Last Wednesday, 11 November, I attended the local Veteran's Day celebration at the high school. It was stirring! The choirs from grade school to high school performed new melodic patriotic arrangements. There were youth doing a flag routine similar to flag wavers at half time of a football game. The high school band performed well. The colors were presented and retired in a precise manner. Veterans of each service branch were asked to stand and be recognized. The names of those who had died the past year were read aloud with a red rose placed on a chair draped in black in their honor. The local representatives for Boys and Girls State spoke of patriotism and government. The speaker was the local Presbyterian pastor who is married to a former Army Ranger. We wll sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and placed our hands over our hearts as we pledged allegiance to the flag. Yes, I actively participated. The event was timely, well done, and respectful of the occasion.
That afternoon I officiated at the funeral of a former US Army vet. At the gravesite the local American Legion Post gave the 24 gun salute with real M-1 Garrands, and taps were provided electronically by a wonderful commander who placed the trumpet to his lips and pressed a button which activated a mechanism the shape of a trumpet mute which sounded a perfect "Taps", all digitally pure. The commander then presented an American flag to the family "On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation". The empty cartridges were given to a family member to be distributed amongst the family. All respectfully done, with a solemn dignity.
What struck me was the physical appearance of nearly all of the veterans. All were average looking guys, mostly overweight, most tired in appearance. No John Wayne types here. Yet, they were all appreciative of the honor of the day. There was a pride of service, and the community was glad to say "Thank you", which they have been doing for over 25 years.
My brother served in the USAF for 28 years, becoming a Lt. Colonel. My uncle served in the US Navy during WWII. My cousin was shot down by the Russians off the coast of Vladivostok in 1952 because the RB-50 he was a crew member on was supposedly violating Soviet air space. We never heard from him again although there were reports he was prisoner in a Soviet gulag for years following. He is remembered in an empty grave and a granite headstone.
I have no trouble saying war is counter to the will of God. Nor do I doubt that Jesus would be an active pacifist. I have said many times that we were not created to kill each other. I would say that Constantine was the worst thing that happened to the Christian church, although I have no doubt someone else would have come along (and they did) who would have twisted the cross of Jesus into a national cross of iron. I also believe that a Christian can serve in the military.
Likewise, I am well aware of the cost of service. I have heard too many stories to buy into the glories of war. Indeed, I am coming to believe that what is happening within our nation is the natural outcome of being obsessed with the curse of empire. Soldiers returning home with emotional, physical, and moral scars that have torn out a chunk of their humanity, leading many to live on the streets, abuse their family members, assault strangers, or put a gun to their heads and.... Meanwhile the private contractors get rich, the arms dealers make a profit, weapons makers hawk their tools of death to the highest bidder, we send soldiers off to foreign lands to die for oil and hunt for an elusive Osama, and to fight, be maimed, and die for a corrupt government. And meanwhile our nation is broke, health care for all is being scuttled by the for profit insurance oligarchy and pay-offs to our elected leaders, banks are not lending, Wall Street is living off tax payer dollars, unemployment is growing, Obama is trying, and Sarah Palin is laying the groundwork for running for president in 2012.
This scenario leads me to the following conclusions: 1) Thank God for Jesus! It is a comfort knowing that His grace does not depend upon us making the correct decisions or knowing how to live together peacefully; 2) Thank God for Jesus! His call to discipleship and witness through the Sermon on the Mount remind us of purposeful living and what we are created to be; 3) Thank God for Jesus! In Christ is Spirit, and the energetic freedom to transform the home, neighborhood, nation and world, not as we ought but as we are able; 4) Thank God for Jesus! It is Jesus who can remake broken lives, and release us from a past that shatters love; 5) Thank God for Jesus! Our actions will be judged daily and at the end of time. We will be held accountable for our refusal to reflect the Image of God. We will be asked why we neglected justice and bastardized peace in the name of greed and national pride.
I think of the veterans. Most would say they served to keep us free. I am grateful for their service and sacrifice. The question I have is: Are we worth it? Or, are they just paying the price for our national folly?
Peace!
Ron
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Ratchetting Up!
I have recently begun serving as Lead Interim Minister at a large congregation in rural Minnesota. The people and leadership I have met are truly wonderful servants of Jesus. Their hearts are large with love, their concrete acts of compassion are numerous, and they are willing to do more. Furthermore, the organization, design, and care of the building are the best I have seen in a congregation. This is a testimony to the high level of responsibility within the people. A major fire over two years ago allowed them to rethink the building design and overall architectural configuration. The challenge before the congregation now is how to use this facility and considerable generosity to move ahead with new ideas for ministry/mission. The church is a blessing to this rural community and is loaded with professional and city leaders.
Does this sound familiar? How many of us belong to similar congregations, filled with good folks with a loving sense of Jesus and generous hearts, supporting compassion efforts? These actions need to be celebrated and encouraged. And built upon.
The building efforts seem to be in two directions: 1) Explore the community areas of need and design response strategies; 2) Begin teaching about the difference between charity and justice.
