I have a new appreciation of what it feels like for someone like Hemant with no experience attending a Christian Church to walk into that environment for the first time.
On Saturday afternoon I drove into the parking lot of the Baitus Samee Mosque in Houston, an invited guest of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, to participate in a symposium on the topic “The Existence of God and Human Suffering”.
I’ve never been in a mosque before.
I was not concerned for my safety, unlike those among my acquaintances who learned of my invitation and suggested a bullet proof vest (only half-joking, I suspect). Through my conversations with my host, Shahed, and my reading on the Ahmadiyya website, I knew that this muslim community, which is spread across 178 nations, utterly rejects violence and terrorism, recognizing that “jihad” as a word that refers to the individual’s inner struggle to live out a life that honors Allah.
My main concerns were that I would not unintentionally offend my hosts through my ignorance of their customs. I needed not be concerned. They were more than helpful and welcoming – truly delightful and friendly people who showed me where shoes could be placed during the symposium (since they are not worn in the mosque). Many of the 35 or so men present were quick to come forward and welcome me – the genders are separated in the mosque, so there were no women present in the seminar. The women were holding their own seminar on the other side of the wall. Even in the fellowship time which followed the women were separated from the men.
The program began with “a recitation of the Holy Qur’an”. If there was an element in the service that had me on pins and needles, this was it. What would I experience?
The Qur’an is always read in Arabic, and so one man came forward to read. I could not be absolutely clear on whether he was singing, or whether the rising and falling tones are reflective of the tonal nature of the Arabic language. The only experience I could compare it to was hearing the Qur’an read over loudspeakers in Iran or Iraq, such as one sometimes hears on a television news program.
The reading was followed by a translation in English – certainly for guests like me, but I wondered if it was also for those whose Arabic is rusty.
Next were three 15 minute addresses by the three speakers – first the jewish guest, then myself, then the muslim speaker.
In my presentation, I was eager to observe a careful balance. On the one hand, I had been invited to speak on the assigned topic from a Christian perspective. I also wanted to faithfully represent the message of biblical Christian faith. On the other hand, I was a guest, and did not want to communicate in a manner that would offend my hosts. I think that I effectively hit the mark.
The next 30 minutes was a time of question and answer. The moderator requested that all questions be directed to all three panelists so that each of us could answer, so that was the way the afternoon flowed on.
However, when the moderator said there was time for one more question, a man rose to the microphone and said “I have a question I would like to direct only to Rick: You said in your presentation that the sufferings of Christ could alleviate the sufferings of humanity, and I am not clear how that could happen. Could you explain your meaning please?”
For me, this was a wonderful moment, for it seemed to me that I was being invited by my hosts to be more specific in describing the nature of my faith as a Christ-follower. And so I took several minutes to answer the concluding question.
The last thing that occurred before the symposium concluded was a brief 5 minutes by a man identified as a muslim missionary. I did not have the feeling that his brief message contributed anything of substance to the words that had been spoken already.
After the symposium, many people came forward to graciously thank me and express appreciation for the content of my talk. One man said that he’d had many questions about Christianity, and I had managed to answer several of them. I was grateful. My secondary goal in being there was to help the listeners to learn and understand the day’s topic from a Christian perspective. I am grateful that this goal was met.
My primary goal had been to learn, and I certainly learned, from both the jewish and muslim people I encountered. I was struck by how similarly we approached the topic, and several times in the Q&A, I responded and then one of my fellow panelists said “I was going to say the same thing Rick said”.
(If I had a third goal, it was to enjoy a very different, cross-cultural cuisine in the time of refreshments that followed. Alas, I might as well have been at a Texas Baptist pot luck: there was fried chicken, cole slaw, pasta salad, pizza and Coke. However, there were two desserts that were culturally distinct, and they were wonderful!)
One last word: I thought of you, my acquaintances at OTM, as I went through this experience – and particularly thought of my brother Tom, who like me is characterized by a love for the unfamiliar or cross-cultural. Eat your heart out, Bro!
(This review was originally published by me at the "Ebay Atheist" website, sponsored by Off-the-Map. The site has evolved into a place of dialogue between Christians and atheists. At that site there are 18 replies, a couple of which are elaborations by me. read them here...)
Tuesday
A Unique Opportunity
I have a unique opportunity on this coming Saturday, 2-4 pm.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has invited me to a Symposium on the topic of
“The Existence of God and Human Suffering”, at the Baitus Samee Mosque.
The day will be marked by speeches by three guest speakers from the
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. (Each presenter speaking for 15 minutes)
I will be the guest Christian presenter.
It is the muslim way to have separate events for men and women. I will be speaking only to men. There will be a parallel meeting for women at the same time, with female speakers.
Tea and refreshments will be served afterward.
This is going to be, if nothing else, a very unique cross-cultural experience. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate the message of Christ.
My Christian faith tells me that the God I worship is a God who is intimately familiar with suffering because He Himself chose to suffer. Here, I realize, is where I part company with my muslim and jewish friends, but it is a very important part of the way I as a Christian process my understanding of the existence of God and human suffering. I therefore plan to conclude by explaining how this uniquely Christian doctrine informs my thinking on the crucial question that has been the focus of our conversation today.
