When the United States and its allies went to war in Iraq it was on the basis of there existing WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction). It wasn't too long after that, that our congress began to discover that much of the intelligence regarding this issue was false and/or misleading. By then the war had begun, and it was too late to turn back.
Recently, we have been hearing on the news and from others around us that Christmas is under attack--that there is a liberal conspiracy to rid the world of Christmas. Dare I say it? Yes. We have been informed that there are WMCMDs (Weapons of Christ Mass Destruction). We must immediately defend Christmas at all cost. We must accost our friends and neighbors behind the cash register if they fail to wish us a Merry Christmas, even if it means jettisoning such values (spiritual fruit) as Christian kindness, gentleness and self-control. God forbid we should have a Happy New Year or that our Jewish friends should have a happy Hanukkah or our African American friends should enjoy Kwanza. The spirit of Christmas would surely wither under such a grave attack. Rather than wait to find out for sure, we must immediately express our religious intolerance if we are to truly honor God.
And then again, once the war has begun, will we be able to retreat if real intelligence prevails and we find out that WMCMDs are really just a hoax--that the spirit of the Christmas includes tolerance and love for all people? The only way to redeem Christmas is by bearing fruit that, as John the Baptist said, "befits repentance." What is that fruit? I think the Bible says, "love, joy peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control." That last one? We could really use some of that.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
death by injection
I will write more later about the news this morning that Tookie Williams is dead. My daughter has been carefully following this case for weeks, keeping me up-to-date on the history and recent appeals. Shame on me for not being more informed. Here are some preliminary thoughts.
I killed Tookie Williams last night, while I was asleep. I didn't hold the syringe, but I helped. In a nation that starts its constitution "We the People," I must take responsibility for not doing more--for not speaking out, for being afraid to take a stand. Nearly every person that is executed in our country serves two sentences, firsta lengthy prison term as the variety of appeals are made and then execution for the same crime (s). Depending on the situation, we use different arguments to justify this taking of human life. Is it murder? I don't know. We may never know if it was a justified killing. What I do know is that as a citizen of this country, I participate in this act of life-taking.
As a citizen of another realm, I must ask what my king would say or do. Any "Bible believing Christian" knows that our Savior came to bring life and bring it abundantly. Giving life was and is the substance of Christ's mission--a plumbline by which I discern right thought, right action, right religion. It is the rubric by which I must be judged this morning in the aftermath of the life-taking reality of execution. Is execution life-giving for the victim, for the victim's family, for our society, for the defendent? And so as a Christian of conscience and as a citizen of the United States, I must confess my participation in the taking of a life, and ask myself and others why most of the western world has long ago given up execution as barbaric while the United States continues to authorize it? I'm ashamed of myself, the governor of California and our nation today. Once thought fictitious, today the terminator became all too real. Tookie Williams was terminated today, but his legacy may just be beginning--a legacy that I hope brings life.
plou
I killed Tookie Williams last night, while I was asleep. I didn't hold the syringe, but I helped. In a nation that starts its constitution "We the People," I must take responsibility for not doing more--for not speaking out, for being afraid to take a stand. Nearly every person that is executed in our country serves two sentences, firsta lengthy prison term as the variety of appeals are made and then execution for the same crime (s). Depending on the situation, we use different arguments to justify this taking of human life. Is it murder? I don't know. We may never know if it was a justified killing. What I do know is that as a citizen of this country, I participate in this act of life-taking.
As a citizen of another realm, I must ask what my king would say or do. Any "Bible believing Christian" knows that our Savior came to bring life and bring it abundantly. Giving life was and is the substance of Christ's mission--a plumbline by which I discern right thought, right action, right religion. It is the rubric by which I must be judged this morning in the aftermath of the life-taking reality of execution. Is execution life-giving for the victim, for the victim's family, for our society, for the defendent? And so as a Christian of conscience and as a citizen of the United States, I must confess my participation in the taking of a life, and ask myself and others why most of the western world has long ago given up execution as barbaric while the United States continues to authorize it? I'm ashamed of myself, the governor of California and our nation today. Once thought fictitious, today the terminator became all too real. Tookie Williams was terminated today, but his legacy may just be beginning--a legacy that I hope brings life.
plou
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Let the children come.
I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, "Bible said it. I believe it. No more questions."
It's interesting how those who interpret scripture in a literal factual way--that is they believe the Bible is word for word from the lips of God--still pick and choose which words are most important.
