Disqus - Latest Comments for Al1

Re: Why I Wouldn’t Attend Pastor Steepek’s Church

Al1 — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 23:59:21 -0000

So I listened to the sermon preached by the 'real' pastor (Willie Lyle), that morning as the new pastor of the church. (http://www.sangoumc.org/fin.... Somehow, it seems to be along the same lines of guilting people into more Bible study and prayer, and more involvement in church programs. There does, however, seem to be a future direction for all of this in that congregation that I hope points to much more involvement outside of the four walls. Maybe a great object lesson, but what really is it teaching? I think I like Shadow Spring's pastor's style best.

Re: ALLOWED TO GROW

Al1 — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:51:20 -0000

"There has to be a solution right?"
I hope so, and maybe (on a good day) I think it might happen. Maybe someday enough people will face their own realities, (and doubts, and questions) and embrace the rest who have already admitted that they don't know. And once that critical mass has been reached, we will be able to renegotiate the rules that seem to govern who's in, and who's out.

Bit by bit we are reaching the tipping point. More and more people are deserting the 'Church is for the beautiful people' cruise ship, and jumping on the raft of the misfits and the ordinary--those who simply follow the simple message of the son of man. Love.

Re: Lake Charles, LA

Al1 — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:46:09 -0000

Dude, you are so completely and awesomely human. Vulnerable and transparent. Most of us are way to posh to let our reality out. We keep it inside where it can't be seen, except when it finally explodes.

I wish there were perfect answers, that it all could be summed up in a sound byte, that everything would be solved by the time the credits start rolling. I wish God could be manipulated like we used to think.

But instead, we get to muddle through this with each other. Loving, screaming, hugging, crying, giving up, and keeping going. Yeah, God is still around, and he often shows up in the strangest places. Like the guys dancing their way around their addiction, or the gals working to get their next fix.

Or in the brother that knows you better than anyone else, and reads your pain through your words and beneath them, and through your heart.

Once in awhile you might even find him in a church service.

But I hope most of all that we see God in each other as we try to reach out with faltering and fumbling hands. Wanting to connect, wanting to touch. Wanting to communicate the love that is the essence of the universe.

Re: Never Quite Free

Al1 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 22:29:11 -0000

Freedom is quite a concept. Freedom from being in a box. Freedom from being tethered to a single point of view. Freedom from the fences that both confine and protect. Freedom from addiction.
But do not strive to be free from the relationships that nurture and comfort.
As you walk in freedom, you are not alone. Many of us wander down similar paths and rejoice when we intersect.

Re: LET LOVE LEAD YOU BY THE HAND

Al1 — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:51:29 -0000

Like you I have also been stepping back from much of what I was taught to believe was absolutely true. Like you I am struggling with the difficulty in getting away from the arrogance of my new understanding of what is important. I guess we really like to bring others into our new-found wisdom, and so easily forget that there is still much to learn. And even my new wisdom isn't necessarily an absolute up against someone else's understanding.

Love and humility, though incredibly challenging, are still the keys to fighting arrogance--in ourselves, and in others.

Re: The Boy with the Thorn in His Side: Occupy The Church

Al1 — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 11:39:54 -0000

I think an initial benefit of a pan-American (and beyond) "occupy the church" would be that people would have an opportunity (finally) to let church leadership know what they think about the present condition of the church.

Those who no longer attend could give their reasons, and ask for change.

Those who might never have attended but are interested in Jesus might have an opportunity to voice why they don't feel comfortable with the present concept of church.

Maybe the church as we see it might actually die/change so that something more like Jesus talked about comes into being.

Interestingly enough, I think there are some parallels with the rest of the "occupy" movement in that there seems to be an elite power structure, and then all of the rest of us.

Although it seems like an impossible dream, it can happen, if we choose to try to work together.

Re: Goodbye, from Chad Holtz

Al1 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 01:17:39 -0000

Chad, with all of the humanness you have openly shared with us in your addiction, you have also shared an incredible amount of godliness in your grace.
We all share in one facet or another of the human condition, and are all just as needing of grace.
You have encouraged us to hope and thrive in the grace of God. We encourage you to do exactly the same.
It is so incredible, and yet fitting that the grace of God that you have reminded us exists in Christ--is also present in the deep love of your wife. You have shared God's grace with us, she is sharing it with you.
Our prayers go with all of you in this stage of the journey.

Re: What I Said at Big Tent Christianity

Al1 — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:43:05 -0000

As I read this, I found myself challenged to be more willing to be uncomfortable, to have my plans messed up, to put myself on the line. God has moved me a lot in the last couple years--but I still have a long ways to go.

Thanks for words that make sense, that need to be said, that need to be followed.

Re: Why I don’t believe in “Church”

Al1 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:58:05 -0000

Thanks, Joshua. While you don't speak for all Christians, you certainly speak for me. I also expect that you speak for a large percentage of people who stay away from Christianity like the plague.

We can only hope that Christians begin to take their calling of following Christ seriously--into the streets where his love so needs to be expressed.