My goals for the day are to learn from the other presenters and the people with whom I interact; and to communicate clearly on my assigned topic with a distinctively Christian flavor.
I covet your prayers as I prepare my presentation and as I present it on Saturday.
I am hopeful that I can gather a group of men who are available on Saturday and can attend with me. I have extended invitations to men in this area.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association has invited me to a Symposium on the topic of
“The Existence of God and Human Suffering”, at the Baitus Samee Mosque.
The day will be marked by speeches by three guest speakers from the
Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. (Each presenter speaking for 15 minutes)
I will be the guest Christian presenter.
It is the muslim way to have separate events for men and women. I will be speaking only to men. There will be a parallel meeting for women at the same time, with female speakers.
Tea and refreshments will be served afterward.
This is going to be, if nothing else, a very unique cross-cultural experience. It is also an opportunity for me to communicate the message of Christ.
My Christian faith tells me that the God I worship is a God who is intimately familiar with suffering because He Himself chose to suffer. Here, I realize, is where I part company with my muslim and jewish friends, but it is a very important part of the way I as a Christian process my understanding of the existence of God and human suffering. I therefore plan to conclude by explaining how this uniquely Christian doctrine informs my thinking on the crucial question that has been the focus of our conversation today.
My goals for the day are to learn from the other presenters and the people with whom I interact; and to communicate clearly on my assigned topic with a distinctively Christian flavor.
I covet your prayers as I prepare my presentation and as I present it on Saturday.
I am hopeful that I can gather a group of men who are available on Saturday and can attend with me. I have extended invitations to men in this area.
There is None Like You
We sang this song by Lenny LeBlanc last Sunday in worship. On Saturday morning as we rehearsed, the team was about to move on to another song, "Come Holy Spirit, Fall fresh on me". As they turned to the proper page, I looked at the bridge or verse of "There is None..."
"Your mercy flows like a river wide,
and healing comes from your hands;
suffering children
are safe in your arms;
there is none like You...."
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
and I had a moment of inspiration. I quit playing keys and singing as I wanted a second verse and it came to me all at once. As the idea fell into place I realized it could lean heavily on some of the words that were already there:
"You gave your life as a gift of love,
and healing flowed from your hands.
Death could not hold you;
You rose from the grave;
There is None like you...."
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Boom, there it was, before the team could finish rehearsing the next song. When they finished I said "Mark, I just got a verse for There is None." He said "Let's hear it" and I went through it. And he said "Let's use it tomorrow. Write it down, everyone, we'll change the screens later".
Afterwards he told me: "Earlier in the week as I was writing the service, I realized I wanted more resurrection in it, but since it was Confirmation Sunday, the theme was not lending itself to selecting a song in that direction, and God just led you to the right words."
It was a neat moment. And it was very effective in worship. Especially on the third Sunday of Easter.
"Your mercy flows like a river wide,
and healing comes from your hands;
suffering children
are safe in your arms;
there is none like You...."
© 1991 Integrity's Hosanna! Music
and I had a moment of inspiration. I quit playing keys and singing as I wanted a second verse and it came to me all at once. As the idea fell into place I realized it could lean heavily on some of the words that were already there:
"You gave your life as a gift of love,
and healing flowed from your hands.
Death could not hold you;
You rose from the grave;
There is None like you...."
Rick Lindholtz 2006
Boom, there it was, before the team could finish rehearsing the next song. When they finished I said "Mark, I just got a verse for There is None." He said "Let's hear it" and I went through it. And he said "Let's use it tomorrow. Write it down, everyone, we'll change the screens later".
Afterwards he told me: "Earlier in the week as I was writing the service, I realized I wanted more resurrection in it, but since it was Confirmation Sunday, the theme was not lending itself to selecting a song in that direction, and God just led you to the right words."
It was a neat moment. And it was very effective in worship. Especially on the third Sunday of Easter.
Saturday
My first post in a long time
These've been busy days. The weeks before Easter always are. CTK requires/encourages all staff to track their hours, and those in excess of 48 hours a week become comp hours. It's typical for the program staff to ramp up quite a few comp hours in the weeks preceeding Easter and Christmas Eve. So here I am with several days of comp time saved up.
Throughout Lent we had Wednesday evening services preceded by soup supper. (Back in 2001 when I was unemployed, unsatisfactorily-emplyed and/or underemployed all year, we got hooked on the soup supper because it was one evening of free dinner.) Mark and I alternated leading worship on Wednesday evenings. They were great services - with Vicar Brian preaching on Israel's journey through the wilderness. The kid's got game!
Maundy Thursday, Brian and I again teamed on the service. With our focus on the Passover and the Last Supper, we wanted a more intimate feeling than we usually have in a 700 seat Worship Center - since both Passover and Jesus' final meal occured in homes, not Worship Centers - so we created a "living room" on the thrust of the platform with couch, chairs, coffee table, and populated the living room with 2 guitarist/singers, one vocalist, a percussionist playing a djembe, and myself on keys and vocal. All vocals were handled via Countryman headsets - a lot of production went into making this feel un-produced. It was awesome and very well received. Once we all sat down in the "living room", none of us got up again for the entire service.
