michael hidalgo

a fast from the noise

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Just last week we had some people working on our roof at our church’s building. Outside my window was an air compressor for their nail guns. It ran all day, non-stop. I read, emailed, met with a few people, and lived with the noise all day long. Finally, just after 5 PM the compressor shut off. It was then I realized how I had become used to the noise. I had functioned in it all day long. It was only when it was shut off that I realized how distracting the compressor was.

In that moment I had an idea. What if I shut the noise out of my life for a time? The reality is that we live in a world filled with noise. Everywhere. All the time. Noise.

As I write this, I am sitting in my office in the building where our church gathers. No one is here but me, which may lead some to believe that it is quiet. But this is not true. The truth is that noise is all around us all the time. Non-stop. If you do not believe me, stop right now, and listen. It is there. A constant drone. And it is not just the noise that you can hear with your ears.

There is the noise of email, Twitter, Facebook, IM-ing, and the constant bombardment of commercial advertising (conservative estimates say that the average American is confronted by over 2,000 slogans and corporate logos each day), and the list goes on and on. It is always there, like an air compressor outside our office window. The more I have become aware of this noise the more I have longed for silence.

When the noise fades there is suddenly space for a lot of other things. Things that have been drowned out by the noise that are more scared and beautiful than all the noise itself. We create space to listen to our own hearts and our own thoughts. We open up time to actually speak to another human being rather than leaving it up to our status update or email. Most importantly we can become more attentive to hearing the still, small voice of God speaking to us, nourishing our hearts and souls.

These thoughts have been rolling around in my head for over a month along with the question, “Is it even possible to notice how loud and annoying our world is until we shut it off?” Through this I have spoken with some friends, sought the counsel of our church leadership, and listened to their hearts. In all of this I have decided to take a fast from the noise – at least the noise I can control.

For the month of November (beginning Sunday, November 1) I will be off email, my blog, Twitter, Facebook, all televison, all radio, and all media (magazine, newspaper, online news sources).

To supplement the noise and the time I spend each day dedicated to email and blogging I am going to replace that time with prayer and meditation. Praying that I will be more absorbed into communion with God.

To supplement the time I spend in the evenings watching playoff baseball or The Office, I am going to spend time reading through the Bible, at least once. It has been a couple of years since I read straight through the Bible, and so I am going to begin November 1 and read through it as many times as I am able.

My hope is that as I turn down the volume on the noise in this world, I will turn up the volume increasingly on the voice of God as he speaks to my heart and soul. Henri Nouwen writes, “In a world that victimizes us by its compulsions (and noise), we are called to a solitude where we can (turn down the volume of our world) and struggle against our anger and greed and let our new self be born in the loving encounter with Jesus Christ.” (Italics Mine).

And so it is that I turn off the air compressors in my world and bask in the solitude of silence.

sex and violence

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 +0000

Click here for Sex and Violence

no need to fear

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 16:48:00 +0000

As I was driving today I had the radio on scan. It filtered through the stations skipping to the next station automatically. Station after station came and went. I finally stopped it on a talk show.

I listened for a time as the host was telling anyone who would listen including me that our country is moving full steam ahead in the direction of socialism. Socialism, according to him, leads to a communist government, which leads to fascism, which leads to citizens being denied rights (such as free speech), and ultimately the loss of religious freedom.

He cited example after example of nations that were socialist, and already the churches in those countries were dead. The death of the church in these nations he blamed on the socialistic principles of the government. He gave a stern warning to Christians to rise up and reclaim our nation.

This was not the first time I have heard such a thing. Recently on a social networking website a comment was directed toward me that said, “Once they have conquered health care, cap and tax and have taxed the wealthy out of business, they will come after churches that don't toe the party line. Wake up and take the rose colored glasses off!” One person recently told me that the plan of the socialists was to destroy the Christian faith, and cited the time when our President said the USA was not a Christian nation.

All of this fear and anger may want to pause, and review Church history. For it is precisely under oppression, persecution, and beneath religious intolerance that the Church is at her finest. Conversely, it is when the government tries to control the church that the Church is at her worst. When the Church becomes a tool for the government this is when the message of the gospel is compromised.

The Church flourished in the Roman Empire when it was a considered a rogue cult. Its members were called atheists because they did not believe Caesar was a god. They were burned, maimed, raped, fed to wild animals, and crucified. Yet, those in the early church refused to serve in the government or in the military because they saw how incongruent the Kingdom of Heaven was with the Empire of Rome. It was when Constantine legalized Christianity, that the Church began to slowly devolve. It was institutionalized and controlled by government. Over time, Rome became a “christian nation."

Eventually the cross of Christ (on which violence was done to him for the redemption of the world) became the very symbol used on the banners and weaponry of the Crusaders. The cross, the ultimate symbol of violence for the Roman Empire, had now become the symbol of violence for the Crusades. Those who fought heard the battle cry of Pope Urban II, a leader of the Holy Roman Empire, who said, “Deus Vult!” (God Wills It). With God on their side, the State and the Church embarked on a holy war.

The Apartheid Regime in South Africa used to give bibles to their military personnel and tell them, “This is your greatest weapon.” Eugene DeKock, the captain of the death squads for the Apartheid Regime, recalls having “bible studies” before he and his men would raid villages killing unarmed men, women, and children.

One part of Church history that is often ignored is that it is often the state sponsored religion that kills the Church, not a fascist government. The death of many churches in Europe has to do more with what the Church has become as a state sponsored religion. Our current Post-Christian world has little to with Christians being oppressed, and more to do with twisting the message of Jesus into an idea that itself is oppressive.

When Christianity is co-opted by a government, and they become a Christian nation, the Church, Christianity, and Jesus himself are made ugly by the imperial dreams of the nation’s leaders. In contrast, when religious intolerance, fascism, and the removal of rights are the reality for a nation, Christianity grows.

Throughout Church history it is in the darkest places that the light shines brightest. In 1950 China became closed to missionaries and Christianity. It is estimated that there were a million Christians living in China at that time. Today estimates say there are 100 million Christians in China. I have friends, who have spent time with the churches there, who tell me of the powerful faith, love, and hope that exists in the Church there.

Indonesia is the largest Islamic country in the world. It is a dangerous place for Christians. Yet estimates suggest that nearly a million people join the Church in that country every year. On the continent of Africa. A place ravaged by war, famine, and disease the Church is flourishing. Even under the threat of torture and death in Darfur, people are still committing themselves to Jesus.

While this is happening in those countries, no one is on the radio or social networking sites demanding their rights. No one is attacking the government for making Christianity illegal. This is because they understand the Kingdom of Heaven is incompatible with the empires of this world. I recently met a fellow from Afghanistan who was a Christian. He told me that he had to “be secret” in his country just to stay alive. He then smiled when he told me about those who had chosen to follow Jesus.

I asked him how I could pray for him. He said, “Pray that I would have courage to share my faith, because my country needs the love of Jesus.” He never spoke about the government. He did not say that one party or the other needed to get into office to change the laws. He understood that it began with him and his community of faith.

If we disagree politically, fine. Let’s speak like adults. Stop calling names. Listen to one another. Understand the full scope of the issue. Educate ourselves about legislation. All these things are important, and there are bound to be multiple opinions. But none of them should evoke fear about the future of the Church. For there is no reason to fear.

Maybe there is so much anger is because underneath it all is fear. Fear that our big buildings, slick programs, nice power point presentations, bible filled shelves, religious (and offensive) bumper stickers, religious radio, and the whole bit will have to go away. Maybe there is fear that our feeling of being in control and having influence in the highest echelons of power might be taken from us. Maybe the fear is rooted is a sense of entitlement and a fear of oppression.

But for those who are following Jesus, we need not fear for our king is alive and well. And, should all this does happen … stand back, for the Church in America just might be at her best.

solution side

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:24:00 +0000

One of my friends and mentors Jim Liske had a lot of sayings. For those of you who know him, you also know about his sayings. Things like, "Thin edge of the wedge." "Do the ask." "Land the plane." And the list could go on ... and on ... and yes it could well keep on going.

One thing he used to say that would often turn conversation in a brand new direction was one of my favorite of his particular sayings. “Get solution side.” What he meant was, “Good you have identified the problem, stop beating that dead horse. What is the solution to that problem.” Someone would speak about a problem, and he would say, “Get solution side.”

I recall one conversation when I was complaining about something and he dropped the “solution side” thing. I knew where he was going, but I really wanted to complain about the problem. He once again said his “solution side” mantra, and I found myself getting irritated. Did he not know how good it was feeling to complain about my problem?

I know that others have felt the same thing. People generally like to complain about things. And not just complain, but really complain. And not just really complain, but really complain to as many people who are willing to listen. As if this is not enough, those to whom they complain compound the perceived problem.

