4.22.2005
The Mindjet Blog
I recently received a request from a pastor asking about my mindmapping sermon practice. I am hoping to write about this more in the coming weeks but I haven't been able to lately as I have been too busy. To help wet your appetite let me steer you to the Mindjet blog. Mindjet is the software that I use to create my sermon mindmaps. Check it out, it's full of lots of great information on mindmapping and the Mindjet software.
4.21.2005
Wind power in Wray
Found this great story from the Denver Post today about a teacher in our church who is working hard to use the windpower to generate electricity for our local school and community.
4.20.2005
4.16.2005
Young Adults Search Spiritually
Check out some stats and quotes from a recent study regarding spirituality among young people. No wonder the Disciples of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA) are in decline!
Check out this quote:
Is this criticism true of our churches as well? And finally:
So kids are often not continuing in the religious practices of their parents. I wonder why that is? I know that my spirituality and relationship with God looks rather different than my parents. And my sister, who is Catholic, also has a very different experience.
While 44 percent of respondents called themselves 'religious,' 35 percent said they are 'spiritual but not religious' and 18 percent said neither.
At Roanoke College, in Salem, Va., where he has been chaplain for more than 20 years, Paul Henrickson said he is quite familiar with the 'spiritual but not religious' phenomenon.
'You have a lot of kids that understand in their hearts that there is a mystery about life that is larger than they are and larger than they understand, and they would call that 'spiritual.' And they are very interested in that,' Henrickson said.
But, he added, 'they pursue that in private ways' and 'in kind of a shotgun approach. They'll look at all kinds of things from Eastern religions to yoga to New Age stuff to the standard Christianity. But they are unlikely to have that solid commitment to a religious institution (like) church membership.'
Check out this quote:
The survey's authors challenged American colleges and universities to be more responsive to the spiritual hunger of their students. They said previous studies have indicated older college students are disappointed with how infrequently they have been challenged to think about "meaning of life" issues in class.
Is this criticism true of our churches as well? And finally:
Previous research by Chris Smith, a University of North Carolina sociologist and adviser to the UCLA study, found 13-17 year-olds are highly conventional in their religious practices, following how they were raised. But just 9 percent of the UCLA respondents said they felt compelled to follow their parents' religious practice. While 42 percent described themselves as "secure" in their spiritual and religious views, 10 percent said they were "doubting," 23 percent "seeking" and 15 percent "conflicted" (respondents could choose more than one response).
So kids are often not continuing in the religious practices of their parents. I wonder why that is? I know that my spirituality and relationship with God looks rather different than my parents. And my sister, who is Catholic, also has a very different experience.
Bethel Church of San Jose - Pastor's Page
I haven't blogged in quite some time as I have been really busy. Here's a quick link to a tribute page for my aunt and uncle, Don and Loretta Steiger. They are leaving their ministry at Bethel in San Jose and moving back to Colorado. Don and Loretta, we are praying for you! If you ever get the chance to come out to Wray, we'd love to have you!
4.08.2005
50 people see the Eiffel Tower
Check out these great averaged "photos" from flickr. The creator wrote code that grabbed 50 different photos tagged with in this case the Eiffel Tower.
This got me thinking about interpretation and religious tradition. I am currently reading Grenz's book, Beyond Foundationalism and find that much of the book resonantes with me.
Maybe this series of photos is an illustration of what happens with reading and hermenuetics. Each person "sees" the truth in the text but when compared to what others "see" we find that the images can be very different. Yet, the original concept is still there.
I'm just playing around with this idea but for some reason this concept is resonating with me today.
Perhaps the "truth" does lie there somewhere within the readings and interpretations however varied they may be just as the true image of the Eiffel Tower is in this rendering.
Blogs give us an opportunity to do this; in a sense "50 people see...God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, truth, culture, whatever.
Yet the "norming norm" is still there. In this picture the norming norm is the Eiffel Tower. In interpretation the norming norm is the Holy Spirit speaking to us through the biblical text.