Good Friday was a very powerful service with Alicia, EC and myself in the 60 voice choir. The service began with the sound of nails being driven and included the seven last words appearing on screen, very artfully presented - lots of darkness and silence. Lots of opportunities to reflect on the price paid for our salvation. Great series of dramatic messages presented by Pastor Doyle.
Tomorrow, the three of us are again in the choir. I'll be conducting during one of the songs, an arrangement Brian and Mark did of "Crown Him with Many Crowns"; and Dana will be conducting an arrangement by Mark and myself of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".
The kids have been busy today making Easter Eggs (both real ones, jello ones, and Mexican Cascarones and watching the Narnia movie. Alicia spent hours preparing food for tomorrow, though it will just be the four of us. I spent the better part of the afternoon moving mulch around in the yard - mulch from a chipper that's been working behind the church, clearing brush for the "CTK park".
Throughout Lent we had Wednesday evening services preceded by soup supper. (Back in 2001 when I was unemployed, unsatisfactorily-emplyed and/or underemployed all year, we got hooked on the soup supper because it was one evening of free dinner.) Mark and I alternated leading worship on Wednesday evenings. They were great services - with Vicar Brian preaching on Israel's journey through the wilderness. The kid's got game!
Maundy Thursday, Brian and I again teamed on the service. With our focus on the Passover and the Last Supper, we wanted a more intimate feeling than we usually have in a 700 seat Worship Center - since both Passover and Jesus' final meal occured in homes, not Worship Centers - so we created a "living room" on the thrust of the platform with couch, chairs, coffee table, and populated the living room with 2 guitarist/singers, one vocalist, a percussionist playing a djembe, and myself on keys and vocal. All vocals were handled via Countryman headsets - a lot of production went into making this feel un-produced. It was awesome and very well received. Once we all sat down in the "living room", none of us got up again for the entire service.
Good Friday was a very powerful service with Alicia, EC and myself in the 60 voice choir. The service began with the sound of nails being driven and included the seven last words appearing on screen, very artfully presented - lots of darkness and silence. Lots of opportunities to reflect on the price paid for our salvation. Great series of dramatic messages presented by Pastor Doyle.
Tomorrow, the three of us are again in the choir. I'll be conducting during one of the songs, an arrangement Brian and Mark did of "Crown Him with Many Crowns"; and Dana will be conducting an arrangement by Mark and myself of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today".
The kids have been busy today making Easter Eggs (both real ones, jello ones, and Mexican Cascarones and watching the Narnia movie. Alicia spent hours preparing food for tomorrow, though it will just be the four of us. I spent the better part of the afternoon moving mulch around in the yard - mulch from a chipper that's been working behind the church, clearing brush for the "CTK park".
Thursday
Come Holy Spirit
There are several songs by this title, one by Malcolm Fletcher. Here is a text that is very similar in meter to Fletcher's:
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Let me see your glory; Let me see my Lord
only you can change my heart
make in me a brand new start
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Let me see your glory; Let me see my Lord
only you can change my heart
make in me a brand new start
Come Holy Spirit, Open up your Word
Thursday
The Liberal Baby Bust
What's the difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City? There are manydifferences, of course, but here's one you might not know. In Seattle,there are nearly 45% more dogs than children. In Salt Lake City, there arenearly 19% more kids than dogs.This curious fact might at first seem trivial, but it reflects a muchbroader and little-noticed demographic trend that has deep implications forthe future of global culture and politics. It's not that people in aprogressive city such as Seattle are so much fonder of dogs than are peoplein a conservative city such as Salt Lake City. It's that progressives areso much less likely to have children. read more...
Go see a movie...
..on May 19 - that's the recommendation of Barbara Nicolosi. She's suggesting that on the day "Da Vinci code" opens, Christians avoid the tempting alternatives of:
-ignoring the movie (which is like not voting in an election: you're giving the task of shaping the future to others)
-or protesting the movie (which will just drive the box office up by attracting attention)
-or discussing the movie (which is a nice thought if anyone was listening)
So, she says, go see a movie. ANY other movie.
"You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box officewindow on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have achoice.
"The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it. Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too."
It's a creative suggestion. The Dreamworks people have gotta love this idea...
What's the difference between Seattle and Salt Lake City? There are manydifferences, of course, but here's one you might not know. In Seattle,there are nearly 45% more dogs than children. In Salt Lake City, there arenearly 19% more kids than dogs.This curious fact might at first seem trivial, but it reflects a muchbroader and little-noticed demographic trend that has deep implications forthe future of global culture and politics. It's not that people in aprogressive city such as Seattle are so much fonder of dogs than are peoplein a conservative city such as Salt Lake City. It's that progressives areso much less likely to have children. read more...
Go see a movie...
..on May 19 - that's the recommendation of Barbara Nicolosi. She's suggesting that on the day "Da Vinci code" opens, Christians avoid the tempting alternatives of:
-ignoring the movie (which is like not voting in an election: you're giving the task of shaping the future to others)
-or protesting the movie (which will just drive the box office up by attracting attention)
-or discussing the movie (which is a nice thought if anyone was listening)
So, she says, go see a movie. ANY other movie.
