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."
May 21, 2006
May 16, 2006
Throw them all out
Between this: Democratic congressman denies bribery charges
And this: Kentucky governor indicted over hiring practices
And this: DeLay is facing criminal charges
I want a new class of elected officials.
Right now, in my mind, most elected officials are guility by association. I'm not saying everyone should be charged with something, nothing like that. But if half the people up for election got thrown out on their ear that would be fine with me. At a certain level, I don't care who replaces them, or what party their from. We need some new blood in there, making it clear to those that remain that they work for "we the people", and not for their own gain, or the special interests perpetually chattering in their ear!
As a side note, the fact that two of those people listed above are Republicans, and the fact the Abramoff scandal disproportianally affects Republicans, illistrates why I think evangelicals have made a grave mistake in associating themseleves so closely with the Republican party. There are plenty of aspects of both parties that are both Christ-like, and anti-Christ.
And this: Kentucky governor indicted over hiring practices
And this: DeLay is facing criminal charges
I want a new class of elected officials.
Right now, in my mind, most elected officials are guility by association. I'm not saying everyone should be charged with something, nothing like that. But if half the people up for election got thrown out on their ear that would be fine with me. At a certain level, I don't care who replaces them, or what party their from. We need some new blood in there, making it clear to those that remain that they work for "we the people", and not for their own gain, or the special interests perpetually chattering in their ear!
As a side note, the fact that two of those people listed above are Republicans, and the fact the Abramoff scandal disproportianally affects Republicans, illistrates why I think evangelicals have made a grave mistake in associating themseleves so closely with the Republican party. There are plenty of aspects of both parties that are both Christ-like, and anti-Christ.
May 10, 2006
Christ is the Only Answer
David Holt, the pastor of the church I grew up in, was interviewed by the local paper on the topic of salvation and conversion. He didn't lob in a softball, or try to water down what he thought, he put it right out there, saying Jesus is the only way to heaven.
As you can imagine, it illicited no shortage of responses when the story was posted on the LaCrosse Tribune's web site. I found the replies interesting, and helpful in gaging where people are at on this stuff.
I may have answered the questions slightly differently, but I have no problem with David pushing the envelope, no matter how politically incorect it may be. Sometimes I wonder if the final result is what we would like, but I'm not going to fault someone for going at it from this angle. We each have to answer for our own actions, so I applaud Pastor David for not shying away from his convictions. Below are some excerpts from both the article and the responses. You can read the entire article here.
Interview
Tribune: Can you explain to somebody who hasn’t had it what the saved experience, of coming forward in a church, is about?
Holt: You have to realize you’re a sinner. Recognize that God enables you to recognize you’re a sinner, and that the only way for you to be forgiven is through Jesus Christ...
Tribune: What’s your relationship with other religions?
Holt: I believe that all religions outside of Christianity are not true religions. He said the way leading to life is narrow, few will enter.
Tribune: And you think Jesus was talking about religion when he said those words?
Holt: Any attempt to get to God outside of Jesus is false. I ultimately believe that they’re Satan’s way of deceiving you...
Tribune: How do you relate to accepting a person who hasn’t been saved?
Holt: Truth and grace. Truth and compassion. Because where I think Evangelicals many times have been off base is sometimes truth without compassion, without grace.
Tribune: What happens inside of you when you speak with someone who hasn’t had the experience of being saved? What are you thinking? How are you feeling?
Holt: I’m praying that God opens their heart. Because until the Lord opens a person’s heart they won’t understand it’s possible to come to Christ. Salvation is a gift. God has to grant it. So I share with people. I pray inside. I’m praying, “God just help them understand.”
Tribune: So are you praying for me right now?
Holt: Yeah, I am. And I asked some people that knew we are meeting to pray.
Comments
"SIGH....why is it that so many people are arrogant enough to claim to have all the answers in life? Why is it that these people look down their noses at others just because they don't view the world in the same way? WHY is it that these people use false humility and patronizing comments while portraying themselves as "good people"??? WHY??? "
"It takes a lot of guts to proclaim you beliefs in the newspaper. I thank you Pastor Holt for your boldness in proclaiming Christ."
"SD, who are YOU to say what the truth is or what sin is? Who is Pastor Holt to say? NONE of us holds the monopoly on the "Truth". Opinions are like belly-buttons; we all have one. If there is a universal sin, it is being arrogant and narcissistic enough to tell others how they are to live and love. It is an even worse sin to claim Divine Right to do it. The worst bigots and hypocrites always claim to have God on their side. "
"I think it's more about spirituality than religion. You don't have to agree with Pastor Holt, but please respect his message. we as human beings need to believe in something bigger than ourselves. I, for one, do not subscribe to the evangelical school of thought, but I am not going to discount that it has merit for others. I can take what I hear from others and learn from it. "
"I am very much in agreement with Pastor Holt.. He speaks of how the Bible tells us to be saved. I know that that ruffles some feathers around here.. But in reality, that is why Christ Came.. He came to save us, but He also came to choose between the saved and unsaved.. That we all have a choice..