Re: An Interview with Sara Miles

Al1 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:40:38 -0000

I'm half way through 'Jesus Freak', and have also fallen in love with Sara. Besides the practicality and Christ-likeness of her story, she has an incredible, inspiring way of writing. It's touching me much deeper than I can identify.
And the video makes it so tangible, so reachable, so down to earth in a heavenly kind of way.
Thanks for this.

Re: New Free Christmas Music Download!

Al1 — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:46:32 -0000

Thanks for this living, breathing example of the true Christmas spirit.
Your generous gift of music is received and appreciated.

Hope you all have a profound and special Christmas.

Re: Victoria News - Protest disrupts Olympic torch run

Al1 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:51:33 -0000

Three cheers for freedom of speech!

Re: BELOVED MOVES TO ROSEWOOD!

Al1 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:32:07 -0000

I have been following your journey for about a year, and this is exciting and great news! I wish you wonderful times of ministry and community in your new home, and it's too bad I don't live close by. Even so, i would certainly like to visit sometime!
Blessings!

Re: Adventures in seeking God’s love and justice

Al1 — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:40:29 -0000

My first response to this excellent post is about the first two sentences: ..... "discussed"..... "conversation".... What a novel idea! People of faith getting together to dialogue about things of faith and practice. I've just started looking for a similar approach to church, something that isn't so focused on the lecture, dogmatics, and arrogance so common in our traditional churchiness.
I like the idea of considering love and justice on your doorstep, and on the other side of the world as well. Some people are touched by disasters somewhere else, and give money, but don't see what's happening at home. Others can't visualize something far away, but can certainly act locally. It's easy to get numbed to the hugeness of some disasters--millions of people homeless, tens of thousands dead. It's also easy to become numb to the local issues that we see every day.
Interesting contrast between love and justice. I think our personalities are involved in what triggers our attention and involvement--one person may be more concerned about the legislative issues involved in homelessness, for example, and another person may respond to the immediate need of food or shelter. Neither is more important than the other, just a different response.
Thanks for this.

Re: It’s the End of the World as We Know It, and I Feel Fine

Al1 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:43:17 -0000

Well said, Travis. (and thanks for the tip about 09/23/34!)
I'm not sure exactly why so many people are concerned about knowing day/hour etc., but it seems to help justify a bunch of scary Christian media. It often seems to be connected with an escapist philosophy/theology that pretty much sits around waiting for whatever is the next item on this week's timeline.
In Jesus parable in Luke 19:13, we are told to 'Occupy until He comes', or as The Message puts it: 'Operate with this until I return.'
To me this says "Use whatever God has given you in Kingdom work until He returns", not try to figure out when He is returning.

Re: The Health Care Question

Al1 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:22:06 -0000

Although I have comments regarding health care itself, I appreciate your underlying message that all discussions need to be in a spirit of love, with a desire to better understand the issue at hand. That truly needs to be the way we as followers of Christ approach the many questions we face.
As a Canadian, I encourage you (as Americans) to pursue ways of making health care as universal as possible. Our present problem seems to relate to questions of cost/government spending, and the result is a depreciation of the level of care. I guess we are just as concerned as others about government debt.
It might be interesting to note that our Canadian social health care (socialism isn't considered so sinful up here!!) was introduced by a Baptist minister (Tommy Douglas) who became a provincial premier, and then leader of a national political party (now called the New Democratic Party). That party has as part of its roots the Christian left. So, many Christians on this side of the border have long promoted and supported a universal health care system.

Re: Breaking Down Dichotomies: Being “Yourself” in a Gendered Reality

Al1 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:50:40 -0000

Paul, I certainly agree that we need to approach all people with a desire to listen to them and love them. Indeed, that is where it needs to start and end.
However, I think that I can easily forget that someone isn't seeing life the same way I do, and assume things about them that aren't true. Yes, that is a bad assumption, but I dare say it happens.
So, I think Daniel's question is a fair one for him to ask. And my response would be that society and the media tend to portray certain sexual stereotypes: men like sports, are crass and insensitive, belching and farting in public; women are gentle, sensitive, nurturing and appreciate beauty. If a 'man' doesn't fit this stereotype (and he would certainly be able to recognize that) and perhaps is more similar to the female stereotype, he might well say he 'feels like a woman'.
No, these are not particularly fair or accurate stereotypes, but along with many more characteristics are kind of expected within our culture. Although there may well be deeper explanations for how a man might feel like a woman (or vice versa), I think the expectations of society in general are more than enough to at least give some people reasons to believe they are in the wrong biological body.

Re: Breaking Down Dichotomies: Being “Yourself” in a Gendered Reality

Al1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:56:00 -0000

After making my comment (see below), I started thinking that perhaps eunuchs may become so for ascetic reasons, so maybe that is what was meant after all?!
However, I don't think gender modification surgery is really for either ascetic or esthetic (or aesthetic) reasons. I expect it is an effort to make ones body line up with who one feels themself to be. (Please pardon the incredibly awkward grammar in the previous sentence!)