You may know how this goes. If a person has something or someone that bothers them, often they will tell another person. More often than not, the person listening to the complaining, in an attempt at empathy, replies by lodging their own complaint about that same something or someone that has been identified as a perceived problem. They go back and forth about a particular perceived problem, until at last they begin repeating their initial complaints, then they know it is time to stop.

It is not just complaining about a perceived problem either. People use fear mongering when speaking about something they perceive as a problem. Generate enough fear and the problem will get bigger. If the perceived problem is worse more people will get on the side of hate. But this does not work. People rarely develop good, creative, sustainable solutions when they are rooted in fear.

Some, when speaking of a perceived problem choose their language recklessly and use slander or hate speech. In doing this, they demonize the perceived problem. Then we can really objectify the perceived problem, especially if it is a person. But this does not work. No good comes about from tearing down a person or a group of people. If one is weaker because of our vilifying him or her, we are all weaker.

The most popular form of speaking about a perceived problem that I have encountered is mockery and sarcasm. It is also the hardest to detect for the one issuing the mocking rhetoric can always say, “I was joking.” But they are not joking. With every jab, bite, and smirk the true feelings of the person lies just beneath. Alas, this also does not work. The more we denigrate with words, the more trivial the perceived problem becomes, and over time we cease to look upon it with any urgency whatsoever.

We expend all of this energy what is accomplished? Nothing. Something or someone who was identified as the problem has only become the object or victim of harsh criticism. They only result is that the complainers, fear mongers, slanderers, and mockers feel justified (not to mention more deeply entrenched) in their own opinion (or dogma) about a particular problem.

So when someone throws out a “solution side”, many would rather not. To get to the solution requires more of us than simple complaining. It requires understanding the thing or person who is bothering us. This requires listening, learning, educating ourselves and possibly giving up preconceived notions about what we thought about the thing or person believed to be the problem (it may even mean that we recognize we are the problem!).

With this new knowledge of the problem, we are then forced to think about solutions. This is where it gets tricky. This means more listening, learning, educating ourselves and possibly giving up preconceived notions about what we thought about the thing or person believed to be the problem.

Then we have to instigate the solution. We have to generate a plan that makes sense for all those involved, and that all involved can agree to. We need to explain why we are doing what we are doing. We need to be able to accurately define the problem without complaining, gossiping, mocking, or slandering.

We are forced to give reasons why it is a problem (based on education and research not on our own opinions), and why our solution (also based on education and research not our own opinions) will work. In all of this we have to walk to the end of the solution all while being able to listen and change course when necessary.

This “solution side” thing is starting to sound like a problem, isn’t it? While it may be a problem, it may well get us to the other side. Just imagine what our world would be like if people listened, treated those who disagreed with a smidge of dignity like those who disagree were actually made in the image of God, and stopped using mocking names. Could you imagine a place where people of every persuasion began working together to get “solution side?” That would be something.

As for me, I say we get “solution side.” Can we stop using complaining, fear mongering, slander, hate speech, and sarcasm as substitutes for real solutions to all of our perceived problems (religious, political, familial, social, etc.)? If you disagree with something, great. But why? What is your solution? Does it work? If you do not have a solution save all of us the misery of hearing more complaining ... stop, think, listen, learn, develop a thought, and then speak with intelligence (that is my solution to the mire we find ourselves in).

And one more note, if you think this blog is a problem, that is fine. But why? “Get solution side.”

at the bottom

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:48:00 +0000

This last week our faith our faith community spent our time together on Sunday learning, studying, and thinking about desire. Which, if not an entirely tricky thing, it is certainly often a misunderstood thing. Last Tuesday afternoon I was at the library reading about desire, want, and passion. As I did I began to meditate on the idea of desire … and felt God speaking to me about what I desire. In my notes I wrote, “Some say that we have too much passion … the hell we do, we are not passionate enough!”

So often we mix up God given desire with misguided desire such as lust, materialism, greed, or covetousness. In wrongly pursuing what we think we want we expose a dark side of desire. Because of the dark side we want to curb desire, when in reality we should fan God given desires into a raging fire. The Bible is filled with positive talk of desire. And when the Bible speaks about desire it does not just speak about desiring God, his words, or his presence. The Bible actually gets sexual.

The Bible has a book of poetry that is steamier than anything Danielle Steele could create in her warped novels wrongly labeled under the genre "romance". It is a book with better one-liners than Cameron Crowe created in the movie Jerry Macguire. The book of poetry is a coversation between a man and a woman who are very much in love with one another.

In one section of this book the young woman is speaking to the young man, and says, “Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.” This is unbelievably provocative language, and in the midst of it she uses the word “delight”, which is the Hebrew word chamad – elsewhere translated as desire. This young woman is speaking about her sexual desire for her lover.

To want something is not bad. Even if that something you want is to give yourself away in a sexual relationship. We all have desire hardwired inside of us, and are meant to live as people who attend to our desires. But like all good things, when desire gets twisted we get ourselves into trouble. Rather than run from any and all desire we ought to recognize that desire is good - even sexual desire, in its proper context.

But there is another dark side to desire other than acting on desire in an inappropriate way like lust or greed. For some it is not acting on desire at all. Are there God given desires that we refuse, that we do not take up, that we push away, or that we say “No” to? Are there good longings deep within us that we ignore because we believe we are not good enough, walk away from because we are fearful of what others may think, or because we have been lied to and told we do not deserve that sort of thing? Have we ignored our truest yearnings because we are trying to live out someone else’s desires for us?

I recently met with a guy who is at a crossroads in his life. He kept asking about what he should do with his life, and told me of several options before him. I asked him, “What do you really want down deep inside?” He told me about his deepest passion for mentoring young people. As he did his eyes lit up, and he began speaking faster and was altogether more animated. I then said, “Not one of the options you have talked about have anything to do with mentoring young people.” He knew it. I knew it. He was pushing down his desire.

As I thought about this guy and studied at the library about God given desire; I realized that in my own life I have pushed down desire. I have flatly ignored some of the God given longings in my life for one reason or another. I began to go back through my life and realized that much of my anger, frustration, and discouragement that I have encountered along the way was related to my denying my deepest passions. It was not that I was too passionate, but not passionate enough.

Theologian and psychologist Gerald May, wrote in his book Simply Sane about those who bury desire. He speaks about the anxiety, anger, and fear that enter the lives of people who bury desire. He said, “Searching beneath anxiety, one will find fear. And beneath fear hurt will be discovered. Beneath the hurt will be guilt; beneath the guilt lie rage and hatred. But do not stop with this, for beneath the rage lies frustrated desire. Finally, beneath and beyond desire is love. In every feeling, look deeply. Explore without ceasing. At bottom, love is.”

We need to keep going deeper and deeper. As I have unearthed my God given desires in my own time with God (and with the help of people who know me well and still love me), and pursued those things; my anxiety, fear, hurt, guilt, rage, and hatred have begun to dissipate. As God has begun to do the beautiful work of taking away anger, fear, and woundedness my yearnings have been released to grow. I have begun to see that as big as my anger was, that when properly attended to, my desires are so much bigger than my anger could ever be. For my anger and discouragement were the result of my longings being crushed.

I was sitting in the library last Tuesday, and began to write my deepest desires. I took time to listen to my soul. I asked God to reveal what I really wanted. My writing could barely keep up with my thoughts. The more I wrote, the more I saw God simply telling me to be me. Him telling me to do what my heart has always wanted to do, and to do it for his kingdom. I began to see myself as God sees me, as a dearly loved kid, and I realized that he was at the bottom of all my desires – because all desire is about a deeper desire, and at bottom, love is.

twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:22:00 +0000

I have started using Twitter. The electronic leash strikes again. Follow my tweets: http://twitter.com/michaelhidalgo or @michaelhidalgo.

the first environmental legislation

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:19:00 +0000

*This is a revision of an earlier blog post, that seems very appropriate for us to consider now given the recent legislation in our country .

There has been a lot of talk recently about new legislation passed in Washington regarding Climate Control and Environmental care. There are arguments for and against on both sides. I do not want to nitpick over the finer points of the argument.

I do want to express confusion and concern about those who follow Jesus saying, in response to this bill, things like, “Environmentalists drive me crazy.” “I cannot believe our country is buying into the ‘green’ fad!” In speaking about environmental issues once I was told after by one angry brother, “You are a lousy tree hugger!” Those who champion this legislation are even being referred to in an antagonistic way as “Climate Control Zealots.”