My efforts at addressing the above two points are beginning to focus on the following efforts:
1) Sponsoring open houses in the parsonage called "Firesides" (because there is a wonderful fireplace in the living room), to include singing, eating, drinking (coffee, no alcohol), prayer, a hang loose feeling, and a book study on Shane Claiborn's Irresistible Revolution. Great book! It is his story of his movement from the establishment church to his present vocation of being part of the "Simple Way" alternative church community. This turn away from the boredom of the institutional church to this alternative, counter-cultural expression is the story of his radicalism. He is not anti-institution, but more "let's do more"; 2) Work with the Church in Society Board to look beyond the walls of the congregation; 3) To invite community leaders to address the congregation about community realities. To me, the ultimate challenge is to encourage the mainline congregations to "do more" given the resources at their disposal. It seems to me that many congregations are not challenged enough to reach higher, to elevate their thinking and concretize more action. Indeed, it may well be that we "lefties" bail too soon on our established congregations, and not spend enough time nurturing the people to move beyond the status quo. Yes, there are risks, like being asked to leave, or just being politely "shunned". And there are limits to the rejection that each of us can endure. But I cannot help but feel it is worth a shot to try, and to keep on trying. And if we are beaten down, we have each other! And Jesus!
Although I have great criticism of the Far Right Christian "Crazies" and their congregations, I admire their passion for addressing life and political issues with an uncommon fervor, albeit narrow sighted and often prejudicial and bigoted. The challenge for us folks, and the reason for the Colorado Confession, was to challenge the mainline church to "ratchet up" its social justice and peace ministries, armed with a more thoughtful Biblical understanding and healthier personnas. I think our congregations are up to being challenged to a higher level of faithfulness. I read a comment by Cornell West: "We Christians have taken the blood of Jesus at the foot of the cross and changed it into kool aid". It is irresponsible to simply allow our congregations to retreat into courageless comfort. The People of God are worth our sacrifice to encourage greater encounter with justice and peace issues. We cannot bail. Our congregations need us.
Peace!
Ron
Does this sound familiar? How many of us belong to similar congregations, filled with good folks with a loving sense of Jesus and generous hearts, supporting compassion efforts? These actions need to be celebrated and encouraged. And built upon.
The building efforts seem to be in two directions: 1) Explore the community areas of need and design response strategies; 2) Begin teaching about the difference between charity and justice.
My efforts at addressing the above two points are beginning to focus on the following efforts:
1) Sponsoring open houses in the parsonage called "Firesides" (because there is a wonderful fireplace in the living room), to include singing, eating, drinking (coffee, no alcohol), prayer, a hang loose feeling, and a book study on Shane Claiborn's Irresistible Revolution. Great book! It is his story of his movement from the establishment church to his present vocation of being part of the "Simple Way" alternative church community. This turn away from the boredom of the institutional church to this alternative, counter-cultural expression is the story of his radicalism. He is not anti-institution, but more "let's do more"; 2) Work with the Church in Society Board to look beyond the walls of the congregation; 3) To invite community leaders to address the congregation about community realities. To me, the ultimate challenge is to encourage the mainline congregations to "do more" given the resources at their disposal. It seems to me that many congregations are not challenged enough to reach higher, to elevate their thinking and concretize more action. Indeed, it may well be that we "lefties" bail too soon on our established congregations, and not spend enough time nurturing the people to move beyond the status quo. Yes, there are risks, like being asked to leave, or just being politely "shunned". And there are limits to the rejection that each of us can endure. But I cannot help but feel it is worth a shot to try, and to keep on trying. And if we are beaten down, we have each other! And Jesus!
Although I have great criticism of the Far Right Christian "Crazies" and their congregations, I admire their passion for addressing life and political issues with an uncommon fervor, albeit narrow sighted and often prejudicial and bigoted. The challenge for us folks, and the reason for the Colorado Confession, was to challenge the mainline church to "ratchet up" its social justice and peace ministries, armed with a more thoughtful Biblical understanding and healthier personnas. I think our congregations are up to being challenged to a higher level of faithfulness. I read a comment by Cornell West: "We Christians have taken the blood of Jesus at the foot of the cross and changed it into kool aid". It is irresponsible to simply allow our congregations to retreat into courageless comfort. The People of God are worth our sacrifice to encourage greater encounter with justice and peace issues. We cannot bail. Our congregations need us.
Peace!
Ron
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Big Tent
The Church is a Big Tent. We are diverse. We are complicated. We are redeemed. We are broken. We are in Christ. We are in ourselves. We are thoughtful. We are (to quote Robin Williams in another context) "One taco short of a combination plate".