Re: Breaking Down Dichotomies: Being “Yourself” in a Gendered Reality

Al1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:26:42 -0000

I am wondering about other kinds of manipulation of the body--not as invasive or permanent as genital modification, but still altering the way it looks. I am thinking of simple things like makeup, hairstyle, clothing--they all manipulate the body for esthetic (is that what you meant?) purposes. Or even various plastic surgeries.
It's not that I see them as sin, just wondering IF there is something sinful involved, where does one draw the line?

Re: Breaking Down Dichotomies: Being “Yourself” in a Gendered Reality

Al1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:19:47 -0000

Thanks for adding to the discussion on sexuality. Truly, there are more gender-identities than just straight or gay. I have had some limited conversations with a friend who also sees himself as not fitting into either of the stereotypes, and that has helped me begin to gain some understanding. I can also identify with some of your own questions about identity and personality.
The sentence that hit me the most was: "...we can not ignore the way our culture and the church in particular has caused their suffering." Not just 'ignored' their suffering, but actually 'caused' it. Pretty deep and scary.
I've also been thinking along the lines of "Believing that God is present and loving, I’m not sure how I could come to terms with the idea that our Creator would allow people to be born in the wrong body." I'm not sure where I am going to land on that, but I'm actually kinda glad that this is a journey. i can change my mind on things. God hasn't necessarily revealed it all to me yet, or in the same way as He has to someone else. And maybe I am just supposed to figure out the basics (God is love) and then extrapolate the other stuff. I know many people like to find a specific scripture that answers everything, but I don't think that is what it is all about. I think God wants us to get to know HIM and then live that out as best as we can.

Re: By what authority?

Al1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:00:25 -0000

I like your comment that we recognize their gifts/authority/wisdom already, even before giving them the title. That makes much more sense than the popularity contest that electing leaders can be.
Much like Barnabas--people recognized that he was a leader, and then they waited on God, and 'officially' sent him out.
One of the values in imparting the title upon someone is that not everyone might have seen the presence of the Spirit upon that person, but now all will be aware that he or she has been recognized by their peers to have a special function in the body. In effect, this is an ordination that isn't only for pastors. I heard one guy say that in their church they ordain people as ministers within their workplace--plumbers, teachers, etc. etc.--in as official a ceremony as a church might ordain a pastor.
My experience has always been within the 'typical' pastor and board setting, but I am beginning to wonder about career clergy. I think better leadership and guidance might come from a number of 'regular' people, and more of the church budget can actually go to help people in need, for example.

Re: Homosexuality and Scripture

Al1 — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:46:14 -0000

Skyler, everything you said resonates in my own spirit. For me, that means God's Spirit is telling me that I am on the right track when I am concerned about people, justice, relationships and community.
It means my thoughts on the necessity of forming theology within a community of faith, based on experience, tradition and wisdom as well as scripture are on the right track.
It means that my own desire to listen more than talk, to feel someone's pain more than 'set them straight', to uphold their cause against oppression--all are part of my calling as a Christ-follower.
Thanks for touching my heart.

Re: Homosexuality and Scripture

Al1 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:20:07 -0000

Well.Jon, you are SO right. It's one thing to realize that I need to not exhibit an 'us and them' mentality as I endeavor to live Christ to the world. There is really no place for racism, sexism, ageism, etc.
It's even closer to home as I look at my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are family. I dare not categorize or treat anyone in a way that segregates me from anyone. I think Paul's challenge to the church about treating each other equally in 1 Corinthians 12 is as appropriate for things like identity as the verse you refer to.
If we ever chose to use phrases like 'Chinese Christians' or 'Women in the church' or Gay Christians' it better only be to honor them, not to patronize them. It's not as easy as it sounds, and needs to first be true in the heart before it becomes true in word usage. I truly need to see my brother as my equal, my sister as my peer.

Re: Homosexuality and Scripture

Al1 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:44:33 -0000

I have had some interesting conversations with a friend who has helped me realize that, as you say Sarah, it isn't just straight/gay. He tried to explain all of the GLBTQI and more variations of sexuality that exist. And most of those (like bi, transgender, self-identified queer or intersex) aren't even referred to in the Bible because they probably weren't even recognized.
Which brings me back to the need to be willing to listen and understand long before we try to have a lot to say.
I think the article by Walter Wink linked by Conrad emphasizes the quality of love that is a safe position to say the Bible takes, even more foundational than specific rules.

Re: Homosexuality and Scripture

Al1 — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:26:52 -0000

Thanks for the link, Conrad. I think Wink helps us see how we already seem to have a unrecognized bias in what we choose to follow and what we choose to explain away from Scripture. As well, I like how he goes to the core of the matter in the 'love ethic'.
I admit, his reference to 'bibliolatry' is scary, but I think he is helping us return to a balance where 'Scripture, tradition, theology, and, yes, psychology, genetics, anthropology, and biology' all interact with each other to build a foundation for life in God. Much like the 'Weslyan Quadrilateral' of scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. (see: http://www.emergingchristia....