I spent a few years being "against" internet communities, chat rooms, blogs, and especially message boards (that's another story for another day) only because I felt like it was a cheap substitute for real community. Maybe I was a community snob. Congratulations blog gods, you win! I still don't feel like the internet is where I will have my accountability, my sharpening relationships, my in-depth community, but I am seeing the value of helpful conversations, different view points and the widening of communication that is possible. All of a sudden in saying all of that, I feel like I am in my parents' generation resisting the change of that loud rap music. Oh well.
One of my frustrations with internet communication in the past was that people tended to say things slightly harsher or more inappropriately because there was no face to face accountability. The comfortable thing with anonymity is that you are never really held responsible for what you say or do. That gets me on a whole other tangent on people who actually choose to go to particular churches so that they can be anonymous which I see none of in the early church - anyway that is another soap box for another blog day.
So, my rule for this blog is to not overstate things, but rather to say things that I could say face to face in front of anyone. So hopefully my criticisms will be humble and tempered as if I was saying it in person. Keep me accountable to that because I know it will be easy to slip back into the comfort of anonymity. I don't think God has called us into anonymity without accountability; that seems like the opposite of community. Instead He has pursued us so that we can have a relationship with Him in the context of relationships with His people. And that I have found, though messy and sometimes difficult, to be much richer and fuller than comfortable anonymity.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Scraping The Surface of History
I am teaching this class on theology in a postmodern culture and in the first week, I raced through history to explain to some degree where we are as a culture. I recognize that this doesn't do justice to all the complexities of history, but it is a survey. It is vastly stereotypical and mostly focuses on Europe and America. Most of these notes are taken directly from three lectures I have heard on the subject and also some books that I have read on the subjec as well. People have asked me for these notes, so I thought I would put up here on the blog:
Premodern: called the Medieval World – 500-1500
Plato, Augustine, Aquinas
There is a comprehensive explanation for all of reality and history. Reality and history are comprehensible to humanity, at least to some degree. There is more to reality than what we can see, hear, smell, taste or touch. Human fulfillment requires a correct adjustment to these unseen realities.
The Priest – is a good representation of this period – The culture is bound together by the Priesthood’s divine authority, revealed beliefs, sanctioned customs, absolute rules and accepted rituals.
Theology of the premodern era – mystical. Read Augustine and they are not wrestling with the same questions that we were or are. There is no question of if there is a God. God was mystically changing their lives. No Quiet Times – you learned when the scripture was read and when the priest spoke. There is very little questioning of Catholicism or Tradition. No Questioning that the sun revolves around the earth.
Modern Era – 1500-2000
Things that bring about great change: Printing Press, Reformation, Descartes, Locke, Newton, Kant, Darwin. Decartes coined the phrase: "I think, therefore I am." In the modern era, there is great confidence in the value of knowledge and the belief in progress. Objectivity is both desirable and possible. All beliefs are justified with reference to a set of self-evident, foundational beliefs. The world’s order is usually believed to be intrinsic and immanent, rather than derived from a transcendent source.
The Enlightenment sought to replace faith in God with human reason. Science was assumed to be capable of revealing the whole truth about the universe. The Modern stressed the value of individual potential, achievement, freedom and fulfillment. Lets not forget this was when America was born! Ultimately the Modern believed that science could lead to morality.
A great representation of the Modern Era: The Scientist – clad in white lab coat represents modern culture, feeling skeptical of and superior to, premodern culture with its rules and superstitions. He stands erect and proud, confident in individualism (I am free to pursue my own happiness), rationalism (research and reason can find the truth), technology (we can control nature for our good), and progress (we are getting better).
Dr. Jeffrey Bingham from Dalla Seminary tells us about the gifts that the Modern Era gave us.
1. Rationalism – not appreciation of reason, it is the elevation of reason. Reason informs revelation, experience, tradition. Don’t stake your life on anything unless it is reasonable. Mathematics – formulas make sense.
2. Individualism – what I do w/ my mind now is the main determination of what is valid. Communities would be helpful to help individuals authority.
Christianity is communal, salvation is shared, we all have the same Holy Spirit. The Bible doesn’t talk nearly as much as we do about a person, private relationship with God. Relationship with God happens in the context of relationships of others.
3. Presentism – present over past – what I inherit from the past is not as valid as what I think now. Best thinking that has ever been done is done right now. Tradition has become a dirty word.
