Disqus - Friends of TomUsher

Re: Book Review: Tim & Jesus Go to Church

rdugall — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:48:58 -0000

as I've come to expect - good satire...if only a book like this existed! ooops, it does...Jesus had some takes on "church"...in that last book of the bible, I think!

Peace to you!
Keep it up!

Robin

Re: ABC announces Oprah-Obama Christmas special

rdugall — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:01:12 -0000

Is that all the Presidency is about now, entertainment? This so reminds me of ancient history where the Caesars of Rome would provide entertainment for the masses to keep them appeased and pacified while they were exploited and controlled with autocratic power. Amazing

Re: DOMA Struck Down

rdugall — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 10:48:24 -0000

I have no problem with this aspect of the decision because of the fact that it deals with benefits from the government that has to do with equal rights. I'm more interested in the California decision because of its dynamics regarding state initiatives, etc.

Re: DOMA Struck Down

rdugall — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:26:29 -0000

OK - now we have a quandary...this is actually more of a legal issue that the state of Calif, as well as other states, have to deal with (in terms of the State initiative process). In this case the people of Calif voted twice on the definition of marriage. This ruling essentially says that the vote of the people of Calif is revoked. That's significant. The initiative process is "up for grabs" as a result of this ruling. The issue of GAY RIGHTS is still not an issue for me personally. Equal, legal rights should be available to all people. What is still a problem for me (personally) is that I'm still not convinced about the redefinition of marriage. I know and admit and confess that I come from a specific relational paradigm. I do believe that paradigm is informed by what I regard as a "truth source" (in this case the bible). I do believe in a relational paradigm that is embedded into creation's DNA as recorded in the opening chapters of the bible. I do also admit that I have a specific interpretation of the bible that may be (in some people's perspective) "flawed" but is still something to which I adhere. And you know, my desire for community, open communication, thoughtful prayer and reflection as well as a desire to NOT have MORE issues divide will keep me struggling with this issue for years to come. In many respects, these decisions about gay marriage will continue to practically divide well-meaning Jesus followers...for me, that's sad because of the NUMEROUS issues that already divide the body of Christ. On the other hand, it does continue to demonstrate that there is a moral imperative and lifestyle that will continue to differentiate between those who desire to live a biblical lifestyle and those who do not. Being "in the world but not of it" takes on newer and broader meaning as culture continues to "evolve." I think it was Fitch that said something about NOT taking a public stand on this issue because of the assumptions that are made when someone PROCLAIMS their personal perspective on the issue. Because our society is so polarizing...we want to divide opinions into all sorts of damaging and narrow categories that we, oft times, negate the person and "heart" of a personal opinion. I'm going to keep my personal "feelings" out of the public sphere. I do celebrate the upholding of ALL human rights. I'm still not sure that the concept and institution of MARRIAGE is a human right. Marriage, as defined legally, is more of a state's recognition issue than a spiritual one. So, I'm going to continue to "tread water"...I'm listening and loving as best I can. Scot, that's the best I can do!

Re: A Question: Should churches be in the marrying business?

rdugall — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 13:04:16 -0000

Looking forward to having a conversation about this post...I wrote it knowing that "language" would have to be parsed, engaged critically and "pastorally" evaluated. In response to a couple of you who seem to imply that ALL churches and ALL pastors should perform all weddings just because it is culturally "accepted" does not take into account that serious minded, loving, humble and compassion Jesus followers don't agree on this issue. My idea puts the responsibility in the "performing" of the marriage "covenant" into the hands of people in faith communities who share a commonality of values as well as specific scriptural adherence. I do not agree that just because the law of the land allows (soon to be) any form of marriage that the local faith community is obligated to jump at the culture's whim. In that case, we would NOT have had the scriptural and historical witness that we do. A Jesus following movement that submits to cultural norms that are built upon a divergent worldview than that of a biblically informed worldview is essentially not one that "stands" for anything. Many of us (not all) would agree that many of these issues are being informed more from a relativistic, individualistic moral/ethical deliberation than that which struggles with the promised "two edged sword" of scripture. I thought that one of the justices actually made a good point yesterday when he remarked that in our culture it is NOW assumed that if you do not accept specific legal definitions of ethical actions that you are now essentially being told that you "hate your neighbor or come along with us." My hope is to have some conversation. I'm at a place where I would let the state be in the "marriage" business while many of us (again, not all) look at marriage from a covenantal, even "sacramental" perspective anew! Talk about your "ancient/future" perspective!