As you can imagine, it illicited no shortage of responses when the story was posted on the LaCrosse Tribune's web site. I found the replies interesting, and helpful in gaging where people are at on this stuff.
I may have answered the questions slightly differently, but I have no problem with David pushing the envelope, no matter how politically incorect it may be. Sometimes I wonder if the final result is what we would like, but I'm not going to fault someone for going at it from this angle. We each have to answer for our own actions, so I applaud Pastor David for not shying away from his convictions. Below are some excerpts from both the article and the responses. You can read the entire article here.
Interview
Tribune: Can you explain to somebody who hasn’t had it what the saved experience, of coming forward in a church, is about?
Holt: You have to realize you’re a sinner. Recognize that God enables you to recognize you’re a sinner, and that the only way for you to be forgiven is through Jesus Christ...
Tribune: What’s your relationship with other religions?
Holt: I believe that all religions outside of Christianity are not true religions. He said the way leading to life is narrow, few will enter.
Tribune: And you think Jesus was talking about religion when he said those words?
Holt: Any attempt to get to God outside of Jesus is false. I ultimately believe that they’re Satan’s way of deceiving you...
Tribune: How do you relate to accepting a person who hasn’t been saved?
Holt: Truth and grace. Truth and compassion. Because where I think Evangelicals many times have been off base is sometimes truth without compassion, without grace.
Tribune: What happens inside of you when you speak with someone who hasn’t had the experience of being saved? What are you thinking? How are you feeling?
Holt: I’m praying that God opens their heart. Because until the Lord opens a person’s heart they won’t understand it’s possible to come to Christ. Salvation is a gift. God has to grant it. So I share with people. I pray inside. I’m praying, “God just help them understand.”
Tribune: So are you praying for me right now?
Holt: Yeah, I am. And I asked some people that knew we are meeting to pray.
Comments
"SIGH....why is it that so many people are arrogant enough to claim to have all the answers in life? Why is it that these people look down their noses at others just because they don't view the world in the same way? WHY is it that these people use false humility and patronizing comments while portraying themselves as "good people"??? WHY??? "
"It takes a lot of guts to proclaim you beliefs in the newspaper. I thank you Pastor Holt for your boldness in proclaiming Christ."
"SD, who are YOU to say what the truth is or what sin is? Who is Pastor Holt to say? NONE of us holds the monopoly on the "Truth". Opinions are like belly-buttons; we all have one. If there is a universal sin, it is being arrogant and narcissistic enough to tell others how they are to live and love. It is an even worse sin to claim Divine Right to do it. The worst bigots and hypocrites always claim to have God on their side. "
"I think it's more about spirituality than religion. You don't have to agree with Pastor Holt, but please respect his message. we as human beings need to believe in something bigger than ourselves. I, for one, do not subscribe to the evangelical school of thought, but I am not going to discount that it has merit for others. I can take what I hear from others and learn from it. "
"I am very much in agreement with Pastor Holt.. He speaks of how the Bible tells us to be saved. I know that that ruffles some feathers around here.. But in reality, that is why Christ Came.. He came to save us, but He also came to choose between the saved and unsaved.. That we all have a choice..
May 09, 2006
On the Precedent of Warrantless Searches
Following the election of Lieberman and Clinton in 2008 to the presidency and vice presidency respectfully, and the ensuing liberalization of abortion law, a new spat of abortion doctor assassinations by ultra conservative Christians followed.
In the name of security, and citing his predecor, Lieberman authorized the FBI to conduct warrantless wiretaps and searches of thousands of evangelical organizations and churches, the overwhelming majority of whom unequivocally stood against the conduct of a very few on the far right who had committed these atrocities.
Think about it Bush lovers. What kind of precedent is your beloved president setting, and by whom and for what will the precident be used?
In the name of security, and citing his predecor, Lieberman authorized the FBI to conduct warrantless wiretaps and searches of thousands of evangelical organizations and churches, the overwhelming majority of whom unequivocally stood against the conduct of a very few on the far right who had committed these atrocities.
Think about it Bush lovers. What kind of precedent is your beloved president setting, and by whom and for what will the precident be used?
May 08, 2006
What is the Role of Government?
When ever I study ethics, I’m left with a question: What is the role of government in all of this?
To answer this I’m setting up a directed study. Meaning I present a professor, in this Case Glen Stassen, with a list of questions I would like to answer, and together we make a reading list. (about 2000 pages) I do the readings, and the research, we talk about it, and a 30 page paper latter, I get a grade. In this case I’ll be doing it in conjunction with 2 other people.