Most of the time I can celebrate this Big Tent. It is consistent with what Paul describes as the Body of Christ. I appreciate what diverse denominations bring to the Table of God. I sometimes describe Lutherans as "Inside every Lutheran is a Baptist trying to get out!", meaning we want be more expressive about our faith but culturally we are a bit repressed. I also describe my faith as Lutheran by confession, but a Mennonite at heart. The peace witness of the Mennonites and Quakers, the commitment to social justice of the Methodists and the new evangelicals, and the high liturgy of the Anglicans and Roman Catholics are inspiring, at least to me. And so we go.
I had the occasion recently to communicate with a friend who had been led by God and chosen to leave the ELCA, and he and his congregation have chosen to realign with the LCMC, or as he says, "the ELCA has significantly shifted". I respect the actions of his faithful conscience. In reflecting on his decision, I responded:
As I have ministered in the Church, I have always been intrigued by the question: What does it mean to be the Church? One of the conclusions for me has been that the Church is a Big Tent! Diversity is a great gift as it allows for various expression to co-exist, yet it also presents challenges of conscience and ethics. Then you throw in the "crazies" who hate in the name of Jesus, and, my 0 my, the mix can be contentious!
This reality leads me to ask: Where is our common ground in Christ? So we have differences. Can we love Christ enough to love each other enough to love the world enough, together? This is the great opportunity and challenge of the Church Universal. We must give common witness to Christ in the world in the Spirit of Christ's love. I like what Dorothy Day says: "Love is the measure". The greatest challenges and joys in my ministry have been making that love happen amidst the diversity of opinion, culture, and confession. I also like what John Howard Yoder says: "The alternative community [of the church] discharges a modeling mission. The Church is called to be now what the world is called to be ultimately". Or Gandhi: "You must be the change you want to see in the world".
What kind of church are we? Are we a church that allows for the Spirit of Christ to guide our interpreation of the Word, or do we have a Wahabbi-like literal constriction of God's Truth? Are we a church that weds Word and world, that understands our task as being an alternative community, that envisions a "new order" (Jim Wallis), posits an "upside-down kingdom" (Donald Kraybill), or is "in a state of permanent revolution" (Jacques Ellul)?
Our common ground in Christ is to reflect the transforming nature of the Reign of God. When we do this inspite of our diversity, and because of it, we are doing God's work. When we allow our diversity to spew hatred, to divide for the sake of pride, we are doing the work of the Devil, prostituting the reality of Christ, watering the ground of hypocracy, and giving credence to an unholy cynicism. I hear echoes of Bonhoeffer: "There is no salvation outside of the Confessing Church".
The Church is a Big Tent. Now, what is our color? Our character? Our witness?
Peace!
Ron
Most of the time I can celebrate this Big Tent. It is consistent with what Paul describes as the Body of Christ. I appreciate what diverse denominations bring to the Table of God. I sometimes describe Lutherans as "Inside every Lutheran is a Baptist trying to get out!", meaning we want be more expressive about our faith but culturally we are a bit repressed. I also describe my faith as Lutheran by confession, but a Mennonite at heart. The peace witness of the Mennonites and Quakers, the commitment to social justice of the Methodists and the new evangelicals, and the high liturgy of the Anglicans and Roman Catholics are inspiring, at least to me. And so we go.
I had the occasion recently to communicate with a friend who had been led by God and chosen to leave the ELCA, and he and his congregation have chosen to realign with the LCMC, or as he says, "the ELCA has significantly shifted". I respect the actions of his faithful conscience. In reflecting on his decision, I responded:
As I have ministered in the Church, I have always been intrigued by the question: What does it mean to be the Church? One of the conclusions for me has been that the Church is a Big Tent! Diversity is a great gift as it allows for various expression to co-exist, yet it also presents challenges of conscience and ethics. Then you throw in the "crazies" who hate in the name of Jesus, and, my 0 my, the mix can be contentious!
This reality leads me to ask: Where is our common ground in Christ? So we have differences. Can we love Christ enough to love each other enough to love the world enough, together? This is the great opportunity and challenge of the Church Universal. We must give common witness to Christ in the world in the Spirit of Christ's love. I like what Dorothy Day says: "Love is the measure". The greatest challenges and joys in my ministry have been making that love happen amidst the diversity of opinion, culture, and confession. I also like what John Howard Yoder says: "The alternative community [of the church] discharges a modeling mission. The Church is called to be now what the world is called to be ultimately". Or Gandhi: "You must be the change you want to see in the world".
What kind of church are we? Are we a church that allows for the Spirit of Christ to guide our interpreation of the Word, or do we have a Wahabbi-like literal constriction of God's Truth? Are we a church that weds Word and world, that understands our task as being an alternative community, that envisions a "new order" (Jim Wallis), posits an "upside-down kingdom" (Donald Kraybill), or is "in a state of permanent revolution" (Jacques Ellul)?
Our common ground in Christ is to reflect the transforming nature of the Reign of God. When we do this inspite of our diversity, and because of it, we are doing God's work. When we allow our diversity to spew hatred, to divide for the sake of pride, we are doing the work of the Devil, prostituting the reality of Christ, watering the ground of hypocracy, and giving credence to an unholy cynicism. I hear echoes of Bonhoeffer: "There is no salvation outside of the Confessing Church".
