Starvin' in the Belly of a Whale

Our Vitality Lies in Movement

2007-11-04T18:44:00.000+10:00

Recent mentions in various media of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) in northern Spain has me longing to participate in that spiritual practice known as pilgrimage. It is in a book whose author is both an ordained Mennonite minister and a Benedictine oblate that I found the following quote.

"[God] is a God of the Way. His sanctuary is the Mobile Ark, His house is a tent, His Altar a cairn of rough stones... He leads [the Israelites] out of Egypt... There He gives them their Solemn Feast, the Passover: a feast of roasted lamb and bitter herbs , of bread baked not in an oven but on a hot stone. And he commands them to eat "in haste," with shodden feet and sticks in hand, to remind them, forever that their vitality lies in movement."

- Bruce Chatwin The Songlines (New York, N.Y.: Penguin, 1987) pp 194-195 in Arthur Paul Boers The Way is Made by Walking: a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago (Downers Grove, Il.: InterVarsity Press, 2007) 39.

No Accountability

2007-10-10T08:39:00.000+10:00

The ABC reports that courts in Italy and the US have halted separate cases that involved allegations about illegal rendition and torture.

The US Supreme Court upholds the dismissal of a German citizen's case because of 'state secrets'. The executive branch has declared itself not accountable, and the judicial branch has refused to hold the executive accountable for this declaration.

This decision reminds me of the ridiculous situation under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen in which the list of books banned in Queensland was itself banned.

Dead Man Walking

2007-10-05T08:08:00.000+10:00

Sister Helen Prejan, author of the book which was adapted into a play, then a movie and now an opera, spoke recently with Andrew Denton and Rachel Kohn. Much of what she had to say - always in a lively, entertaining, and world-wise way - to both interviewers made me think of recent discussions of incarnational ministry.

Two particular things really stood out:

Firstly, the readiness with which the death row inmates accepted Sr Helen's coming alongside them. Initially she didn't seek out the prisoners or the families of their victims, but now actively does - and while embrace may be too strong a word to describe the average reaction, it sounds as though it's far from a rebuff.

Secondly, the seriousness with which Sr Helen believes - and actually accordingly lives - basic Christian doctrines. She does see the image of God in people, she does demonstrate grace to both the unloved and the unloving, she does speak the truth in a way that sets people free. Her story is an inherently - one could say exclusively - Christian story, yet it is so filled with faith, love, and hope that not only do many want to hear it, but also many want to tell it. And with each telling and hearing and retelling - whether in a play, book, film, opera, interview, or even (I hope) blog post - echoes of Jesus' story, the gospel, are heard.

Here is a model of ministry worthy of imitation! Now I must see this film (not really into opera), and of course hear the soundtrack with Tom Waits among other fine artists.

Liberalism and Communism

2007-10-03T13:23:00.000+10:00

The Communist Party of China, not content to prohibit senior Tibetan Lamas from reincarnating without permission, has also taken to writing 'Christian' theology. Stephen Crittendon, presenter of the Religion Report on ABC Radio National mentioned in passing that as part of their increasing interest in religion, state-sponsored texts require patriotic Christians to not beleive in salvation by faith or the resurrection.

Our Man in Pyongyang

2007-10-03T11:14:00.000+10:00

Having read Seymour Hirsch's latest in the New Yorker about the US's war plans for Iran, I was struck by the Greene-esque title of this article. And indeed, Egan is an antihero worthy of Greene. Had he not missed the draft, gone bankrupt roofing and started a hotdog joint-cum-steakhouse he may have just as easily ended up selling vacuum cleaners or running a hotel. The entertaining feature is fantastic read, though not always for the right reasons.

Don't Risk Howard (& Costello)?

2007-09-26T21:43:00.000+10:00

Even though it's yet to be called, everyone knows that the federal election is not far away. It's clear that campaigning is now fully underway, as not only have policies (to a greater or lesser extent) been released, so the mud is being slung.

While the behaviour of a number of politicians right across the spectrum has been particularly abysmal lately, I had to have a chuckle at the Nationals' 'Don't Risk Rudd' campaign. Not because of what they're trying to say, but the way they're trying to say it.

The assumption that change=risk (so that one can minimise or even eliminate risk by minimising or eliminating change) seems to be behind this fallacious slogan. Even leaving aside that great rewards are hardly ever won without great risk, there are times that small change (or even none) is more risky than great change. Of course, whether not that is now the case is the subject of many and varied opinions.

