The other day at church I was asked to wear a button which was advocating the right of people to say "Merry Christmas". I declined to wear the button, not because I don't think people should say Merry Christmas, but because of some of the language and concepts I am seeing behind the desire. Facebook can be an excellent way to stay connected to where people are at, but it also gives you, at times, surprising glimpses into people's thoughts. During this season I have seen many posts declaring that 'Canadians' have the should right to say "Merry Christmas" and "Christmas Tree" rather than "Happy Holidays" and "Holiday Tree". What comes across clearly is that people are feeling angry that the traditions they have grown up with and value are under attack. Where this seems to lead is to express this anger from 'us' against 'them'. A lot of these post finish up with statements such as "if you don't like our traditions go back to your own country." Some, like my title suggests, use even stronger language to express their anger.
You may be anticipating that I am going to point out that most Canadians are from another country etc. Well while I think that is a valid point, others have made it already. Rather, I want to look at this issue in a slightly different light; pastorally. I am a pastor and I have been learning skills to equip me in this calling for many years now. As a result of my training I hear a problem with this approach to the issue. Before I dive in though I realize I should make a distinction. There seems to be two types of people who use the expression "Christmas"; believers and unbelievers.
What I mean by that is there are people who celebrate Christmas who believe that Jesus really did come in human flesh and was born to Mary and was laid in a manger. Further, these people believe that this was of tremendous significance and that this same Jesus grew to be the man who was crucified, buried and on the thrid day rose again. Further, these people declare Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. When these people say "Christmas" they say it from a position of faith.
The second set of people who use the word "Christmas" often are refering to a traditional holiday which had roots in the biblical narrative above, but has now become just a holiday. We are friendlier, we take time to be with friends and family, we exchange gifts and we are just generally kinder. Yet, we do this without it being 'religiously' significant - in fact some are even atheists. When these people use the word "Christmas" it is refering to their traditional holiday which is important to them; rightly so.
I must admit, I don't have much to say to those who are approaching this issue from a traditional holiday position. Other than, I get it. Holidays and traditions are important - especially as traditons become less important in our culture. You feel like something you value is being taken away and you want to fight to hold on to it. I get it. I suppose my one pastoral encouragement to you would be to be careful. In your rush to hold onto your own tradition don't lose sight that those who you see as "them" are people too, with their traditions which they value. Maybe the task if for us to say "Merry Christmas" to those who might celebrate it while saying the appropriate greeting to those who celebrate something else. How will you know? You'll have to ask them, which means you'll need to get to know them, which I assure you is a good thing. Win your rights by valuing theirs.
To those who are approaching this topic from a position of faith, please reflect on the irony of what you are demanding - your rights. Christians don't have rights and if they do they need to get rid of them. Reflect on the Christmas story - the one and only God made himself nothing, taking on the very form of a servant and being found in human flesh, humbled himself to death, even death on a cross. And in case you think the cross was just a bad ending, please remember it began with a manger. From start to finish the one we celebrate as Lord and God was lowly; exercising no rights. How then will we face the world demanding ours? We can't. Even if we somehow won the day through such means we will have betrayed the very story we profess to believe. We will have undergirded the world's belief that violence must be used to establish our rights.
Jesus when born was greeted by shepherds - a very small group said "Merry Christmas". Jesus continued throughout his life and ministry to be unrecognized; people rejected him, tortured him, mocked him and killed him. Our culture today continues in the blindness of the world, unable to see Jesus as Lord - don't be surprised. We cannot open the eyes of men and women through violence. Rather, we must undergird our testimony that Jesus is Lord through our lives together. We need to continue to love both God and our neighbour even as they strip us of our rights and our lives. And as we are marginalized and killed we wish them "Merry Christmas" because the gift which God gave is for them even as he is for us. So put down your fight for rights and simply say to those whom God loves "Merry Christmas" and show them what you mean for the other 364 days.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Too Academic?
I have been getting, for me, some difficult feedback about my preaching; it is being described as too academic. On the one hand I appreciate the criticism because it is better than someone saying "I liked your sermon." On the other hand it tells me that I have not connected with the congregation and that, of course, would be a problem. What really bothers me though is the sub-text I am hearing; namely, there is to be a division between the Church and the Academy. The language and deep theological reflection that we are encouraged to used in Seminary needs to be left behind or altered for the church. This points to one of the problems, I think, we have in the Church - not in my preaching. I do not believe there should be any division between the Academy and the Church or between my training and my practice. In short, the Church is not academic enough.