"You'll get a vote, the only vote Hollywood recognizes: The power of cold hard cash laid down on a box officewindow on opening weekend.Use your vote. Don't throw it away. Vote for a movie other than DVC. If enough people do it, the powers that be will notice. They won't have achoice.
"The major studio movie scheduled for release against DVC is the DreamWorks animated feature Over the Hedge. The trailers look fun, and you can take your kids. And your friends. And their friends. In fact, let's all go see it. Let's rock the box office in a way no one expects -- without protests, without boycotts, without arguments, without rancor. Let's show up at the box office ballot box and cast our votes. And buy some popcorn, too."
It's a creative suggestion. The Dreamworks people have gotta love this idea...
Tuesday
Monday
...was a long day. We drove up to Dallas for the memorial service of a baby girl named Kate who only lived 40 days. Kate's parents are in inner city urban ministry in Dallas.
It was hard on all of us to go through but we wanted to be there to provide comfort for the family who are dear friends.
Back in Kingwood today, my energy levels are rather low.
Meanwhile, Tom is back from his trip to SoCal, and so it is fun to both be posting on the ebay atheist again. At one point yesterday, the two of us were responsibile for 7 of the 10 most recent posts. And one of mine got lifted to the front page, where it's already generated over 89 responses. It offered a link to an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle about a self-avowed atheist who writes about joining a Christian Church.
It was hard on all of us to go through but we wanted to be there to provide comfort for the family who are dear friends.
Back in Kingwood today, my energy levels are rather low.
Meanwhile, Tom is back from his trip to SoCal, and so it is fun to both be posting on the ebay atheist again. At one point yesterday, the two of us were responsibile for 7 of the 10 most recent posts. And one of mine got lifted to the front page, where it's already generated over 89 responses. It offered a link to an op-ed piece in the Houston Chronicle about a self-avowed atheist who writes about joining a Christian Church.
Thursday
Ebay Atheist article in Wall Street Journal
Read the article here. Those of us who are part of this community are bracing for a whole lot more traffic.
Experiences are the best gifts
If you're familiar with the "Languages of Love" books or concepts you know the premise: different people have different "love languages" to which they respond. I am definitely in the experiences camp, and for my 50th birthday, Alicia gave me a great experience:
We spent about 75 minutes at the home of the last living artist from the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".
Gerard Baldwin was the art director of the Jay Ward Studios, is the brother-in-law of a friend, and lives about 5 minutes from our house. Alicia, the kids and I arrived at his home about 6 pm and were met by Gerard at the door, offering us a glass of wine. So we sipped wine and looked around his home at various works of art as he shared stories about the shows on which he worked and the people who worked with him.
And best of all, Mr. Baldwin offered us a framed original work to be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the annual Gala Fund-raiser's silent auction. The work to be done will have a minimum value of $500 .
Tomorrow night we will be hosting 18 for dinner in the lovely Houston townhome of Bev Mitchell, our dear friend. And I am advised that there are still a few surprises in the works. But our visit with Gerard Baldwin was an experience I will not soon forget.
We spent about 75 minutes at the home of the last living artist from the "Rocky and Bullwinkle Show".
Gerard Baldwin was the art director of the Jay Ward Studios, is the brother-in-law of a friend, and lives about 5 minutes from our house. Alicia, the kids and I arrived at his home about 6 pm and were met by Gerard at the door, offering us a glass of wine. So we sipped wine and looked around his home at various works of art as he shared stories about the shows on which he worked and the people who worked with him.
And best of all, Mr. Baldwin offered us a framed original work to be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the annual Gala Fund-raiser's silent auction. The work to be done will have a minimum value of $500 .
Tomorrow night we will be hosting 18 for dinner in the lovely Houston townhome of Bev Mitchell, our dear friend. And I am advised that there are still a few surprises in the works. But our visit with Gerard Baldwin was an experience I will not soon forget.
Wednesday
A text for Ash Wednesday
Lord, you have promised
A text for Ash Wednesday
vv. 1,2,4 2002, v. 3 2006 © R. Lindholtz for the tune “Bunessan” (aka ‘Morning has Broken’)
Lord, you have promised beauty for ashes
Freedom to captives, sight for the blind
Lord, you have promised comfort for mourning
Freedom to prisoners, hope for mankind.
Lord, you have promised gladness for grieving
And for the broken, words that bring peace,
Bread for the hungry, help to the homeless
And to the captive, words of release.
Lord, you provided grace and forgiveness
When on the cross You showed us your love,
Bringing us pardon through your afflicttion
Making a way to raise us above.
As we await the promised fulfillment
Lord, we delight in Your loving grace
For You have clothed us in Your salvation
And we will see You face to face.
A text for Ash Wednesday
vv. 1,2,4 2002, v. 3 2006 © R. Lindholtz for the tune “Bunessan” (aka ‘Morning has Broken’)
Lord, you have promised beauty for ashes
Freedom to captives, sight for the blind
Lord, you have promised comfort for mourning
Freedom to prisoners, hope for mankind.