Though change may seem risky, not changing (or at least attempting not to change) may actually be more so. Just ask the coalition front bench.

You Must Be Bourne Again

2007-09-06T20:50:00.000+10:00

WARNING PLOT SPOILER FOLLOWS

I saw The Bourne Ultimatum, the third Bourne movie. Though I left wanting more, on reflection I hope that it is the last of the series, as it wraps up the earlier movies very neatly. As could be expected, such a great movie deals with great themes, and I personally would have be more likely to read "The Gospel According to Jason Bourne" than most other pop culture meets theology books that I have seen.

Of foremost significance for me is the theme of memory and Bourne's amnesia is finally remedied in TBU in a way that explores the full significance of memory for identity. His complicity in his own predicament suggests a kind of original sin, yet at a significant juncture chooses the path of redemptive non-violence. The film is full of violence, yet seems to take it more seriously than most other films, certainly beyond cheering for the 'goodies'. That most of the deaths are of characters important to the plot personalises the brutality and senselessness that rightly left me feeling squeamish. Certainly, one of the must timely themes of the entire Bourne series, but especially in TBU is a mistrust of authority. As enemy of the state, Bourne goes well beyond Bond as the likeable rogue with tacit support of the authorities. TBU demonstrates the inherent tendency of cold and calculating officials (elected and appointed) to misuse government authority and prerogative. It brings into question not only the individuals that exploit the system, but the kind of system that refuses to limit deceit and violence through transparency and accountability.

Certainly this is a parable for our time.

Barry McMurtrie in Brisbane

2007-07-14T13:24:00.000+10:00

Well, that all depends whether you count the Gold Coast as part of greater Brisbane. Barry McMurtrie is the keynote speaker of Team Fest, being held at Marina Quays International Resort on Hope Island from the 6th to the 8th of November. Barry McMurtie was senior pastor at Crossroads Church in California from 1993.

From the brochure (not available online as far as I could tell):

Team Fest is an opportunity for team leaders and team members to acquire the necessary skills to develop effective teams for ministry in larger congregations.

For More information call Ted Keating (0407 461 679) or Juliette Keating (0411 428 038).

Staff Retreat

2007-07-12T23:00:00.000+10:00

On Tuesday our church's staff went on a retreat at the Still Water Centre in Toowong that involved fasting, solitude and silence, followed by some serious feasting and celebration. I really valued the opportunity to share such a significant experience with my colleagues outside of a work environment.

The following lines from Leonard Cohen's 'Anthem' were quoted by the facillitator and have prompted much reflection:

Ring the bells that still can ring

Forget your perfect offering

There's a crack in everything

That's how the light gets in.

David Cook in Brisbane

2007-07-11T08:40:00.000+10:00

Though it's definitely very soon, some may be interested to know that David Cook, principal of Sydney Missionary and Bible College will be lecturing at Queensland Theological College (formerly the Consortium of Reformed Colleges) from Monday 16th to Thursday 19th July, at their beautiful campus on the Brisbane River at St Lucia. He will teach an undergraduate intensive on preaching, and QTC also offers a very modestly-priced audit option.

Larry Hurtado in Brisbane

2007-07-11T07:54:00.000+10:00

Aaron Ghiloni reports that Larry Hurtado will be in Brisbane from the 25th until the 28th of July, thanks to Everyday Mission, part of the Faith and Life Vicariate of the Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese.

Last year Tom Wright, Cormack Murphy O'Connor and William Cavanaugh were guests of the Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese in their focus on Jesus - Communion - Mission. Which makes me wonder who else we may have in Brisbane later this year thanks to their hospitality. And which makes me want to say how extremely grateful I am for their hard work, ecumenical mindset and joyful focus on their diocesan vision of Jesus - Communion - Mission.

Alan Roxburgh in Brisbane

2007-07-10T17:47:00.000+10:00

With scholars such as Ben Myers and Mike Bird calling Brisbane home, the city could hardly be called a backwater. However, while high calibre researchers, teachers, and practitioners often make this sleepy little town a port of call, not everyone gets to hear about it.

So I'm happy to advertise that Alan Roxburgh, author of The Sky is Falling: Leaders Lost in Transition and co-author of The Missional Leader: Equipping Your Church to Reach a Changing World will be in Brisbane on the 26th of August for a gathering of interested church leaders from across denominations. Numbers are severely limited, so contact either Churches of Christ in Queensland or Queensland Baptists of you're interested.