The Church is a Big Tent. Now, what is our color? Our character? Our witness?
Peace!
Ron
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Highest Respect
Our interpretation of Scripture informs our values and directs our actions. Or, is it the other way around: our actions and values focuses our interpretation of Scripture. Or, do we use Scripture to justify our values and actions? In any case, how we interpret Scripture is directly related to the character of our actions and values. Interpretation deserves our highest respect.
I have been reading Matt Taibbi's The Great Derangement. Matt is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone and winner of the 2007 National Magazine Award for Columns and Commentary. He calls himself an athiest. He writes of "deranged" aspects of American culture, whether in politics, religion, or social movements. In short, he is dismayed by the prevalence of cynical, unthinking hatred in each of these areas.
What I find most interesting is his journey into a fundamentalist congregation, even to the point of joining it so he could better understand what was happening. In this expose' he traveled to San Antonio, Texas to join Cornerstone Church, pastored by John Hagee. Remember that John McCain claimed Hagee as a spiritual advisor. Cornerstone has a membership of about 18,000 people. At Cornerstone he was surrounded by Left Behind followers, anti-gay, anti-anyone critical of the USA, anti-environmentalists, anti anything that was anti-Republican, pro-corporation, pro-capitalism, strongly pro-Israel, and definitely pro-personal salvation. Anything that was not of God was demonic. Going on a church retreat, Taibbi was showered with lessons on the demon of lust, the demon of handwriting analysis, the demon of philosophy, the demon of cancer, the demon of anal fissures, the demon of the intellect, the demon of pornography, the demon of disconnect. Taibbi's response to this demon talk is: "...asking these people to be objective about anything is just absurd". About fundamentalism, he writes: "...this kind of Christian is mainly wrapped up in a tireless study of various do's and don'ts-how to get through the day and interact with other human beings without slipping and inviting a demon into one's home or into one's abdomen". In all of this expression, Scripture was literally interpreted, with a major focus on the Old Testament, and the ethics of Jesus almost non-existant. The Bible was essentially a law book of rewards and punishments.
Recently, I had an exchange with a pastor of a congregation that has to deal with the recent ELCA sexuality votes. He commented that people need to address how scripture is interpreted. What this means is that how we interpret scripture informs the character of our values, of our approach to sexuality, of our actions. Likewise, the church Linda and I attend is sponsoring a series on understanding Islam. The conversation led to the content of the Koran. I asked about the truth of martyrs being given the gift of having sex with 70 virgins upon their death. He said this is not in the Koran. And finally, a group is promoting The Conservative Bible Project, which seeks to take the text back to its supposed right-wing roots. They say the Bible is too progressive: There is a "Lack of precision in the original language...lack of precision in modern language, and [there is a] translation bias in converting the original language to the modern one". Their solution to this problem is to propose a Wikipedia-like group editing project, focusing on avoiding unisex, emasculation of language, utilizing powerful conservative terms, expressing free-market parables, excluding liberal passages, and more.
Interpretation shapes our values. Respect for the integrity of the text, for what is there and what is not, is crucial to our values and ethics. We must let the text shape us first, allowing the Spirit of Christ to address the contexts of our lives. We will often be surprised by the creativity within the text. This creativity will have as its base the freedom to love, the freedom to do justice, the freedom to be merciful, the freedom to forgive, the freedom to make for peace, the freedom to welcome the stranger, the freedom to believe, the freedom to bring our contexts to the text trusting that the text will inform our actions, and the freedom to acknowledge Christ as the Center of life.
Interpretation deserves our highest respect, our sharpest intellect, our depth of heart, our humility of faith, our surrender to the grace of God. When this happens, Truth may arise to the glory of God and the greater realization of the Reign of God.
Peace!
Ron
I have been reading Matt Taibbi's The Great Derangement. Matt is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone and winner of the 2007 National Magazine Award for Columns and Commentary. He calls himself an athiest. He writes of "deranged" aspects of American culture, whether in politics, religion, or social movements. In short, he is dismayed by the prevalence of cynical, unthinking hatred in each of these areas.
What I find most interesting is his journey into a fundamentalist congregation, even to the point of joining it so he could better understand what was happening. In this expose' he traveled to San Antonio, Texas to join Cornerstone Church, pastored by John Hagee. Remember that John McCain claimed Hagee as a spiritual advisor. Cornerstone has a membership of about 18,000 people. At Cornerstone he was surrounded by Left Behind followers, anti-gay, anti-anyone critical of the USA, anti-environmentalists, anti anything that was anti-Republican, pro-corporation, pro-capitalism, strongly pro-Israel, and definitely pro-personal salvation. Anything that was not of God was demonic. Going on a church retreat, Taibbi was showered with lessons on the demon of lust, the demon of handwriting analysis, the demon of philosophy, the demon of cancer, the demon of anal fissures, the demon of the intellect, the demon of pornography, the demon of disconnect. Taibbi's response to this demon talk is: "...asking these people to be objective about anything is just absurd". About fundamentalism, he writes: "...this kind of Christian is mainly wrapped up in a tireless study of various do's and don'ts-how to get through the day and interact with other human beings without slipping and inviting a demon into one's home or into one's abdomen". In all of this expression, Scripture was literally interpreted, with a major focus on the Old Testament, and the ethics of Jesus almost non-existant. The Bible was essentially a law book of rewards and punishments.