Why all the malice? People are trying to care for our earth, the earth that God calls good, it is not like they are asking us to snort lines of Coke. Below is a I really do not understand why there is such vehement disagreement and debate, especially from those who follow Jesus, and believe in the Scripture, about this issue. Since I have been asked repeatedly about this, I thought I would simply take the time to talk a little about why I am a tree hugger (I will let you determine if I am lousy).

In Genesis 1 we see the first Environmental Legislation ever recorded in the history of mankind. The writer tells us that God said,

"' ... fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.' Then God said, 'I give you every seed bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.' And it was so."

From the start the first thing God tells the man and the woman in the garden is to care for his earth.

In Genesis 2, the writer tells us,

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. "

(Scholars refer to this as "The Creation Mandate"). The word for "work" in that in this verse is abad. The idea of working and caring in the garden carries with it the idea that we are called to continue to create alongside of God. Caring for the earth was not simply for practical reasons.

It was God entrusting what he created to us - to humanity. He was giving us a way to interact with the earth - the dirt from which we were created - in worship to him. Humanity is made in God's image - so when we co-create - care for and work his creation we are identifying with him. God invites us to participate with him in the ongoing process of creation.

In Genesis 3 the first man and woman go against God’s intentions for humanity. It is interesting to note what the punishment is for them.

The writer of Genesis records,

"To Adam [God] said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, "You must not eat of it," 'Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.'"

One of the immediate results of sin is the cursing of the dirt. Which is interesting. God puts a barrier between man and the earth because of sin. At creation he gave humanity a charge to care for it and to work it. However, the work has now changed to toil. The word "toil" is atsav. It means more than work - it is sorrowful / anxiety devoid of joy. Suddenly the relationship God instituted between man and the earth is broken - The care which Adam once was given was work / care that was ultimately a vehicle for worship. That all changed and now has become joy-less labor.

However, God in his love of humanity did not abandon us. He pursued humanity to bring restoration, redemption, and reconciliation. God, in his bringing of redemption to humanity included the restoring our relationship to this earth. It is interesting to note how many times God brings the land/earth (The Hebrew word for land eretz is translated both as land, ground, and earth) into the promises he makes to humanity.

We often say that a rainbows are God's sign of his promise to us never to destroy the earth again by a flood - however Genesis 9.13 God says in the midst of his renewing the Creation Mandate with Noah and his family, " I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Which raises the question - God made a covenant with the earth? In the midst of God making a covenant with Noah and his sons God includes the earth.

He also gives a promise to Abraham - central to that promise is a promise to give him land. He promises the same to Isaac, Jacob, and the people of Israel throughout Torah. He then gives a promise to David - promising him a throne/kingdom established forever. He points to a physical location - Jerusalem - at the center of it all.

Some object and say, “Why care for the earth, wait until you see what God is going to do to it!!” They say this in reference to 2 Peter 3.10-13 where Peter seems to say the earth is going to burn up. However, scholars have found older and more reliable manuscripts that give new meaning to the words in those verses. Rather than say the earth will be burned up, Peter seems to be saying that the earth will be purified, cleansed, or purified – much like gold is purified in the furnace.[1] God, is going to improve the earth by fire.

This is why the end of the book is so beautiful. John has a vision in Revelation of the new heaven and new earth. The earth has gone through the fire and is restored, and humanity is living on a renovated planet. It seems that each time God reaches toward humanity he is redeeming an initial relationship he ordained from the beginning - our relationship with the earth.

The Bible constantly speaks about God caring for his creation. Which makes sense. God creates the heavens and the earth, and calls it good. It does not make much sense to think that he would just stop caring about it.

The reality is that today we are no longer living in an unblemished creation. Creation, like humanity is experiencing the effects of the fall. But we are headed for a renewed creation. As a result we believe we are to live in light of that future hope now. In direct relation to the earth then, we have a responsibility to care for creation. This piece of legislation was given in Genesis 1 and 2, and God never rescinded his command that he gave to humanity.

We should have a deep concern for the environment and ask how can we be more earth friendly. God called this place good - and we should treat it as such as God has given us a way to have a relationship with the earth that brings him glory.

[1] Michael Wittmer, Heaven Is a Place on Earth, p201,202

beginning with the artwork

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:43:00 +0000

The Bible is a fascinating book. That first sentence is an understatement. The Bible has it all. Love, hate, romance, violence, treachery, friendship, life, death, pain, suffering, war, famine, deceit, and the list could go on. If one begins to read the Bible she may realize how much the ground and how many issues the Bible covers .

The Bible also defies categorization. It is a story, but not a novel. It speaks about what is true, but it is not a list of propositional truths. It is able to teach God’s people how to live rightly, but it is not an instruction manual. At times it is perfectly clear, at other times it defies interpretation. In some ways it is more like an indescribably beautiful painting than a book of words.

Consider all the different interpretations of the Bible. Some want to say that this is a weakness. However, I believe that this may point to the beauty of the Bible. For centuries men and women have approached this book, and recognized the mystery contained in its revelation. Maybe this is what keeps so many coming back again and again.

We just cannot stop staring at this work of art. We want to look at it in different light. Examine it throughout the seasons of our lives and see how it speaks to us in new and different ways. We want to hear how it speaks to others, and allow their understanding to shape ours.

What is fascinating about all of this is that the Bible is not about the Bible. The Bible is about God, who is love. One might say we are fascinated by the artwork, not because of the artwork itself, but because of what it says (and does not say) about the artist. We throw ourselves into understanding the work of art so that we might grasp something about the artist.

Many have spoken about wanting to know what the Bible says about this or that. However, my experience has told me otherwise. I have seen many people who want the Bible to tell them that their views, opinions, or presuppositions are true or warranted. In this we are beginning in the wrong place.

We are not beginning with the artwork or the artist, we are beginning with something else. Consider the way we often approach other people in an attempt to know them. Often we begin with questions like, “Where are you from?” “Where did you go to school?” “What do you do for work?” "Married or single?"

All of these questions remove us from where the Bible begins. The first chapter of the book tells us that we are the image of God. This instantly imparts to all people dignity, worth, and honor. Yet often we reduce one’s dignity to where they live, their occupation, or their appearance. We begin somewhere else.

This reality grows tenser when one approaches what are perceived to be cultural or political issues from the Bible. Conversation around these issues can be a lightning rod for some. Military. Non-Violence. Poverty. Immigration. Care for the sick. Environmental care. Racism. Equality. Raise one of these issues, and inevitably there will be a strong reaction.

Typically the reaction that is engendered from raising these questions is abrasive, antagonistic, demeaning, disrespectful, angry, or any combination of the above (these reactions, I would contend, is not what the Artist had in mind). Yet, if we are honest the Bible speaks toward each of these issues plainly, and therefore demands our examination of it. It calls for the people of God to wrestle with these and all conversations it speaks into. For in its addressing of them it ultimately tells us something of the Artist who painted the work in the first place.

Often times however, we do not move toward the artwork (and therefore the Artist), we move toward our own thoughts and ideologies. We dismiss quickly the thoughts of those who are also looking into the text, or possibly even the text itself, to hold on to our stuff. We base our idea of truth and understanding on our political persuasion, economic theories, family traditions, or academic knowledge. We begin somewhere else.

This is not to say that one has it right, and the other wrong. Who goes to an art exhibit and walks away telling everyone they see they were right? However, we have to begin somewhere else. We have to begin, as best we can, with what we understand the Bible to be communicating about God. We cannot begin with anything else; for when we do the Bible becomes secondary, and merely serves to frame another painting.

As God’s people trying as best we can, with the aid of the Spirit, we must try to understand what God is teaching us about himself. Some things are much clearer than others. And for those parts that are difficult we should not ignore them. Rather, we ought to spend more time gazing into them together, hearing from a wide variety of God’s people so that we might see more clearly the beauty and mystery that is before us. As God’s people no part of the painting should be off limits, nor should any one group or sub-group claim one piece of the painting as their own.

As we attempt to navigate our world and life, we must do what we can to continually develop and redevelop a proper understanding of the Bible. Looking into all parts of it – the easy, the difficult, the comforting, the disturbing, the hope, the judgment – for the Bible as a whole is what makes the artwork so compelling and beautiful.

All of the Bible is for all the people of God to dive into together so that we can better know the Author of the words. Indeed, that first sentence is an understatement.

the inefficient church

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:40:00 +0000

In recent years I have been hearing a lot about efficiency.

ef⋅fi⋅cien⋅cy [i-fish-uhn-see]: Accomplishment of or ability to accomplish a job with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.

There is nothing at all wrong efficiency whatsoever. But many of the conversations to which I have been privy have dealt specifically with efficiency within the Church. I must say I find this a tad confusing. The Church by nature may be one of the most inefficient things out there.