Mea Culpa

2007-06-27T14:11:00.000+10:00

Following on from Ben at Faith and Theology, and many others, I confess:

I have a fondness for terms that carry more meaning in their original language than in translated English.
I cannot understand why "change for the sake of change" is worse than "constancy for the sake of constancy".
I am far too impatient with people whom I consider are more black-and-white than me.
I prefer the synoptics to John; Luke to Matthew and Mark; and Acts to Paul.
that the Catholic I would most prefer to discuss theology with is not Balthasar, Kung, Rahner or even de Lubac, but Graham Greene.
I pity social and political progressives who promote their various issues mournfully.
I'm grudgingly grateful for my fundamentalist schooling.
I prefer Tom Waits to Bob Dylan.
I feel envious of people whose car, desk or handwriting is much neater than mine.
that caffeine is a drug, but I am not addicted.

The Legitimate Witness of Military Chaplaincy

2007-06-13T11:55:00.000+10:00

About a month ago Ben at Faith and Theology pointed me to Swords to Plowshares where Scott reviews Richard John Neuhaus's homily "Bearing Witness in a Time of War" given at the memorial mass for the Military Vicariate.

As I commented on Scott's post, I'm surprised and confused that the legitimacy of the witness of military chaplains could be questioned so stridently. Even by the most avowed pacifist. Because "mission is the mother of theology" the issue is primarily missiological, and only subsequently theological. I'd very much like to understand the approach of Scott and Aric, as it seems so foreign to my understanding of the legitmacy -- even missiological necessity -- of the witness of military chaplaincy.

At this point I need to disclose that my father was a soldier until my mid-teens, and that not many years after that I enlisted in the Australian Army as a part-time soldier. I initially trained as a combatant but recently transferred to a logistical role from which I'm better able to pursue the possibility of becoming an Army chaplain.

Part of my journey to this point was my discovery of a missional approach to both theology and ministry, similar to that of the Gospel and Our Culture Network, sparked by the work of Leslie Newbigin. I came to see the military as a particular sub-culture within the broader social context of the (post-)modern West. (Incidentally, this is why Neuhaus' homily was given at a mass of the military vicariate; the Catholic church recognises the need for a distinctive ministry to the military alongside the parish structure. So too do a number of Protestant churches and para-church agencies to varying degrees and with varying effectiveness.) As a soldier I could appreciate the military sub-culture's own distinctive traits such as values, beliefs, and behaviours, which were sometimes even at odds with those of the broader context: some might decry the lack of democracy, I celebrate the co-operation not possible where free-market competition is unfettered. I share the symbols, stories and practices that formed this sub-culture: I still retain the badges of my previous units.

Whether or not one believes that the exercise of violence is ever legitimate, let alone redemptive, the presence of violence in any culture does not preclude the possibility of legitimate Christian witness. In fact, I would think that the witness of the shalom of God's kingdom becomes even more necessary in cultures with more anti-Christian elements. That chaplains may not always explicitly condemn the exercise of violence does not therefore constitute an implicit endorsement of it. If this were the case, then legitimate Christian witness in a consumerist culture that does violence to our collective humanity by commodifying its various aspects would not be possible.

Rather, chaplains, like all witnesses to God's shalom must first engage in a ministry of presence before engaging in a ministry of either demonstration or proclamation. Ultimately the community that is a sign, foretaste and conduit of God's shalom must subvert every anti-Christian aspect of the surrounding culture. Chaplains -- indeed all Christians sent to this mission field -- must learn the language, hear the stories, value the symbols and observe the practices of the military sub-culture to be fully present in it. This is basic missional work. Then from within this sub-culture, as part of it, we use the sub-culture's language to tell shared and rival stories, to fill symbols with greater meaning, and to re-orient practices towards God's telos. I intentionally wrote this sentence in the plural, because this vocation is the work of witnessing communities.

The vocation of chaplains is integral to the formation of witnessing communities, present in the the military who legitimately use its particular language and culture to demonstrate and proclaim the shalom of God's kingdom.

Why Church Matters

2007-05-22T19:48:00.000+10:00

Recently I read Why Church Matters by Jonathon Wilson, which is no being reviewed by Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed. I've been looking forward to this series, as the book resonated deeply with me because of the way if differs from usual ecclesiological approaches. Though prescriptive or descriptive approaches (ie: "What can be synthesised from the raw biblical data?" or "How can we account for the variety of ecclesiologies?") aren't invalid , Wilson's 'determintive' approach asks a far more timely question, namely, "Why does church matter?" As McKnight suggests, the question has immediate relevance for low- and high-church Christians and not just potentially disaffected emergents.

