I've been going over all 274 of the posts I've written over the past three years, most of which were written while I was living in Pasadena, attending Fuller Seminary. Why? Mainly to add labels to them, labels which you can now view in the right hand column. This will also help me locate posts I've written, when I want to refresh my thinking (and past thinking).
What is interesting is scanning all of this relatively useful babbling of mine. It reminds me of all these classes, and all this theology, much of which I really love. I have to say, I really miss Fuller, and will alway enjoy my memories of my time there and the wonderful people I met.
Here is a link to a list of other bloggers that went to/are attending Fuller.
Showing posts with label seminary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seminary. Show all posts
November 06, 2007
August 11, 2006
Arab Baptist Theological Seminary
July 11, 2006
Acting Our Age
JR has some good things to say in his post Acting Our Age. He talks about the need for Fuller students to be pastored and mentored as they learn how to do so themseleves. I for one am very blest to have one Ben Donley, and in the past, Drew Severson, and Dan Cravillion in my life.
June 14, 2006
Does Diversity Include the Mainstream?
A while back I posted an article entitled The Narrow Middle Ground of Fuller Seminary, which was also published in Fuller's student newspaper. I then e-mailed some of my favorite proffs to get their reaction.
Dr. Ryan Bolger and I have subsequently carried on an e-mail conversation which he gave me permission to post, and which he posted to his blog as well. (i suspect there will be more comments on his site, click here to read them.)
Ryan's point was this: I don't need to talk about the main stream, I need to bring light to other voices.
Dr. Ryan Bolger and I have subsequently carried on an e-mail conversation which he gave me permission to post, and which he posted to his blog as well. (i suspect there will be more comments on his site, click here to read them.)
Ryan's point was this: I don't need to talk about the main stream, I need to bring light to other voices.
Dear Professors,
I’ve taken classes with each of you, and really respect you. Just wanted to give you the opportunity to respond (or not) to a blog post of mine which I submitted to the Semi for publication. (no word yet on whether it will be or not) It’s titled The Narrow Middle Ground of Fuller Seminary. Below are a few excerpts and the link.
There truly is a lot of intellectual diversity at Fuller, maybe more than any other seminary, but none-the-less not as much as I thought, and think would be appropriate for the type of place Fuller is striving to be…
I want to hear about Catholic views, feminist perspectives and the like, but I also want conservative views given their day. Usually they aren't, and that's unfortunate. Where is the intellectual diversity, and exercise of robust thinking that grapples with all relevant views? Are we really getting a good education if what so many evangelicals believe is given the brush off? How many times have the words Rick Warren, or Left Behind brought snickers or outright laughter? I happen to appreciate most of the critiques of those positions, but what I don’t appreciate is the outright dismissal of positions that are embraced by so many evangelicals. Think about it. In a place where many are preparing for pastoral ministry which will place us in contact with all manner of views, both liberal and conservative, why are we short changing conservatives? Even if one thinks that a given position is the downfall of Western civilization, one must understand one’s opponents. Presently I would argue we do not, nor do we have the opportunity to.
What is further ironic, is that many professors here are educated in secular institutions where anything remotely evangelical is brushed off as being thoroughly unintellectual, but now they do the same thing to conservative evangelicals, fundamentalists, some postmoderns and positions historically unorthodox.
Here's a solution. Bring in outsiders, guest adjunct professors to teach classes from positions that are not evangelical, someone from Notre Dame to teach Roman Catholic theology, or someone from Dallas to teach Dispensational theology, even someone from Claremont to teach early church history from that perspective.
This would give us the opportunity to truly dialog with other positions on both the left and the right, without having to rely on the second hand generosity of the faculty who though they often mean well, can not do justice to an issue or perspective the way a true believe would.
David Best
From: Ryan Bolger
To: David Best
Subject: Re: The Narrow Middle Ground of Fuller Seminary
David, thanks for your comments. I don’t ever recall snickering, but if I did, I regret it...
Keep in mind diversity is about hearing the voices that are usually unheard or silent. Purpose-driven and Willow Creek are omni-present; I don’t need to teach these ‘principles’ because they are the primary discourse. I believe I serve my students best by questioning the status quo, unveiling the unquestioned assumptions in our churches and culture, deconstructing with an eye to liberation. But I always seek to do this respectfully, and if that is what your plea is about, to that extent I agree with you...
Peace, and congrats on graduating...
Ryan
From: David Best
To: Ryan Bolger
Subject: RE: The Narrow Middle Ground of Fuller Seminary
Ryan,
You have never disappointed or offended me, and I have learned a great deal from you. I wouldn’t necessarily want you in particular, or any one person to change. I probably did a poor job of communicating my critique in that article.
My critique was of our shared Fuller sub-culture as a whole. Who or what you or any particular proff believes or critiques does not bother me at all. I can’t emphasis this enough. Rather it is what I perceive as group think, and yes, a bit of disrespect, or more often, character creation that concerns me.
Concerning giving voice to the margins, it is our shared value for diversity and giving voice to the margins that prompted that article.
“Purpose-driven and Willow Creek are omni-present; I don’t need to teach these ‘principles’ because they are the primary discourse.” The primary discourse where? Not at Fuller. I’m too busy with my studies here to know what is primary else ware. What I’m hearing here at Fuller is a lot of sameness. I generally like what I hear; it’s what I’m not hearing that give me pause.
At Fuller, the mainstream has become the margin. Bottom line, there is not enough diversity at Fuller, because seemingly everyone is singing the same tune. Like when goth kids wanting to be different all dress differently, the same.
Tell me I’m all wrong, maybe it’s just the classes and proffs I’ve taken, and not Fuller as a whole.
Question for you. Can I publish these and any subsequent e-mails in this thread to my blog with a link to the original article? If not that’s ok.
Thanks for your time.
David Best
From: Ryan Bolger
To: David Best
Subject: Re: The Narrow Middle Ground of Fuller Seminary
David, it is fine if you post these...
Just to continue, I don’t think our role at Fuller is to reinforce mainstream discourse, but to prod, poke holes, agitate, shine a light...Purpose Driven has sold, what, 19 million copies — do we really need to teach more of that? Or do we need to champion the voices typically not heard? So, for me, diversity is not giving mainstream thought a central place — it belongs at the margins at a seminary. If all we did was reinforce previous understandings of church and culture, I think we would be failing in our role as a seminary and our prophetic voice would cease...
Anyway, my two cents!!
David, your forthrightness always impresses me — thanks for speaking up when you see contradictions...
Peace, my friend, and congrats again on graduating...
Ryan
June 13, 2006
Calvin on Prayer
Following are excerpts from my spirituality paper, the beginning and end specifically.
In the contemporary spirituality setting, largely we have two things, books written by contemporary authors, and re-workings of ancient texts that seem to meet our present needs. What I will examine in this paper, the spiritual teachings of Calvin on prayer, do not seem to meet our present need. For some, myself included, the spirituality of John Calvin represents a hard word from a man known not for his soft ways but for his controversies and his scathing critiques. This seems especially true when one turns to his theologically robust, Institutes of the Christian Religion. It is not a work written for our own time. But then, maybe our own time needs the voice of the other, to remind us of where we have been.