Recently, I had an exchange with a pastor of a congregation that has to deal with the recent ELCA sexuality votes. He commented that people need to address how scripture is interpreted. What this means is that how we interpret scripture informs the character of our values, of our approach to sexuality, of our actions. Likewise, the church Linda and I attend is sponsoring a series on understanding Islam. The conversation led to the content of the Koran. I asked about the truth of martyrs being given the gift of having sex with 70 virgins upon their death. He said this is not in the Koran. And finally, a group is promoting The Conservative Bible Project, which seeks to take the text back to its supposed right-wing roots. They say the Bible is too progressive: There is a "Lack of precision in the original language...lack of precision in modern language, and [there is a] translation bias in converting the original language to the modern one". Their solution to this problem is to propose a Wikipedia-like group editing project, focusing on avoiding unisex, emasculation of language, utilizing powerful conservative terms, expressing free-market parables, excluding liberal passages, and more.
Interpretation shapes our values. Respect for the integrity of the text, for what is there and what is not, is crucial to our values and ethics. We must let the text shape us first, allowing the Spirit of Christ to address the contexts of our lives. We will often be surprised by the creativity within the text. This creativity will have as its base the freedom to love, the freedom to do justice, the freedom to be merciful, the freedom to forgive, the freedom to make for peace, the freedom to welcome the stranger, the freedom to believe, the freedom to bring our contexts to the text trusting that the text will inform our actions, and the freedom to acknowledge Christ as the Center of life.
Interpretation deserves our highest respect, our sharpest intellect, our depth of heart, our humility of faith, our surrender to the grace of God. When this happens, Truth may arise to the glory of God and the greater realization of the Reign of God.
Peace!
Ron
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Leadership: Top Ten
Hurray for leadership! It seems that leaders are flourishing! The 24/7 news cycle, the blogosphere, the internet, MSNBC, Fox, Air America, and.... The voices and pundits of leadership abound! But as the saying goes, "There are leaders and there are leaders". It sounds a bit like a "Yogi-ism": "When you come to a fork in the road, take it". Well, for what it is worth, in David Letterman fashion, I will list my Top Ten Leaders, or groupings, divided into constructive and destructive, with the understanding that all ten exhibit shades of the other, and that in Biblical fashion, "none is righteous, no not one". But there might be a tilt one way or the other!
CONSTRUCTIVE
President Barack Obama: He has accepted the challenge of trying to provide health care for all Americans. He has engaged the Muslim world in a spirit of partnership. He has opened America to equal partnership with the rest of the world, putting to rest a bully type attitude. He is more sensitive to the challenges posed by global warming and there are bills moving through congress seeking to address these concerns. He is working to close Guantanamo, to exit our troops from Iraq, is re-evaluating our Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy, and is engaging Iran with a greater sincerity and intelligence than before. The stimulus plan is working-somewhat with the economy slowly rebounding. Yes, in every effort listed there are short-comings, and the end results are not yet in sight, nor are the strategies as focused as many would like, but at least on balance he is addressing the issues in a constructive manner, with an ear to justice and peace.
Congressman Winer and Senator Waymer: I hope I got their names right! Congressman Winer truly understands the stakes in the health care debate. He is for a single payer system and understands how the insurance companies are gouging the American taxpayer and harming people in need of health insurance. Likewise, Senator Wayner and his "free choice" amendment to the health care bill. He wants all Americans to have a true choice in selecting their health insurance, just like members of congress have choice. It must also be an affordable choice.
Senators Rockefeller and Schumer: Both sit on the Senate Finance Committee and have proposed "public option" plans. Both were defeated, but because of their efforts, the public option is on the table. One of the best ways to win is to "not go away", and the losses were close.
Arianna Huffington: Arianna is editor of the on-line Huffington Post. The HP holds all people accountable, all political parties, all persuasions. Her standards are justice for all, earth care for all, equality for all. She has great compassion as well as a passion for what makes for peace.
The Comedy Central Team, Rachel Maddow and Keith Oberman: Satire and truth-telling to keep us focused. They expose the under-belly of the political landscape and jibe its hypocracy.
DESTRUCTIVE
Glenn Beck, Fox News, Lou Dobbs: Excellent at twisting facts, blindly nationalistic, overtly and covertly racist and nativist, depressingly uncivil, examples of the decline of thoughtful discource, good at name-calling, seed-bed of the "birthers" and "deathers".