For instance, some of the most profound statements in the Bible surround issues of justice and poverty. The underpriviledged of Biblical times clearly included women (especially widows--by death or divorce) and children (especially orphans) who had very few rights under the law. Jesus spoke out forcefully about these issues, and yet, there remain to this day Christian congregations and denominations that are fiercely patriarchal, believing that women and children should remain quiet and no man should ever take orders from a woman. This theology helps to buttress age-old systems of prejudice and repression. It infects our business, military, religious and political institutions.
In an effort to change the world, the Bible quotes Jesus saying, 16 "...Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." --Luke 18-16-17 (NRSV)
Jesus' mother Mary quoting Hannah saying,
"My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty..." --Luke 1:46b-53
On Sunday morning, when I invite children forward to sing, listen to the children's message, or lead us to the communion table, I am convinced that we are in some small way glimpsing the radical nature of the gospel. Jesus' message demands that we overturn historic social orders and long held prejudices. He points to the humble as models for life. He chastises the religious establishment for putting religious practice before mercy.
Jesus said it. I believe it. So, let's ask some more questions.
Why do we let so many children die of hunger each day?
Why has the US never had a woman president?
Why does it take a flood to convince us of our sinful participation in predjudice?
Why are billions of dollars spent on cosmetic surgery, when some have no insurance or access to basic healthcare?
Why do some churches continue to exclude whole classes and groups of people and have the audacity to quote scripture to reinforce their prejudicial positions?
For generations people have created gods in their own image in order to promote their own self interests and keep other groups of people subjugated. It is time to listen for the voice of Jesus, the kingdom of God is at hand.
So, let God's children--all of God's children--come, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
It's interesting how those who interpret scripture in a literal factual way--that is they believe the Bible is word for word from the lips of God--still pick and choose which words are most important.
For instance, some of the most profound statements in the Bible surround issues of justice and poverty. The underpriviledged of Biblical times clearly included women (especially widows--by death or divorce) and children (especially orphans) who had very few rights under the law. Jesus spoke out forcefully about these issues, and yet, there remain to this day Christian congregations and denominations that are fiercely patriarchal, believing that women and children should remain quiet and no man should ever take orders from a woman. This theology helps to buttress age-old systems of prejudice and repression. It infects our business, military, religious and political institutions.
In an effort to change the world, the Bible quotes Jesus saying, 16 "...Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it." --Luke 18-16-17 (NRSV)
Jesus' mother Mary quoting Hannah saying,
"My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty..." --Luke 1:46b-53
On Sunday morning, when I invite children forward to sing, listen to the children's message, or lead us to the communion table, I am convinced that we are in some small way glimpsing the radical nature of the gospel. Jesus' message demands that we overturn historic social orders and long held prejudices. He points to the humble as models for life. He chastises the religious establishment for putting religious practice before mercy.
Jesus said it. I believe it. So, let's ask some more questions.
Why do we let so many children die of hunger each day?
Why has the US never had a woman president?
Why does it take a flood to convince us of our sinful participation in predjudice?
Why are billions of dollars spent on cosmetic surgery, when some have no insurance or access to basic healthcare?
Why do some churches continue to exclude whole classes and groups of people and have the audacity to quote scripture to reinforce their prejudicial positions?
For generations people have created gods in their own image in order to promote their own self interests and keep other groups of people subjugated. It is time to listen for the voice of Jesus, the kingdom of God is at hand.
So, let God's children--all of God's children--come, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Heroes of Faith
Today is All Saints' Day. It's a day to celebrate the heroes of the church. When Christians look for heroes, we look beyond warrier/king/celebrity images. We look for those of whom God might say, you "who are humble will be exalted."
The death of Rosa Parks reminds us that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds. I love the quote that I heard during her funeral, "when she sat down, the world turned around."
Jesus was constantly reminding his followers that it isn't those who march in triumph who will be exalted, it is those who are humble and gentle of heart. Those who stand their ground, those who lift up the brokenhearted, those who protect the widow and the orphan, these are the ones who will be called heroes in the pantheon of Christian faithfulness.
And so I wonder, who will be the heroes, the saints, of this generation--the ones who speak their mind, stand their ground, support the injured, secure the peace?
The death of Rosa Parks reminds us that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, colors and backgrounds. I love the quote that I heard during her funeral, "when she sat down, the world turned around."
Jesus was constantly reminding his followers that it isn't those who march in triumph who will be exalted, it is those who are humble and gentle of heart. Those who stand their ground, those who lift up the brokenhearted, those who protect the widow and the orphan, these are the ones who will be called heroes in the pantheon of Christian faithfulness.
And so I wonder, who will be the heroes, the saints, of this generation--the ones who speak their mind, stand their ground, support the injured, secure the peace?