Sadly, at least one reviewer fails to see the value of Wilson's question, and so fails to appreciate any of his answers. This highlights the importance of the first chapter in which Wilson defines the scope and explains the methodology of his approach; remember he is proposing "why" rather than asking "what?" or "how?" -- these are valid approaches (as has been shown by other more-than-competent theologians), but they are not Wilson's.

Central to Wilson's apporach is a particular understanding of practices as those things which link the life of a community to its telos. In tracing his understanding of telos through the work of Alasdair MacIntyre back to Aristotle, he makes a distinction between the technical term (the telos is determinitative of the community and its practices) and the popular use of its equivalents (a group will often set its own goals or objectives).

In short, church matters because 'church' is how communities practice the gospel, and thereby participate in the kingdom of God -- it's how they demonstrate that they are authentically Christian.

Imagine

2007-02-26T14:55:00.000+10:00

After just under three years at Westside Church of Christ, I'm now at Arana Hills Church of Christ. The two churches are very different so any comparisons would be unfair to at least one of the churches, and are therefore something I won't bother with. God has been good to me in the past and continues to be good to me into the future, so the move has made me both sad and hopeful; it has been difficult, but worthwhile.

For all of February the usual ministries of the church have been suspended so that as many people as possible can particpate as much as possible in the church-wide Imagine 07 conference. I was mentionaing to a Catholic colleague today that this has had much the same pilgrimage function as Lent: to (1) simplify life in order to (2) seek God's guidance and begin to (3) undertake a journey of transformation.

This reminded me of a recent e-mail article I read from Christianity Today, suggesting that the growing importance of Lent to non-Liturgical traditions is in recovering the aspect of imagination. The article (I'll try to find a link) suggested that for many, imagination has bee crowded out by the over-emphasis on pragmatic technique. This supports a short quote (attributed to Marva Dawn) from Mike Erre's The Jesus of Suburbia: Have We Tamed the Son of God to Fit Our Lifestyle?:

The most critical issue facing Christians is not abortion, pornography, the disintegration of the family, moral absolutes, MTV, drugs, racism, sexuality, or school prayer. The critical issue today is dullness. We have lost our astonishment. The Good News is no longer life changing. It is life enhancing. Jesus doesn't change people into wild-eyed radicals anymore. He changes them into nice people.

Real Christains are Radicals

2007-01-06T23:14:00.000+10:00

I was astounded to Christopher Pearson's claim in today's Weekend Australian that "Real Christians are Social Conservatives". He backs up this claim with three arguments: that the Bible mandates a theology of conservatism, that Christian tradition demonstrates a history of convservatism, and that contemporary church-attendance trends vindicate a strategy of conservatism.

Pearson mocks Kevin Rudd's claim that "the starting point of Christianity is a theology of social justice," countering that instead , Christian theology begins with the incarnation, culminates in the crucifixion and resurrection, and anticipates the return of Jesus. While what Pearson affirms isn't incorrect, he is wrong in what he fails to even address: the goal of these central doctrines. The incarnation is announced in terms of justice (God visiting his people to depose rulers and elevate the humble, and fillig the poor with good things while sending the rich away desolate). Jesus' message proclaims his work in terms of good news for the poor and the otherwise soically marginalised (directly, rather than in a trickle-down approach). The apostles use justice and social reform images to illustrate the significance of Christ's death and resurrection. Finally -- and as if these alone were not progressive enough -- Jesus' return is seen as consummating such changes in an even more revolutionary way. Neither is justice a "second-order concern" of either the Bible or theology as Pearson claims, but one that is foundational, inherent and ultimate.So, far from mandating conservatism, the biblical witness and central Christian doctrines provide solid theological foundations for radical social reforms.

In recent history one particular example of Christians appropriating the rich biblical and theological resources for radical social reform stands out: the abolition of slavery. Because the quantity of proof-texts seems important to Pearson's "second-order" argument, it should be noted that the New Testament has less to say about homosexuality than it does about both slavery and gender relations which are given roughly equal coverage (and less to say on all three topics combined than about the proper and improper use of money). But the abolitionsits might well be considered by Pearson as "ecclesiatical modernisers" for their alliance with "the Zeitgeist". Yet, in a contradictory way, he cites contemporary acceptance of Christian conservatism as its vindication. While theologically and socially conservative churches in the West aren't declining at the rate of more progressive churches, theologically conservative but (arguably) socially progressive churches in the global South are growing at an unprecedented rate. Strategically then, even if Christians in the West are loathe to attempt to imrove on their heritage, they may still be able to learn something from their more effective brothers and sisters in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

If Christians and their leaders really are as conservative as Pearson suggests, perhaps they desparately need to become reacquainted with their heritage, their doctrine, the Bible and -- above all -- with Christ, and discover in the process that real Christians are radicals.