Senator Max Baucus of Montana: In the pocket of the insurance companies, against a single payer system from the beginning, and against the public option. Captive to blind bi-partisanship and the need for 60 votes at the cost of true health reform. Spineless. The worst person at the most important moment in history to chair this most crucial Senate Committee.
Sarah Palin: Absolutely in love with herself! There isn't a camera she doesn't love! An ad agency which is responsible for booking her for speeches says her marketability has declined significantly, especially in the high priced circles. Why? Because "she's a blithering idiot"! Yes, she has a seven figure book deal, she will continue "blithering" to her minions, and she will probably wind up on Fox with a TV show. And yes, she believes she is presidential material. She is certainly a "legend in her own mind". Deliver us! Political eye candy! If we are not careful she will be the next Republican Presidential Nominee! And president???!!!
Right Wing Militias: Again on the rise. These malcontents are scary. Playing war games on weekends in the name of Jesus and the Constitution. If you don't have an AK-47 in your home you are not patriotic! The wonderful work of the Southern Poverty Law Center has got these folks pegged right: American Brownshirts and budding SS Stormtroopers.
Us: Our silence. Our acceptance of powerlessness.
Peace!
Ron
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Sexuality and Bound Consciences
The ELCA voted yes on three major resolutions relating to gays and lesbians living together in committed relationships being able to serve as ordained pastors or as professional church workers. The first vote approved a broad statement on human sexuality, 676-338, exactly the two-thirds majority needed. The second vote, 559-451, mandated the ELCA to find ways to allow congregations "to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same gender relationships". The third vote, 771-230, was a resolution to respect the "bound consciences" or moral convictions of members and churches that continue to object to the changes.
Following the votes, Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of Lutheran Concerned/North America, a gay rights advocate group, said, "Today I am proud to be a Lutheran". On the other side, members of Lutheran CORE, a conservative coalition, is meeting this week in Indianapolis to pray and contemplate their future relationship with the ELCA, perhaps leading some to drop their affiliation with the ELCA or decrease or redirect their financial support for the ELCA churchwide. We shall see.
How did the church come to these decisions? You could say that the "culture of the times" pushed and cajoled the faithful, and there would be truth in that statement. OK, but then the church, if it is sensitive to life outside the walls of the building, needs to respond. Now, the process is critical to fostering faithful, creative conversation.
It began in earnest about nine years ago with the formation of a study commission. Lutherans like to study! Papers were produced, changed, opinions from clergy and lay were sought, more studies, more papers, more conversation. A major effort was made to produce enough documents for study in all the nearly 11,000 congregations. More study, prayer, and conversation. Additions and corrections. More public meetings to listen and debate. Central to the conversation was the question of how we interpret scripture? Literally? What is the literal truth? Critically? Consider the historical context of the various books of the Bible? Word study? Linguistic sensitivity? As Bishop Allan Bjornberg of the Rocky Mountain Synod says, "We are good at doing 'head stuff,' but sexuality conversations have to get at the 'heart stuff'". So the human dimension became part of the process. People began telling their stories, gay and straight. If I would have been present, I would have told of hiring gay and lesbian staff, and the quality of ministry they demonstrated, and that I re-hired them. More stories. More tears from those who felt excluded even though they were faithful to Christ and committed to the integrity of the ministry of the church. The human side blended with the head side to provide a fuller expression of how do we interpret scripture. We are both brain and heart.
I was at a gathering last evening and spent some time talking with a friend/colleague about "the votes". The congregation he serves is very progressive and he was pleased with the decisions. As we talked of how we interpret scripture, I made the comment that when I first met him back in college, I knew him to be a conservative fundy. He laughed and said "You're right". I asked him, "What changed you"? He responded "I took classes from Professors Lloyd Svendsby and Paul Sponheim. Svendsby opened me to Biblical criticism and Sponheim introduced me to process theology. Then after college I went to Claremont Divinity School to study under John Cobb, a leader in process theology". Then he said, paraphrased, "I have learned that when you shut-down the mind, limit your critical inquiry, and resort to making rules and laws and move to the right, you end up devouring each other". At the same gathering, I introduced himself to a man who in turn pointed out his partner. Both were leaders in the church. The head and heart coming together.
It must be said that all who were in attendance at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly were faithful and committed Lutherans. Cast no stones. Now comes the future. It is my hope and prayer that diversity be honored, that love abound, and that we can eat lutefisk and lefse together, allowing for meatballs, potatoes and gravy, plus jello and coffee (inside Lutheran diet!). I like to think of Lutherans as having a big tent, that our "bound consciences" will bind each other together in Christ, that we may be one as the Body of Christ, worshipping, praying, serving together, and "keeping the conversation going" as we eat and drink, together. I pray. I hope.
Or, perhaps this will be a time similar to the division between the German Church and the Confessing Church in Germany in the 1930s and 40s. As a bishop friend once told me: "There are times when you just have to let the chips fall where they fall". After all, we all have "bound consciences".
Peace!
