defining God v. responding to God

More great stuff from Pete Rollins, How (Not) to Speak of God, chapter 2:

The difference between the idea that our Christian traditions describe God and the view that they are worshipful responses to God is important to grasp, for while the former seeks to define, the latter is engaged with response. (p. 21)

I find that I connect with God more these days when I worship Him and respond to Him rather than trying to figure him out...Not that I don't ask questions; I'm finishing a philosophy course titled "Who is God" that is kicking my butt. It's got me asking all kinds of questions about omnipotence, foreknowledge, prayer, hell, suffering...But I find myself interacting with God more than ever in the midst of those questions. I used to feel like not knowing or understanding something made me feel further from Him; but now I feel just the opposite--questioning and seeking draw me to Him.

traffic advice

Here's some simple but great advice from CoolPeopleCare--an organization worth checking out! I've been trying to do some of this--it makes a huge difference in my attitude to let people in rather than getting mad.

Let Someone In
by Sam Davidson

You're not in that much of a hurry.You stopped speeding, you use your blinker all the time, and you finally curtailed all of that nasty road rage. Prove it by letting someone else in. Even though you took Driver’s Ed., you're still not sure whose turn it is at those pesky four-way stops, blinking lights, or nervous roundabouts. Take the high road and motion your fellow travelers to go ahead of you. You'll be sure not to waste time with a fender bender, and someone's day might be made a little brighter by your generosity. Let one person cut in front of you in traffic today.

Doug Pagitt jumps in

In February, at the National Pastors' Convention, my friend Josh and I had the opportunity to spend some time in conversation with Doug Pagitt. We were talking about the Christian watchdogs on the internet (which I often read, and hate myself for wasting the time). I told him that he was still kind of under their radar. Not any more. Last week Doug was interviewed by Ingrid Schlueter, (one of the watchdogs). You can listen here.

A lot of folks have jumped into the conversation. I'm glad so many have offered Doug their encouragement (not that he needs it...my guess is that Doug is pretty secure and not too upset by the criticism). One of the best responses is here on Fajita's blog.

I'm convinced there are two kinds of people who listen to and read these watchdogs (they call themselves discernment ministries--but I don't really see any ministry being done, only judging and condemning anyone who has a different perspective. They are most adamant about condemning successful ministries).

I think the people reading the watchdogs are:
1. People who have made up their minds about all matters of faith and have nothing more to discuss. They are convinced that they are right about everything and anyone who disagrees is wrong. They find support when they slam others and have their friends encourage them to keep it up.

2. People like me who read them, still amazed that people who call themselves Christians can be so oblivious to one of the Bible's main themes--to love one another. Now, they say they are loving, by telling the truth in love, but come on--there is no encouragement, only condemnation in their speech.

People read this stuff because they agree with it, or they don't. I really doubt that anyone is changing their minds because of it.

I also find it sad that they lump together a wide variety of churches and styles and perspectives, ie. emerging church, emergent, seeker-senstitive, megachurch, purpose-driven, contemporary worship, and announce that all those involved in these types of ministries are deceived, and that all leaders are bound for hell.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox for now.

on a lighter note...

ever have a tough time parking? take a few minutes, relax, and enjoy...

catching up, Johnny Cash, Pete Rollins

Been way too busy; always feel behind, too much to do, not enough time. It's 1:30 am and I should be in bed...

Sunday was great, we talked about the unique path that each of us takes as we walk through life with Jesus, and how God uses all of who we are. I used Johnny Cash as an example--a man who sought God; was sometimes very close to Him, other times off on his own, but artistically and spiritually was an amazing man. We watched the video to the song "Hurt." (click to see the video) If you've never seen it; stop and watch it now. It's the most powerful music video I've ever seen.

OK, more Pete Rollins; chapter 2, short but deep:

the relationship we have with God cannot be reduced to our understanding of that relationship.

Think about that for a while; I'm going to bed.

42

Today is my 42nd birthday. It was a great day...started with a walk through the neighborhood with Brady...then off to work, where Lisa, Joy and Kurt gave me a birthday cake and sang to me at staff meeting...lunch with my friend Fred at the original Hard Times Cafe in Oldtown...tonight a beer with Josh, Tom and Lore at RiRa's, a great Irish restaurant. I'm so grateful for terrific friends!

embraced by God

More from Pete Rollins, How (Not) to Speak of God, chapter one:

The emerging Church is thus able to leave aside the need for clarity and open up the way for us to accept the fact that what is important is that we are embraced by the beloved rather than finding agreement concerning how we ought to understand the beloved (as if a baby can only really love her mother if she understands her.)