Dr. Bingham would say that nothing that is essential in Christianity – was not around at Pentecost or when Peter said that we have all we need for life and godliness. In many ways Postmodernity is finding more truth in the past rather than the present.
Bingham used to say that “ Tradition/Community is the chaperone when I am on a date with the bible – because I may not be gentlemanly with the bible.” I thought that was pretty funny, but also pretty true.
4. Secularism – existence is verified by our own thought not by anything outside. Natural over supernatural. The German Theologians in this era took everything supernatural out of the bible. In an attempt to make it relevant, they took the power out of the Scriptures.
The Modern church has led to some characteristics that fit with the modern way of thinking. For example: Apologetics – because it has to make sense and the argument has to be won; Systematic Theology – forumulaic, scientific approach to theology; Quiet Times – very individualistic; Commentaries – academic view of Scripture; Abandoning of Liturgy – because we can do it better now than anyone did it in the past; Secularization of the church - to make it more relevant; and finally the very individualistic view of scripture – we take plural “yous” and make them individual.
The Postmodern Era:
Postmoderns all of a sudden say that reason was no longer authoritative because look at where it has taken us. Civil War in the Great Enlightenment Country doesn’t add up, WW1, WW2. Science didn't make us more moral.
There is hardly any hope – still pursuing happiness, but there is no anchor to hold on to – no hope to find authentic happiness for everyone. I make me happy and you do it too. Human existence boils down to taste and tolerance.
In the postmodern era, we are confronted with new changes such as the Internet, wars, technology. In many ways the postmodern era is when rationalism fails, science fails and when we have given up the belief that there is a goal, a flow, or a meaning to history. There is little to no absolutism.
Postmodernity gives up on the idea that there is a truth that is both universal and eternal. Also it stops believing that their culture is the best (ethnocentrism, multiculturalism). A postmodern doesn't trust authority - why would they? All authority has let us down (the pastor, the teacher, the leader, the boy scout leader).
The Postmodern is the rock musician clad in almost anything. He is disappointed with disillusioned with, and suspicious of both priest and scientist.
Postmodern is the cultural outlook that puts faith in nothing that has not been shown by experience to work or be trustworthy. Relativism, syncretism, cultural pessimism.
Leonard Sweet: Author
From rational – experiential
From representative – to participatory
From word based to image driven
From individual to communal
Darrell Bock: DTS Professor
From propositions to stories
From theology aimed at preparing for death to preparing a theology for life
From church as a place where people come or attend to a mission outpost that sends people out.
From salvation as an event to a journey of salvation (process)
From a Western understanding of the gospel to a worldwide view.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Most of this comes from the lectures from Michael Gleghorn from Probe Ministries in Dallas, Brian Wallace to our FEFC elders, Dr. Jeffrey Bingham from DTS as well as Brian McLaren, Reggie McNeal and other authors who have helped me to understand this era better. Let me know what you notice in your world where you live. Also, the goal is to be ambassadors of Christ bringing the ministry of reconciliation to this generation. Lets pray that we can contextualize the gospel in creative, fresh ways that will reach our culture.
Premodern: called the Medieval World – 500-1500
Plato, Augustine, Aquinas
There is a comprehensive explanation for all of reality and history. Reality and history are comprehensible to humanity, at least to some degree. There is more to reality than what we can see, hear, smell, taste or touch. Human fulfillment requires a correct adjustment to these unseen realities.
The Priest – is a good representation of this period – The culture is bound together by the Priesthood’s divine authority, revealed beliefs, sanctioned customs, absolute rules and accepted rituals.
Theology of the premodern era – mystical. Read Augustine and they are not wrestling with the same questions that we were or are. There is no question of if there is a God. God was mystically changing their lives. No Quiet Times – you learned when the scripture was read and when the priest spoke. There is very little questioning of Catholicism or Tradition. No Questioning that the sun revolves around the earth.
Modern Era – 1500-2000
Things that bring about great change: Printing Press, Reformation, Descartes, Locke, Newton, Kant, Darwin. Decartes coined the phrase: "I think, therefore I am." In the modern era, there is great confidence in the value of knowledge and the belief in progress. Objectivity is both desirable and possible. All beliefs are justified with reference to a set of self-evident, foundational beliefs. The world’s order is usually believed to be intrinsic and immanent, rather than derived from a transcendent source.