By accessing Calvin in his own words we gain nuance. Interestingly enough, the longest chapter in his Institutes is on prayer. In it, he details in earnest the many things necessary for rightful praying, answering many questions along the way. I do not believe that one can lay the type of foundations for the church that Calvin has laid, without a robust spirituality. The judge of time, renders many works smaller than they first appeared. This is not the case with Calvin’s Institutes.
In summation, Calvin’s rules are these: 1. Pray in a proper frame of mind, divested of all earthly, distracting thoughts. 2. Pray with a sense of urgency, recognizing that all we need comes from God. 3. Pray with humility, acknowledging one’s proper place under God. 4. Having done these three things, pray expectantly; with an appreciation for the holiness of God that strikes terror, and the goodness of God that gives hope, these two being intimately bound up together.
A healthy spirituality is theologically informed. On the one hand we cannot let the musings of humans rule over our real experiences. But on the other hand, our real experiences should largely conform to the orthodox teachings of the church. If they do not, it may be acceptable, but probably is not. Regardless, it is not lightly that we stray from what the community has decided is normative. A figure such as Calvin is helpful in this respect. By returning to him in his own words, we gain access to a tradition that though sometimes hard, is enlightening to what may be some of the defiance’s of our own contemporary tradition. We have to ask ourselves, do we pray with a proper frame of mind? Do we pray with urgency, recognizing our desperate need for the life giver, and what is more, the life sustainer? Do we pray humbly, recognizing that though we in the West “have it all” we often lack what is most important. And finally, do we pray with fear, yet grateful expectation? Often we do not. If we are to mature in our spirituality, we need more than the latest best seller on the topic. We need a hard voice to call us to repentance, fear and awe, a place where our spiritual life can flourish.
May 30, 2006
On Abortion
Enabling Conversation
A frame of Reference for Christians Who Disagree
Following are excerpts from my 10 page ethics paper.
Introduction
Presently, the topic of abortion and embryonic research are highly divisive. In the broader discussion, issues in world view hamper our ability to communicate. Often decisions about women’s rights or politics cloud our ability to think clearly about the beginning of life. Among Christians, assumptions about theological perspectives and biblical exegesis make their way into our judgment haphazardly and with little reflection, but once adopted are nearly impossible to dislodge. What I would like to do is offer a way forward for those who may disagree about the legality of abortion, the ethics of it, and the ways the discussion should be framed, but who agree on some broad principles. Those who can in any small way agree with my apriori assumptions, I hope will find the following template useful.
Some of the quotes I made use of:
Stevens, Supreme Court Justice
The State’s interests in the protection of an embryo – even if that interest is defined as “protecting those who will be citizens” – increases progressively and dramatically as the organisms capacity to feel pain, to experience pleasure, to survive and to react to its surroundings increases day by day. The development of a fetus -- and pregnancy itself -- are not static conditions, and the assertion that the government's interest is static simply ignores this reality.1
Beckwith
It is apparent then that the main dispute in the abortion debate does not involve different values, but disagreement about both the application of these values and the truth of certain facts. The abortion rights advocate does not deny that human beings have a fundamental right to life. He just believes that this right to life does not extend to the unborn...and their existence demands that another is asked to make significant non-obligatory sacrifices. The pro-life advocate does not deny that human persons have the liberty to make choices… He believes this liberty does not entail the right to choose abortion since such a choice conflicts with the life, liberty and interests of another.2
Gushee
Both full-personhood and potential-personhood views---and a variety of options that exist along a spectrum between them---demand that Christian disciples practice the welcoming and nurturing of human life. Likewise, a just society extends its respect and protection to the un-born, developing in complete vulnerability in their mothers’ womb. The fetus is certainly a form of life; it is a form of human life; it is (at least) developing into a human person. The burden of proof is certainly on anyone who would intervene it its life in order to destroy it. (italics mine)3
Conclusion
In our present state, the guardian has all the power. It is ultimately him or her that will make the decision regardless of what we say here. By putting the burden of proof on the guardian, I think I have better balanced the equation. It is not up to the being that has no voice, to prove their value or their worth. These things are inherent in their being. Having balanced the equation by putting the burden of proof for the destruction of fetal life on the guardian, I think we must be careful not to overbalance the equation, putting men and women in a place where they feel as if they can not make any decisions for fear of committing a grave and horrendous sin that no one would understand. We live in a sinful world. One in which we cannot depend too heavily on textbook ethics or theology to make our decisions for us in advance, nor on how we ‘feel’ at the moment, as if we lived in a vacuum. We must make our decisions prayerfully before an awesome God, weighing all factors.
I believe I have out lined a way for us to discuss our differences. I also hope that I have given us a template to lay over our real world decision making. By keeping this template in mind, we will all be able to make wiser, more ethical decisions, and we will be able to discuss our differences from a mutual frame of reference.
Though we do not agree on how one is to weigh the various competing rights, by keeping the interest’s of all relevant parties in mind, not just one side or another, we will live more graceful and peaceful lives.
Notes
1. Thornburgh, p. 778
2. Beckwith, p. 27
3. Stassen, p. 224
Bibliography
Baird, Robert M., and Stuart E. Rosenbaum, Ed. The Ethics of Abortion. Rev.. Buffalo NY: Prometheus Books,
1993.
Beckwith, Francis J. Politically Correct Death: Answering Arguments For Abortion Rights. Grand Rapids MI:
Baker Books, 1993.
O'Rourke, Kevin D., and Philip Boyle. Medical Ethics: Sources of Catholic Teaching. 3rd ed. Washington D.C.:
Georgetown University Press, 1999.
Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. Downers
Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, 476 U.S. 747 (1986)
A frame of Reference for Christians Who Disagree
Following are excerpts from my 10 page ethics paper.
Introduction
Presently, the topic of abortion and embryonic research are highly divisive. In the broader discussion, issues in world view hamper our ability to communicate. Often decisions about women’s rights or politics cloud our ability to think clearly about the beginning of life. Among Christians, assumptions about theological perspectives and biblical exegesis make their way into our judgment haphazardly and with little reflection, but once adopted are nearly impossible to dislodge. What I would like to do is offer a way forward for those who may disagree about the legality of abortion, the ethics of it, and the ways the discussion should be framed, but who agree on some broad principles. Those who can in any small way agree with my apriori assumptions, I hope will find the following template useful.
Some of the quotes I made use of:
Stevens, Supreme Court Justice
The State’s interests in the protection of an embryo – even if that interest is defined as “protecting those who will be citizens” – increases progressively and dramatically as the organisms capacity to feel pain, to experience pleasure, to survive and to react to its surroundings increases day by day. The development of a fetus -- and pregnancy itself -- are not static conditions, and the assertion that the government's interest is static simply ignores this reality.1
Beckwith
It is apparent then that the main dispute in the abortion debate does not involve different values, but disagreement about both the application of these values and the truth of certain facts. The abortion rights advocate does not deny that human beings have a fundamental right to life. He just believes that this right to life does not extend to the unborn...and their existence demands that another is asked to make significant non-obligatory sacrifices. The pro-life advocate does not deny that human persons have the liberty to make choices… He believes this liberty does not entail the right to choose abortion since such a choice conflicts with the life, liberty and interests of another.2
Gushee
Both full-personhood and potential-personhood views---and a variety of options that exist along a spectrum between them---demand that Christian disciples practice the welcoming and nurturing of human life. Likewise, a just society extends its respect and protection to the un-born, developing in complete vulnerability in their mothers’ womb. The fetus is certainly a form of life; it is a form of human life; it is (at least) developing into a human person. The burden of proof is certainly on anyone who would intervene it its life in order to destroy it. (italics mine)3
Conclusion
In our present state, the guardian has all the power. It is ultimately him or her that will make the decision regardless of what we say here. By putting the burden of proof on the guardian, I think I have better balanced the equation. It is not up to the being that has no voice, to prove their value or their worth. These things are inherent in their being. Having balanced the equation by putting the burden of proof for the destruction of fetal life on the guardian, I think we must be careful not to overbalance the equation, putting men and women in a place where they feel as if they can not make any decisions for fear of committing a grave and horrendous sin that no one would understand. We live in a sinful world. One in which we cannot depend too heavily on textbook ethics or theology to make our decisions for us in advance, nor on how we ‘feel’ at the moment, as if we lived in a vacuum. We must make our decisions prayerfully before an awesome God, weighing all factors.