You may, in reading that last statement, have one of a few thoughts:

1. Absolutely it is! I can’t ever get anything done at my church!
2. Good thought, but my church runs with unbelievable efficiency.
3. The idea of efficiency within the church makes me sick.

In interacting with those thoughts, it does seem that the first two speak not toward the Church, but to an institutional system in which a group of people who follow Jesus decide to organize themselves. Within this organization there are hierarchies, policies, procedures, by-laws, articles of incorporation, websites, buildings, structures, and the list could go on. With all these moving parts it is now wonder people want to know and learn about the efficiency in the church.

However, none of those systems and structures are the Church. The Church is the full body of Jesus that exists for the benefit of our world and the worship of our Creator. The Church is people. By nature this makes the Church inefficient.

I know a group of men and women who served one family in need for years … and the family never joined the Church. Those who have served were not upset or discouraged. They recognized their call to serve (end of sentence). How inefficient is that? Could they not have put time, energy, and effort into something else?

A friend I know goes to Retirement Homes and sit with the elderly who had no visitors. He would learn what their favorite books were and read to them for hours. On the occasion that one of them would pass, he would always be sure to see that they received a proper funeral. Sometimes he was the only one around. How inefficient is that? Could he not put his time, energy, and effort into something else?

I know a fellow who fell into drug addiction. He moved away from home and left everything he knew. One day he heard a knock at his door. He looked outside and saw the one friend who had never given up on him. This friend used to call once a week and always tell him “Whatever you need I am good for it.” He did this for years. My friend who was addicted to drugs ignored the knocking. But he kept knocking and knocking and knocking … for three hours. My friend who was formerly addicted to drugs tells that story as the thing that changed his life. Years of persistence. Hours of knocking. How inefficient is that? Could he not put his time, energy, and effort into something else?

Some people at our church have begun meeting face to face with those who call DCC home to help them connect relationally. Some have said, "How long is it going to take to do this?" Others have suggested email, web-based sign-ups, etc. The response from the team has been to point out that every person is valuable, and at the very least deserves another person spending time with them to remind them they are cared for. How inefficient is that? Could they not put his time, energy, and effort into something else?

The Church is about relationships, and these may be the most inefficient of all things. Relationships do not cooperate with our best-laid plans. Spiritual formation is not something we can track, rather it is only something to be observed over a long period of time. Healing and wholeness are a life-long pursuit. Walking with a friend who is hurting, depressed, or disillusioned is not something on which we put a mission statement. Living as the embodiment of Jesus for the healing of our world defies the one, three and five year plan.

All of these things are inefficient. When we make efficiency the goal, we are left with a well-oiled machine, but no soul. And as one prophet once said, “The goal is soul.” Systems, structure, policies, procedures, hierarchies, and everything else too often become the focus, and we lose sight of what ultimately matters. So let’s be more efficiently inefficient, and may healing, wholeness, and hope come with it.

more than a day

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Every year, God’s faithful celebrate Easter. The day the Church observes in remembrance of the moment that God exerted his power, raising Jesus from the dead. We celebrate that the stone has been moved, the grave is now a groove, and all debts are removed.

There is a lot of build up to this day. The journey to the empty tomb begins weeks before Easter on Ash Wednesday. Then for forty days, during the Lenten Season, we dig into the muck and mire of our own souls. In prayers and practices of repentance, accompanied by fasting, we are reminded of our own depravity and our need for God. We remind ourselves that we are incapable of finding our own redemption.

During Lent, the dark season of the church calendar, we anticipate the celebration of Easter. We know inside, that our story does not end in ashes, but in the hope of the resurrection.

Through Good Friday (which is a curious name) and Holy Saturday, we wait until we wake up on Sunday. It is Easter. We celebrate, some even dress up for their church’s gathering, and we eat large meals with friends. As well we should, it is a great day. It celebrates the moment on which those of us of Christian faith place our hope. But then it ends.

Monday comes and we move on with our routines. We look ahead toward summer and hope that Spring is drawing closer. For the most part however, Easter is over toward next year. Why do we spend so much time building up toward Easter, but then experience such an abrupt halt after the day?

This year I have begun to question this. If we spend at least forty days preparing, shouldn't we spend minimally forty days after celebrating? (This is the beauty of the Liturgical Calendar keeping the resurrection as a part of our celebration until Ascension Sunday.) If we removed Christmas from the Bible we would lose a couple of chapters from Gospel of Matthew and a few from the Gospel of Luke. If we removed Easter from the Bible we would lose the majority of the New Testament. Yet Easter is a blip on the radar in our yearly calendar.

While some celebrate Lent, and spend forty days preparing for Easter, fewer spend anytime after. Beyond that Lent is a dark time that precedes the resurrection; shouldn’t we spend more time celebrating the resurrection – at least more than one Sunday when we dress up? The Church is a community based on the resurrection. The Church is called to be a people who live as a resurrection community – that is a community of hope.

Luke tells an interesting story in his Gospel. After Jesus has risen two of his followers are walking to a town called Emmaus. They are in intense discussion as they walk along the road, and they are joined by a stranger, who is Jesus, but they do not recognize him.

The stranger asks them what is going on, and they reply “Are you not from Jerusalem, don’t you know what has happened here in the last few days?” They simply are confused as to why Jesus was killed, and why his tomb is empty. The stranger then tells them about what was really going on. Luke says, “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”

Jesus reframes the story of the Hebrew Scriptures. He shifts their common paradigm. The resurrection sheds a whole new light on the Scriptures. It is a whole new story. A story that gives these disciples a new way of living, thinking, and seeing.

This is what Easter does. It reframes our story. It shifts the world in which we live. It gives those who follow Jesus, not just something to believe in, but an entirely new creation. This is something certainly worth celebrating, but not just for one day.

If Easter reframes our story that means everyday we are living in light of its hope in the front of our minds. We ought to remember, proclaim, live out, and celebrate Easter all year long as a resurrection community.

bread: a sermon

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:59:00 +0000

The ONE Campaign recently posted a teaching I did at Denver Community Church. You can listen by clicking here.

be careful what you quote

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Over the years I have had many people tell me that I am naïve to speak about poverty as though it is something that can be overcome. This happened most recently when I was wearing a ONE Campaign T-Shirt that has the words, “The campaign to make poverty history.”

What is interesting to me is that the ones who most often condescendingly make comments to me, are ones who call themselves “followers of Jesus.” More times than I care to count I have people ask, state, or remind me of the Bible by quoting Jesus who said, “Just remember, Jesus said, ‘The poor you will have with you always …’” My usual response is to ask, “And what words comes directly after that?”

According to the Gospel of Mark, the rest of the sentence is, “…and you can help them any time you want.” Jesus says this because some of the disciples are upset about how money is being used, and claim it could go to help the poor. But there seems to be another layer to Jesus’ teaching.

Jesus’ statement about the poor, is his quote of Torah. Perhaps Jesus was using an ancient artful teaching tactic called remez. Which means “hint”. Rabbis did this by quoting one piece of a verse in Scripture in a teaching or a discussion. Remember, that many in Jesus’ day would have had much of the Hebrew Scriptures memorized. So if they quoted one part of a verse, they knew that their students would know the context of the verse, and probably be able to quote the rest of the verse.

Jesus used this method of teaching often. When Jesus told the religious that had made the temple into a “den of robbers” he was quoting the prophet Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 7, the prophet says to the people of Israel, “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal and follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, "We are safe"—safe to do all these detestable things? Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you?”

Jesus is saying a little more than, “You are ripping people off.” He is calling them murderers, adulterers, liars, and pagans.

We see this again in Matthew 21 where it says, “… when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things [Jesus] did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant.” How did Jesus respond? With a hint, or remez? He quotes Psalm 8 saying, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’”? The Psalmist also writes in this Psalm, “…you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

Jesus is communicating something to them using remez. He is telling them they are his foe, and God will silence them.

When he is chided by his disciples, he quotes what has become a familiar verse related to poverty. Many have used this verse to excuse themselves from pouring themselves into helping the poor. The attitude seems to be, "If Jesus said, 'The poor will always be hanging around ...' then what good is it going to do to help them?" But Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 15, saying, “The poor you will always have with you …” Which is interesting because the full context of this portion of Scripture says,

“There need be no poor people among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today.”

Interesting. God says, “If you do things my way there will be no poverty.” But God seems to know that even his own people will not do things entirely right so he speaks about the fact that there will be poor people in the Land. So he continues,

“If anyone is poor among your people in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need … There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward those of your people who are poor and needy in your land.”