Lord, you have promised gladness for grieving
And for the broken, words that bring peace,
Bread for the hungry, help to the homeless
And to the captive, words of release.
Lord, you provided grace and forgiveness
When on the cross You showed us your love,
Bringing us pardon through your afflicttion
Making a way to raise us above.
As we await the promised fulfillment
Lord, we delight in Your loving grace
For You have clothed us in Your salvation
And we will see You face to face.
Joyful Joyful - a new text
Joyful, Joyful, we Adore You, God of Glory, Lord of Love.
Maker of the world around me, weaver of the sky above.
I believe your hands have made me, fashioned me in every part;
Maker of the earth and heavens, Lord, I give to you my heart.
Thankful, Thankful, we exalt You, singing praise to Christ the Son,
Born among us of a virgin, Heaven’s child and Holy One,
Teaching of your Father’s Kingdom, off’ring up your life for all,
Bursting from the grave, you offer life to those who hear your call.
Holy, Holy, we declare you, Spirit of the Living Lord;
Come to dwell within your people, You are worshiped and adored.
God my Father, Christ my Savior, Spirit living in my heart:
Finish in me your salvation, make my life your work of art!
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Maker of the world around me, weaver of the sky above.
I believe your hands have made me, fashioned me in every part;
Maker of the earth and heavens, Lord, I give to you my heart.
Thankful, Thankful, we exalt You, singing praise to Christ the Son,
Born among us of a virgin, Heaven’s child and Holy One,
Teaching of your Father’s Kingdom, off’ring up your life for all,
Bursting from the grave, you offer life to those who hear your call.
Holy, Holy, we declare you, Spirit of the Living Lord;
Come to dwell within your people, You are worshiped and adored.
God my Father, Christ my Savior, Spirit living in my heart:
Finish in me your salvation, make my life your work of art!
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Monday
Monday's Post
Our new Care Group met last night. We had 8 people: 3 couples and 2 singles; one of the couples were members of the church that I pastored 7 years ago, who are now attending CTK (since the previous church closed about a year ago). We've agreed to meet twice a month: once in a home for fellowship, relationship-building, and spiritual encouragement, and once away from home, in service ministries such as feeding the homeless, or things like that.
I shared with our group about the enrichment I've been getting reading the ebay atheist and off the map . One of the recent posts invited Christians and atheists alike to offer one word characterizations of the other. Here's what the atheist said about Christians:
zombie - Fundamentalist - evangelical - Tedious - skeptical (most people are skeptical of what they have to say) - sheep - oppressor - Fat - hate - follower - boring - dangerous - When someone labels him or herself as a Christian, I tend to think of that person as a fundamentalist or someone who holds very strong religious beliefs - sanctimonious - hypocrites.
And here is how Christians labeled atheists:
Muggle - questioning - misunderstood (most Christians don't really want to know the Atheist or what they think) - questioning - empty - interesting - indignant - bitter - Seeker - lost - thinker - Blind - intellectual pride (in the sense of confidence that their brain can figure out and *think* their way through the existence of God; also in the sense that they often express contempt for the intelligence of those who are believers.) (that last one was mine)
Our converstaion at the group led me to write the following, which is now posted and receiving comments at off the map:
I find this entire site and discussion very stimulating. On your person blog you asked Christians and atheists alike to offer a one word characterization about the other side. Some of the replies were honest, some were harsh. My question is, have you ever encountered a Christian whose character and manner of engagement with you challenged the preconceived notions you had about followers of Christ? If you have had such an experience I would find it very interesting to know what you learned about them and in what ways they seemed different than you expected. Thanks! Rick
The idea being that the extremes tend to classify each group in the eyes of many people on the other side of the fence.
This conversation is very worth listening in on. AMong other things, Hement (the atheist) reveals something we should evaluate very carefully:
“I’m always listening for something I can take back with me (whether in person or on TV). If it’s an anecdote, wonderful. If it’s a lesson I should learn, fine. If it’s only someone spouting Bible verses, it’s in one ear, out the other. Unless it’s in a context I can enjoy listening to, the scripture part of it will do very little for me”
Incidentally, the pictures are not coming up on my blogs because they are linked to the CTK server, and we've just redirected our DNS to point to the site that is hosting our new website. We haven't yet made advantage of all the new features, but we're very pleased with church fusion.
I shared with our group about the enrichment I've been getting reading the ebay atheist and off the map . One of the recent posts invited Christians and atheists alike to offer one word characterizations of the other. Here's what the atheist said about Christians:
zombie - Fundamentalist - evangelical - Tedious - skeptical (most people are skeptical of what they have to say) - sheep - oppressor - Fat - hate - follower - boring - dangerous - When someone labels him or herself as a Christian, I tend to think of that person as a fundamentalist or someone who holds very strong religious beliefs - sanctimonious - hypocrites.