I love the comparison of our love for God with the love of a baby for her mother. My relationship with my son Brady (11 months) has enriched my relationship with God. I better grasp His love for me because of the incredible love I have for Brady. I am filled with the purest joy I've ever known each time I look at him.

When he reaches his arms out for me, I pull him to my chest and hold him tight--that's the most wonderful feeling I've ever known. At the same time I see his love for me, his desire to hold onto me and play with me. I want to have that same love and desire for God; to simply long to be in His presence, in His arms.

transformation and revelation

Pete Rollins, How (Not) to Speak of God, chapter one continued:

What is important about revelation is not that we seek to interpret it in the same way but rather that we all love it and are transformed by it.

I really like this. I need to hear this (I think a lot of us do--on both sides of the emergent fence). We get so caught up in explaining and arguing and conversing; we are spending a lot of time talking about God, and not much time with God.

I don't want God to look at me and say, "He's really wise, he knows his theology." I want God to look at me and be pleased that I am seeking Him, and becoming more like Him, and doing what I can to care for people. I want to be transformed. I'm not saying theology isn't important, just that it isn't the most important thing. God is great, and powerful. He doesn't need me to figure everything out in order to use me. As He transforms me, I believe He can help me know and understand Him better, and my theology will grow out of that.

One thing that is transforming me these days is engaging in "fixed-hour prayer," or in some circles, "praying the daily offices."

Simply put, praying at regular times throughout the day, mostly from Scripture. I've been using Phyllis Tickle's The Divine Hours. Check out her website, or see the prayers online here.

I grew up thinking that prayer was supposed to be spontaneous; that written prayers were not real, or heart-felt. So spontaneous prayer has always been a part of my life. But discovering the beauty and power of praying Scripture, and prayers written by other Christians over the centuries has been wonderful.

Here is one of today's prayers from The Divine Hours:

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that I, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ my Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.

please read this book!

More from chapter one of How (Not) to Speak of God by Pete Rollins:

...revelation, far from being the opposite of concealment, has concealment built into its very heart. (p. 16)

Rollins speaks of going into a museum and contemplating a painting:

The painting could be said to offer us a type of revelation, for it stands before us and communicates a message. However, the message of a piece of art is not simple, singular or able to be mastered...When we ask ourselves about the meaning of the artwork, we are immediately involved in an act of interpretation which is influenced by what we bring to the painting. In a similar way, the revelation of God should be compared to a parable that speaks out of an excess of meaning...The parable is given to us, but at the same time its full wealth of meaning will never be fully mined. It is not reducible to some clear, singular, scientific formula but rather gives rise to a multitude of commentaries. (p. 16, 17; italics mine)

...there is more, but I'll stop here and come back later...

I've been thinking on the line in italics above. We are all influenced by what we bring to faith and Scripture. I can't believe that people deny this, but many do. How else do you explain the incredible diversity in the universal Christian Church? So many within it think they have it figured out...reformed, charismatic, fundamental, evangelical, catholic, are only a few of literally hundreds of categories Christians use to define themselves, and most are absolutely certain that their understanding of Scripture and their ways of doing church are THE right ways, or at least the best.

I was in my twenties before I realized there were people who truly loved God and followed Jesus who were not Southern Baptist! I grew up being taught that we (southern Baptists--a group from which I now feel very different) were the only ones who really "got it," and everyone else was close but not quite there.

The more I read of the emerging conversation, the more I am convinced that many of these people, who often humbly admit that they don't have everything figured out, are actually closer to getting it than those who do think they have it all figured out. What is "it"? Not sure how to define; simply put, I guess I'm talking about connecting with God. Not knowing all about Him, not being able to explain the "true" meaning of all the Bible, but humbly living a life that strives to reflect His character.

long week

VA Tech tragedy

it's been over a week since I posted. Monday was rough--the tragedy at VA Tech. It hit me really hard. I didn't personally know anyone affected; but it really got me down. Maybe being a parent makes these things hit me harder. I was pretty depressed for a few days.

Church

Wednesday night I met with our new men's small group at church; it was a fantastic time, really ministered to me. We're starting The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Looks like great stuff so far. We move back into the LAB (our smaller space) this Sunday; it was being painted last couple weeks. Should be great! Check out our website for pics and info.