Ron Letnes
Following the votes, Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of Lutheran Concerned/North America, a gay rights advocate group, said, "Today I am proud to be a Lutheran". On the other side, members of Lutheran CORE, a conservative coalition, is meeting this week in Indianapolis to pray and contemplate their future relationship with the ELCA, perhaps leading some to drop their affiliation with the ELCA or decrease or redirect their financial support for the ELCA churchwide. We shall see.
How did the church come to these decisions? You could say that the "culture of the times" pushed and cajoled the faithful, and there would be truth in that statement. OK, but then the church, if it is sensitive to life outside the walls of the building, needs to respond. Now, the process is critical to fostering faithful, creative conversation.
It began in earnest about nine years ago with the formation of a study commission. Lutherans like to study! Papers were produced, changed, opinions from clergy and lay were sought, more studies, more papers, more conversation. A major effort was made to produce enough documents for study in all the nearly 11,000 congregations. More study, prayer, and conversation. Additions and corrections. More public meetings to listen and debate. Central to the conversation was the question of how we interpret scripture? Literally? What is the literal truth? Critically? Consider the historical context of the various books of the Bible? Word study? Linguistic sensitivity? As Bishop Allan Bjornberg of the Rocky Mountain Synod says, "We are good at doing 'head stuff,' but sexuality conversations have to get at the 'heart stuff'". So the human dimension became part of the process. People began telling their stories, gay and straight. If I would have been present, I would have told of hiring gay and lesbian staff, and the quality of ministry they demonstrated, and that I re-hired them. More stories. More tears from those who felt excluded even though they were faithful to Christ and committed to the integrity of the ministry of the church. The human side blended with the head side to provide a fuller expression of how do we interpret scripture. We are both brain and heart.
I was at a gathering last evening and spent some time talking with a friend/colleague about "the votes". The congregation he serves is very progressive and he was pleased with the decisions. As we talked of how we interpret scripture, I made the comment that when I first met him back in college, I knew him to be a conservative fundy. He laughed and said "You're right". I asked him, "What changed you"? He responded "I took classes from Professors Lloyd Svendsby and Paul Sponheim. Svendsby opened me to Biblical criticism and Sponheim introduced me to process theology. Then after college I went to Claremont Divinity School to study under John Cobb, a leader in process theology". Then he said, paraphrased, "I have learned that when you shut-down the mind, limit your critical inquiry, and resort to making rules and laws and move to the right, you end up devouring each other". At the same gathering, I introduced himself to a man who in turn pointed out his partner. Both were leaders in the church. The head and heart coming together.
It must be said that all who were in attendance at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly were faithful and committed Lutherans. Cast no stones. Now comes the future. It is my hope and prayer that diversity be honored, that love abound, and that we can eat lutefisk and lefse together, allowing for meatballs, potatoes and gravy, plus jello and coffee (inside Lutheran diet!). I like to think of Lutherans as having a big tent, that our "bound consciences" will bind each other together in Christ, that we may be one as the Body of Christ, worshipping, praying, serving together, and "keeping the conversation going" as we eat and drink, together. I pray. I hope.
Or, perhaps this will be a time similar to the division between the German Church and the Confessing Church in Germany in the 1930s and 40s. As a bishop friend once told me: "There are times when you just have to let the chips fall where they fall". After all, we all have "bound consciences".
Peace!
Ron Letnes
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Jesus Did an Adrian!
Adrian Peterson. The greatest back in the NFL. Those of us who witnessed his 65 yard run last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns can only be silenced into affirmation. He broke through the line of scrimmage, veered left and right, slowed down, accelerated, and then when confronted by a defensive back, literally threw him aside to the ground like he was a rag doll, perhaps muttering internally, "Get out of my way", and then outracing more defenders to the end zone. He was focused on the task and the goal. "Get out of my way!" Nothing will stop his train!
This is the practical focus I hope is alive and well among enough Senators and Congress people to vote a revolutionary health care bill. The proposals President Obama outlined in his stump speeches are right and fair: Insurance companies cannot drop coverage because of pre-existing conditions, there is no cap on what insurance companies must pay for medical services, insurance companies cannot drop you because you develop certain conditions during your life time, you can keep the insurance and the doctors you already have, there will be an insurance exchange in which people can choose their own insurance, just like the Washington leadership. Then there were some words about a public option being the preferred policy in order to keep the insurance companies honest and provide competition. This makes me think of fast food places. There is a reason why most of these grease paddies have $1 menues! Competition!
It is this last proposal and the iffyness of a public option that has got me concerned. Yes, it is off the table coming out of Senator Baucas' Senate Finance Committee. Why? In great measure because over the years he has accepted $3 million in campaign funds from the health care industry. Never bite the hand that feeds you. Who are the losers in this vote buying, in your pocket, selfish sell-out? The American people.
