fieldhouse which could easily be re-fitted for basketball, hockey, or football. Comfortable green theatre seating, but no cup holders made for a relaxing time. I asked the young woman if I could join her for worship. She smiled. By 8:30, the crowd filled about half of the center which holds about 18,000. The attendees were diverse, about 35% African-American, 45% White, and 20% Hispanic. Their service days are Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and one service in Spanish. After worship you can meet with Joel and Victoria for a meet and greet.
There was no cross. Anywhere! Only a flame and circle logo on the lecturn. Only a huge golden globe adorned the front. No altar. No mention of Holy Communion. Water baptism takes place every Saturday evening. Children must be at least five years old to participate.
Bible study is segmented according to age, situation, and gender, every Saturday and Sunday evenings. The theme is: "Get direction for your life".
Music and singing filled 70% of the 1:35 minute service. No organ. There was a worship choir numbering over 100 and a worship band consisting of piano, trumpets, trombone, drums and a few other instruments. Song leaders were multi-racial. All musicians were VERY TALENTED! Songs were primarily up-beat with some gentle songs mixed in to fit the flow of the service. Call it a revival! Come to Jesus! Praise and glory! People standing, raising their arms in praise, clapping, stomping their feet! There were no worship bulletins, only two huge screens filled with announcements, visuals, and words to songs.
Joel and Victoria each spoke. I would characterize Victoria's talk as "fluff and glory", and Joel's more thoughtful. Both used Biblical references. The focus was on personal empowerment, God will change your life, make you a new person, and fill your life with blessings. There was no talk about social concerns, racism, economic justice, environmental issues, other than references to being unemployed or divorced.
A portion of the service was called "Prayer Partners", when people could come forward and have a member of the congregation pray with you. Joel and Victoria were prayer partners. Many came forward to share their prayer concerns. The partners placed their hands on the people or hugged them during the prayers. Visitors were asked to raise their hands. Immediately, ushers came over to give you information on a post worship gathering and to give you business-like cards with the words "Be Our Guest" and a color picture of Joel and Victoria, which you were asked to hand out to other people you meet during the week. Joel said, if you are here seeking to change your life, give Lakewood a year of your life and you will be a new person and will be blessed.
I picked up a four-color bulletin filled with happenings: "Married Life Date Night", CPR Certification and Training, Kids Life Team Celebration, Big Game Party, Generation Hope Project-Washington D.C. (Meet special needs, clean-up parks, feed the homeless, promote literacy), Men's Outreach Encounter (Take a 24 hour time away to deepen your walk with Chrirst), An Evening with Lisa Comes when she will talk about her new book, YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE, Celebrate Recovery Inventory, Friendship "Red Hat" Fellowship, Women's Encounter Retreat, From Stressed to Blessed (Dealing with finances), Honduras Mission Trip, and Prayer Life.
My thoughts? I felt welcome. I was impressed by the inclusive diversity. The upbeat style and contemporary music leadership, along with vocal leadership was warmingly inspirational. It was performance worship at the highest level! The timing of the various elements, Joel and Victoria's entrances, musical and prayerful sections were impeccably timed. No times of silence. Keep it moving. The lighting effects were professionally arranged and timed. Joel and Victoria were well dressed for success and smooth in their delivery. Show time!
Was Jesus present? Apparently yes. Was there reference to the Bible? Yes. Were the songs gospel? Yes. Was there a feeling of family and community? Yes.
But it was all about ME. Lakewood is a "church" based upon "presentation, personality, and performance", focused on ME. I ask: Where is the cross? What kind of Christ is presented? Kiwanis and country club schmooze. This is consumer church. Performance but not prophetic. "Jack me up!" It was "half a loaf" Christianity, with focus on personal, feel good transformation and receiving personal blessings with zero call to discipleship, of entering the suffering of the world. There was not a hint of addressing anything structural or justice oriented. It was all "Jesus will bless you" with no call to lay down your life. No demands, just a comfortable seat, up beat revivalism, and banal enthusiasm. Jesus was dressed for success, complete with golf shirt, a deep tan, and martini in hand.
There are no risks being taken to address or stand against culture, economic greed, a bloated militarism, structural poverty, threats against our democracy, unjust division of wealth, or racism. Just come and receive a blessing so you can get your share of the American pie, or, figure out yourself what you can do to address societal issues. This is church without cross, without demand, without discipleship, without edge, without confession. Success, feel goodism, performance, personality, production, fluff, are its gods.
NEXT WEEK: Bonhoeffer and the meaning of church.
Peace!
Ron
From the freeway, Lakewood Church looks like a modern business facility. Flat roof, rectangular shape, brownish facade with windows near the top. On one corner are the words LAKEWOOD CHURCH. 90 degrees away is the name: JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES with a logo that looks like a flame inside a circle.
Parking was an experience. Policemen and parking directors were everywhere. The church rents parking ramps from local businesses as well as having their own. After parking, people stream towards the church from blocks away, like blood through veins and arteries.