Highlights of 2006

2006-12-28T11:07:00.000+10:00

Inspired by Ben Myers at Faith and Theology, here's a list of highlights from 2006 :

Best album (tied): Nina Simone -- Remixed and Reimagined; Tom Waits -- Orphans
Best article (published): Kevin Rudd -- 'Howard's Brutopia' in The Monthly, November.
Best article (online): Kim Fabricus -- 'Ten Thoughts on the Literal and the Literary' on Faith and Theology.
Best book (novel): Sadly I didn't read any 2006 novels, but highly enjoyed Philip Roth's The Human Stain. However, Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster will become my favourite book published in 2006 when I finally get around to reading it I'm sure.
Best book (ministry): Pete Rollins -- How (Not) to Speak of God
Best book (theological): James KA Smith Who's Afraid of Postmodernism?
Best cafe: Sassafras fine Foods, Paddington
Best coffee: Hawaiian Kona from Merlo
Best film: Superman Returns
Best location: camping at Cowan Point, Moreton Is. NP
Best restaurant: Cinco Bistro, Camp Hill
Best wine (red): Wolf Blass Yellow Label Cabernet Sauvignon
Best wine (white): Nautilus Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

Brisbane Jazz

2006-09-19T11:38:00.000+10:00

Recently I saw Brisbane jazz trio Misinterprotato live at the Judith Wright Centre for Contemporary Arts. To say that I was impressed would be a serious understatement. I'm in for a treat this weekend too: the Powerhouse Jazz Festival and the Conrad Treasury Groove and Grape Festival are on this weekend. While a friend has tickets for the at the Powerhouse, I'm hoping to see Megan Washington, and the for free at the Groove and Grape.

iChurch

2006-09-16T13:54:00.000+10:00

iChurch is the cover story of the latest issue of Leadership. It discusses the church shopping and argues against a consumerist approach to Christianity. I'm surprised -- but heartened that a pastor would pen this article. Though my guess is that as dissappointed as they are with members shopping for churches, as long as pastors market their churches (especially in an environment of competition rather than competition) they'll continue to produce consumers rather than make disciples.

New Music

2006-08-27T14:57:00.000+10:00

Recent additions to my iPod have resulted in severla nights of long hard essay writing. An iTMS voucher disappeared in seconds, mostly spent on melancholy accoustic music by Aussie artists (Heart's a Mess by Gotye is a stand out example). I've also been really impressed by Jewish reggae artist Matisyahu and can't stop playing his current single King Without a Crown. Here are just some of the lyrics:

A King without his Crown
Yes, you keep fallin' down
You really want to live but can't get rid of your frown
Tried to reach unto the heights and wound bound down on the ground
Given up your pride and the you heard a sound
Out of night comes day and out of day comes light
Nullified to the One like sunlight in a ray,
Makin' room for his love and a fire gone blaze.

Quotes of the day

2006-06-15T17:22:00.000+10:00

"The impatient, who are concerned only about results or practical application, should leave their hands off exegesis. They are of no value for it, nor, when rightly done, is exegesis of any value for them." -- Ernst Kasemann, Commentary on Romans, translated and edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1980), iii. Quoted in N.T. Wright, The New Testament and the People of God (London: SPCK, 1992), 13 n15.

"In a world of fugitives the person taking the opposite direction will appear to run away." -- T.S. Eliot. Quoted in Philip Yancey 'The Risks of Relevance' in I Was Just Wondering (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Eerdmans, 1989) 128 - 134.

Yancey contrasts the enduring value of Eliot's poetry with the ephemeral nature of his social commentary, arguing for the contribution that art makes to life, even if its immediate relevance is not readily apparent.

I thank God for the many Christian pastors and leaders who tend to peoples' immediate needs, but I pray for more Christian artists and thinkers who can leave a deeper and more lasting impression.

Back

2006-06-10T19:51:00.000+10:00

After a significant break to allow me to focus on the worst of end of semester assesment, I'm back. Unfortunately there's conspicuously little material from my study that would good posts. I plan soon to update my current reading, and am toying with a name change for the blog. More to follow...

