Disqus - Latest Comments for sarooney

Re: The Logic Of Hell

sarooney — Sat, 29 May 2010 00:03:06 -0000

"After all, when there’s no Hell (as the logic goes), you don’t really need to believe in Jesus to be saved from it."

This statement describes an extremely superficial 'faith.' I find it hard to believe that this would be anyone's primary motivation to follow Jesus, but perhaps it is for some.

Re: The Morality Of Hell

sarooney — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:18:18 -0000

Yes, it totally is backward logic. But that's the feeling I get from mainstream evangelicalism.

Re: The Morality Of Hell

sarooney — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:56:27 -0000

The morality of hell? I don't know. I have felt the need to re-evaluate this doctrine, but haven't yet gotten around to it (I particularly want to read "Four Views of Hell"). But I do think it's weird that many Christians presume: if you don't believe in hell, you're definitely going there! ;)

Re: Victor Frankl On Meaning

sarooney — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:26:46 -0000

Right. I hesitate to use the word "secular" to describe the subcultural context he seems to be communicating within. I really don't like that word "secular" since it aImost always creates a false distinction. And yet, I couldn't think of another word. Perhaps I need to expand my vocabulary.

Re: Victor Frankl On Meaning

sarooney — Wed, 26 May 2010 10:04:04 -0000

I think that he's talking about seeing people with redemptive vision. The language is secular, but the concept is so very kingdom. And so, in my estimation, he is preaching. :)

Re: In which we might be gettin’ dumber for the Google and I love Anne Shirley

sarooney — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:04:37 -0000

Well, you know how they say: Time will tell. Time told, but it can be difficult to admit you were wrong. After all was said and done, I felt used. I felt like religious language was utilized to garner my vote, but the policies that were pursued didn't resemble Christ's value system much. To be fair, Bush did a lot of good for Africa. He should be applauded for that. Other parts of the world (including domestically in the US), not so much. It would be interesting to hear Brian's take on it all. If we're ever in BC, we'll ring you guys up!

Re: Downsizing

sarooney — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:50:09 -0000

That's so cool! I would add one other benefit to the list you've already articulated: smaller homes are also more environmentally responsible; and therefore, manifest better stewardship (since big houses require massive amounts of energy consumption).

Good on you guys, and thanks for sharing your experience. My husband and I prefer the simple life, and subscribe to the 'less is more' minimalist philosophy - but sometimes it's difficult since it's very counter-cultural. Always encouraging to hear others' stories and positive experiences with the simple lifestyle. :)

Re: In which we might be gettin’ dumber for the Google and I love Anne Shirley

sarooney — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:01:47 -0000

Oh man, we are logging in to the same stream of consciousness or something. (I just posted in a similar vein). Have you read David Dark? You'd love "The Sacredness of Questioning Everything" if you haven't already read it. I think you're right about the dumbing down. But it's not just the dumbing down, it's the outright confidence in our absolute rightness (even though it may be an ignorant 'rightness') that creates an inability to entertain another perspective. (Perhaps the legacy of George Bush upon Christendom in North America is larger than we previously anticipated? He is the perfect example of this attitude - which Proverbs describes as excessively foolish - and which ultimately, retards the possibility for wisdom to flourish.) I voted for the guy twice, so note that those statements come from my personal experience as a now-converted fool. ;) (Boy, was I wrong!)

Re: In which mega churches aren’t sustainable – for the pastor

sarooney — Wed, 12 May 2010 10:38:56 -0000

Bang on, Sarah. I would probably even take it further - I think what you're writing about applies not only to mega-churches, but also churches that are positional in nature, and in which those positions tend to be hierarchical. Something un-kingdom about trying to be "over" others that messes with our psychological make-up and ends up being very unhealthy. The pyramid-shaped church is disasterous for everyone in it, no matter where in the pyramid they are positioned. I love the healthiness I see in the mutuality of emerging organic churches. The healthiness of social (and spiritual) connections that are relational, not positional. Anyway, thanks for adding your thoughts on this topic. It's been so interesting to hear everyone's response to the video.

Re: If You Really Knew Me

sarooney — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:00:59 -0000

Where do you find this stuff? Absolutely beautiful!

Re: Remembering Our Humanity

sarooney — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:50:29 -0000

Thanks for sharing this - it really spoke to me. Chaos can be fun too. Adults are consumed with security, stability and responsibility. Those things aren't bad, but can unconsciously become heavy weights. Nice to be reminded to live like a child. Children have that freedom since they absolutely know they're taken care of and loved. As are we, we just forget to live there sometimes. :)

Re: Would Jesus Drop A Bomb?

sarooney — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 01:22:33 -0000

Inglorious Pastors - very clever. :) I really appreciate Greg Boyd's voice. I appreciate his consistent willingness to speak out against and confront militarism in the American church. Nobody wins any popularity contests with that stance.

