DISQUS

Identity Development Theory is an intriguing area of study. Faith identity development is a somewhat untapped area, yet extremely crucial for our time and culture. I have spent 20 years in higher education as a student, campus minister and the last 5 as an instructor. Education is extremely important, but it is not the answer. It does create a forum and context for discussion. There is no way to tally up the hours upon hours I have spent discussing identity and where we find it with students, and faculty. If we find it in what we do, what happens when we change jobs? If we find it in how much money we have, what if we lose it all? If we find it in relationships, what happens when those relationships change? We are human beings, not human doings and identity must be found by being and then start doing what flows from there.
I find it somewhat ironic, and very encouraging, that the point being made about identity is made by a christian. There is no other group as well versed in demonizing the opposition as the church - quite possibly the most exclusive institution in the history of humanity. "Jesus or Hell, its your choice". In the culture of today, the homosexual community is the favored target for many fundamentalist/conservative preachers. Also a fair amount of the time the venom is spewed at other churches with different theological persuasions. There is more identity in being Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Non-Denominational (whatever that means), Charismatic, etc. than there is in being a Christian. The only people I see Jesus rail against in scripture are the religious ones who came to God from rules and imposed those rules on everyone else (usually without keeping them themselves). It seems that at every turn Jesus was pointing to intimate, personal relationship with God (who he called Father). He continually scandalized his culture by relating to tax collectors, prostitutes, stinking fishermen, and others of ill repute. Jesus is the most liberal and loving person I have ever met. He does not demonize others and as his friend I do my best to do likewise.

Yes Ben, nice job.

I like the current header because it has a bit of a Synchronicity vibe going for it. (anyone care to guess the reference for that one?)

All right, the coolest shofar I ever saw was one that was bored out on the smaller end with a trumpet mouth piece unceremoniously and probably unsacramentally inserted so any "unclean, gentile schmuck" could blow the thing. As a one time brass man, I had to give it a go - It put a very, dare I say, "pastoral" vibe on the theme from "2001 A Space Odyssey"

Good morning Dave...

I like the look. Good work.

I am in NO WAY a fan of the prosperity gospel, but I also take exception to the ditch on the other side of the road. I am don't think God cares too much what you have. I think God cares a great deal about what has you. Money, influence, capital (monetary and relational), are all tools/talents we are stewards over. The issue is loving God regardless of circumstances. Paul gives a relatively comprehensive treatise on it and comes to the conclusion that godliness with contentment is great gain. I concur with the earlier post by Greg(Who looks a lot like Jan) that the hook for the prosperity gospel is false hope. It is simply the same messianic miscue that was present in the first century - where they looked for Jesus to get rid of the Romans and make all the problems go away. Then he went off to a cross and died. What a let down. The were disillusioned - delivered from an illusion. Fortunately they were able to come to a place of genuine faith. Don't we hope that all who face that trial of faith could make it to the other side as well! However, villianizing the opposition is not a particularly productive means of illuminating the issue.

Ben, working for a building firm and teaching at a university have me engaging the culture daily. The attitude of church vs. culture that seems so prevelant in evangelicalism is deeply disturbing. I understand the concern to "not be polluted by the world" as is often stated, but I have to ask some tough questions of it: Is "culture" the enemy? What is the definition of culture you are using? If by "culture" you mean the "world", you run into bigger questions. How do you reconcile your position with John 3:16-17. (why do evangelicals always stop at 16?) God so loved the world and did not condemn it, but sought to reconcile it to himself. If you hate the world, which he loves why would anyone think you know him? It also seems that the whole dichotomy is based on a fear of being corrupted. Jesus took on flesh and blood, while many christians seem terrified to love someone who is opposed to their faith for fear of "falling away". I often hear the platitude of "love the sinner hate the sin". My experience is that this is merely an excuse to remain disengaged and self-righteously removed. The reason the church is not relative is because it is not engaged. Where are the christians who are shaping the course of our culture? Those whose faith compels them to love their neighbor in real ways that make a difference and thereby live their love for God. Why are chrisitans not at the forefront of the entertainment and business/market arenas? This mindset keeps them from being there! Keeps them from being the change they so desperately want to see in the world. Thank God that Bono did not get into "Contemporary Christian Music" and took his talent to the culture's marketplace and let God have his way with it there. He saw culture as something to be embraced and loved as God loved it. Now he is making the change he wants to see in the world and getting hundreds of thousands of people to help make it happen. A radical concept to live - Love God, love your neighbor not just in words but with deeds that show them the love in a way they can understand and receive. Careful, you might just change the world... it has happened before.

I concur with Greg. Though, that only touches the tip of the iceberg.