Postmodern Islam?

2006-05-16T22:54:00.000+10:00

I only recently updated my "My Current Reading" Sidebar with a book that I'm actually almost haflway through: Desparately Seeking Paradise by Ziauddin Sardar. I've enjoyed his reading since I happenned across an article of his in a post-9/11 issue of the new writing magazine, Granta.

Born in Pakistan, raised in Britain, trained as an information scientist, Sardar is a thoughtful writer, highly observant and has a quick, dry wit. That someone could write so plaufully, yet incisively about their religion -- and that this would be appealing to non-Muslims, too -- is a pleasant surprise for me.

Fat Politicians and Pastors

2006-05-16T22:28:00.000+10:00

Would you vote for an overweight politician? What about a disorganised one?

Okay, now what about spiritual leaders - is it any more acceptable for them to not be able to control their weight (not something I have trouble with), or their diaries (something I do have significant trouble with)? I'm not suggesting that Christians should be superficial, just pointing out that a failure to manage one part of my life greatly affects my effectiveness in ministry.

Maybe this is just me venting: I know how important it is for me to manage my time well, and how much effort that takes. I know too that it can be hard to manage one's health and fitness, but isn't it worth the effort. Whether it leads to increased ministry effectiveness or not, isn't there it imperative that Christians (especially Christian leaders) are wise stewards of all of God's good gifts - including their time and their bodies?

Quote of the Week

2006-05-16T22:24:00.000+10:00

"So we also, holding Art in our hands, confidently deem ourselves its masters; we boldly give it direction, bring it up to date, reform it, proclaim it, sell it for money, use it to please the powerful, divert it for amusement... or else adapt it... toward transient political or limited social needs. But art remains undefiled by our endeavourss and the stamp of its origin remains unaffected: each time and in every usage it bestows upon us a portion of its mysterious inner light." -- Aleksandr Solzhenisten in Robert K. Johnston, Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue (Grand Rapidss, Mi.: Baker, 2000) p. 90.

Geza Vermes Podcast

2006-05-15T16:51:00.000+10:00

After discussing Hong Xiuquan, a 19th century Chinese revolutionary who claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus, Rachel Kohn announced that "one of the greatest living Biblical scholars" will be on The Ark next week speaking about the six most interesting contemporaries of Jesus.

You can get more information from http://www.abc.net.au/rn/relig/ark/default.htm

Church and Mission

2006-05-02T23:31:00.000+10:00

Anita and I just had dinner with three amazing people: a Uniting Church minister, a photojournalism student and an accountant who together minister to Brisbane's homeless. We talked about the differences between a soul-less institution and a spiritual movement, Dave Andrews' book Not Religion, But Love, and compassion as 'with-suffering'.

Towards the end of the evening, I realised that I couldn't nthink of any problem that Christians face that doesn't fit either one of these two categories:

Church-less mission: without a church (a community shaped by baptism, euscharist and word-ministry), proclamation, service and other missionary acts lack any basis or focus.
Mission-less church:without a mission (presence, proclamation, persuasion, power and propogation) a group claiming to be a church lacks any meaning or purpose.

Can all of the problems of the Christian life be reduced to lack of church or lack of misison?

Three great blogs, three great posts

2006-05-02T00:18:00.000+10:00

I just wanted to highligh three fantastic posts from blogs I frequent:

Mike Bird at Euangelion posts on the Together for the Gospel conference. It's a long post, but goes to the heart of the gospel and is well articulated. He raises important questions the sex, togetherness and the gospel.
Andy Rowell at Out of Ur posts on image, depth and transparency. His reminder that image isn't everything is well put, and well intentioned even if he's preaching to the choir.
Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed posts on emerging (missional) evangelism. He gives an almost comprehensive list of what is wrong with the worst of evangelism, and prompting new approaches.

I salute Mike's bravery and prayerfullness in particular. I'm also keen to see how the discussion at Jesus Creed develops.

Australian Gospel Music Festival

2006-04-17T12:55:00.000+10:00

I'm sure this won't be my only post on AGMF 06, as the three-day festival gave me a lot of food for thought. I think I'll do three more posts, around the following themes:

the event itself. I was so impressed with the length of the queue for the loo (or rather, lack of length).
the music. M is for Music. While I enjoyed much of what I saw, I was only really blown away by one band in particular.
going as a group. Our little group of 9 (six adults and three young people from the youth group) had mixed reactions to doing things together.