This got me thinking about interpretation and religious tradition. I am currently reading Grenz's book, Beyond Foundationalism and find that much of the book resonantes with me.
Maybe this series of photos is an illustration of what happens with reading and hermenuetics. Each person "sees" the truth in the text but when compared to what others "see" we find that the images can be very different. Yet, the original concept is still there.
I'm just playing around with this idea but for some reason this concept is resonating with me today.
Perhaps the "truth" does lie there somewhere within the readings and interpretations however varied they may be just as the true image of the Eiffel Tower is in this rendering.
Blogs give us an opportunity to do this; in a sense "50 people see...God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, truth, culture, whatever.
Yet the "norming norm" is still there. In this picture the norming norm is the Eiffel Tower. In interpretation the norming norm is the Holy Spirit speaking to us through the biblical text.
Wray from space
Here's a picture of Wray from space thanks to Google maps new satellite feature. So that's what a town of 2000 looks like from space!
4.05.2005
4.04.2005
TallSkinnyKiwi: Are We A Threat to the Gospel? (Restored)
Here's an excellent response to D. A. Carson's recent pronouncement that the emerging church is a threat to the gospel.
New Scientist :13 things that do not make sense
I took astronomy in college and it has lead to some of the most fascinating questions I have ever pondered. Here is a list of 13 things that do not make sense. Many of them come from astronomy. Enjoy the list!
3.31.2005
Banner of Truth : The Emerging Church
This is a very interesting article on the emerging church. In all I have read about the emerging church, I must say that I am both encouraged and concerned. Many of the churches and those within the dialogue I believe are raising great questions and coming up with intriquing ideas. One of the most interesting aspects of the emerging church dialogue is the notion that the church is for the most part uncritically married to modernism.
I am concerned that the emerging church doesn't interact critically enough with the culture, only the church. Read this article. It is fair for the most part and has excellent thoughts on both the positive and negative aspects of the emerging church.
I am concerned that the emerging church doesn't interact critically enough with the culture, only the church. Read this article. It is fair for the most part and has excellent thoughts on both the positive and negative aspects of the emerging church.
3.25.2005
si johnston: 'Icons of Easter' Exhibition
Check out the this exhibit online.
I really am enjoying seeing what other churches are doing this Easter.
I really am enjoying seeing what other churches are doing this Easter.
A List to Post Beside Your Computer
Here's a handy guide to keep in mind before you forward an email.
Christian Myths and Urban Legends
Are you tired of receiving goofy stories in your email inbox, especially stories that are somehow Christian in nature? If so, check out this site and spread the news that not all you think you know is true!
The sturdy, reliant, self-destructing pastor
Very interesting article! I know I have found pastoral ministry to be incredibly taxing on me and my family. What's even more crazy is that I often feel exhausted even when I feel like I didn't accomplish very much!
One aspect that the article doesn't mention (perhaps because of bias?) that I am becoming more aware of in my own life and experience is spiritual warfare. I think the demonic is "gunning" for Christians and particularly pastors and their families.
One aspect that the article doesn't mention (perhaps because of bias?) that I am becoming more aware of in my own life and experience is spiritual warfare. I think the demonic is "gunning" for Christians and particularly pastors and their families.
3.22.2005
The Stations of the Cross 4 : Ghislaine Howard
Ghislaine Howard's powerful art in the Stations of the Cross.
3.17.2005
Church uses "Purge Sundays" to send non-committed elsewhere
Now there's a crazy idea! Check out the church's website as it is very cool.
This works perhaps when you attract a crowd. What are the majority of small churches throughout the world suppose to do to encourage commitment? As the old 80/20 thinking says, 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. I wouldn't be surprised if it's more like 90/10 today!
Small churches are no different. It's just that the pastor is a larger part of that 20%!
This works perhaps when you attract a crowd. What are the majority of small churches throughout the world suppose to do to encourage commitment? As the old 80/20 thinking says, 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. I wouldn't be surprised if it's more like 90/10 today!