I believe I have out lined a way for us to discuss our differences. I also hope that I have given us a template to lay over our real world decision making. By keeping this template in mind, we will all be able to make wiser, more ethical decisions, and we will be able to discuss our differences from a mutual frame of reference.
Though we do not agree on how one is to weigh the various competing rights, by keeping the interest’s of all relevant parties in mind, not just one side or another, we will live more graceful and peaceful lives.
Notes
1. Thornburgh, p. 778
2. Beckwith, p. 27
3. Stassen, p. 224
Bibliography
Baird, Robert M., and Stuart E. Rosenbaum, Ed. The Ethics of Abortion. Rev.. Buffalo NY: Prometheus Books,
1993.
Beckwith, Francis J. Politically Correct Death: Answering Arguments For Abortion Rights. Grand Rapids MI:
Baker Books, 1993.
O'Rourke, Kevin D., and Philip Boyle. Medical Ethics: Sources of Catholic Teaching. 3rd ed. Washington D.C.:
Georgetown University Press, 1999.
Stassen, Glen H., and David P. Gushee. Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context. Downers
Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, 476 U.S. 747 (1986)
May 21, 2006
Playing the "Pastor" Card
So I played my “pastor” card for the first time today. In the past, my activities at church have been under the rubric of “intern” or “volunteer”. But today, accompanying two friends to the hospital, it was expedient to use the word pastor, and I must say, it sounded different. I can see how easy it is to get a big head with this title. “Pastor” is much like “Doctor”. It is a title that is earned, but so easily abused, not usually officially or on purpose, but abused none-the-less. I think it can all too easily lead to a type of pride that is wholly un-pastoral.
So more about this trip to the hospital.
If you remember from a previous post, I took a job at a recycling center to befriend the homeless. Well, low and behold that happened, and as a result, a married couple that is homeless started coming to our church. One thing led to another, and now they are trying to detox from alcohol. Well today when they came to church, she was in bad shape, going through alcohol withdrawl. Talking with her after the service, we found out just how bad it was, so Itook her to the emergency room. I spent the rest of the afternoon playing pastor, even taking the liberty of parking in the spot designated for pastors.
For the rest of the afternoon, I was Pastor David to the hospital staff, as I accompanied my friends through the affair of being admitted to the ER, getting an IV and all the rest. When we weren’t talking to nurses, and doctors, and social workers, we were talking about this or that, some of it “spiritual” stuff, and much of it not, though in reality, all of it being very much linked to the spiritual stuff. For the sake of privacy I won’t say more, but suffice it to say that this was the most pastoral I have ever been.
My reaction… hmm. By which I mean that in the past, even with doing this internship and all, it's kind of like I only play a pastor on TV, it's not really real. Today it was real. There was a sense in which I loved it, and there was a sense in which it gave me great hesitation. Why? That's an intricate thing I'm not sure I have wholly wrapped my own head around, but I think it has something to do with this, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." And this, "Do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven."
So more about this trip to the hospital.
If you remember from a previous post, I took a job at a recycling center to befriend the homeless. Well, low and behold that happened, and as a result, a married couple that is homeless started coming to our church. One thing led to another, and now they are trying to detox from alcohol. Well today when they came to church, she was in bad shape, going through alcohol withdrawl. Talking with her after the service, we found out just how bad it was, so Itook her to the emergency room. I spent the rest of the afternoon playing pastor, even taking the liberty of parking in the spot designated for pastors.
For the rest of the afternoon, I was Pastor David to the hospital staff, as I accompanied my friends through the affair of being admitted to the ER, getting an IV and all the rest. When we weren’t talking to nurses, and doctors, and social workers, we were talking about this or that, some of it “spiritual” stuff, and much of it not, though in reality, all of it being very much linked to the spiritual stuff. For the sake of privacy I won’t say more, but suffice it to say that this was the most pastoral I have ever been.
My reaction… hmm. By which I mean that in the past, even with doing this internship and all, it's kind of like I only play a pastor on TV, it's not really real. Today it was real. There was a sense in which I loved it, and there was a sense in which it gave me great hesitation. Why? That's an intricate thing I'm not sure I have wholly wrapped my own head around, but I think it has something to do with this, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." And this, "Do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven."
May 06, 2006
Blogging for Fuller
I while back I applied to blog on behalf of Fuller’s admissions department, and was selected. This week it went live. There’s no need for you to read it because I just paste my favorite post of the week from this site on to that one, but you can see it here anyway if you want to. There is another student there, and eventually they want to have several more.
April 26, 2006
The Narrow Middle Ground of Fuller Seminary
The following is a bit long, so here is the summary.
Fuller is intellectually diverse, but not as much as it could be. I don't actually want to change the standards or beliefs of Fuller or the people here. What I do want is the opportunity to dialog with a variety of Christian perspectives. Additionally there is a double standard for non-evangelical and very conservative positions. Fundamentalism is given short rift, while Catholicism and some ethical issues are given a wide berth.
My solution is to bring in adjuncts from across the Christian theological spectrum to teach their positions overtly without endorsement from the seminary. The classes would be electives only and clearly marked as not meeting the theological standards of Fuller. This would give us the opportunity to truly dialog with other positions on both the left and the right, without having to rely on the second hand generosity of the faculty who though they often mean well, can not do justice to an issue or perspective the way a true believer would.
Here are links to what Fuller believes.
What We Believe
Statment of Faith
Let me first say I really love Fuller, and highly recommend it. But, this is about the lack of complete intellectual diversity at Fuller. To be fair, I'm not a scholar, or a graduate of a Christian college, and I didn't "do my homework" before coming here, which may serve to explain some of my disappointment. Additionally let me state for the record that I am not a fundamentalist, even in the best sence of the word. (I actually find some thoroughly unorthodox positions somewhat attractive.) I came here because I knew I wanted to be a pastor, and I knew I wanted a variety of perspectives. Fuller's statement of faith seemed to allow for sufficient diversity, and indeed it does. There truly is a lot of intellectual diversity at Fuller, maybe more than any other seminary, but none-the-less not as much as I thought, and think would be appropriate for the type of place Fuller is striving to be. I don't actually want to change the standards or beliefs of Fuller or the people here. What I do want is the opportunity to dialog with a variety of Christian perspectives.