So for those who so quickly want to quote Jesus saying, “The poor will be with you always …” I say quote away! You are only reminding all of us that if we follow God there does not need to be poor among us, and if there is that we should be openhanded toward all of those who have need.

the greatest threat

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:14:00 +0000

I recently received a very abrupt email from a person who did not like something I wrote or said. This person wanted to tell me very candidly that what I wrote or said was not in agreement with his or her belief. Therefore, this person, in an angry and defensive tone, told me what he or she believed. Then before closing the email got in a good one liner about my appearance or character – or maybe both as I am trying to forget the nasty comments (yet now I write about it?).

This is not the first time I have received mean spirited emails from people. I have been confronted by people in parking lots outside of church buildings. I have been called all sorts of names (if you really want to know my top five email me). I have been accused of siding with one group or another. I have received phone calls from angry people about this or that. This is not the norm, but it does happen.

Over the years I have begun to see a pattern emerge. That being, the greatest reaction from people is when an idea is presented that is contrary to their own. Mind you, it is not when I or anyone vehemently attack their position and say it is wrong. Simply articulating a thought or an idea that is not in agreement with their's gets the blood pumping. Asking a penetrating, open-ended question that causes them to encounter their own belieds can cause all sorts of responses.

The greatest threat it seems is not a frontal assault. Rather, it is engaging a new or different idea or asking new or different questions. It is taking a good hard look at the unknown and walking straight into it.

I have to be honest when I say I am not sure why this is. Perhaps because we as a people have been told the answers our whole life, and told we are never to question them. New thoughts, ideas, or questions can do just that. I would be interested to hear what your thoughts are on why this is. Feel free to comment.

shalom, salaam, peace part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:15:00 +0000

This is an urgent topic. This group calls violent jihad the most “urgent topic.” While it is urgent – is it really the most urgent?

What about the global water and sanitation crisis that is killing millions every year – far more than violent jihad? What about the AIDS pandemic that is killing millions every year – far more than violent jihad? What about famine and hunger that is killing millions every year – far more than violent jihad? What about extreme poverty that forces over a billion people to live on less than a dollar a day?

Maybe the solution to violent jihad could be bound up in solving these very things. Colin Powell, a decorated United States General said, “The war against terror is bound up in the war against poverty.”

If we as Christians put our efforts into loving this world things may look a little different. If we are serving people with no strings attached will they really want to threaten us? If are giving the thirsty clean, cold water will they want us dead? If we are empowering women to care for the children, thus seeing a drastic reduction in the infant mortality rate, do we need clandestine evenings to speak about our security?

Much of this conversation is about being right, not being loving. Much of this conversation is about strength, not about being broken. Much of this conversation is about the God of Abraham being on one side or the other. But we cannot forget God is with us if we are with him, and he is a God of peace.

The Kingdom calls us to a difficult place. It calls us to give up our sense of entitlement to what we believe are our rights, and pursue the cause of peace. This does not mean roll over and accept our fate – it means actively loving our enemy. Feeding them, clothing them, caring for them as people – as we would a brother or a sister – as we would a fellow child of Abraham. Maybe in this we will find shalom, salaam, peace.

shalom, salaam, peace part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:10:00 +0000

My question of those sons of Abraham who are Christians comes out of a letter I recently saw sent to privileged undisclosed recipients. The letter was sent by a Christian organization at the behest of the organization’s leader inviting a special group to an almost clandestine dinner. Their featured speaker has a world of military, law enforcement, and security experience. The evening is to address, in their words, “… the threat of violent jihad.”

The letter goes on to state that the most basic values that we hold dear will be threatened if we do not act intentionally and swiftly. They are calling on U.S. citizens to come together to address the most “urgent topic” pressing on us today.

As a Christian I find this all a bit interesting on many levels. I could speak about the fact that this is a Christian organization that put out a letter that speaks of “radical Islam” and its affect on the “United States.” Keep in mind, this letter comes out of a Christian organization that has no official affiliation with the United States Government. Yet they set up the tension to be between Islam and the United States.

Is it possible that we should be addressing this issue from the posture of the Kingdom of Heaven and not the United States? Certainly, nations and governments have their responsibilities and policies. But are we not called first, foremost and exclusively to pledge our allegiance to a blood stained cross, and not the flag of any nation?

If we approach this discussion with a Kingdom perspective we are introduced to quotes like:

“Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.”

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Coals were a symbol of purification not torture).

“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing …Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

As a son of Abraham I am called to seek peace. As a son of Abraham I am called to bless the violent jihadists. As a son of Abraham I am called to love all people without preconditions. As a son of Abraham I am called to pray for those who hate me and wished I were dead. As a son of Abraham I am called to pursue peace.

Maybe we speak about this at a "national security" level because it is easier then to navigate around these ideas that run deep in the Kingdom of Heaven. Maybe we do all we can to objectify our “enemy” because then we can live with our security and their destruction a little easier. Maybe we speak of country rather than faith because then we can detach ourselves from the radical teachings of Jesus who preached the Kingdom not a country.

shalom, salaam, peace part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:08:00 +0000

When I was young we used to sing a song that made little sense. The lyric was …

Father Abraham had many sons,
Many sons had father Abraham,
I am one of them and so are you …

Then you would have to wave an arm, a leg, spin around. It was about as meaningful as the Hokey Pokey. Recently, however, the phrase “sons of Abraham” has taken on new meaning, not just for me, but globally. For it is the “sons of Abraham” that represent the three largest monotheistic religions. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.

It is well known that there has been mounting tension in recent years between the sons of Abraham. The religions themselves have been cloaked under the banner of nations. Israel. The United States. Afghanistan. We use other words to minimize the religious overtones of the conversation. Words like terrorist, military, security. This has become a conversation about politics, national security, and war.

But underneath it all there are the “sons of Abraham.” Staring each other down, guns locked and loaded, all ready to defend or attack in a moment’s notice. The passion behind this tension is more than political. It goes to the very foundation of life for billions of people worldwide. It goes to religion.

As I view this religious hostility being played out on the world’s stage under the banner of nations, I have been interested in the Christian response. This is because I am a son of Abraham, I am one of them, and so are you … I am a Christian. Admittedly I do not know the breadth and depth of the Muslim faith and tradition, nor the Jewish faith. I do however, know a little about the Christian faith and our tradition.

It is my scant knowledge of the Christian tradition that has led me to write about the Christian response to all of this. And, since we are all sons of Abraham, I ask those of Jewish faith and Muslim faith if we can once and for all lay down our guns for the pursuit of shalom, salaam, peace.

I am not so naïve as to believe that I have the perfect answer to the tension that exists that will once and for all solve the problem. I do however, believe that systemic change begins one person at a time. And so for me, I wish to take the first step.

the capacity of love

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:40:00 +0000

I spent time with a good friend this morning who was talking about Martin Luther King, Jr. He quoted a piece of a sermon given by Dr. King. I later found the sermon to which he referred and read it in its entirety online ... Below is an excerpt that sermon entitled "The American Dream" that was give at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia, on 4 July 1965.

History is the long story of the fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges without strong resistance, and they seldom do it voluntarily. And so if the American dream is to be a reality, we must work to make it a reality and realize the urgency of the moment. And we must say now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to get rid of segregation and discrimination. Now is the time to make Georgia a better state. Now is the time to make the United States a better nation. We must live with that, and we must believe that.

And I would like to say to you this morning what I’ve tried to say all over this nation, what I believe firmly: that in seeking to make the dream a reality we must use and adopt a proper method. I’m more convinced than ever before that nonviolence is the way. I’m more convinced than ever before that violence is impractical as well as immoral.

If we are to build right here a better America, we have a method as old as the insights of Jesus of Nazareth and as modern as the techniques of Mohandas K. Gandhi. We need not hate; we need not use violence. We can stand up before our most violent opponent and say: We will match your capacity to inflict suffering by our capacity to endure suffering. We will meet your physical force with soul force. Do to us what you will and we will still love you.

We cannot in all good conscience obey your unjust laws, because noncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good, and so throw us in jail. We will go in those jails and transform them from dungeons of shame to havens of freedom and human dignity.

Send your hooded perpetrators of violence into our communities after midnight hours and drag us out on some wayside road and beat us and leave us half-dead, and as difficult as it is, we will still love you.

Somehow go around the country and use your propaganda agents to make it appear that we are not fit culturally, morally, or otherwise for integration, and we will still love you.

Threaten our children and bomb our homes, and as difficult as it is, we will still love you.

But be assured that we will ride you down by our capacity to suffer. One day we will win our freedom, but we will not only win freedom for ourselves, we will so appeal to your heart and your conscience that we will win you in the process. And our victory will be a double victory.

Oh yes, love is the way. Love is the only absolute. More and more I see this. I’ve seen too much hate to want to hate myself; hate is too great a burden to bear.