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Born Again
One of the constants in the Christian faith is dealing with words and phrases that are loaded with meaning and feeling for people. Part of engaging faith in the way of Christ for our time is redeeming the language of our faith. In More Ready than you Realize by Brian McClaren he quotes a guy named Dan who says, "I hope I never become born again.... A friend of ours at school became born again. She used to be a nice person, but now she's always judging everybody, and she pushes all her friends away."
Being born anew is not about separation from life and world, but full engagement in the lives of people in the world. To be "born again" in Biblical terminology is to be "born of the Spirit"--to get a new start. God calls us to be stripped of our prejudices and misconception and begin a new life in the way of Christ--peaceful, humble, loving, understanding, gracious, merciful.
In the words of scripture, "Behold, I am making all things new." That means even me and you! When Jesus invites us to lay down our burdens, maybe one of those burdens is our constant need to make judgements about others and to have all the answers.
Being born anew is not about separation from life and world, but full engagement in the lives of people in the world. To be "born again" in Biblical terminology is to be "born of the Spirit"--to get a new start. God calls us to be stripped of our prejudices and misconception and begin a new life in the way of Christ--peaceful, humble, loving, understanding, gracious, merciful.
In the words of scripture, "Behold, I am making all things new." That means even me and you! When Jesus invites us to lay down our burdens, maybe one of those burdens is our constant need to make judgements about others and to have all the answers.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Changes to my blogging
Our God-spotter experiment is on a vacation.
So, I want to begin to use this site to write my thoughts about faith, life and their interaction. I am the pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan. I have a wonderful wife and 10 children, 7 of whom are adopted from all over the world.
I will use this site to refine my thinking, to challenge your thinking, and dream about a different kind of world, or maybe I should say, a different world of kind--diverse, peaceful, life-giving. I hope this site will unveil something of the kind of church I serve and the kind of vision I have for the church of Jesus Christ.
My pen name is plou, which is short for Pastor Lou.
Check in often and post your response. I look forward to your engagement.
plou
So, I want to begin to use this site to write my thoughts about faith, life and their interaction. I am the pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Traverse City, Michigan. I have a wonderful wife and 10 children, 7 of whom are adopted from all over the world.
I will use this site to refine my thinking, to challenge your thinking, and dream about a different kind of world, or maybe I should say, a different world of kind--diverse, peaceful, life-giving. I hope this site will unveil something of the kind of church I serve and the kind of vision I have for the church of Jesus Christ.
My pen name is plou, which is short for Pastor Lou.
Check in often and post your response. I look forward to your engagement.
plou
Coffee Meditation
I awoke to look at a coffee pot with the technological capability of providing me with coffee brewed and ready when the alarm clock goes off. But of course, as usual, it was not brewed and ready. The owner (me) had not prepared the pot the night before for the inevitable dawn withdrawal I was now experiencing.
I looked at the empty pot with remorseful eyes, wishing I had properly gotten ready for what I was now experiencing—a need for a life-giving fix to jumpstart my day. But there would be no cheap, fast cure this morning. I lugged the coffee out of the bottom shelf of the freezer, cleaned out the old grounds from the previous morning, dumped the previous days left-over, and began the several minute (seems like hours) ritual of grinding, filling and waiting that would eventually issue me clarity of thought and a kinder conclusion to a rough-started morning.
When just enough coffee was brewed to eek out a cup, I grasped the pot that would soon provide my morning salvation, and I began to pour--realizing that despite my desire to get it fast and easy, the equilibrium of my pot required that I pour slow enough that the pot didn’t back-dribble and pour its fresh contents on the counter instead of the cup.
For peace, meaning, hope I yearn. For the most part, things spiritual, life-giving, essential come only with preparation, silent waiting, and balance. Maybe tonight will be different.
--p lou
I looked at the empty pot with remorseful eyes, wishing I had properly gotten ready for what I was now experiencing—a need for a life-giving fix to jumpstart my day. But there would be no cheap, fast cure this morning. I lugged the coffee out of the bottom shelf of the freezer, cleaned out the old grounds from the previous morning, dumped the previous days left-over, and began the several minute (seems like hours) ritual of grinding, filling and waiting that would eventually issue me clarity of thought and a kinder conclusion to a rough-started morning.
When just enough coffee was brewed to eek out a cup, I grasped the pot that would soon provide my morning salvation, and I began to pour--realizing that despite my desire to get it fast and easy, the equilibrium of my pot required that I pour slow enough that the pot didn’t back-dribble and pour its fresh contents on the counter instead of the cup.
For peace, meaning, hope I yearn. For the most part, things spiritual, life-giving, essential come only with preparation, silent waiting, and balance. Maybe tonight will be different.
--p lou
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