Here is what I’m getting at. There is a double standard that exists for various views, some of which are not evangelical. Ironically, there is more respect for some positions that are not Evangelical, than for some of those that are.
Catholic theology is thoroughly respected, liberal issues are given room and defended even if officially disagreed with. But dare to ask a question that seems to support a fundamentalist position, (go ahead, ask why women should be ordained) or some un-orthodox, or postmodern position and you will get the brush off. “Oh this must be your first quarter, stick around a while and you’ll realize what a silly question that is.” Is what I often here between the lines. And this in spite of the fact that Catholicism, Reformed theology, Pentecostalism, Dispensationalism, and any other perspective one wants to name are arguably equal distance from each other, one as different as the next.
I want to hear about Catholic views, feminist perspectives and the like, but I also want conservative views given their day. Usually they aren't, and that's unfortunate. Where is the intellectual diversity, and exercise of robust thinking that grapples with all relevant views? Are we really getting a good education if what so many evangelicals believe is given the brush off? How many times have the words Rick Warren, or Left Behind brought snickers or outright laughter? I happen to appreciate most of the critiques of those positions, but what I don’t appreciate is the outright dismissal of positions that are embraced by so many evangelicals. Think about it. In a place where many are preparing for pastoral ministry which will place us in contact with all manner of views, both liberal and conservative, why are we short changing conservatives? Even if one thinks that a given position is the downfall of Western civilization, one must understand one’s opponents. Presently I would argue we do not, nor do we have the opportunity to.
What is further ironic, is that many professors here are educated in secular institutions where anything remotely evangelical is brushed off as being thoroughly unintellectual, but now they do the same thing to conservative evangelicals, fundamentalists, some postmoderns and positions historically unorthodox.
Here's a solution. Bring in outsiders, guest adjunct professors to teach classes from positions that are not evangelical, someone from Notre Dame to teach Roman Catholic theology, or someone from Dallas to teach Dispensational theology, even someone from Claremont to teach early church history from that perspective. We already do this to some degree. A Roman Catholic Fuller alum taught my American Church History class. But what I’m talking about is an adjunct professor overtly teaching her position. This would give us the opportunity to truely dialog with other postions on both the left and the right, without having to rely on the second hand generosity of the faculity who though they often mean well, can not do justice to an issue or perspective the way a true believe would.
So long as the class is clearly described as such in the ECD, and classified as an elective, there would be no surprises. Their could even be a disclaimer at the top of the ECD saying Fuller does not endorse the position, and that the professor has not signed Fuller’s statement of faith. Let me be clear, I am not suggesting that Fuller change its statement of faith or its requirements for hiring full-time professors. I am suggesting that a caveat be made for the sake of something Fuller is known for, dialog. Learning about dispensationalism, or Pentecostalism at Fuller is like learning about the Judaizing opponents of Paul from the New Testament. Currently, Fuller typically gives its students a steady diet of the narrow middle ground.
Let me illustrate the problem more clearly. 85% of Fuller professors, and 65% of Fuller students (That’s a thoroughly unscientific guess.) would have no problem with a class in Roman Catholic theology taught by a scholar-priest, but cringe at the thought of someone from Dallas Theological Seminary being endorsed in any way. That is the problem. At a place that prides itself on diversity and dialog, and wants to be considered an excellent Evangelical institution, we must respect and intellectually understand all Christian positions, especially ones believed by so many Evangelicals, even if we thoroughly disagree with them.
Fuller is intellectually diverse, but not as much as it could be. I don't actually want to change the standards or beliefs of Fuller or the people here. What I do want is the opportunity to dialog with a variety of Christian perspectives. Additionally there is a double standard for non-evangelical and very conservative positions. Fundamentalism is given short rift, while Catholicism and some ethical issues are given a wide berth.
My solution is to bring in adjuncts from across the Christian theological spectrum to teach their positions overtly without endorsement from the seminary. The classes would be electives only and clearly marked as not meeting the theological standards of Fuller. This would give us the opportunity to truly dialog with other positions on both the left and the right, without having to rely on the second hand generosity of the faculty who though they often mean well, can not do justice to an issue or perspective the way a true believer would.
Here are links to what Fuller believes.
What We Believe
Statment of Faith
Let me first say I really love Fuller, and highly recommend it. But, this is about the lack of complete intellectual diversity at Fuller. To be fair, I'm not a scholar, or a graduate of a Christian college, and I didn't "do my homework" before coming here, which may serve to explain some of my disappointment. Additionally let me state for the record that I am not a fundamentalist, even in the best sence of the word. (I actually find some thoroughly unorthodox positions somewhat attractive.) I came here because I knew I wanted to be a pastor, and I knew I wanted a variety of perspectives. Fuller's statement of faith seemed to allow for sufficient diversity, and indeed it does. There truly is a lot of intellectual diversity at Fuller, maybe more than any other seminary, but none-the-less not as much as I thought, and think would be appropriate for the type of place Fuller is striving to be. I don't actually want to change the standards or beliefs of Fuller or the people here. What I do want is the opportunity to dialog with a variety of Christian perspectives.
Here is what I’m getting at. There is a double standard that exists for various views, some of which are not evangelical. Ironically, there is more respect for some positions that are not Evangelical, than for some of those that are.
Catholic theology is thoroughly respected, liberal issues are given room and defended even if officially disagreed with. But dare to ask a question that seems to support a fundamentalist position, (go ahead, ask why women should be ordained) or some un-orthodox, or postmodern position and you will get the brush off. “Oh this must be your first quarter, stick around a while and you’ll realize what a silly question that is.” Is what I often here between the lines. And this in spite of the fact that Catholicism, Reformed theology, Pentecostalism, Dispensationalism, and any other perspective one wants to name are arguably equal distance from each other, one as different as the next.
I want to hear about Catholic views, feminist perspectives and the like, but I also want conservative views given their day. Usually they aren't, and that's unfortunate. Where is the intellectual diversity, and exercise of robust thinking that grapples with all relevant views? Are we really getting a good education if what so many evangelicals believe is given the brush off? How many times have the words Rick Warren, or Left Behind brought snickers or outright laughter? I happen to appreciate most of the critiques of those positions, but what I don’t appreciate is the outright dismissal of positions that are embraced by so many evangelicals. Think about it. In a place where many are preparing for pastoral ministry which will place us in contact with all manner of views, both liberal and conservative, why are we short changing conservatives? Even if one thinks that a given position is the downfall of Western civilization, one must understand one’s opponents. Presently I would argue we do not, nor do we have the opportunity to.
What is further ironic, is that many professors here are educated in secular institutions where anything remotely evangelical is brushed off as being thoroughly unintellectual, but now they do the same thing to conservative evangelicals, fundamentalists, some postmoderns and positions historically unorthodox.
Here's a solution. Bring in outsiders, guest adjunct professors to teach classes from positions that are not evangelical, someone from Notre Dame to teach Roman Catholic theology, or someone from Dallas to teach Dispensational theology, even someone from Claremont to teach early church history from that perspective. We already do this to some degree. A Roman Catholic Fuller alum taught my American Church History class. But what I’m talking about is an adjunct professor overtly teaching her position. This would give us the opportunity to truely dialog with other postions on both the left and the right, without having to rely on the second hand generosity of the faculity who though they often mean well, can not do justice to an issue or perspective the way a true believe would.