Small churches are no different. It's just that the pastor is a larger part of that 20%!
3.16.2005
God at War: The Bible & Spiritual Conflict by Greg Boyd
I finally finished this excellent book! I have been working through it for the better part of a month and a half! It is quite a book.
Greg Boyd makes a very compelling case for a "warfare worldview". The first half of the book argues from the Old Testament seeking to demonstrate a warfare worldview is the primary worldview represented in the Old Testament.
The second half of the book examines the New Testament and its foundations in a warfare worldview.
It is a powerful new way of thinking in my opinion. Obiously to hold to this worldview is to be a minority in current evangelical and protestant circles. But after reading this book I must say that I am comfortable and intellectually encouraged to move this way.
One of the most convincing features is the warfare worldview's handling of the problem of evil.
The traditional view is that God is in control of everything. Sovereignty is understood as omnicontrol. Therefore the question "why does an all-powerful, all good God allow bad things to happen" is legitimate. Boyd argues that the Bible does not conceive of God's sovereignty in the sense of omnicontrol. Because of this, God's will can and reddily is thwarted by spirits and humans who have freewill. Thus, when these beings chose to disobey God, they enter into warfare against their Creature.
If you're at all interested in a very stimulating and thoroughly biblical book (meaning, Boyd is constantly engaged in biblical exegesis throughout) dealing with theodicy and spiritual warfare, pick up this book. But don't plan to try to read it in a week like I did! This is a book that you will need to live with for awhile.
Greg Boyd makes a very compelling case for a "warfare worldview". The first half of the book argues from the Old Testament seeking to demonstrate a warfare worldview is the primary worldview represented in the Old Testament.
The second half of the book examines the New Testament and its foundations in a warfare worldview.
It is a powerful new way of thinking in my opinion. Obiously to hold to this worldview is to be a minority in current evangelical and protestant circles. But after reading this book I must say that I am comfortable and intellectually encouraged to move this way.
One of the most convincing features is the warfare worldview's handling of the problem of evil.
The traditional view is that God is in control of everything. Sovereignty is understood as omnicontrol. Therefore the question "why does an all-powerful, all good God allow bad things to happen" is legitimate. Boyd argues that the Bible does not conceive of God's sovereignty in the sense of omnicontrol. Because of this, God's will can and reddily is thwarted by spirits and humans who have freewill. Thus, when these beings chose to disobey God, they enter into warfare against their Creature.
If you're at all interested in a very stimulating and thoroughly biblical book (meaning, Boyd is constantly engaged in biblical exegesis throughout) dealing with theodicy and spiritual warfare, pick up this book. But don't plan to try to read it in a week like I did! This is a book that you will need to live with for awhile.
3.15.2005
The Lord of the Rings: Exploring a Holy Trilogy
This looks like a cool resource. Too bad $150 is too much for my churches to afford to show movies!
3.12.2005
next-wave > church & culture: Engaging our postmodern culture: An Interview with Stanley Grenz (1950-2005) by Rogier Bos
Stanley Grenz passed away today. Shocking news. Here is a quote from an interview posted today in honor of him. I really respect his critical engagement with postmodernism and think there is much to learn from him.
Christians tend to fall into two opposite and equally unhelpful responses to cultural expressions such as postmodernism. Some simply 'baptize' every new development. They jump on the latest bandwagon thinking that this is the way to stay relevant. Others 'demonize' what they see happening around them. In their estimation, the 'new' is always dangerous or evil, whereas the 'old' is safe and good.
I seek to promote a third response, critical engagement with culture. I believe that like the modernism that emerged from the Enlightenment the postmodern ethos is a mixed bag, containing much useful material, but also harboring certain potential pitfalls. Our task as Christians, therefore, is neither to hail the arrival of postmodernism as the savior of humankind nor to fight against it in the name of a return to modernism. Rather, our goal ought to be to understand how we can bring the gospel to postmodern people in ways that communicate meaningfully to them.
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