Re: The Politics of Bible Translations

rdugall — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 10:54:04 -0000

I completely concur with your "take" on this issue Scot. As NT Wright said in one of his online lectures I viewed, some translations simply do not "serve us well." A variety of translations keep us hermeneutically honest. Nobody can claim objectively in translating the text. They can attempt to but, the bottom line, is that choices are made in translation that are paradigmatically driven. I'm reposting your article and links on my blog. This is an important post!

Re: To the Church that Baptizes that Baby (Jason Micheli)

rdugall — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:29:26 -0000

Scot, this is freakin brilliant! Thank you for posting it...as a leader in a firmly "protestant" and sacramental tradition, this speaks volumes about a faith journey, the dynamics of post-Christendom, and ministry to young people. I can't say enough about how good this is...I posted it on my blog for my friends to see...it is insightful and challenging and TRUE!

Re: Ecclesiaphobia

rdugall — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 10:22:25 -0000

wow...what a great, thought provoking post. It seems very easy to jump on a "bash institutionalism" bus. The church is an easy target these days for so many reasons. I'm part of a traditional, historical denomination and I know how I feel about the mistakes, arrogance and wildly missiologically detached realities of contemporary church. The millions and millions of dollars spent for buildings, abusive clericalism, entertainment strategies, etc. all provide plenty of fodder for attack. But you hit it right Scot...God has been up to something for 1000's of years through redemptive communities. To criticize too intensely seems to me to be attacking the very people who have invested their entire lives in what God has done in and through local churches. When dealing with the realities of local churches we need to walk a fine line of holding up a vision of how God can incarnate the expression of community/mission in fresh ways while upholding and affirming the very people who faithfully and lovingly built the church based upon what was known at the time to be the best strategies given their context.

Re: Thinking About Transitioning a Church? Don’t Do It!

rdugall — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 10:33:06 -0000

Hi you two...the fact that you have only 2 previous comments tells me a story...my guess is that a lot of people won't want to read this because it is SO TRUE! I've been doing kingdom work since I was 17...now I"m 60 and attempting AGAIN to be the catalyst to congregation transition and transformation. I have said in the seminars and courses I teach that it would be SO MUCH MORE EASY to start a faith community than to mess with the DNA of an existing church. I have learned that there are no guarantees...struggle...conversations in abundance and persistent love and patience. Compliance change fails in so many instances but especially in transition...a leader has to be patient, persistent and consistent...personal, one on one and, in some instances, "hand holding" is the only way that I have seen that there even is a POSSIBILITY of transition. I"m not totally sold on the fact that it is even possible yet...too many faith communities simply "snap back" to the previous DNA as soon as the impetus of a change agent is minimized. Anyway, I"m sharing your post on my blog...and in addition, it will travel with me when I do what I do in my denominational circles and spheres!

Re: Pandering to the Populace

rdugall — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:22:29 -0000

Scot - excellent post! I've been trying to be a proponent of this hermeneutic in my "tribe" for quite some time...but you can imagine, Lutherans are not "hip" to any theology that messes with justification and even less likely to approve of anything that hints of de Silva's take.

Re: Never Less than a Humanist

rdugall — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 10:35:47 -0000

Scot - you've done 3 posts on this book, how many do you plan on doing? I ordered the book...I teach a course at a college here in the Puget Sound area on the bible and worldview...this book looks like a potential text for that course. I currently use the "pair" of Gohen books, (True Story of the Whole World and Living at the Crossroads).

Re: Top Ten Things You Don’t Want to Hear the Pastor Say on Easter Sunday

rdugall — Fri, 30 Mar 2018 19:59:31 -0000

We need more!!!

Re: Top Ten Things You Don’t Want to Hear the Pastor Say on Easter Sunday

rdugall — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 13:31:21 -0000

Not confusing...actually funny. I lol at the first one thinking, "if I said that at my church, people wouldn't think it was funny because they believe Chris Tomlin writes everything"...it would be crickets! But we do need more and we only have a few hours left!

Re: 13 More Things You Don’t Want To Hear the Pastor Say on Easter Sunday

rdugall — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 15:45:40 -0000

Now you're talking...

Here's one more - "Welcome our kid's choir to come and share with us that great easter song, "here come Peter Cottontail"

Re: Top Ten Things You Don’t Want to Hear the Pastor Say on Easter Sunday

rdugall — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 17:12:27 -0000

Seriously, people need to lighten up! The Vonda quip was "almost" over the top..but I lol...