So long as the class is clearly described as such in the ECD, and classified as an elective, there would be no surprises. Their could even be a disclaimer at the top of the ECD saying Fuller does not endorse the position, and that the professor has not signed Fuller’s statement of faith. Let me be clear, I am not suggesting that Fuller change its statement of faith or its requirements for hiring full-time professors. I am suggesting that a caveat be made for the sake of something Fuller is known for, dialog. Learning about dispensationalism, or Pentecostalism at Fuller is like learning about the Judaizing opponents of Paul from the New Testament. Currently, Fuller typically gives its students a steady diet of the narrow middle ground.
Let me illustrate the problem more clearly. 85% of Fuller professors, and 65% of Fuller students (That’s a thoroughly unscientific guess.) would have no problem with a class in Roman Catholic theology taught by a scholar-priest, but cringe at the thought of someone from Dallas Theological Seminary being endorsed in any way. That is the problem. At a place that prides itself on diversity and dialog, and wants to be considered an excellent Evangelical institution, we must respect and intellectually understand all Christian positions, especially ones believed by so many Evangelicals, even if we thoroughly disagree with them.
April 07, 2006
Dreams For My School
Check out Ryan Bolger, one of my prof's, dream for the future of Fuller.
All I can say is wow!!!
(click here)
All I can say is wow!!!
(click here)
April 04, 2006
To Skim or Not to Skim
Kyle, a friend of mine here at Fuller said:
"Something I will never do is skim or speed read. To me, it is the most nefarious and detestable act a person can commit! God has to shun this type of behavior. It is just so immoral and destructive for the world..." (Read the rest of his post here.)
And I replied with:
"If ideas were precious, and books contained high quality material, I might agree with you. But as a rule, they don't. Of course there's always the exception to the rule, in which case i agree with you, but those exceptions are few are far between.
Furthermore, there are more important things in life than the latest bright shiny thought on display at a local book store near you, one countered by a dozen other bright shiny thougts, all for $19.99 each. (if your lucky) I could keep going on this $19.99 theme, but then I would be guilty, (or maybee I already am) of the same pontificating I prefer to skim.
But that's just me, you love what you do kyle, and there's nothing wrong with that. Keep up the good work."
"Something I will never do is skim or speed read. To me, it is the most nefarious and detestable act a person can commit! God has to shun this type of behavior. It is just so immoral and destructive for the world..." (Read the rest of his post here.)
And I replied with:
"If ideas were precious, and books contained high quality material, I might agree with you. But as a rule, they don't. Of course there's always the exception to the rule, in which case i agree with you, but those exceptions are few are far between.
Furthermore, there are more important things in life than the latest bright shiny thought on display at a local book store near you, one countered by a dozen other bright shiny thougts, all for $19.99 each. (if your lucky) I could keep going on this $19.99 theme, but then I would be guilty, (or maybee I already am) of the same pontificating I prefer to skim.
But that's just me, you love what you do kyle, and there's nothing wrong with that. Keep up the good work."
March 29, 2006
Keep the main thing the main thing.
Excerpts from Matthew chapter 5. (The Message)
You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, “I'll pray for you,” and never doing it, or saying, "God be with you,” and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.
If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend,” and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy.” I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Consider the Christian Evangelical sub-culture.
Do we replace Hollywood's celebrities with Christian ones?
Do we love our enemies (i.e. Senators Hillary Clinton and Edward Kennedy, or the neighbor who goes to the other church who you don't talk to anymore).
Do we talk a good line in our small groups and Bible studies, knowing it's only a half truth?
How many lawsuits are Christians and churches caught up in?
Are we generous, or are we as concerned with retirement and a new car as the next guy?
And what constitutes being generous anyway? Is Starbucks and eating out (these are just examples of what you spend your money on) acceptable, given the needs of the world, the poor, and those ravaged by war?
We spend an inordinate amount of time in seminary trying to understand the deep and intricate things of God, while simultaniously we don't do what is direct and simple (intellectually speaking), because of course, it's not so simple to live it out. (Believe me, I know.)
You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, “I'll pray for you,” and never doing it, or saying, "God be with you,” and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true.
If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend,” and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy.” I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.
In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Consider the Christian Evangelical sub-culture.
Do we replace Hollywood's celebrities with Christian ones?
Do we love our enemies (i.e. Senators Hillary Clinton and Edward Kennedy, or the neighbor who goes to the other church who you don't talk to anymore).
Do we talk a good line in our small groups and Bible studies, knowing it's only a half truth?
How many lawsuits are Christians and churches caught up in?
Are we generous, or are we as concerned with retirement and a new car as the next guy?
And what constitutes being generous anyway? Is Starbucks and eating out (these are just examples of what you spend your money on) acceptable, given the needs of the world, the poor, and those ravaged by war?
We spend an inordinate amount of time in seminary trying to understand the deep and intricate things of God, while simultaniously we don't do what is direct and simple (intellectually speaking), because of course, it's not so simple to live it out. (Believe me, I know.)
March 12, 2006
Sex in the Seminary
February 02, 2006
Signs of Hope LA (4)
So a few reflections on my time at Signs of Hope LA are in order. It was good, mixed the theological and philosophical with the practical quite well, and was rather up-lifting.
On Sat. we visited three non-profits, each of which were radically different. The first was a Catholic Workers kitchen. The group lives in what amounts to a monastic community, living, working and playing together. Their basic needs are met by the community, and they are given $15/week for discretionary spending…wow. They completely live their life for the benefit of the homeless.
The second was a community theater group called Cornerstone, which does thought provoking, conversation starting plays among groups that would not otherwise talk. They were not a Christian group as such, but I loved what they were doing. I think I would really like to be a part of something like that at some point.
The last was an evangelical church called Church of the Nazerene, and their sister organization Centeral City Community Outreach, located in ‘skid row’, the area of the city specifically zoned for the homeless, (it is legal to live on the street there.) Again, wow, they were amazing. Most people that choose to live in or near skid row to ‘do ministry’ leave within a year, the man we are talking to has been there 15 years, beginning in his early 20’s no less…amazing.
To know what I really learned, we would have to have a conversation centering on one of the three site visits, or the bullet statements I put up in Signs of Hope (3). But you get the idea just reading the statements and descriptions.
Don’t have much else to say, on a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 6, though if you came to it burned out, you probably would have gotten a better impression, it was very up lifting.
On Sat. we visited three non-profits, each of which were radically different. The first was a Catholic Workers kitchen. The group lives in what amounts to a monastic community, living, working and playing together. Their basic needs are met by the community, and they are given $15/week for discretionary spending…wow. They completely live their life for the benefit of the homeless.
The second was a community theater group called Cornerstone, which does thought provoking, conversation starting plays among groups that would not otherwise talk. They were not a Christian group as such, but I loved what they were doing. I think I would really like to be a part of something like that at some point.
The last was an evangelical church called Church of the Nazerene, and their sister organization Centeral City Community Outreach, located in ‘skid row’, the area of the city specifically zoned for the homeless, (it is legal to live on the street there.) Again, wow, they were amazing. Most people that choose to live in or near skid row to ‘do ministry’ leave within a year, the man we are talking to has been there 15 years, beginning in his early 20’s no less…amazing.
To know what I really learned, we would have to have a conversation centering on one of the three site visits, or the bullet statements I put up in Signs of Hope (3). But you get the idea just reading the statements and descriptions.