I’ve seen it on the faces of too many sheriffs of the South—I’ve seen hate. In the faces and even the walk of too many Klansmen of the South, I’ve seen hate. Hate distorts the personality. Hate does something to the soul that causes one to lose his objectivity. The man who hates can’t think straight; the man who hates can’t reason right; the man who hates can’t see right; the man who hates can’t walk right.

And I know now that Jesus is right, that love is the way. And this is why John said, "God is love," so that he who hates does not know God, but he who loves at that moment has the key that opens the door to the meaning of ultimate reality.

the success of the church

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:47:00 +0000

There has been a lot of talk about successful churches as of late. One can attend conferences to learn what is it that makes a successful church. There are books written about what makes a church successful. There are many who are looking out for a the silver bullet. The are many who want to know the one thing that will make a church successful.

The problem with this train of thought is that there are many different opinions about what makes a church successful. One common denominator seems to be church growth. The bottom line, for some, is, “How many people are showing up on a Sunday morning?” Perhaps there is a better way to think about this.

After spending a week in Dominican Republic, I was reminded of something that I experienced when I spent time with several churches in Mozambique. When we sat with the pastors and asked them, “What do you need?” and “How can we support you in what you are already doing?” The immediate response was to tell us about the communities they were in.

In DR, the Haitian pastors told us about the refugee villages, and the high level of HIV/AIDS among those who live there. We were told about the needs in the slums of Puerta Plata. We were told about the need for proper documentation for Haitians so they can work and be enabled to feed their families.

Their focus is serving those who are in a bad spot – the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. Thinking about this for a time, I then asked about success. They then spoke of those who had new homes built – homes that would not flood after a rain. They spoke about support coming to them so that refugees could get documents that would allow them to work. They told stories of healing.

On Sunday we gathered with our brothers and sisters at the church’s building. A few showed up. Yet as I sat and listened to songs sung in Creole and Spanish I knew that I was with a successful church. Which reminded me of a statement Jesus made.

John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one to come. He was sending his disciples to Jesus to find out if he was Messiah, if he had come to establish his kingdom. Jesus’ response is simple. He says, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” Jesus does not just say “yes.”

He tells John’s disciples – “Yes, and this is what the kingdom looks like.” The kingdom is here now, and the Church is to be the embodiment of that kingdom. When we think about success then, maybe we should measure it against this. Maybe we should ask, “Is there healing, renewal, love, and hope?”

What would it sound like to answer the question, “What does success look like in your church?” with the answer – “The hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, the poor are seeing justice, the sick are being healed, the prisoners are being visited, the thirsty are receiving clean water …” That sounds like success, but only because it sounds like the kingdom.

a prayer for all of us

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:49:00 +0000

Today, at the end of the inauguration, Rev. Joseph Lowery, gave the benediction. One day after our country celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., another iconic leader of the Civil Rights movement stood before our country and led us together in a prayer.

While President Obama’s speech was no doubt memorable. While many will discuss, praise, or argue over Rick Warren. An 87 year-old preacher took the stage, and it is his prayer that I will remember about today.

With a face worn by years of struggle, he spoke words delivered from a heart strengthened by hope, renewal, and living out the realization of Dr. King’s dream. He began his prayer quoting the words of the Negro National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and finished by quoting the prophets Micah and Amos.

Here is a transcript of his prayer … may it be ours too.

“God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, thou who has brought us thus far along the way, thou who has by thy might led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray, lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee. Shadowed beneath thy hand may we forever stand -- true to thee, O God, and true to our native land.

We truly give thanks for the glorious experience we've shared this day. We pray now, O Lord, for your blessing upon thy servant, Barack Obama, the 44th president of these United States, his family and his administration. He has come to this high office at a low moment in the national and, indeed, the global fiscal climate. But because we know you got the whole world in your hand, we pray for not only our nation, but for the community of nations. Our faith does not shrink, though pressed by the flood of mortal ills.

For we know that, Lord, you're able and you're willing to work through faithful leadership to restore stability, mend our brokenness, heal our wounds and deliver us from the exploitation of the poor or the least of these and from favoritism toward the rich, the elite of these.

We thank you for the empowering of thy servant, our 44th president, to inspire our nation to believe that, yes, we can work together to achieve a more perfect union. And while we have sown the seeds of greed -- the wind of greed and corruption, and even as we reap the whirlwind of social and economic disruption, we seek forgiveness and we come in a spirit of unity and solidarity to commit our support to our president by our willingness to make sacrifices, to respect your creation, to turn to each other and not on each other.

And now, Lord, in the complex arena of human relations, help us to make choices on the side of love, not hate; on the side of inclusion, not exclusion; tolerance, not intolerance.

And as we leave this mountaintop, help us to hold on to the spirit of fellowship and the oneness of our family. Let us take that power back to our homes, our workplaces, our churches, our temples, our mosques, or wherever we seek your will.

Bless President Barack, First Lady Michelle. Look over our little, angelic Sasha and Malia.

We go now to walk together, children, pledging that we won't get weary in the difficult days ahead. We know you will not leave us alone, with your hands of power and your heart of love.

Help us then, now, Lord, to work for that day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, when tanks will be beaten into tractors, when every man and every woman shall sit under his or her own vine and fig tree, and none shall be afraid; when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream.

Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.

Let all those who do justice and love mercy say, Amen."

nonviolence, part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Jesus points to another way. Something beyond retaliation, fighting, or violence. Jesus proclaimed a gospel that was nonviolent. We see it in his teaching, throughout his entire life, and, above all, the way he faced his death. He saw nonviolence as connected to the nature of God and the new reality emerging into the world from God.

The perfect display of this was when Jesus was going to his death. One of his disciples cuts off the ear of the servant of the high priest with a sword. Jesus tells him to put the sword away. Jesus puts down the sword and picks up the cross.

It is interesting to note is that Jesus demands the same thing of those who follow him when he calls his disciples to take up their cross. His call is about living a life of sacrifice. His call is about putting down the sword, giving up entitlement, and having the same attitude of Christ Jesus.

This idea was embraced by the early Christians who refused to pick up the sword. Those who were a part of the early Church refused to fight under the Banner of any nation. They recognized that the banner of Jesus was the banner of peace, love, and nonviolence.

Throughout history there are many examples of men and women who have resisted evil, in all forms, in nonviolent fashion. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. He led a movement that was rooted in nonviolence, and he led a movement that changed the course of a nation.

More recently the Velvet Revolution overcame oppression and a communist regime in Czechoslovakia. The movement was started by students who staged a peaceful demonstration. Through diplomacy they led a movement that caused the collapse of a rigme. Ghandi faced down the British Empire without a shot being fired. Sister Milar Rocco faced down Philippine soldiers with sandwiches, kindness, and conversation.

The question of nonviolence asks, “What is the preferred outcome in conflict?” Our knee jerk response is often to want to win. If we are honest, our desire is not just to win, but to vanquish our opponent and send them into oblivion. This is the voice of violence that is within us. But Jesus calls us to another way.

The preferred outcome of nonviolence is the peace, redemption, and wholeness of everyone involved. It is not the easy way – in fact it is the way of greater strength. It is easy, even normal, for a person to retaliate when another acts against them with violence. It takes great strength to turn the other cheek. It takes great strength to put down the sword and pick up the cross.

Years ago in Auburn New York, white supremacists organized a Neo-Nazi rally. As one would expect there was vitriolic rhetoric, hateful slogans on banners, racism everywhere, and hundreds of men and women bent on violence. One would think that the situation could not have gotten any uglier, until a crowd of about 2,000 began a protest of the Neo-Nazi rally.

The protest and the protest of the protest quickly turned violent. The crowds began to chase down the white supremacists who were fleeing the scene. Stones, bricks, bottles, and other objects were thrown at them as they sped away in their cars. One woman who was a skinhead was struck in the face by one of these objects, and the crowd closed in on her and began to kick, stomp and beat her.

There is this skinhead. A woman who believes that Whites are the supreme race. A woman whose life is defined by violence. There she lay bloodied and beaten. In the midst of the melee an elderly Jewish man fought his way through the crowd to get to her. When he finally got to her, he did not act violently. Rather he threw himself on top of her, and took the kicks for her.

Jesus taught that God loves everyone, even those who make themselves God's enemies. Jesus even says that we are to bless our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Paul says if our enemy is hungry, we should feed him; if he is thirsty, we should give him something to drink.

The Kingdom of Heaven is a realm in which violence, so common to our world, is superseded. The Kingdom calls its citizens to put down the sword and pick up the cross. Nonviolence is a quality of the Kingdom.