But now, I'm still fuming after hearing the 'gospel' presentation last night. There were so many ways that the combined churches service was amazing, that I almost feel petty taking issue with one aspect of it. But it is kinda important to get the gospel right, so I'll vent a little bit.

When we die and our soul leaves our body it can only go to one of two places (heaven or hell). Does the Bible really say that when a person dies, that their soul leaves their body? Assuming it did, someone mught ask why it could go only to one of two places. Why not a third (purgatory), why not many heavens, one for each dismbodied soul?
Rather, doesn't the Bible say that those who are in Christ experience the same kind of resurrection that Jesus did? Surely Jesus' resurrection wasn't just the appearance of his disembodied soul in a less than physical way?
God cannot simply forgive everyone's sin because this would not be just; this wouls be like a judge simply acquitting murderer. And that had it been my friend who was murdered, I would want justice. Fair enough (especially if you are able to keep from confusing justice, punishment, and vengeance). Except that he goes on to say that being a Christian means that "we do the crime, Jesus does the time". How is this justice? In his scenario, a murderer walks free and an innocent man is punished for a crime he didn't commit. This only includes greater injustice. Not only that, the murderer is free to kill again and again, and the his punishment will only be added to the innocent man's sentance.

There are far more than two things I really enjoyed about the rest of the service. But here are my top two in the interest of balance:

The pastor who gave the offering talk simply intorduced himself as "a pastor at one of the churches in Toowoomba". I liked that. As someone who is part of movment that wants to be 'Christians only' I thoroughly enjoyed the lack of denominatial brands and logos, and marketing of a particular congregation.
The worship leader would often stop siging into the microphone so that the thousands gathered could hear their own voices. In effect these little pauses communicated that those not on stage were not simply passively watching a show, but were expected to be actively involved. I often worry about pursuing 'excellence' at the expense of participation: there must be a difference beween being physically present at a worship service, and simply watching the latest worship DVD at home.

Now I'm really starting to think about the next three posts. But I hope that this rant is food enough for thought.

Blogging without the internet (at home)

2006-04-17T12:51:00.000+10:00

As I don't have an internet connection at home, I tried writing my posts in a word processor and saving them to add later, when at church or college or hotspot. But now I can't find the post I wrote straight after seeing Fiddler on the Roof. Oh well. I will eventually. Anyway, that was a week ago and much has happenned since then. As you shall soon see...

Spring Hill at Dusk

2006-04-09T00:34:00.000+10:00

Anita and I have a really amazing digital camera that we are so fortunate to have. Ditto the unit in Spring Hill. This evening we went for a wander to try and demonstrate our appreciation for both by not taking them for granted. The first two were taken by me and the third one by Anita:

Good news for choc-a-holics

2006-04-08T19:07:00.000+10:00

Dr Karl must be almost favourite doctor. While confirming the myth "chocolate can kill dogs" (as little as 140g of cooking/compound chocolate), he also provided some other very useful information:

the process of producing chocolate: picking, burying and fermenting, roasting, conching, adding sugar, milk etc;
outline history of chocolate from Maya to Spain as a drink to England where J.S. Fry and Sons became the first producers of solid chocolate in 1847;
in small doses chocolate can be good for you: it contributes to dilation and elasticity of blood vessels and destroys tooth-decay-causing bacteria -- though the added sugar in milk chocolate feed the same bacteria. Better stick to dark chocolate;
that theobromine (literally "food of gods" C 7 H 8 N 4 O 2, the key ingredient to chocolate, and what makes it toxic to dogs) and caffeine (literally "food of Cam" C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2) are both methylxanthines.

Now if Dr Karl would only do for coffee what he did for chocolate, beginning with describing the many ways that its good for you...

Evangelicalism: It'll make you laugh -- and cry

2006-04-07T14:24:00.000+10:00

While catching up on the latest news from The Onion, I saw an ad for A Field Guide to Evangelicals and their Habitat. I just had to find out more! This is from the publisher:

What Evangelicals Believe -- Plus a Master List of Who Is Going to Hell
How to Party Like an Evangelical -- Ambrosia, Li'l Smokies, and Potluck Fever
The Diversity of Evangelical Politics -- From Right-Wing to Wacko
Evangelical Mating Habits -- The Shocking Truth

While it's been out in the US for three weeks, it's only been out in Oz for one. Not at any of the Christian bookstores I frequent. Again, according the publisher the author, Joel Kilpatrick, as well as being creator of the Onion-esque Lark News, has written for Christianity Today and "attends church regularly for personal fulfillment and new material".