And here is how Christians labeled atheists:
Muggle - questioning - misunderstood (most Christians don't really want to know the Atheist or what they think) - questioning - empty - interesting - indignant - bitter - Seeker - lost - thinker - Blind - intellectual pride (in the sense of confidence that their brain can figure out and *think* their way through the existence of God; also in the sense that they often express contempt for the intelligence of those who are believers.) (that last one was mine)
Our converstaion at the group led me to write the following, which is now posted and receiving comments at off the map:
I find this entire site and discussion very stimulating. On your person blog you asked Christians and atheists alike to offer a one word characterization about the other side. Some of the replies were honest, some were harsh. My question is, have you ever encountered a Christian whose character and manner of engagement with you challenged the preconceived notions you had about followers of Christ? If you have had such an experience I would find it very interesting to know what you learned about them and in what ways they seemed different than you expected. Thanks! Rick
The idea being that the extremes tend to classify each group in the eyes of many people on the other side of the fence.
This conversation is very worth listening in on. AMong other things, Hement (the atheist) reveals something we should evaluate very carefully:
“I’m always listening for something I can take back with me (whether in person or on TV). If it’s an anecdote, wonderful. If it’s a lesson I should learn, fine. If it’s only someone spouting Bible verses, it’s in one ear, out the other. Unless it’s in a context I can enjoy listening to, the scripture part of it will do very little for me”
Incidentally, the pictures are not coming up on my blogs because they are linked to the CTK server, and we've just redirected our DNS to point to the site that is hosting our new website. We haven't yet made advantage of all the new features, but we're very pleased with church fusion.
Saturday
Jibstay - a good read
My friend Don N. Johnson moved from the midwest to Santa Barbara, just down the hill from where Alicia and I first met, where he is pastoring Montecito Covenant Church. He's started blogging too, and often has great stuff to post. I've always enjoyed Don's way of seeing life and experience through a homiletical eye, and this post is no exception.
Wednesday
A Theology of Glory
The church that bought Lakewood Church's former facility has this page up on their site. Take a look. Note the ticket price, the attire suggestions and the gift suggestions.
"Without the theology of the cross, man misuses the best in the worst manner". - Luther
"Without the theology of the cross, man misuses the best in the worst manner". - Luther
Monday
Off the Map's "Ordinary Attempts"
I found them because they are the people who bought the ebay atheist's church attendance for $504.00. I love their slogan: "Helping Christians be Normal". And I am very impressed with their approach:
"Christians still don’t really believe me when I say 'We are not trying to convert Hemant' . The purpose of this assignment is not to get Hemant saved (using some secret methods he can’t quite figure out). The one and only purpose of this assigment is to have Hemant tell us christians what he thinks about us and our products and services (we call it a service don’t we?). I would like to suggest that we refrain from trying to overtly or covertly convert Hemant and instead ask him questions about his experience, observations and thoughts after parchuting into our world. We are the ones who need to be converted - Hemant can work his own issues out with God (or his non god)"
The Ordinary Attempts section includes stories chronicling a very nontraditional approach to evangelism -- ordinary activities that you’re already doing. Not a program, pitch or presentation, but a simple shift in how we view the people formerly known as lost. Jesus said, “If you give a cup of cold water to a little child because you are my disciple you won’t lose your reward.” Matthew 10:42
Our culture's equivalent of a cup of cold water is attention.
Here's my oa (in as close to 200 words as I could make it):
After Hurricane Rita, we welcomed a man and woman into our home for 2 weeks. The woman professed belief in Jesus; her friend had been raised in catholic schools, rejected his faith, was a 60’s radical for a time then a Jehovah’s witness before totally rejecting faith in God. He seemed to use his impressive knowledge to keep people at a distance.
He went downtown to search for work and his car broke down. I drove down to pick him up and as we waited for the towtruck, we talked. I just listened mainly to his story. At one point he marveled at the feeling that despite his repeated rejection of God, God seemed to be “still pursuing” him.
After a long pause I asked “Why do you suppose that is?” He took a few deep rapid breaths and mumbled something and changed the subject.
On the drive home, as he continued to speak abstractly of God I requested permission to ask a question. “How do you see Jesus fitting into all this?” He spoke for a few minutes of his understanding of “the Christ”. Then he asked me who I thought Jesus was and I described my understanding.
At the end of two weeks he told me that he felt re-discovered by God.
"Christians still don’t really believe me when I say 'We are not trying to convert Hemant' . The purpose of this assignment is not to get Hemant saved (using some secret methods he can’t quite figure out). The one and only purpose of this assigment is to have Hemant tell us christians what he thinks about us and our products and services (we call it a service don’t we?). I would like to suggest that we refrain from trying to overtly or covertly convert Hemant and instead ask him questions about his experience, observations and thoughts after parchuting into our world. We are the ones who need to be converted - Hemant can work his own issues out with God (or his non god)"
The Ordinary Attempts section includes stories chronicling a very nontraditional approach to evangelism -- ordinary activities that you’re already doing. Not a program, pitch or presentation, but a simple shift in how we view the people formerly known as lost. Jesus said, “If you give a cup of cold water to a little child because you are my disciple you won’t lose your reward.” Matthew 10:42
Our culture's equivalent of a cup of cold water is attention.