The Enlightenment sought to replace faith in God with human reason. Science was assumed to be capable of revealing the whole truth about the universe. The Modern stressed the value of individual potential, achievement, freedom and fulfillment. Lets not forget this was when America was born! Ultimately the Modern believed that science could lead to morality.
A great representation of the Modern Era: The Scientist – clad in white lab coat represents modern culture, feeling skeptical of and superior to, premodern culture with its rules and superstitions. He stands erect and proud, confident in individualism (I am free to pursue my own happiness), rationalism (research and reason can find the truth), technology (we can control nature for our good), and progress (we are getting better).
Dr. Jeffrey Bingham from Dalla Seminary tells us about the gifts that the Modern Era gave us.
1. Rationalism – not appreciation of reason, it is the elevation of reason. Reason informs revelation, experience, tradition. Don’t stake your life on anything unless it is reasonable. Mathematics – formulas make sense.
2. Individualism – what I do w/ my mind now is the main determination of what is valid. Communities would be helpful to help individuals authority.
Christianity is communal, salvation is shared, we all have the same Holy Spirit. The Bible doesn’t talk nearly as much as we do about a person, private relationship with God. Relationship with God happens in the context of relationships of others.
3. Presentism – present over past – what I inherit from the past is not as valid as what I think now. Best thinking that has ever been done is done right now. Tradition has become a dirty word.
Dr. Bingham would say that nothing that is essential in Christianity – was not around at Pentecost or when Peter said that we have all we need for life and godliness. In many ways Postmodernity is finding more truth in the past rather than the present.
Bingham used to say that “ Tradition/Community is the chaperone when I am on a date with the bible – because I may not be gentlemanly with the bible.” I thought that was pretty funny, but also pretty true.
4. Secularism – existence is verified by our own thought not by anything outside. Natural over supernatural. The German Theologians in this era took everything supernatural out of the bible. In an attempt to make it relevant, they took the power out of the Scriptures.
The Modern church has led to some characteristics that fit with the modern way of thinking. For example: Apologetics – because it has to make sense and the argument has to be won; Systematic Theology – forumulaic, scientific approach to theology; Quiet Times – very individualistic; Commentaries – academic view of Scripture; Abandoning of Liturgy – because we can do it better now than anyone did it in the past; Secularization of the church - to make it more relevant; and finally the very individualistic view of scripture – we take plural “yous” and make them individual.
The Postmodern Era:
Postmoderns all of a sudden say that reason was no longer authoritative because look at where it has taken us. Civil War in the Great Enlightenment Country doesn’t add up, WW1, WW2. Science didn't make us more moral.
There is hardly any hope – still pursuing happiness, but there is no anchor to hold on to – no hope to find authentic happiness for everyone. I make me happy and you do it too. Human existence boils down to taste and tolerance.
In the postmodern era, we are confronted with new changes such as the Internet, wars, technology. In many ways the postmodern era is when rationalism fails, science fails and when we have given up the belief that there is a goal, a flow, or a meaning to history. There is little to no absolutism.
Postmodernity gives up on the idea that there is a truth that is both universal and eternal. Also it stops believing that their culture is the best (ethnocentrism, multiculturalism). A postmodern doesn't trust authority - why would they? All authority has let us down (the pastor, the teacher, the leader, the boy scout leader).
The Postmodern is the rock musician clad in almost anything. He is disappointed with disillusioned with, and suspicious of both priest and scientist.
Postmodern is the cultural outlook that puts faith in nothing that has not been shown by experience to work or be trustworthy. Relativism, syncretism, cultural pessimism.
Leonard Sweet: Author
From rational – experiential
From representative – to participatory
From word based to image driven
From individual to communal
Darrell Bock: DTS Professor
From propositions to stories
From theology aimed at preparing for death to preparing a theology for life
From church as a place where people come or attend to a mission outpost that sends people out.
From salvation as an event to a journey of salvation (process)
From a Western understanding of the gospel to a worldwide view.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Most of this comes from the lectures from Michael Gleghorn from Probe Ministries in Dallas, Brian Wallace to our FEFC elders, Dr. Jeffrey Bingham from DTS as well as Brian McLaren, Reggie McNeal and other authors who have helped me to understand this era better. Let me know what you notice in your world where you live. Also, the goal is to be ambassadors of Christ bringing the ministry of reconciliation to this generation. Lets pray that we can contextualize the gospel in creative, fresh ways that will reach our culture.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Back On
Ok. I know I am finally rolling into 2002 and writing a blog. I actually started this blog a couple of years ago and then sorda forgot about it. Recently I have been thinking about writing again in my free time. So much has changed in our life because Mandy and I had our first child Caroline, who is the most beautiful, brilliant, and fun baby that I have ever known. We have a blast with her every day.