It is time for leaders to search their patriotic souls (if there is any left!), and do an Adrian "Get out of my way" move! Opposition to the public option needs to be thrown aside, with love, for the sake of the greater good. It is time to say GOMW to the special interests. It is time to say GOMW to the faux capitalists who believe corporate control is in the best interests of America. It is time to say GOMW to the congressional leaders who have been wined and dined, bought-off for the sake of greed. It is time to say GOMW to the "deathers", the "birthers", the "tenthers", the Limbaughs, the Becks, the Bachmans, the Savages, the Hannitys, the Wilsons, the Enzis, the keepers of the status quo, the destroyers of democracy, the prostitutes of capitalism. "Get out of my way!" We are going to cross the goal line of justice, the goal line of compassion, the goal line of being brothers and sisters, the goal line of human rights, the goal line of civility, the goal line of equality, the goal line of "our better angels", the goal line of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", the goal line of "We" instead of "Me"!
And President Obama needs to say "Get out of my way" to those who would deny the public option. He has tried to work across the isle. He has given the ball to the congress, and for the most part, the congress has responded with justice and willingness to support a public option. He speaks with passion. Now, he must act with conviction, put the squeeze on, and use his moral muscle to tell all obstructionists to "Get out of my way"! Or else! The well being of America is at stake. The ability of our government to act with justice for all is at stake. The character of our nation is at stake! We must back away from being "the best government money can buy". Go for the goal, Mr President! Zig and zag and thrown any aside who get in the way! "Get out of my way!"
And Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan"! Peter was trying to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem to be crucified. Peter was saying it has been such a joyful ride, the crowds have been large, you're a celebrity! Eat, drink, and be merry! We have got a good thing going! But Jesus said he must do the difficult thing, the faithful thing, the courageous thing for the sake of the world. So, "Get out of my way, Peter"! Jesus did an Adrian!
Get out of my way! Let us write or call our senators and congress people and urge them to shove aside any and all who would try to subvert this health care effort. Now is the time! Seize the day! Yes, let us be civil; but let us also be committed! GOMW!!!!!
Peace!
Ron
This is the practical focus I hope is alive and well among enough Senators and Congress people to vote a revolutionary health care bill. The proposals President Obama outlined in his stump speeches are right and fair: Insurance companies cannot drop coverage because of pre-existing conditions, there is no cap on what insurance companies must pay for medical services, insurance companies cannot drop you because you develop certain conditions during your life time, you can keep the insurance and the doctors you already have, there will be an insurance exchange in which people can choose their own insurance, just like the Washington leadership. Then there were some words about a public option being the preferred policy in order to keep the insurance companies honest and provide competition. This makes me think of fast food places. There is a reason why most of these grease paddies have $1 menues! Competition!
It is this last proposal and the iffyness of a public option that has got me concerned. Yes, it is off the table coming out of Senator Baucas' Senate Finance Committee. Why? In great measure because over the years he has accepted $3 million in campaign funds from the health care industry. Never bite the hand that feeds you. Who are the losers in this vote buying, in your pocket, selfish sell-out? The American people.
It is time for leaders to search their patriotic souls (if there is any left!), and do an Adrian "Get out of my way" move! Opposition to the public option needs to be thrown aside, with love, for the sake of the greater good. It is time to say GOMW to the special interests. It is time to say GOMW to the faux capitalists who believe corporate control is in the best interests of America. It is time to say GOMW to the congressional leaders who have been wined and dined, bought-off for the sake of greed. It is time to say GOMW to the "deathers", the "birthers", the "tenthers", the Limbaughs, the Becks, the Bachmans, the Savages, the Hannitys, the Wilsons, the Enzis, the keepers of the status quo, the destroyers of democracy, the prostitutes of capitalism. "Get out of my way!" We are going to cross the goal line of justice, the goal line of compassion, the goal line of being brothers and sisters, the goal line of human rights, the goal line of civility, the goal line of equality, the goal line of "our better angels", the goal line of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", the goal line of "We" instead of "Me"!
And President Obama needs to say "Get out of my way" to those who would deny the public option. He has tried to work across the isle. He has given the ball to the congress, and for the most part, the congress has responded with justice and willingness to support a public option. He speaks with passion. Now, he must act with conviction, put the squeeze on, and use his moral muscle to tell all obstructionists to "Get out of my way"! Or else! The well being of America is at stake. The ability of our government to act with justice for all is at stake. The character of our nation is at stake! We must back away from being "the best government money can buy". Go for the goal, Mr President! Zig and zag and thrown any aside who get in the way! "Get out of my way!"
And Jesus said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan"! Peter was trying to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem to be crucified. Peter was saying it has been such a joyful ride, the crowds have been large, you're a celebrity! Eat, drink, and be merry! We have got a good thing going! But Jesus said he must do the difficult thing, the faithful thing, the courageous thing for the sake of the world. So, "Get out of my way, Peter"! Jesus did an Adrian!
Get out of my way! Let us write or call our senators and congress people and urge them to shove aside any and all who would try to subvert this health care effort. Now is the time! Seize the day! Yes, let us be civil; but let us also be committed! GOMW!!!!!
Peace!
Ron
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