Here's my oa (in as close to 200 words as I could make it):
After Hurricane Rita, we welcomed a man and woman into our home for 2 weeks. The woman professed belief in Jesus; her friend had been raised in catholic schools, rejected his faith, was a 60’s radical for a time then a Jehovah’s witness before totally rejecting faith in God. He seemed to use his impressive knowledge to keep people at a distance.
He went downtown to search for work and his car broke down. I drove down to pick him up and as we waited for the towtruck, we talked. I just listened mainly to his story. At one point he marveled at the feeling that despite his repeated rejection of God, God seemed to be “still pursuing” him.
After a long pause I asked “Why do you suppose that is?” He took a few deep rapid breaths and mumbled something and changed the subject.
On the drive home, as he continued to speak abstractly of God I requested permission to ask a question. “How do you see Jesus fitting into all this?” He spoke for a few minutes of his understanding of “the Christ”. Then he asked me who I thought Jesus was and I described my understanding.
At the end of two weeks he told me that he felt re-discovered by God.
Paul at the Grammys
This guy's an awesome entertainer and performer. He played two numbers at the Grammys and here they are. "Fine Line" sounds better live than it did in studio. And "Helter Skelter" never sounded better. (Press Play)
Thursday
My confession.
OK, I admit it. I have a habit. Ebay. I'm into it. I buy. I sell. I buy and re-sell.
There. Now that I have that off my chest, I can share the most unique auction I have ever seen. An atheist auctioned his church attendance. Offered to go to church for $10 a visit. Any Chicago-area church the buyer chooses. It sold for over $500.
I've written to the winning bidder asking if he would share the rest of the story as it develops over, presumably, the next year. I'll keep you informed. I also see that the atheist will be blogging about his experience here.
Here is a link to the auction for as long as it stays up (usually 30 days after the auction ends).
Here is the basic text of the auction:
I'm a 22-year-old Atheist from Chicago. I stopped believing in God when I was 14. Currently, I am an active volunteer for a couple different national, secular organizations. For one of them, I am the editor of a newsletter that reaches over 1,000 Atheist/Agnostic college students. I have written several Letters to the Editor to newspapers in and around Chicago, espousing my Atheistic beliefs when Church/State issues arose. My point being that I don't take my non-belief lightly. However, while I don't believe in God, I firmly believe I would immediately change those views if presented with evidence to the contrary. And at 22, this is possibly the best chance anyone has of changing me.
So, here's my proposal. Everytime I come home, I pass this old Irish church. I promise to go into that church every day-- for a certain number of days-- for at least an hour each visit. For every $10 you bid, I will go to the Church for 1 day. For $50, you would have me going to mass every day for a week.
My promise: I will go willingly and with an open mind. I will not say/do anything inappropriate. I will respectfully participate in service, speak to priests, volunteer with the church if possible, do my best to learn about the religious beliefs of the church-goers, and make conversation with anyone who is willing to talk. (Though I do reserve the rights to ask the person questions about the faith.)
I will record my visits through a journal, pictures, or whatever other method of proof you'd like-- I will uphold my promise.
Will I become religious? Well, I don't know. I really do have an open mind, but no one has convinced me to change my mind so far. Then again, I have also never attended a real church service. Perhaps being around a group of people who will show me "the way" could do what no one else has done before.
If the Irish Church doesn't work for you, we'll just find some other place local to me. I'll go to any place of worship-- a Christian Church, a Catholic Church [revision: I realize a Catholic Church is a Christian Church... so let me rephrase. By Christian, I mean Protestant], a Mosque, a Synagogue, etc. They're all nearby. Makes no difference to me, but perhaps it's your faith that could change the mind of this Atheist.
I also assure you that if you bid on this, I will write an article about my experiences in the newsletter mentioned earlier. The article would reach over 1,000 college students who share my current views. Even if you don't end up changing my mind, perhaps you can change theirs.
If you have any questions about this auction, I'd be glad to answer them.
There. Now that I have that off my chest, I can share the most unique auction I have ever seen. An atheist auctioned his church attendance. Offered to go to church for $10 a visit. Any Chicago-area church the buyer chooses. It sold for over $500.
I've written to the winning bidder asking if he would share the rest of the story as it develops over, presumably, the next year. I'll keep you informed. I also see that the atheist will be blogging about his experience here.
Here is a link to the auction for as long as it stays up (usually 30 days after the auction ends).
Here is the basic text of the auction:
I'm a 22-year-old Atheist from Chicago. I stopped believing in God when I was 14. Currently, I am an active volunteer for a couple different national, secular organizations. For one of them, I am the editor of a newsletter that reaches over 1,000 Atheist/Agnostic college students. I have written several Letters to the Editor to newspapers in and around Chicago, espousing my Atheistic beliefs when Church/State issues arose. My point being that I don't take my non-belief lightly. However, while I don't believe in God, I firmly believe I would immediately change those views if presented with evidence to the contrary. And at 22, this is possibly the best chance anyone has of changing me.
So, here's my proposal. Everytime I come home, I pass this old Irish church. I promise to go into that church every day-- for a certain number of days-- for at least an hour each visit. For every $10 you bid, I will go to the Church for 1 day. For $50, you would have me going to mass every day for a week.