For more on nonviolence I suggest the following articles/books:
Beyond Just War and Pacifism: Jesus' Nonviolent Way
The Myth of Redemptive Violence
The Power of Nonviolence
Nonviolence: The History of a Dangerous Idea

nonviolence, part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:19:00 +0000

On Friday night my wife and I saw the movie Gran Turino. The movie deals, in part, with the subject of nonviolence. This can often be a controversial subject, and, interestingly enough, often engenders a violent response from its critics. The idea of violence is such a part of our culture that we have been seduced into only thinking in terms of violence.

From the earliest age we are taught that if there is a bully on the playground that hits us, we should hit him back. This idea is everywhere. Many feel that to do nothing in the face of violence is to only invite abuse from those who are violent. To defeat violence we must return violence.

The problem is that the violence returned will keep going unless one side exerts greater force. The spiral of violence will continue upward until one side commits an act that ends the fight. This can get ugly quite quickly.

What is interesting is that when one side is declared a victor there is no change in the side that has been defeated. I have never seen a fight in which a bloodied, defeated person (or people) walk away recognizing that they were wrong, or walk away feeling the fight is over. More often the defeated only walk away to plan their revenge on the victor. Typically their revenge is more and greater violence.

Violence can never bring peace. The idea that it can is a myth that has been told and retold for centuries. Walter Wink speaks of this false idea in an article titled, The Myth of Redemptive Violence. In a humorous paragraph he describes a famous cartoon that he says describes the myth of redemptive violence:

“In a typical segment, Bluto abducts a screaming and kicking Olive Oyl, Popeye’s girlfriend. When Popeye attempts to rescue her, the massive Bluto beats his diminutive opponent to a pulp, while Olive Oyl helplessly wrings her hands. At the last moment, as our hero oozes to the floor, and Bluto is trying, in effect, to rape Olive Oyl, a can of spinach pops from Popeye’s pocket and spills into his mouth. Transformed by this gracious infusion of power, he easily demolishes the villain and rescues his beloved. The format never varies. Neither party ever gains any insight or learns from these encounters. They never sit down and discuss their differences. Repeated defeats do not teach Bluto to honor Olive Oyl’s humanity, and repeated pummellings do not teach Popeye to swallow his spinach before the fight.”

Violence only breeds more violence. We can live with the attitude of, “You punch me and I will punch you back.” Then what? If the person you are punching back is living by the same rules then you are bound to get punched a second time. Then, you will punch back … and so it goes.

It seems that there is only one way to stop the cycle of senseless violence in which we are entrenched, that being nonviolence. This attitude says, “You punch me and I will turn the other cheek.” It does not pursue vengeance, it pursues peace. It pursues the wholeness of one’s enemies. It seeks the best for all involved.

This way of living seems impossible in our world. Many critics of nonviolence ask questions of how one should deal with violent regimes, or how one should respond if loved ones are threatened with violence. One friend even commented, “If we live a nonviolent life then we would just get killed.”

All of this is true. But where has violence gotten us? Maybe there is a better way.

salvation for living

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:18:00 +0000

When I was in college, I would go through phases where I was genuinely trying to be a good person. I would be in a rhythm of reading my Bible almost everyday. I would pray frequently, and invoke God’s name in many conversations so that others would have the benefit of knowing that I was “spiritual.”

I would not swear when I stubbed my toe, my lips would be devoid of profane talk, and I would not smoke cigarettes. I would not drink any kind of beer, and I would dress appropriately. I would go along like this for a few days or weeks, and really believe that I was doing great spiritually.

Then something in my head would click. I can’t explain it. For what seemed a dark moment, I would go to the store to buy a bottle of Dr. Pepper and something inside me would want a cigarette. So I would buy a pack, and smoke one.

I would then in disgust take the other 19 in the pack and throw them out the window of my car, and lament over my sinfulness. That night I would lie in bed, and wonder to myself if the tapping of the branches on my window was really the four horsemen trying to break into my room to take my sinful body from this world. I would go through this awful doubt about who I really was, and where I would go if I died that night.

A few days later, after the charcoal blessings were off my breath, I would regain composure, and try to be a godly person again. Then came another store and another bottle of Dr. Pepper …

I remember speaking to people over and over about this fear of not getting in the door of heaven some day. I even had a hard time laughing at jokes about “So-and-So died and went to the gate of heaven.” I would think worriedly, “I hope this guy makes the cut.”

During this time I was blessed to have a mentor in my life, and I recall a conversation with him about my miserable rhythm, which led to my insecurity regarding my getting to heaven. He looked at me and said, “What makes you think that being ‘saved’ is only about you getting into heaven?” I shifted uneasily in my seat, looked out the window, and said with a nervous laugh, “I … well then where am I going? I mean … are you … ?” My words trailed off, and at that point I was sure that I was going straight to hell.

He handed me a book, and simply said, “Read this.” I read for what seemed an eternity. I then came across one sentence that began my journey of understanding of how I think about salvation. The writer said, “How is it possible that one can rely on Christ for the next life without doing so for this one.”

It was at that point that I realized that as much as I wanted Jesus and all that he had to offer I had saddled myself with the burden of ensuring that I would get to experience all that he had to offer. I was the one who was going to live the kind of life that would ensure a ticket to the streets of gold.

The more I thought about it the more depressed I was. I had not really been living. While Bible reading and praying are not bad, when they are done for the sake of insurance they are not exactly life changing.

Salvation is about much more than just not going to hell. Salvation is about living life the full. We often use the word “saved” as a synonym for Christian. In some circles “saved” is defined as: Not having to go to hell when I die, but now I am going to heaven.

If this is all salvation was about, then why did Jesus tell His disciples as he went up to heaven, “Go everywhere and tell everyone to obey what I have taught you.” The plan of Jesus is so much more. Jesus was interested in all people not being separated from Him in the life to come, but he was also interested in people following Him in the here and now.

Being saved is being freed. Jesus has come and freed us to live in His ways. When Jesus told His disciples to go and make more disciples, part of me thinks they smiled at each other with anticipation of what they were going to do (after getting over the shock of seeing their Rabbi ascend up into heaven). The Holy Spirit would be with them shortly, and they had begun to grasp that all they had witnessed was what they needed to live like Jesus.

The salvation offered through Jesus is empowerment through the Holy Spirit to live like him now, to be like him now, to be the kind of man or woman that actually reminds people of Jesus now, to bring his justice, peace, love and hope to our world now. This is a powerful thought. When I tell someone that I am “saved” I am telling them, I have been given the grace to live like Jesus, and that I am acting on that. There is tremendous hope in that statement.

No more wondering if I am going to get there someday. Rather a humble confidence in our God knowing that we are living life more fully. Through salvation, we experience Jesus’ reason for coming. Nervousness about getting to heaven fades, and peacefulness about bringing heaven here through the life of the community of God begins to grow.

the scandal of blessing

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:20:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was reading a book that someone gave to me. In it, the author wrote,

“Just as paganism is the great plague of India, Africa, and many other parts of the world, Christianity has been the blessing of the West, Europe, and the United States … [they] have been immeasurably, blessed because of the Christian influence on political, social, and economic philosophy and policy."

I honestly was quite put out by this author’s viewpoint on God’s choice of blessing. In the larger context he contended that God blesses people, nations, and economies that trust in him. Therefore, places like India and Africa are suffering because those nations, apparently, do not trust in him.

Is it possible that God has blessed people in spite of the way their country operates? If we are to say, “Christianity has been the blessing of the West, Europe, and the United States … [they] have been immeasurably, blessed because of the Christian influence …” what then do we do with the history of civilization?

The Roman Empire, is one of the largest, most powerful, and wealthiest Empires of all times. Yet, they were in no way Christian. The Golden Age of Rome was during the reign of Augustus. Augustus was the one who called himself, a Son of God. He believed that he was divine. The Romans were well known for worshipping pagan gods such as Cybele, Jupiter, and Dionysus. The worship of these gods required horrible initiation rites and orgiastic rituals. The Roman people also worshipped the Emperor (or Caesar), saying things like, “Caesar is Lord!” They worshipped Caesar, the “King of Kings” as he referred to himself.

Beyond that the Romans oppressed, murdered, and stole from countless people and countries to build their Empire. They even oppressed God’s chosen people – Israel – and all the while their wealth and power increased. This does not sound like a place that has been “blessed because of the Christian influence …” What about the Egyptian Empire? What about Babylon and Assyria? All powerful empires that were not in any sense followers of God.

Moreover, he points to places like India and Africa as struggling because of paganism being their “plague.” Has he forgotten so quickly that Western Empires oppressed the people in these places in the last two centuries? The British Empire, which claimed their king led by the “grace of God,” began by trading with India. Eventually, the people of India were overtaken by force and were exploited by the British (For more on this see The Scandal of Empire: India and the Creation of Imperial Britain Nicholas B. Dirks). This is what led Ghandi to resist the British.