Don’t have much else to say, on a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 6, though if you came to it burned out, you probably would have gotten a better impression, it was very up lifting.
January 29, 2006
Signs of Hope LA (3)
Following are my favorite one-liners from this weekends consultation, Signs of Hope LA.
According to emigrants, the US and LA are cleaner and more free than the rest of the world.
The emerging global culture is an interaction of innovation. (Whatever that means.)
Suburbs leave people separated and isolated, enduring long commutes.
Korean store owners are fluent in Spanish, not English.
The built landscape reflects our theology, hopes, lives and dreams.
The nations are now in the neighborhood.
Jesus was a intercontinental refuge.
The people running from LA are running into the people running from Chicago…somewhere near Colorado Springs.
If you were a missionary, you would be considered irresponsible if you did not take some time to learn the language, and pay close attention to the culture. We need to do the same thing.
Put up art from the people of your neighborhood, you won’t have to tell them they are welcome at your church, they will notice the minute they walk in.
You don’t teach surgery at the university, but at the hospital. (What should that tell Seminaries?)
In 1970, the CEO made 30x what the lowest paid worker made. In 2000 it was 560x
If you work for $7/hr, you make $960/month. Average rent is $1400/month.
83K Homeless in LA county.
Don’t dismantle neighborhoods. Don’t do affordable non-descript box housing, (projects) don’t do pricy high rises. Make affordable, indigenous, integrated, living, possible.
People don’t often look at the economy and jobs as related to housing, but homes are where ‘jobs’ go to spend the night.
According to emigrants, the US and LA are cleaner and more free than the rest of the world.
The emerging global culture is an interaction of innovation. (Whatever that means.)
Suburbs leave people separated and isolated, enduring long commutes.
Korean store owners are fluent in Spanish, not English.
The built landscape reflects our theology, hopes, lives and dreams.
The nations are now in the neighborhood.
Jesus was a intercontinental refuge.
The people running from LA are running into the people running from Chicago…somewhere near Colorado Springs.
If you were a missionary, you would be considered irresponsible if you did not take some time to learn the language, and pay close attention to the culture. We need to do the same thing.
Put up art from the people of your neighborhood, you won’t have to tell them they are welcome at your church, they will notice the minute they walk in.
You don’t teach surgery at the university, but at the hospital. (What should that tell Seminaries?)
In 1970, the CEO made 30x what the lowest paid worker made. In 2000 it was 560x
If you work for $7/hr, you make $960/month. Average rent is $1400/month.
83K Homeless in LA county.
Don’t dismantle neighborhoods. Don’t do affordable non-descript box housing, (projects) don’t do pricy high rises. Make affordable, indigenous, integrated, living, possible.
People don’t often look at the economy and jobs as related to housing, but homes are where ‘jobs’ go to spend the night.
Signs of Hope LA (2)
Again, these are just my raw notes, I'll comment more latter. (see yesterday)
Panel Discussion
Q: If you had to take a visitor from out-of-town, to a place in the city that showed some signs of hope, where would you go?
Rev. Alexis Salvatierra – Advocate for the working poor
In 1970, the CEO made 30x what the lowest paid worker made. In 2000 it was 560x
If you work for $7/hr, you make $960/month. Average rent is $1400/month.
Costco CEO makes 350K on purpose, pays his workers $17/hr, twice that of Sams Club.
Don Knabe – LA County Supervisor
Largest uninsured population. 83K Homeless in LA county. Unless you know how big the problem is you can’t fix it. Various new ‘programs’ being started. New shelters, job training programs, etc…
There is a program that allows a mother to drop off her child at any hospital, fire station, or police station, no questions, no shame. Finally, a program to help foster kids transition at age 18.
Dr. Lula Ballton – West Angles CDC (Carrier Development Center)
You are here, that’s a good thing. People come here for their dreams, most people are not considering going back to where they came from. My goal is not for people to be the object of our charity. Don’t make people do it our way. (loud music, food, living standards, etc…) Don’t dismantle neighborhoods. Don’t do affordable non-descript box housing, (projects) don’t do pricy high rises. Make affordable indigenous integrated living possible. In the 70’s the successful minorities were told to get an education and get out. That is wrong! Come home, make it better.
Robert Yamamoto – Represents Nearly the entire Non-Profit Sector.
Young professionals went out and donated toys for xmas. Found 7 people in a one bedroom apartment, 400sq/ft. 130K non-profit’s in LA county. Signs of hope all over LA. Look for the HS in all of us. “For many, we (in this room) are the signs of hope” Next generation is incredibly volunteer oriented.
LaDawn Prieto – Psychiatric worker with LAUSD (LA Unified School District)
Considering the background of many, a sign of hope is that anyone comes to school. 100 gang related deaths in a 1 mile radious of X neighborhood in the past year. Parents are often drug addicts. Lets help through the school. Politicians and authorities are recognizing the power of public schools. Latino gangs are somewhat respectful of religious icons. Mary will never get ‘tagged’ on. You can’t do this without being in communion with the Lord, (read your Bible)
Allan Kingston – Century Housing (affordable housing)
LA County is the number one place in the nation for homelessness. Ten Million in LA County, the size of Sweden and other small countries. People don’t often look at the economy and jobs as related to housing, but homes are where ‘jobs’ go to spend the night. Issues of race are going away, they must, and we are making it so.
Janice Hahn – Councilwomen of LA (the city)
Took a Grammy winning music producer to a project in Watts. (wanted to show him a sign of hope) Took him to a place where there is hopelessness, but there is a recording studio there. We say, ‘say no to gangs’ but there are not enough to say yes to. This is something they can say yes to. The project needed more money for people and stuff. The producer is going to do some good things, will be making connections.
“I need some signs of hope” this last month there were 19 gang related shootings, 7 were homicides. Kids don’t go to school because they are afraid of being shot. Went to a place that helps women turn their way of life around. She was encouraged because of this.
The city is often very frustrated with her. (city, police, gangs, etc…) Held a meeting. They needed a cease fire so kids could go to school. Mother mentioned that the press only show up for the good stuff. Her kid is going to Nebraska on a sports scholarship. After this, gangs wanted to talk about a cease fire.
Favorite book, Ester, here for “such a time as this”.
Panel Discussion
Q: If you had to take a visitor from out-of-town, to a place in the city that showed some signs of hope, where would you go?
Rev. Alexis Salvatierra – Advocate for the working poor
In 1970, the CEO made 30x what the lowest paid worker made. In 2000 it was 560x
If you work for $7/hr, you make $960/month. Average rent is $1400/month.
Costco CEO makes 350K on purpose, pays his workers $17/hr, twice that of Sams Club.
Don Knabe – LA County Supervisor
Largest uninsured population. 83K Homeless in LA county. Unless you know how big the problem is you can’t fix it. Various new ‘programs’ being started. New shelters, job training programs, etc…
There is a program that allows a mother to drop off her child at any hospital, fire station, or police station, no questions, no shame. Finally, a program to help foster kids transition at age 18.
Dr. Lula Ballton – West Angles CDC (Carrier Development Center)
You are here, that’s a good thing. People come here for their dreams, most people are not considering going back to where they came from. My goal is not for people to be the object of our charity. Don’t make people do it our way. (loud music, food, living standards, etc…) Don’t dismantle neighborhoods. Don’t do affordable non-descript box housing, (projects) don’t do pricy high rises. Make affordable indigenous integrated living possible. In the 70’s the successful minorities were told to get an education and get out. That is wrong! Come home, make it better.