Re: In which I review Weeks 8 & 9 of the Whole Food Challenge

sarooney — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:03:34 -0000

My husband really enjoyed Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution too. (I'm planning to watch it soon.) We just found the best Health Food grocery store by our new place, and we are really stoked about it. Keep sharing the recipes and info! I find it useful. :)

Re: Are Conferences Really About Relationships

sarooney — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:54:36 -0000

I think that's a good perspective. And rounds out some of the debate/dialogue. I have an in-built resistance to making enterprise out of movements and the things God is doing in our lives collectively. The conference circuit doesn't have to turn into an enterprise, but it often has. So, I tend to be one of the "push-backers" - but you make some very excellent points here and it's important for people like me to hear the positives and maintain a balanced perspective.

Re: In which Annie had a little kiss from heaven

sarooney — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:48:24 -0000

So sweet. I love that God cares about the little things that are important to us. :)

Re: Straight From The Horses Mouth

sarooney — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:09:14 -0000

Jesus is the hope of the world. If it's the local church, God help us all. ;)

Re: In which I am wondering about my life story – and giving away a copy of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

sarooney — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:01:55 -0000

ok, Sounds like a great read.

Re: What’s Your Intrinsic Mobilizing Story?

sarooney — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:08:52 -0000

Insightful post! I had a similar reaction to yours. The whole point is that I can never be as Jesus is. I can try all my life long, it won't help. I can live in Him - I can participate in the great exchange - His life lived out as a vicarious man for me. I can live in His empowerment, where He lives and moves through me. But any sacrificial love, humility, and other characteristics are a natural by-product of living in Him, not the result of my efforts. I agree to follow, but He has already fulfilled my end of the bargain in His life, death, and resurrection. Anything else is another gospel.

Re: In which we are sick but well entertained

sarooney — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:53:04 -0000

I like how Joseph jumps out of the way (after having collided with her once)! Great show! :)

Re: In which she is very good at being 3

sarooney — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:39:38 -0000

This is *exactly* what it sounds like at my house!

Re: In which I strive to clarify my thoughts on the Emerging Church

sarooney — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:29:33 -0000

I relate a lot to what Patrick O said. There's a couple of people I enjoy reading (and have an online comraderie with) who identify more strongly with Emerging Church (big E), and like you, don't want to cause any hurt.

But I differ with the whole conference and book-sales approach to discipleship and transformation. It's not *just* the books. It's the conference enterprise too. It's the big-platform. I just don't resonate with that *anywhere* in the church. I understand that people want to get together and share ideas - they want to communicate with each other and find that this may be the best way for them to do it. But - I just am not interested in that kind of framework/platform/enterprise... People can do it that way if they want. It's not necessarily wrong. It's just not conducive to the relational, more viral, grassroots type of Kingdom expansion where inexperts not only participate, but generate and create. It is more conducive to dependency on experts.

I'm more excited about 'mission' kind of naturally spilling out of one's life - because it's so filled with Jesus. Everyday people - having emerged (small e) from Christendom and began to re-evaluate their understanding of what it *is* to abide in Jesus in the context of the mundane, everyday life of their apartment blocks and elementary schools, and community theatres, local pools, etc., etc. I know I'm preaching to the choir here! ;)

We North-Americans like revolutions. And movements, and other important sounding stuff. But the kingdom is more about the inverse. The mustard seeds, the leaven. The small. The hidden.

It's kind of like the

Re: In which everyone has something to say

sarooney — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:54:46 -0000

Lol! Never be intimidated. Everyone is just a person, trying to figure out what it's all about. You're as smart as any of these people. :)

Re: The TransFORM Missional Roundtable

sarooney — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:33:19 -0000

Fantastic! I look forward to it! :)

Re: In which we are learning to eat AND to nourish

sarooney — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:30:26 -0000

Elli has to go every time we sit down for dinner too! I thought it was just her. Nice to know we're not the only ones who have that ritual. :) Cool that you guys light a candle each night too. It's like the art of living, you know? Just enjoying the little things like that!

Re: In which I review The Justice Project

sarooney — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:46:59 -0000

Thanks for the frank review, Sarah. That quote by Sarah Dylan Breuer was fantastic. Thanks for sharing!