My promise: I will go willingly and with an open mind. I will not say/do anything inappropriate. I will respectfully participate in service, speak to priests, volunteer with the church if possible, do my best to learn about the religious beliefs of the church-goers, and make conversation with anyone who is willing to talk. (Though I do reserve the rights to ask the person questions about the faith.)
I will record my visits through a journal, pictures, or whatever other method of proof you'd like-- I will uphold my promise.
Will I become religious? Well, I don't know. I really do have an open mind, but no one has convinced me to change my mind so far. Then again, I have also never attended a real church service. Perhaps being around a group of people who will show me "the way" could do what no one else has done before.
If the Irish Church doesn't work for you, we'll just find some other place local to me. I'll go to any place of worship-- a Christian Church, a Catholic Church [revision: I realize a Catholic Church is a Christian Church... so let me rephrase. By Christian, I mean Protestant], a Mosque, a Synagogue, etc. They're all nearby. Makes no difference to me, but perhaps it's your faith that could change the mind of this Atheist.
I also assure you that if you bid on this, I will write an article about my experiences in the newsletter mentioned earlier. The article would reach over 1,000 college students who share my current views. Even if you don't end up changing my mind, perhaps you can change theirs.
If you have any questions about this auction, I'd be glad to answer them.
Wednesday
Jesus Creed
I am finding so much good reading in Scot McKnight's blog. His breadth and volume of output is very impressive, and the community that is interacting with him is enriching.
The past week or two Scot has been posting on "Jesus and Homosexuality" and while he's not done, there's just so much good in there - a balance of grace and truth that hits the spot.
The past week or two Scot has been posting on "Jesus and Homosexuality" and while he's not done, there's just so much good in there - a balance of grace and truth that hits the spot.
Thursday
A Confession and Affirmation of Faith
...based on the second commandment, for our series on the commandments entitled "Experience God Now". In the series we will articulate the positive expression of each commandment:
1. Accept No Substitutes
2. Take God Seriously
3. Take regular breaks with God
4. Submit to God's Authority System
5. Affirm Life.
6. Honor God's View of Sexuality
7. Help others in Need.
8. Be an Encourager.
9. & 10. Be Content.
Summary: Pursue this relationship always.
Anyway, here's the confession / affirmation:
God, you have invited me into the brilliant reality of knowing your name,
of recognizing how separate you stand from all of your creation.
Stone, tree, fish or human –
all of these are categories of what has been made.
But you are creator.
How quickly I forget to set you apart,
how easily I fail to recognize your holiness.
In the things that I have done, or have left undone –
even in the way I think or speak of you –
I treat you as just another thing to check off my list.
But you are Holy.
Your name itself is Holy.
You are truth, purity, and life.
In your presence, in the light of all you are, I recognize my own brokenness.
Yet you do not leave me in brokenness.
You, the God who is above all creation,
came into your creation in Jesus Christ to redeem and save me.
You call me away from the irreverent use of Your name – away from those patterns that minimize the name that is above every name. You invite me to a new way of living, a life in which I can call upon your name in every trouble, praying, praising, and giving thanks to You.
Thank you for the gift of your name. Help me always to remember its holiness.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
1. Accept No Substitutes
2. Take God Seriously
3. Take regular breaks with God
4. Submit to God's Authority System
5. Affirm Life.
6. Honor God's View of Sexuality
7. Help others in Need.
8. Be an Encourager.
9. & 10. Be Content.
Summary: Pursue this relationship always.
Anyway, here's the confession / affirmation:
God, you have invited me into the brilliant reality of knowing your name,
of recognizing how separate you stand from all of your creation.
Stone, tree, fish or human –
all of these are categories of what has been made.
But you are creator.
How quickly I forget to set you apart,
how easily I fail to recognize your holiness.
In the things that I have done, or have left undone –
even in the way I think or speak of you –
I treat you as just another thing to check off my list.
But you are Holy.
Your name itself is Holy.
You are truth, purity, and life.
In your presence, in the light of all you are, I recognize my own brokenness.
Yet you do not leave me in brokenness.
You, the God who is above all creation,
came into your creation in Jesus Christ to redeem and save me.
You call me away from the irreverent use of Your name – away from those patterns that minimize the name that is above every name. You invite me to a new way of living, a life in which I can call upon your name in every trouble, praying, praising, and giving thanks to You.
Thank you for the gift of your name. Help me always to remember its holiness.
© 2006 Rick Lindholtz
Wednesday
Improvement today
Miles had a much better day today than he has in the past 10 days or so. 75% of his readings were within target today, no fever, no ketones. Didn't eat much, but ate. Thanks for your prayers.
Alicia and I spent the last 90 minutes watching the first 2 hours of season 5 of the show "24". I've heard a lot of talk about this show. Now I understand why. It's a pretty grip-your-throat production style. I think I'll keep watching.
Alicia and I spent the last 90 minutes watching the first 2 hours of season 5 of the show "24". I've heard a lot of talk about this show. Now I understand why. It's a pretty grip-your-throat production style. I think I'll keep watching.
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