Re: Farewell, Willow Creek: Where the “Regular” Churches Can Go From Here

rdugall — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 09:42:45 -0000

I am a fan of your posts...I like your humor and raw insight. I may not always agree but I enjoy reading your blog. This post was a bit over the top. I don't believe it is God honoring to "kick sand in the face" of any church that is struggling. When Andy Stanley (wrongly) took shots at small churches, he was rightly exhorted. I feel the same way about this post...though there are many issues with "mega" anything that is built on principles and strategies that are not connected to anything Biblical or remotely theological, the impact that WCCC had on people around the world for decades can't be diminished. This is a sad story about leadership and a host of other issues. Even so, I believe we will all stand before a Holy God one day and give account for how we handled the "treasures" He entrusted to us. I would just as soon leave any judgment to the One who alone can judge with mercy and grace.

Re: Farewell, Willow Creek: Where the “Regular” Churches Can Go From Here

rdugall — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 18:49:51 -0000

T - I hope you don't mind me addressing you as "T," there have been many "movements" throughout Christian history that could be viewed as "doing damage" to Christianity. Some would regard the Reformation as damaging to the unity of the Body of Christ...others would label "monasticism" as that which damaged the Church in its ability to encourage deep spiritual living in every member...others still would see denominationalism as a bane on the Church's existence in that almost every denomination has its origination in divisiveness and theological arrogance. I am NOT trying to defend mega-church-ness - although I do see, in some instances, large churches that are passionate about biblical faithfulness and mission. All I'm saying is that it is important not to take shots at the obvious...I know of some very large churches I admire and, because of witnessing the origination of their movement, I thank God for their ministry. I simply think that it is not a good idea of piling on a broken church...especially when this story is more of a parable of deceit, grandiosity, and abuse. And also remember, I get what our blog friend is saying...there are parts of the mega movement in the USA that are idolatrous, built on schemes that underscore everything that isn't honoring to God or His Kingdom, etc. Just my thoughts...I really appreciate the conversation!

Re: Our Future in Custom Guitars

rdugall — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 18:11:37 -0000

I would love this for one of my guitars!!!! What an awesome idea!! How can I get in on that???? Rdugall@apu.edu

Re: Gyrovagues, Church-Shoppers, and Ecclesial Free Agents

stevekimes — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:06:56 -0000

Doesn't it matter as to what one's calling is? After all, as counter point to Benedict, read The Way of the Pilgrim, the spiritual Russian Orthodox classic. That is the story of a peasant who prayed one prayer, wandered from place to place, led by God's Spirit alone and so changed an entire culture's spirituality.

There is a difference between laziness and the spirituality of "not knowing where one is coming or where one is going to" (John 3:8). One must have a direct sense from the Spirit as to where one is going and to directly head there, even though there may be no human authority or community to lead one. Such a spirituality is the exception rather than the rule. But for Benedict, or anyone else, to deny the spirituality of the pilgrim wanderer is to deny an essential form of God's leading.

Steve K

Re: Gyrovagues, Church-Shoppers, and Ecclesial Free Agents

stevekimes — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:31:55 -0000

I'm not so sure about Benedict, because I think he saw anyone without a clear human authority as being rogue spiritualists.

But I certainly see your point. I am a pastor of a church without membership, but I spend a lot of time telling people that they need to commit to a Christian community and to be accountable to it until they release you. If we do not commit, then our faith is without substance and without application.

Re: Gyrovagues, Church-Shoppers, and Ecclesial Free Agents

stevekimes — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 03:17:37 -0000

This is a reminder that on September 13, Steve Kimes sent you an invitation to become part of their professional network at LinkedIn.
Accept Steve Kimes's Invitation

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Re: What Does a Person Need?

stevekimes — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:23:41 -0000

What a person needs is less when they are healthy and have energy rather than when they are in chronic stress or in marginal health. We should take what resources we have to give to those who do not.

Re: Eve, Adam’s Helpmeet

stevekimes — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 23:36:53 -0000

Exactly. Actually, the Hebrew word "helper, help" is used most frequently with God as the subject, like Psalm 30:10, so we certainly can't say that the word in any way implies a lesser partner.

Re: But Jesus Isn’t “That” (putting hurts in the proper perspective)

stevekimes — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 16:24:20 -0000

I'm in the midst of working on my teaching about James 1:13-18-- "Let no one say when he is tested, 'God is testing me'... every good and perfect gift is from above." Your post is perfect for this passage. Thanks.

Re: Egyptian Slavery

stevekimes — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 23:48:59 -0000

Great point. I'll have to think on this some more...