Robert Yamamoto – Represents Nearly the entire Non-Profit Sector.
Young professionals went out and donated toys for xmas. Found 7 people in a one bedroom apartment, 400sq/ft. 130K non-profit’s in LA county. Signs of hope all over LA. Look for the HS in all of us. “For many, we (in this room) are the signs of hope” Next generation is incredibly volunteer oriented.
LaDawn Prieto – Psychiatric worker with LAUSD (LA Unified School District)
Considering the background of many, a sign of hope is that anyone comes to school. 100 gang related deaths in a 1 mile radious of X neighborhood in the past year. Parents are often drug addicts. Lets help through the school. Politicians and authorities are recognizing the power of public schools. Latino gangs are somewhat respectful of religious icons. Mary will never get ‘tagged’ on. You can’t do this without being in communion with the Lord, (read your Bible)
Allan Kingston – Century Housing (affordable housing)
LA County is the number one place in the nation for homelessness. Ten Million in LA County, the size of Sweden and other small countries. People don’t often look at the economy and jobs as related to housing, but homes are where ‘jobs’ go to spend the night. Issues of race are going away, they must, and we are making it so.
Janice Hahn – Councilwomen of LA (the city)
Took a Grammy winning music producer to a project in Watts. (wanted to show him a sign of hope) Took him to a place where there is hopelessness, but there is a recording studio there. We say, ‘say no to gangs’ but there are not enough to say yes to. This is something they can say yes to. The project needed more money for people and stuff. The producer is going to do some good things, will be making connections.
“I need some signs of hope” this last month there were 19 gang related shootings, 7 were homicides. Kids don’t go to school because they are afraid of being shot. Went to a place that helps women turn their way of life around. She was encouraged because of this.
The city is often very frustrated with her. (city, police, gangs, etc…) Held a meeting. They needed a cease fire so kids could go to school. Mother mentioned that the press only show up for the good stuff. Her kid is going to Nebraska on a sports scholarship. After this, gangs wanted to talk about a cease fire.
Favorite book, Ester, here for “such a time as this”.
January 28, 2006
Signs of Hope LA
I’m attending a pretty amazing conference called Signs of Hope LA. It includes local, national and international speakers discussing what is happening in Los Angles among area churches concerned about the poor, issues in justice, and city development.
For now I think I’m simply going to toss my notes on here with out edit. I’ll do some reflecting latter. (I had my laptop with me so I could take good notes)
LA as a Text – Michael Mata
If life is the art of encounter, than the city is the setting of that encounter
Signs of hope are the encounter
We need to see the built environment as a text to be read
There is incredible diversity in LA.
A world atlas in S. California.
These reflect powerful forces at play on the global stage.
We are part of in incredibly interconnected global web.
People in all over the glob wear Jordan shirts and watch Hollywood videos.
We eat food from all over the globe.
According to emigrants, the US and LA are free’er and cleaner than the rest of the world.
The emerging global culture is an interaction of innovation.
Change often takes place invisibly. A great degree of cultural sincritization, this is good and bad.
Looking at the city
Bonoventure hotel (quad cylinder downtown hotel) communicates power and prestige for those that have, the rest of us are left looking on.
Suburbs leave people separated and isolated, enduring long commutes.
Urban form is never devoid of social content, it is merely the grid into which we live.
Visit your local market, (not supermarket) these indicate who actually lives in your neighborhoods.
Korean store owners are fluent in Spanish, not English.
Color of paint, plants, what’s for sale at the local market, all of these are indicators of the local reality.
When we see the poor we are reminded that not all have made it.
Cultures that once had a high value on family, now must contend with consumerism.
Children are the most vulnerable, they don’t vote, and are dependent on adults for all needs.
Homeless people, though absent a secure home, none the less are in need of identity through speed.
Youth are very adapt at transforming public space.
Consider the spiritual dimensions
The goings on inside the historical protestants churches are often out of touch with the local reality.
Islamic faith is growing rapidely as reflects by the growth in their buildings.
Space is routinely transformed into “sacred space”
Multiculturalism has bred a pluralistic religious environment.
How are we to be defined? Are we enviting? Or do we hide behind locked doors and gates.
Do we actually represent justice and mercy?
The built landscape reflects our theology, hopes, lives and dreams.
The ministry and mission of the church must be aligned to take into account the global changes that are occurring in our world?
What is the locus of the place and ministry of the church?
As you venture into the built environment what do you smell and hear as well as see.
LA’s place on the planet – Dr. Ray Bakke
What are your favorite biblical city texts?
Every year in China, 30 million relocate from the rural to the city.
LA can invent the ways to be the church for the migratory.
The nations are now in the neighborhood.
Missions are no longer geographically distant, but culturally distant.
Head coaches no longer coach, they position coaches do. Pastor’s need to do likewise, relinquish the power, raise up leaders.
Jesus was a intercontinental refuge.
How do you put emotional boundaries on urban ministries? Know that Jesus struggled also. Jirus’ daughter and the women who ‘touched’ Jesus.
The people running from LA are running into the people running from Chicago…somewhere near Colorado Springs.
If you were a missionary, you would be considered irresponsible if you did not take some time to learn the language, and pay close attention to the culture. We need to do the same thing.
Missionaries didn’t ‘just preach the gospel’. They took the time to do their mission thing.
Put up art from the people of your neighborhood, you won’t have to tell them they are welcome, they will notice the minute they walk in.
The seven last words of the church “we never did it that way before”.
You don’t teach surgery at the university, but at the hospital.
For now I think I’m simply going to toss my notes on here with out edit. I’ll do some reflecting latter. (I had my laptop with me so I could take good notes)
LA as a Text – Michael Mata
If life is the art of encounter, than the city is the setting of that encounter
Signs of hope are the encounter
We need to see the built environment as a text to be read
There is incredible diversity in LA.
A world atlas in S. California.
These reflect powerful forces at play on the global stage.
We are part of in incredibly interconnected global web.
People in all over the glob wear Jordan shirts and watch Hollywood videos.
We eat food from all over the globe.
According to emigrants, the US and LA are free’er and cleaner than the rest of the world.
The emerging global culture is an interaction of innovation.
Change often takes place invisibly. A great degree of cultural sincritization, this is good and bad.
Looking at the city
Bonoventure hotel (quad cylinder downtown hotel) communicates power and prestige for those that have, the rest of us are left looking on.
Suburbs leave people separated and isolated, enduring long commutes.
Urban form is never devoid of social content, it is merely the grid into which we live.
Visit your local market, (not supermarket) these indicate who actually lives in your neighborhoods.
Korean store owners are fluent in Spanish, not English.
Color of paint, plants, what’s for sale at the local market, all of these are indicators of the local reality.
When we see the poor we are reminded that not all have made it.
Cultures that once had a high value on family, now must contend with consumerism.
Children are the most vulnerable, they don’t vote, and are dependent on adults for all needs.
Homeless people, though absent a secure home, none the less are in need of identity through speed.
Youth are very adapt at transforming public space.
Consider the spiritual dimensions
The goings on inside the historical protestants churches are often out of touch with the local reality.