What really got me thinking though is that Amazon records "Customers who bought this book also bought... [books by] Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, and Donald Miller." Evangelicals. (Critics would do well to keep this in mind.) In his Evangelical Truth, John Stott boldly claims that "the supreme quality which the evangelical faith engenders (or should do) is humility" (122). To my way of thinking humility and humour go hand-in-hand. More of both may mean that I won't have to give up on self-identifying as an evangelical afterall - perhaps the term (and the movement itself) can be rehabilitated.

At last...

2006-04-07T00:00:00.000+10:00

It feels like ages since I've posted. -- It has been ages since I posted! To be honest, it's probably because I didn't know why I was even bothering with this blog thing. Well, I'm not sure that that's been adequately addressed. I merely feel a compulsion to articulate a little of the massive amounts of information I'm being forced to process lately.
So, here's a quick update:

Friday 31st March & Saturday 1st April - attended the NT Wright seminar organised by the Brisbane Catholic Archdiocese's Faith and Life Vicariate. Wright spoke on Jesus' mission (Friday) and Christian mission in the postmodern world (Saturday). Benjamin Myers reports on it well on his blog.
Sunday 2nd April - Just a normal lazy Sunday: church in the morning and study in the afternoon.
Monday 3rd April - Study. Oh, and I finally, got back to the gym!
Tuesday 4th April - Study.
Wednesday 5th April - I had coffee with Rev Tim Hodgson, minister to the inner city with Wesley Mission Brisbane (Uniting Church). Wow, it wasn't long until we were talking about some of my favourite things: the relation between church and mission, and chaplaincy as mission in the Australian Defence Force, with a bit of social ustice thrown in for good measure. I also had my usual New Testament (Romans and Pauline theology) lecture at Malyon College with Dr David Parker. This week was a real treat: Romans 3.19 - 31 & justification by faith! Here I was all swotted up on Wright & Dunn's arguments, and various dictionary articles on justification, faith, works of the law etc, but with only about 40 minutes of class time allocated. To be fair, we later discuss the centrum paulinum, and I expect the discussion to be more involving then. I also got to the gym again - what a day!
Thursday 6th April - Study. No Old Testament (Pentateuch) lecture today at the Reformed College (located on-campus at the University of Queensland in Emmanual College) because the Presbyterian church is having its mission week. I must remeber to keep praying for the students as they travel and minister. So instead I introduced on of my friends involved with a church plant to the senior pastor of the Baptist Tabernacle two blocks up the road from where he works (and three from where I live). They discussed the possibility of a small but significant co-operation to encourage Christians who work in the city to minister there also. More to pray about. Excitingly, there was also the first of our young adults' small group studies on Erwin McManus' The Barbarian Way. What an exciting thing. Erwin is on of my heroes and I will read everything he writes, so it was great to discuss a chapter with some of the other youth leaders from Westside.

That brings me to the present. Tomorrow I have such a big day planned, but I'll write about that later, once it's actually happenned. And yes, I do hope to post thematically rather than chronologically once I'm a bit more on top of things.

There's no stopping me now!

2005-11-18T18:02:00.000+10:00

Okay, the nastiest exam I ever did is well and truly out of the way (unless I have to sit a supplementary!), so I now plan on updating this blog a lot more often.

Two things to look forward to: more time = more reading = more ideas!
Also, more time = personal spiritual retreat = more depth (I hope)!

Understandably, I'm excited (not unlike Big Kev). I also plan on plagirising a few ideas from other peoples' blogs. No, not really. I have had some ideas after reading what they thought fit publish (NY Times eat your heart out) though.

The difficult second post

2005-11-03T10:13:00.000+10:00

I have just finished lectures for the year and finished reading an amazing book that I wish I could loan everybody. Blue like jazz. Of course, I'll have to update this again soon, but I'm still learning how to do stuff.

This is only the beginning

2005-10-27T15:15:00.000+10:00

Wow! I never would have known how easy it would be to finally arrive. Two qualifications on 'arrived': (1) everyone else I know who blogs, actually has something really worthwhile to say, spiritually or academically -- I'm not pretending I do! and (2) I'm only new to this and am not sure how the experiment will end up working out. There's only one way to find out though. As the jacarandas are out and I'm the best procrastinator in the world my guess is that it won't be long before I've got this nut cracked.