We got great news this week; we received a substantial grant from the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. Very exciting! It will be a huge help in our renovations; also very affirming that others believe in and support what we are doing.

Family

On Wednesday we went to Richmond for a level 2 sonogram. The doctor said the baby looks perfect! Jamie has a hunch it's a girl, and our friend Wayne predicted it's a girl--Wayne claims to be 19 for 19 in predicting the sex of babies (he was right on Brady).

I'm home with Brady today; having some great guy time!

back to Rollins--How (Not) to Speak of God

more great and difficult stuff about the dynamic nature of the Bible and it's descriptions of the nature of God...

We are presented with a warrior God and a peacemaker, a God of territorial allegiance and a God who transcends all territorial divides, an unchanging God and a God who can be redirected, a God of peace and a God of war, a God who is always watching the world and a God who fails to notice the oppression against Israel in Egypt. (p. 13; Rollins credits Philip Harrison for these insights)

How do people respond to this? Many outside the Christian faith would discount God; saying He's inconsistent, or schizophrenic, or that the Bible presents such an irrational picture of God that it can't be accurate.

Others, probably most in the modern evangelical church, work to explain away the seeming inconstancies or contradictions. They want/need to find rational answers to the hard questions. I used to be in that camp. But even before I admitted it, I struggled with this. The God in the Bible seemed way too complex and mysterious to be easily and rationally explained.

Mr. Deity is a series of short films which satirize the modern church, from a perspective that knows about Christianity but isn't really Christian. The videos provoke hard questions about God and faith. Very funny, very irreverent. In vol. 9, Mr. Deity describes how He looks in the Bible: "I look like a total schizoid. The first half I'm all fire and brimstone, guns a'blazin'; I'm shooting first and asking questions later. And then all of a sudden, whoosh, I'm Sybil, right? I'm peace, love, and understanding."

I wrestle with the different sides of God we see in the Old and New Testaments...but rather than try to solve the mystery, I want to get to know Him better. I'm trying to spend more time knowing Him, not just knowing about Him...

We had incredible time together this morning--God, Brady and me. I took Brady for a walk through the neighborhood. He loves the trees, the lake, the dogs we see and hear...he just loves being outside. As we walked I talked to Brady, and I talked to God. I saw His love in the beauty around us, I heard it in the laughter of my son, and I felt it in the incredible joy in my heart.

easter

taking a break from Rollins's book. Great day yesterday--had Easter sunset service in the sanctuary building...would have been nice to be in the LAB--our smaller space, but they're painting in there.

Worship was good--several people said the highlight was Ashley's reading of the Easter story from a kids Bible storybook. Added an element of child-like faith...wide-eyed wonder. She did a wonderful job!

hard leaving home this morning. Most mornings I get up with Brady, spend an hour or two with him so Jamie can rest (she's not sleeping well at night). It is precious time. This morning we had a couple hours together before I had to go to work. I picked him up, hugged and kissed him goodbye and gave him back to Jamie. He started crying and reaching up for me! Nothing breaks your heart like having to leave when your child is reaching out for you!

Jamie is doing well (other than being tired), kids are fine, and in five months we'll have another! My life is so great!

more of How (Not) To Speak of God

This book is so great; I'm reading it slowly; trying to digest and process as I go...

more from chapter 1, about "conceptual idolatry":

The term (idolatry) can be understood to refer to any attempt that would render the essence of God accessible, bringing god into either aesthetic visibility (in the form of a physical structure, such as a statue) or conceptual visibility (in the form of a concept, such as a theological system)...the former reduces God to a physical object while the latter reduces God to an intellectual object. (p. 12)

later:

We do not find some simple, linear understanding of YHWH developing through the text, and thus we do not find a single, coherent definition of God, as proclaimed by many contemporary churches...Western theology has all too often reduced the beautifully varied and complex descriptions of God found in the Bible to a singular reading that does violence to its vibrant nature. (p. 12)

This is so freeing. I sometimes feel attacked by those who criticize the emerging conversation (no one is attacking me directly, but they do attack people I read and respect and learn from). These watchdogs question if we really believe the Bible. They tell us we are not true Christians if we don't agree with their simple and clear interpretations of the Bible and share their precise understanding of who God is.

I really believe they have it backwards. God is so much greater than our limited ability to describe and explain Him! When we reduce God to a description that fits neatly into a systematic theology, we are capturing only a small piece of all that God is. We become guilty of idolatry!

