Rambling

I'm reading, quite furiously I might add, through Niebuhr's book, Christ & Culture, for a paper due Thursday. I believe it is the first time in my life (since starting here at DS) I've read strong, lengthy books in two days. Not just read, but read for comprehension. One plus of grad school is it has stretched me to see that I can do things I would not have realized before.

I think this is a 'must read' for every Christian. Written in the late 40's (at least that's when the lectures were given), published in the early 50's, it is as true today as it was when it was written. In fact it could have been written 2,000 years ago and still be relevant. It addresses how Christians engage (or disengage) culture and why they do so. It does not moralize one view point over another as much as set up types that identify so they can be observed. It makes the argument, incidentally, for unity. The closing chapter is going to be copied and mailed to a few people I know. Maybe. We'll see if I remember to do that because when this paper is done I have a final paper and three final tests two final exams to prepare for. Maybe I'll scan them and email them. It's easier and free.

He argues as a definition for Christ along the vein of love. Lots to what he said, I'll just sum up. Love was the defining characteristic of Jesus' character/kerygma/calling. There are other facets to Jesus, but not that define Him. As I was thinking about this it influenced a topic for my final paper for my hermeneutics class. Philippians 2 (The Kenosis Passage) is to be my text and the topic is humility & love exemplified in the Person of Jesus Christ. I'm very much looking forward to diving into the work this week. I'll post some gleanings after I finish the paper.

Now go buy the book. Christ & Culture by H. Richard Niebuhr.

Strivings & Stress

Almost a year and a half since my last post. Apparently this blog thing is high on my priority list. In fact, it's so high I had forgotten completely about it; part of the reason is I had tried a different blog server and just plumb spaced this one out. Someone mentioned word press and how easy and great and perfect and yada yada it was. So I gave it a try, set up a page, never posted, and then moved on with life.

I think now my blog may be a place for me to process through what I'm learning. Update for yourself so when you look back in another year and a half you'll know what happened and is happening in your life. I moved from Laramie to Littleton. First year at Denver Seminary studying in the MDiv program. Not sure what I want to be when I grow up so this is a great opportunity to sit under some amazing teaching, read some incredible books, think through some hearty (in every sense of the word 'heart'y), be stretched in spirit, soul and body, grow closer to Chris by learning how to be close to her, etc etc.

I have a church that is praying through offering me a position as their pastor, I have a church that is considering me as their youth pastor, there is a church I like and want to attend where the Sr. Pastor is considering being my mentor through the MDiv program. God is growing me. So far it has hurt immensely and forced me through some knot holes of forgiveness and humbling. The Word of God is taking on several new hues as I learn historical & cultural context. It is also great to understand the Word in it's literary flow and how this shows It's relevance to my life in a grand new way. It liberates me from fundamentalist dogmatism that would interpret the Word in a sloppy way to put a religious yoke on the adherent in order for the congregation to sense one is 'in' in the right, doctrinal way. How great that Jesus through His Word liberates through knowledge and understanding. Knowledge has liberated me from bad doctrine caused by lazy exegesis. And this has only been 9 weeks in the process; praise God I have a whole program ahead of me.

Hopefully this becomes a place for me to think through some things as I write. I won't enjoy it as much if it is another year and a half before I write again. We'll see.

A Lil' Eggnog Puts the Cheer in the Holiday

There are a few things that happen this time of year in my world. While most may be figuring out what gifts to get, how to get them and stay within a budget (or ignoring the budget all together), others are planning parties and juggling schedules, and all the rest of the holiday happenings, I find myself if bodily present (pun intended) in some of these activities mentally thinking about two or three other topics.

The first is something I started doing in college. This time of year I start planning the following years spiritual journey and areas I hope to grow in throughout the next year. This includes bible reading plans, books I hope to read, topics I want to study, classes I want to take, relationships I want to either build or carve out of my life for one reason or another. So I'm spending time looking at the future and making some mental plans, writing down spiritual goals, setting up time lines for the new year, and so on and so forth. So really, this time of year always has me looking ahead.

Another activity I find myself engaging in is looking behind me. Not necessarily looking at my rear behind, but looking into the past. I pull out my planner pages, I review my journals, I think about what experiences I've had with job, family, friends, God and I try to think through what principles I've learned. I look to see if I've applied what God has taught me. I think of areas of my life that need some working and I assess if I am teachable in those areas or if I am simply ignoring God's work to bring those areas under the control of the Holy Spirit.

To be honest, I like the planning part of the year better than the reviewing part.

Time for another cup of coffee.