Everyone said that my life would change when I had a kid, but one change that I didn't expect was my vocabulary. All of a sudden there are all kinds of new words coming off my lips as if I have said them my whole life. The most used word that I never used pre-caroline: fussy. I honestly can't even think of a context that I would have used that word before Dec 06. "I had a good day until my boss became fussy..." Probably not. Also, I use words like burpie, blanky, pack n play, diapee, wipee, etc. I should stop. Sorry about that.
What I have learned upon being a father without being too cliche:
Obviously Caroline has reminded me of God's unconditional love for me. Because Caroline doesn't do much for me in return, but I love her with a love that I have never felt. Though she doesn't give me much, her smile back at me is really all I need. I once gave her a bath simply because I knew that would make her smile - it makes my day. But even in my seemingly unconditional love, I recognize that I am limited in my love for her. I can't truly unconditionally love her. I long to love her like that, but they are stained with selfish moments that even push me toward a God who's love is not stained with any selfishness.
Also, the responsibility meter is now off the chart since she was born. Mandy and I were so unencumbered especially with the last 5 years with free flights. We literally walked up the airport to spontaneously go see family and friends all the time. Now, just running to the grocery store takes 30 minutes to get everything ready for her.
Also, I think no matter what stage of life you are in, there is a temptation to assume that you are in control. Now that we have a baby, we would do anything for her and we want to be in control of her safety, future, feedings, etc. But you realize even though you try to be in control, you simply aren't. It is another lesson in the journey of realizing how dependent we are on God. It has been really good for me to recognize my utter dependence on God for her and for everything in life.
Ultimately I am reminded that love is about service. I have multiple opportunities a day to gird myself up and hold, rock, soothe her at all hours of the day. I realize that love is not necessarily feeling great feelings about her when I see her smile, but it is serving her and serving her mom. This is a continual lesson of changing our cultural view of love and moving toward the love that Jesus showed us - putting others interests above your own. It is so countercultural.
Those are some of the things that I am learning during the first 8 weeks. We feel so blessed to have her! Praise God for her.
Everyone said that my life would change when I had a kid, but one change that I didn't expect was my vocabulary. All of a sudden there are all kinds of new words coming off my lips as if I have said them my whole life. The most used word that I never used pre-caroline: fussy. I honestly can't even think of a context that I would have used that word before Dec 06. "I had a good day until my boss became fussy..." Probably not. Also, I use words like burpie, blanky, pack n play, diapee, wipee, etc. I should stop. Sorry about that.
What I have learned upon being a father without being too cliche:
Obviously Caroline has reminded me of God's unconditional love for me. Because Caroline doesn't do much for me in return, but I love her with a love that I have never felt. Though she doesn't give me much, her smile back at me is really all I need. I once gave her a bath simply because I knew that would make her smile - it makes my day. But even in my seemingly unconditional love, I recognize that I am limited in my love for her. I can't truly unconditionally love her. I long to love her like that, but they are stained with selfish moments that even push me toward a God who's love is not stained with any selfishness.
Also, the responsibility meter is now off the chart since she was born. Mandy and I were so unencumbered especially with the last 5 years with free flights. We literally walked up the airport to spontaneously go see family and friends all the time. Now, just running to the grocery store takes 30 minutes to get everything ready for her.
Also, I think no matter what stage of life you are in, there is a temptation to assume that you are in control. Now that we have a baby, we would do anything for her and we want to be in control of her safety, future, feedings, etc. But you realize even though you try to be in control, you simply aren't. It is another lesson in the journey of realizing how dependent we are on God. It has been really good for me to recognize my utter dependence on God for her and for everything in life.
Ultimately I am reminded that love is about service. I have multiple opportunities a day to gird myself up and hold, rock, soothe her at all hours of the day. I realize that love is not necessarily feeling great feelings about her when I see her smile, but it is serving her and serving her mom. This is a continual lesson of changing our cultural view of love and moving toward the love that Jesus showed us - putting others interests above your own. It is so countercultural.
Those are some of the things that I am learning during the first 8 weeks. We feel so blessed to have her! Praise God for her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