I'm not saying we can't know anything of God; but that we can't know everything of God. We don't need to know everything of God to love Him and serve Him and worship Him...as my faith becomes more open and questioning and free, I find that I seek God and connect with Him in new and exciting ways. The Bible has come alive for me like never before. By not trying to intellectually understand so much about Him, I know and connect with Him more.

this book is great

More from Pete Rollins's How (Not) To Speak of God, chapter 1:

...when we make absolute claims concerning what we believe about the world or God, acting as if our opinions were the result of some painstaking, objective and rational reflection, we end up deceiving ourselves, for our understanding is always an interpretation of the information before us (whether the raw material of the world or revelation) and thus is always affected by what we bring to the table.

wow. I don't see the need to add any commentary...but I'd love to hear people's reactions to that quote.

heretical beliefs?

Those of us in the emerging conversation have been called heretics, and accused of rejecting the Bible and ignoring Christian doctrine. In chapter 1 of How (Not) to Speak of God, Rollins explains what many of us have been saying about this:

Those within the emerging conversation are offering a different way of understanding the answers that we already possess. In other words, those involved in the conversation are not explicitly attempting to construct or unearth a different set of beliefs that would somehow be more appropriate in today's context, but rather, they are looking at the way in which we hold the beliefs that we already have. This is not a revolution that seeks to change what we believe, but rather one that sets about transforming the entire manner in which we hold our beliefs.

In recent years my understanding and perspective of the Bible have changed a lot; but my beliefs in Jesus, and His Word and work have not; they have grown, becoming stronger and more real. Instead of reading the Bible as a textbook, a place to go to find answers, I read it as the story, the true story, of God and His love for His people. (And I feel no need to qualify "true" with the word "absolute.")

My faith is stronger because I dive into the Bible, wrestle with it, ask all kinds of questions (usually without clear, easy answers), and continue to seek God, in all his mystery and majesty. Critics want to deny mystery when it comes to God and the Bible. I read many writers and pastors who claim that there is no mystery; God has given us His Word, and it is clear and understandable. They call us heretics, claiming we question the obvious answers in the Bible.

Now I know most of these guys are way smarter than me. But I just don't see it. I think God wants us to enter into the mystery; I think that's why Jesus often spoke in parables and questions. He didn't give three point sermons that explained the Scriptures he quoted. He asked questions and let the listeners struggle; rather than giving easy answers.

OK, I'll get off my soap box. Today in worship we are going to walk through Scripture about the final week of Jesus' life--The entry into Jerusalem, Jesus' betrayal, last supper, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. No preaching, no commentary, just reading and acting out of Scripture. I think it will be powerful!

journey as destination

More on How (Not) to Speak of God, by Pete Rollins...from Chapter 1:

...those involved in the conversation acknowledge that Christianity involves a process of journeying and becoming. There is a shared understanding that being a Christian always involves becoming a Christian...faith embraces journey as a type of destination.

This speaks to me of our modern obsession with convincing people to:
close the deal
pray the prayer
cross the line
make a decision...

We put great emphasis on getting people to take an action that changes their status from lost to saved, non-Christian to Christian, condemned to forgiven, pagan to believer...but we are rarely as concerned with the journey.

I'm all for helping people choose to follow Jesus (it is part of my job!) But the challenging part, and I think the crucial part, is encouraging people on the journey they began by choosing Jesus. The decision or prayer is only the first step. It's really the easiest step. The journey that follows is incredible, frustrating, joyful, painful, frightening, mysterious, and adventurous.

Along similar lines, found this great article, "Jesus and the Sinner's Prayer" in Christianity Today by David Gushee. Got me thinking about Jesus' teaching when it comes to following Him; and how it's often different than the answers we give. He rarely gives the same answer twice; yet we have tried to come up with simple universal answers of what it means to follow him--the four spiritual laws, sinners prayer, etc.

Gushee says:

If Jesus is to be believed, inheriting eternal life involves a comprehensive divine assessment at every step along our journey, not just at its inception.

I want to be a pastor who, first of all, takes my journey seriously--constantly seeking and learning and interacting with Jesus; and second, is available to help others on that journey, not as a teacher, but as an encourager and fellow traveler.

must read--Pete Rollins

just started reading How (Not) To Speak of God by Pete Rollins. After only one chapter it is already having major impact. Rollins is able to articulate perfectly a lot of thoughts I've wrestled with but haven't been able to put into words. I'm going to comment on the book as I read; but obviously I will quote bits and pieces. I strongly urge you to read the book yourself!