In order to better understand the role of government and ethics in relationship to the church, the state, and the people, I will be doing an analysis of Western political thought since 1600, and its affect on America and Christianity in America. Specifically, I would like to focus on the practical implications for Christ followers in this paradigm.
Here are some questions I would like to answer during this directed study.
Regardless of what I think on a given issue, what is the role of the church and the state?
How should a Christian politician conduct himself?
How should a pastor/elder conduct herself in relationship to the State?
By what criteria should we decide when to advocate for legislation/judicial action?
And when should persuasion proceed or even negate legislation?
This last question is of particular interest to me.
In order to answer these questions we’ll be looking at some more theoretical stuff, the likes of Lock and such, and then seeking to apply what we have learned to the contemporary setting.
To answer this I’m setting up a directed study. Meaning I present a professor, in this Case Glen Stassen, with a list of questions I would like to answer, and together we make a reading list. (about 2000 pages) I do the readings, and the research, we talk about it, and a 30 page paper latter, I get a grade. In this case I’ll be doing it in conjunction with 2 other people.
In order to better understand the role of government and ethics in relationship to the church, the state, and the people, I will be doing an analysis of Western political thought since 1600, and its affect on America and Christianity in America. Specifically, I would like to focus on the practical implications for Christ followers in this paradigm.
Here are some questions I would like to answer during this directed study.
Regardless of what I think on a given issue, what is the role of the church and the state?
How should a Christian politician conduct himself?
How should a pastor/elder conduct herself in relationship to the State?
By what criteria should we decide when to advocate for legislation/judicial action?
And when should persuasion proceed or even negate legislation?
This last question is of particular interest to me.
In order to answer these questions we’ll be looking at some more theoretical stuff, the likes of Lock and such, and then seeking to apply what we have learned to the contemporary setting.
May 06, 2006
Babylon Blog
Here are a few excerpts from an interesting blog I found today. It's called Babylon Blog, and is written by LtCol. Glen Morris, a Marine public affairs officer in Iraq.
The terminal, if it exists, is a small plywood room or a concrete bunker. When they check for weapons, they're making sure you HAVE them. From Combat Air Travel
I’m sure Irene will back me up on this, but one of the main reasons men go off to war is that it gives them an excellent reason to acquire lots of cool gear. From Guci Gear
No amount of schooling could prepare me for this. Meetings like this are difficult under any circumstances. But here were three different groups: local Iraqis, out-of-town Iraqi soldiers, and completely-out-of-country American Marines attempting to find some common ground. The non-attending members may have had the biggest input of all: the insurgents. From Sandbags, Sheiks, & Cigarettes
The God of War took away the sun today because of our feeble attempts to wage a counter-insurgency via Power Point briefs and endless Operational Planning Team meetings. From And Then It Started Raining Frogs
We loaded our weapons, chambered a round, and rolled out of the dam compound. For the first time since arriving in Iraq I was “leaving the wire. From A Dam Fine Place
The two buildings we occupy are old, dirty and dark because all of the windows are sandbagged. They weren’t designed to be lived in by 200 Marines, so there are bunk beds and offices crammed into every little room. Electricity, computer and communication wires run everywhere. There’s not much in the way of plumbing so we “use” a handy invention called a Wag Bag instead of the usual porta-johns. From FOB Sparta
The terminal, if it exists, is a small plywood room or a concrete bunker. When they check for weapons, they're making sure you HAVE them. From Combat Air Travel
I’m sure Irene will back me up on this, but one of the main reasons men go off to war is that it gives them an excellent reason to acquire lots of cool gear. From Guci Gear
No amount of schooling could prepare me for this. Meetings like this are difficult under any circumstances. But here were three different groups: local Iraqis, out-of-town Iraqi soldiers, and completely-out-of-country American Marines attempting to find some common ground. The non-attending members may have had the biggest input of all: the insurgents. From Sandbags, Sheiks, & Cigarettes
The God of War took away the sun today because of our feeble attempts to wage a counter-insurgency via Power Point briefs and endless Operational Planning Team meetings. From And Then It Started Raining Frogs
We loaded our weapons, chambered a round, and rolled out of the dam compound. For the first time since arriving in Iraq I was “leaving the wire. From A Dam Fine Place
The two buildings we occupy are old, dirty and dark because all of the windows are sandbagged. They weren’t designed to be lived in by 200 Marines, so there are bunk beds and offices crammed into every little room. Electricity, computer and communication wires run everywhere. There’s not much in the way of plumbing so we “use” a handy invention called a Wag Bag instead of the usual porta-johns. From FOB Sparta
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)