The plight of many people living in Africa is due, in part, to the oppression of the Portuguese, the French, the Americans, the Dutch (remember Apartheid?) and the British. Millions were kidnapped and forced into slavery, civilizations were toppled, people were murdered and abused, and resources were sucked dry.

People in these oppressed places were trodden upon, and left out to dry by the “West, Europe, and the United States …” - the countries that this author considered blessed because of their Christian commitment. Could it be that the wealth of some countries has more to do with doing whatever it takes to attain wealth, and less to do with having a “ … Christian influence?” Could it be that God simply allows for the “sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous?” (Jesus' words from Matthew 5.45).

Rain was what the ancient people needed for survival. If one had rain, crops would grow and there was food. If there was rain grass would grow and livestock could eat. If there was rain there was water to drink. If God sent rain, he was blessing everyone on whom it fell.

Maybe the blessing of God on individuals, churches, and even nations happens because He is a God of justice and righteousness. Maybe He blesses humanity in spite of who we are and the evil that we do. Maybe his blessing has little to do with how good any of us really are and how benevolent He is. Maybe the real scandal is not of the evil of Empires, but of the goodness of God's blessing on the evil and the good, and on the righteous and unrighteous.

the symbol of weakness, power, and love

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:22:00 +0000

Recently, the cross has really become a focus for me in my spiritual journey. In some ways it has become such a common symbol in Christendom that we can learn to ignore it. For some it is as common as George Washington on the one-dollar bill. We are so used to seeing him that no longer look at him – we do not think of the cherry tree story, we do not think of his leading the revolution (or rebellion for our British friends) – he is simply a grim face on paper currency.

Admittedly, the cross in some ways had become this for me. It was a symbol that, as a pastor, I would see often, and it became just that a symbol. It stopped causing me to think about what it meant. Over the last couple of years in I have realized that this may be true for more people that just me.

This first struck me when I was asked by a woman who grew up in the Catholic Tradition, “Why do churches take crosses off their buildings and out of their auditoriums?” I had to tell her that for some churches they believe the cross is an offensive symbol for those who are not a part of a Christian faith community. As I was saying this, I heard my words, “the cross … offensive.”

What was I saying? How had the church allowed the symbol that represents the centrality of our faith to be chased out of our sacred spaces? If the cross had become offensive could it be that it was because of the way we used it (or should I say abused it?) and not because of what it actually is? If the cross was offensive surely it was because we turned the story upside down. Maybe we should bring the cross back to the center and retell the story. As we do we should begin with an apology for the way it has been used.

The cross has been used as a symbol emblazoned on shields, swords, and military outfits for those carrying our campaigns against people. Can we get any more upside down than this? Now some say this is ancient history. This is true. However, today some still try to assert power in unfair ways under the banner of the cross (this is a whole other blog for another day). It is this power over that is offensive, and is the opposite of the cross.

The cross was the primary instrument of the Roman Empire for the maintaining of peace. It was originally used as a symbol of power over. It was a symbol of enforcing the law of Rome. It was punishment, torture, humiliation, and death. For the mighty Romans, the cross was a symbol of ultimate power. It was used to scare the citizens of the Empire into behaving properly and it was used to murder those considered seditious. The cross was a symbol of power.

It was this symbol of power that Jesus went to in a perfect demonstration of weakness to bring peace to the world. In being crucified, Jesus said to the powers “Do your worst.” He used the symbol of power to display weakness. Jesus did not paint a cross on a shield, or on his armor, or on his sword. He put all that down and picked up a cross. When we try to use the cross as a symbol of power we look more like Rome than Jesus.

The cross of Jesus is a paradox. He was nailed to the Roman symbol of power, making it a symbol of weakness, and through this he showed the greatest strength. Maybe it is because what led Jesus to the cross was love. And love is more powerful than anything else. John tells is that “God is love.” This is the essence of God. Could anything else have led Jesus there?

Often, today there are voices around the cross that want to bring in the guilt. People will say, “Jesus had to go to the cross because we had sinned, and he needed to be the sacrifice for humanity to assuage the wrath of God the Father.” I have heard others say, ”Your sin put Jesus there!” I have seen the exercises in which people write their sin on a 3x5 card and nail it to a large cross in the room (by the way, who can fit all their crap on a 3x5 card – my sin would be a novel).

This language brings the guilt. There is some truth to these statements. However, it almost insinuates that humanity put God in a bad spot. We sinned, and he had no other option but to die in our place. God really could have done anything he wanted with humanity. He chose love.

The cross is about God. It is not about us. The cross is about love. It is not about guilt. The cross is a paradox. In that paradox there is hope, peace, and love.

What if the voice around the cross was the voice of God saying, “My love compelled me to come to you.” What if we heard, “In my love I said, ‘I will not let humanity live like this!’” What if we heard God saying, “The cross is my symbol of my love for humanity.”

This understanding is bringing me a new understanding of the Bible. When we read the words of Paul “… while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We are liberated from guilt, and we find ourselves in the midst of a love story. “… while we were still sinners, God loved us.”

not a hallmark christmas, part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:03:00 +0000

So God showed up in a manger. The larger question was why? Why were his kids longing for salvation so desperately? Walk down any city street in America and you do not typically meet someone who is living in a posture of longing for salvation. Most are on their cell phone to fill the space between appointments, plugged into their iPod so they can stay away from their own thoughts, or chatting it up with a friend. Longing for salvation – not like the three people whose prayers shape the beginning of Luke’s narrative.

These people were desperate for something, anything to save them. They needed rescue from oppression. If you were to walk down their streets you would have seen it – everywhere. There were Roman Soldiers stationed in Judea, armed head to toe with weapons of warfare to keep the “peace.” There were hungry people, the one who were promised by God the land that He swore on an oath to their father Abraham. They had lost their land.

There was enslavement. They were captives in their land. Brutal aggression toward anyone deemed to be against Rome. The rich were getting richer through their own greed at the expense of the poor. People longed for salvation.

They cried out to God.

This was not the first time this had happened. God’s people were born out of slavery. The writer of Exodus tells us that the Kings of Egypt enslaved the people of God. They worked them ruthlessly to build their Empire. In this, the people of God cried out. They cried and God heard them. God always hears the cry, and when he hears it he always acts.

So he did. He delivered his people, Israel, from the hand of their oppressor. He brought them out of Egypt on the wings of eagles. He tells them as a people to remember this over and over again throughout Torah (the first five books of the Bible). He says, “Remember the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” This constant reminder told the people, “Remember what kind of God I am. I hear the cried of the oppressed.”

Israel goes from being slaves to being a nation. They eventually go to the land that God had promised to their ancestors. It is a good land. It is fruitful and abundant. It is a land that produces wealth. This land however, belongs to God. It is his, and he is allowing Israel to use it to honor him. He tells them that they should never forget when they are wealthy, that he has given them the ability to produce the wealth.

But they did. Years later a king named Solomon became the wealthiest man in the world. Part of his empire was forcing people into slavery to build Imperial Buildings and Religious Temples. The people who were slaves cried out. God heard them and rescued them. They became a nation and were given a land. Over time this nation who possessed a land that was not theirs became an empire oppressing people - who cried out because the formerly oppressed had now become an oppressor.

God acts decisively. He responds to the cry of the oppressed and allows his own people, the new oppressors, to be conquered. They are exiled and become slaves again. It is one large circular story. From slaves to slaves in a few hundred years. This is the way the Hebrew Scriptures end. God’s people are once again oppressed.

And what do oppressed people do? They cry out. Who hears the cry of the oppressed? God always does and he always acts. For over four hundred years God’s people Israel were crying out. They were longing for salvation. They were waiting for God to show up. Some historians even say that in the time around Jesus’ birth this longing for deliverance and salvation had reached an all time high. The people had a new oppressor – Rome. The wealthiest, mightiest, and most brutal of all empires. The people of God cried out. They needed God to show up.

In this time a little baby was born. When babies are born they cry. From the moment Jesus came into this world he identified with the very people he came to rescue. He cried. His cry was an echo of the cry of God’s people who were oppressed. Yet in his cry there was hope. In his cry there was peace for all people. For on that day a savior had been born.

In that cry there was a pronouncement from the angels that things were going to change. Magi from the East showed up and asked about a new King. The government was truly “upon his shoulders” from the moment he first drew a breath and cried. God heard the cry of his people, because he always does, and he showed up to rescue them again, because he always has.

At Denver Community Church, we spent time this Advent Season exploring these prayers. If you would like to listen to this teaching you can click on this link: DCC Teaching or subscribe to our podcast by clicking here: DCC Podcast.