Part 1 Intro:

The argument is made that naming God is never really naming God but only naming our understanding of God. To take our ideas of the divine and hold them as if they correspond to the reality of God is thus to construct a conceptual idol built from the materials of our mind.

Wow. Much of the criticism of emergent has been that we don't hold firm enough to certain, absolute, infallible beliefs. The above quote tells me that holding our interpretations too tightly is a form of idolatry. I do believe in the Bible; but my beliefs, anyone's beliefs, are never exactly what the Bible says, but our understandings and interpretations of what the Bible says. That doesn't mean we can't learn from or follow the Bible, but it does mean we ought to be careful about arrogantly thinking that we have the one and only right reading...

Rollins goes on to contrast the Greek-influenced idea of orthodoxy as right belief with the "more Hebraic and mystical notion of the orthodox Christian as one who believes in the right way--that is , believing in a loving, sacrificial and Christlike manner."

That sure makes sense to me.

my childish wish

ok, I'm a big kid. I admit it. Last month Ashley got a pair of heelys. First I thought, "I wish they had these when I was a kid." Then I wondered if they made them big enough for me. I was jealous. of my 11-year-old daughter.

Well, I just found out they DO make them big enough for me. So I've added a wish list to my blog. I rarely ask for anything; and I'm not at all materialistic. But I have a birthday in May and this is the only thing I'm asking for! (is my wife reading this?) You can find them HERE.

Laugh if you will, but it could be a great opportunity to bond with my daughter and her friends. or break my neck. Either way, it's an adventure!

random thoughts

I'm exhausted. Spent most of this week painting at church--doing a lot of remodeling over next month; making progress, it's gonna look great.

We had a lot of help today--friends from Cornerstone Baptist and the Church at Clarendon. My daughter Ashley and her friend Amanda were great helpers! It was so cool seeing folks jump in and serve!

Last night a few of us went to the 9:30 club in DC to see our own Jay Smith's band, Middle Distance Runner. Jay said playing there has been his dream for years; it was awesome! Twenty years ago I would have been up front by the stage dancing and drinking; but at 41, midnight is really late for a show to start! I didn't get home till almost 3 am, then up at 8 and off to church to paint.

OK, I'm running out of steam; I'll write more tomorrow. If you want to laugh, check out Mr. Deity. Very funny stuff--but you can't be too easily offended about faith. They do prompt some great questions.

back to cold reality

OK, Thursday we're at Sea World in San Diego, 70 degrees, sunny...Jamie fulfills her lifelong dream of interacting with the dolphins, I'm enjoying watching my son laugh at the whales and sea lions. Ashley got a pair of heelys; tennis shoes with a wheel on the heel--it is so fun to watch her roll everywhere. These are the joys of parenthood, seeing the world through the eyes of my kids and sharing their wonder and joy...

So we come back to find our neighborhood covered with ice. Literally. We're not going anywhere until it thaws!

A lot going through my head about the National Pastors Convention...especially about the Bible. For years I've felt like I've had this framework of faith and theology, and we try to make the Bible fit within that framework. I know the intentions are good, but I think more and more that we miss God's purpose. We argue about how literally to take the Bible...we argue over words like inerrant and infallible and authoritative...and what kills me is that these arguments aren't between Christians and non-Christians--they are going on within the church.

I think Jesus looks at this and sadly shakes His head. I think He probably feels like we so often miss the point. It shouldn't be about arguing, and making sure we get everything right--it should be about finding Jesus--His person, His heart, His desires, His Spirit, in the stories of the Bible. Receiving His love. Loving others in the same way.

I often hesitate writing about stuff like this. I'm not a theologian. I've forgotten much of what I've learned in seminary. I am a student, trying to know Jesus more and more, and become more like Him.

As a lover of literature, I'm excited about how I read the Bible these days. I see how God used all kinds of people to tell His stories. I am letting go of hangups about everything being historically and scientifically "accurate." I'm not saying the Bible is not true. I believe it is. But I think God's perspective of Biblical truth is very different from what a lot of people seem to think--inerrant, infallible, etc...

I realize I say "I think" a lot; and I know friends who will tell me I can't trust my thinking, I can only trust God's Word. But then they quote a verse to support their view; regardless of the historical and theological context of that verse...I'm diving into Jesus' words and stories, especially the Sermon on the Mount. Wow. Revolutionary stuff if we read it as if He meant it! OK, time to get off my soap box and get to bed.

Glad to be back in VA--excited about lots of work/renovations going on at church this week. Join us at Convergence if you can!