Islamic faith is growing rapidely as reflects by the growth in their buildings.
Space is routinely transformed into “sacred space”
Multiculturalism has bred a pluralistic religious environment.
How are we to be defined? Are we enviting? Or do we hide behind locked doors and gates.
Do we actually represent justice and mercy?
The built landscape reflects our theology, hopes, lives and dreams.
The ministry and mission of the church must be aligned to take into account the global changes that are occurring in our world?
What is the locus of the place and ministry of the church?
As you venture into the built environment what do you smell and hear as well as see.
LA’s place on the planet – Dr. Ray Bakke
What are your favorite biblical city texts?
Every year in China, 30 million relocate from the rural to the city.
LA can invent the ways to be the church for the migratory.
The nations are now in the neighborhood.
Missions are no longer geographically distant, but culturally distant.
Head coaches no longer coach, they position coaches do. Pastor’s need to do likewise, relinquish the power, raise up leaders.
Jesus was a intercontinental refuge.
How do you put emotional boundaries on urban ministries? Know that Jesus struggled also. Jirus’ daughter and the women who ‘touched’ Jesus.
The people running from LA are running into the people running from Chicago…somewhere near Colorado Springs.
If you were a missionary, you would be considered irresponsible if you did not take some time to learn the language, and pay close attention to the culture. We need to do the same thing.
Missionaries didn’t ‘just preach the gospel’. They took the time to do their mission thing.
Put up art from the people of your neighborhood, you won’t have to tell them they are welcome, they will notice the minute they walk in.
The seven last words of the church “we never did it that way before”.
You don’t teach surgery at the university, but at the hospital.
December 12, 2005
Ten on Three
This past quarter I took three classes: Christian Ethics, Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) and Forming the People of God. Here they are in ten words or less.
Christian Ethics: Euthanasia...Pacificism...Kingdom of God...Systemic Evil.
Pentateuch: Exegeses...Higher Criticism...Judgment & Mercy...God’s Narrative
Forming the People of God: Missional...Discipleship...Culture...Forms of Church...Practical Helps...Legal FYI’s
The best part of each though were the prof’s. A professor makes or breaks a class. Fortunately I had three really good one’s this past quarter, Mark Lau Branson, Erin Dufault-Hunter, and James Butler
Christian Ethics: Euthanasia...Pacificism...Kingdom of God...Systemic Evil.
Pentateuch: Exegeses...Higher Criticism...Judgment & Mercy...God’s Narrative
Forming the People of God: Missional...Discipleship...Culture...Forms of Church...Practical Helps...Legal FYI’s
The best part of each though were the prof’s. A professor makes or breaks a class. Fortunately I had three really good one’s this past quarter, Mark Lau Branson, Erin Dufault-Hunter, and James Butler
November 05, 2005
Ethics in Teaching and Learning
Not surprisingly there is such a thing as teaching ethics, or theology, or whatever, ethically, much of which has to do with presenting the arguments of your adversaries fairly. It is on this point that I believe churches fail too often. In many instances we don’t even present the other side, and when we do, it is often a caricature, a paper tiger to be knocked over. I'm not saying one needs to be exaustive, and there are clearly situations in which this would be ridiculous, but at the end of the day, we often don't treat our adversaries fairly.
I think the reason this happens is not entirely malicious, rather it has a lot to do with people not knowing or understanding what one’s opponent believes, which raises questions about how or why we come to believe, whatever we believe.
Think about it, why do you believe?
Ok, so you read A Case for Christ, did you read A Case for Muhammad? (not a real book)
You’re a Calvinist, as is your mother and the pastor of the church she took you to your entire life; have you read any other perspective?
What are we afraid of?
If a given belief is correct, it will stand up under the most withering examination.
I think the reason this happens is not entirely malicious, rather it has a lot to do with people not knowing or understanding what one’s opponent believes, which raises questions about how or why we come to believe, whatever we believe.
Think about it, why do you believe?
Ok, so you read A Case for Christ, did you read A Case for Muhammad? (not a real book)
You’re a Calvinist, as is your mother and the pastor of the church she took you to your entire life; have you read any other perspective?
What are we afraid of?
If a given belief is correct, it will stand up under the most withering examination.
November 03, 2005
Pentateuch Mid-Term
Want to know what type of questions appear on a graduate level Biblical studies test? Here are a few.
Essay Questions
Gerhard von Rad has pointed out that the episodes of Genesis 1-11 are linked by the themes of the spread of human sin and the recurring response of God’s grace. Discuss this scheme, and show how it links the Primeval History of Gen 1-11 with the Patriarchal narratives of Gen 12-50.
In Gen. 12:1-3, Abraham is called to take up a promise. Show how the rest of the Abraham and Sarah stories are organized around the themes of this promise. In what ways can the promise of these verses be traced beyond Abraham to the rest of the Old Testament?
As a result of the archeological discoveries of the 19th-20th centuries, modern interpreters of the opening chapters of Genesis have been confronted with a wealth of comparative material from the ancient Near East. Discuss the ways in which these extra-Biblical parallels may illumine our studies of the opening chapters of Genesis, citing some specific examples from the accounts of Creation or the Flood. Be as specific as possible in alluding to details, both of the ancient Near Eastern texts (naming the texts, the characters, the situations, etc.) and of the Biblical accounts to which you are comparing them.
Identify each of the following with a word, phrase, or brief sentence:
--the occupation of Abel and of Cain
--the third son of Adam and Eve, “instead of Abel”
--Lamech, husband of Adah and Zillah
--he “walked with God; and he was not, for God took him”
--the three sons of Noah
--the son of Noah from whom Abraham was descended
--pillar of salt
--Moab and Ben-ammi
--Ishmael
--Abimelech, king of Gerar
--the land of Moriah
--the land of Nod
--Jacob's father-in-law
Essay Questions
Gerhard von Rad has pointed out that the episodes of Genesis 1-11 are linked by the themes of the spread of human sin and the recurring response of God’s grace. Discuss this scheme, and show how it links the Primeval History of Gen 1-11 with the Patriarchal narratives of Gen 12-50.
In Gen. 12:1-3, Abraham is called to take up a promise. Show how the rest of the Abraham and Sarah stories are organized around the themes of this promise. In what ways can the promise of these verses be traced beyond Abraham to the rest of the Old Testament?
As a result of the archeological discoveries of the 19th-20th centuries, modern interpreters of the opening chapters of Genesis have been confronted with a wealth of comparative material from the ancient Near East. Discuss the ways in which these extra-Biblical parallels may illumine our studies of the opening chapters of Genesis, citing some specific examples from the accounts of Creation or the Flood. Be as specific as possible in alluding to details, both of the ancient Near Eastern texts (naming the texts, the characters, the situations, etc.) and of the Biblical accounts to which you are comparing them.
Identify each of the following with a word, phrase, or brief sentence:
--the occupation of Abel and of Cain
--the third son of Adam and Eve, “instead of Abel”
--Lamech, husband of Adah and Zillah
--he “walked with God; and he was not, for God took him”
--the three sons of Noah
--the son of Noah from whom Abraham was descended
--pillar of salt
--Moab and Ben-ammi
--Ishmael
--Abimelech, king of Gerar
--the land of Moriah
--the land of Nod
--Jacob's father-in-law
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