While walking towards the church, I was engaged by a young, single African-American woman who asked me if this was my first time at church? I said yes, that I had watched the service on television and my wife and I were traveling and happened to be in Houston, so I seized the opportunity to experience Lakewood. I asked her how long she had been attending and she said since 2006. I asked her why she kept coming back? She said she felt welcome, there was a feeling of family, and no expectations. You could find your own way. I asked her if the pastors talked about social issues, justice issues in worship. She said "No, they let you make your own decisions about that."
Entering the worship center was like entering an athletic fieldhouse which could easily be re-fitted for basketball, hockey, or football. Comfortable green theatre seating, but no cup holders made for a relaxing time. I asked the young woman if I could join her for worship. She smiled. By 8:30, the crowd filled about half of the center which holds about 18,000. The attendees were diverse, about 35% African-American, 45% White, and 20% Hispanic. Their service days are Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, and one service in Spanish. After worship you can meet with Joel and Victoria for a meet and greet.
There was no cross. Anywhere! Only a flame and circle logo on the lecturn. Only a huge golden globe adorned the front. No altar. No mention of Holy Communion. Water baptism takes place every Saturday evening. Children must be at least five years old to participate.
Bible study is segmented according to age, situation, and gender, every Saturday and Sunday evenings. The theme is: "Get direction for your life".
Music and singing filled 70% of the 1:35 minute service. No organ. There was a worship choir numbering over 100 and a worship band consisting of piano, trumpets, trombone, drums and a few other instruments. Song leaders were multi-racial. All musicians were VERY TALENTED! Songs were primarily up-beat with some gentle songs mixed in to fit the flow of the service. Call it a revival! Come to Jesus! Praise and glory! People standing, raising their arms in praise, clapping, stomping their feet! There were no worship bulletins, only two huge screens filled with announcements, visuals, and words to songs.
Joel and Victoria each spoke. I would characterize Victoria's talk as "fluff and glory", and Joel's more thoughtful. Both used Biblical references. The focus was on personal empowerment, God will change your life, make you a new person, and fill your life with blessings. There was no talk about social concerns, racism, economic justice, environmental issues, other than references to being unemployed or divorced.
A portion of the service was called "Prayer Partners", when people could come forward and have a member of the congregation pray with you. Joel and Victoria were prayer partners. Many came forward to share their prayer concerns. The partners placed their hands on the people or hugged them during the prayers. Visitors were asked to raise their hands. Immediately, ushers came over to give you information on a post worship gathering and to give you business-like cards with the words "Be Our Guest" and a color picture of Joel and Victoria, which you were asked to hand out to other people you meet during the week. Joel said, if you are here seeking to change your life, give Lakewood a year of your life and you will be a new person and will be blessed.
I picked up a four-color bulletin filled with happenings: "Married Life Date Night", CPR Certification and Training, Kids Life Team Celebration, Big Game Party, Generation Hope Project-Washington D.C. (Meet special needs, clean-up parks, feed the homeless, promote literacy), Men's Outreach Encounter (Take a 24 hour time away to deepen your walk with Chrirst), An Evening with Lisa Comes when she will talk about her new book, YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE, Celebrate Recovery Inventory, Friendship "Red Hat" Fellowship, Women's Encounter Retreat, From Stressed to Blessed (Dealing with finances), Honduras Mission Trip, and Prayer Life.
My thoughts? I felt welcome. I was impressed by the inclusive diversity. The upbeat style and contemporary music leadership, along with vocal leadership was warmingly inspirational. It was performance worship at the highest level! The timing of the various elements, Joel and Victoria's entrances, musical and prayerful sections were impeccably timed. No times of silence. Keep it moving. The lighting effects were professionally arranged and timed. Joel and Victoria were well dressed for success and smooth in their delivery. Show time!
Was Jesus present? Apparently yes. Was there reference to the Bible? Yes. Were the songs gospel? Yes. Was there a feeling of family and community? Yes.
But it was all about ME. Lakewood is a "church" based upon "presentation, personality, and performance", focused on ME. I ask: Where is the cross? What kind of Christ is presented? Kiwanis and country club schmooze. This is consumer church. Performance but not prophetic. "Jack me up!" It was "half a loaf" Christianity, with focus on personal, feel good transformation and receiving personal blessings with zero call to discipleship, of entering the suffering of the world. There was not a hint of addressing anything structural or justice oriented. It was all "Jesus will bless you" with no call to lay down your life. No demands, just a comfortable seat, up beat revivalism, and banal enthusiasm. Jesus was dressed for success, complete with golf shirt, a deep tan, and martini in hand.
There are no risks being taken to address or stand against culture, economic greed, a bloated militarism, structural poverty, threats against our democracy, unjust division of wealth, or racism. Just come and receive a blessing so you can get your share of the American pie, or, figure out yourself what you can do to address societal issues. This is church without cross, without demand, without discipleship, without edge, without confession. Success, feel goodism, performance, personality, production, fluff, are its gods.
NEXT WEEK: Bonhoeffer and the meaning of church.
Peace!
Ron
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)