I don't know if I need to demonstrate this is the case or not, but one simple example. Some of the richest theological thinking around the Trinity was done by Gregory of Nazianzus and they were sermons preached in and to the local church which he pastored. He had more than 5 orations on the subject. Today, this would be forbidden! The doctrine of the Trinity is too complex and it would be too boring for people. Deep down, I suspect, what is being said is it doesn't matter! Who cares if people don't have an understanding of the Trinity? or the Incarnation? or any of the other matters which might be preached on.
I have spent the last 3 years having a very focused conversation on the question "what is the nature and mission of the Church?" It has become clear to me that the Church in North America has come off the rails and most in the Church do not have any clear or biblical understanding to answer this question. A big reason for this, I believe, is that our preaching has shifted from forming the people of God through deep biblical and theological reflection to using the Bible as a treasure trove of simple answers about how my life could become better; that is, "how can God make me happier?"
I suspect that the feedback is acurate - I am too academic or too theological, but I'm convinced I am no where near academic or theological enough. My conviction and hope is to become more academic and theological and to encourage the Church - the men and women who are Christ followers - to be so too.
I don't know if I need to demonstrate this is the case or not, but one simple example. Some of the richest theological thinking around the Trinity was done by Gregory of Nazianzus and they were sermons preached in and to the local church which he pastored. He had more than 5 orations on the subject. Today, this would be forbidden! The doctrine of the Trinity is too complex and it would be too boring for people. Deep down, I suspect, what is being said is it doesn't matter! Who cares if people don't have an understanding of the Trinity? or the Incarnation? or any of the other matters which might be preached on.
I have spent the last 3 years having a very focused conversation on the question "what is the nature and mission of the Church?" It has become clear to me that the Church in North America has come off the rails and most in the Church do not have any clear or biblical understanding to answer this question. A big reason for this, I believe, is that our preaching has shifted from forming the people of God through deep biblical and theological reflection to using the Bible as a treasure trove of simple answers about how my life could become better; that is, "how can God make me happier?"
I suspect that the feedback is acurate - I am too academic or too theological, but I'm convinced I am no where near academic or theological enough. My conviction and hope is to become more academic and theological and to encourage the Church - the men and women who are Christ followers - to be so too.
Monday, October 3, 2011
A Change of Pace
I certainly haven't given up on reading, but I am sensing right now I need to reflect on life rather than on books-hence the change in blog title! After going full tilt for 6 years I am now slowing down again and it is creating tension in me. What to do now? What to do next? These have been questions for me for quite a while but I no longer have an insane schedule to fill the space.
Of course, I know the answer already - wait. This is a time for patience as my new church examines and gets to know me. This is also Sarah's time to pursue her calling. I must wait.
But my waiting cannot be a putting off until tomorrow. I am called to be present and active today. So I know that what comes tomorrow needs to be consistant with today. So what shall I do today? Good question. I have to reflect on that.
Of course, I know the answer already - wait. This is a time for patience as my new church examines and gets to know me. This is also Sarah's time to pursue her calling. I must wait.
But my waiting cannot be a putting off until tomorrow. I am called to be present and active today. So I know that what comes tomorrow needs to be consistant with today. So what shall I do today? Good question. I have to reflect on that.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Lord of the Rings
I couldn't start a blog on literature and NOT start with this. These books are my all time favorite books and I consider them an absolutely MUST READ. I don't know how many times I have read these books but let's just say A LOT! When the movies came out my friend John and I went to see the first one. I was very tempted to walk out part way through and I refused to watch the next two installments. With other books I can handle changes for time etc but with this my motto is "if you can't do it right, then don't do it."
SUMMARY
The Lord of the Rings begins with the main character of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In that adventure Bilbo came across a ring with strange powers. In LoR's Gandalf the Grey, after pondering the ring for many years determines that it is the One ring of power which was forged by the Dark Lord himself. In his wisdom Gandalf recognizes that events are coming to a very dangerous climax as that ancient power rises once again and the one ring has resurfaced - should the Dark Lord regain this ring he would regain a great deal of his power once thought lost. It is now up to Gandalf to aid Bilbo's heir Frodo on a quest to deal with this ring. The greatest warriors of middle earth come together to face the greatest threat of their time but their might seems to pale in comparison to the power seated in Mordor. Now the whole earth rests on a fools hope.
Why I like this book
When I was a kid we didn't have a TV, so in the evening my mom read to my brother Ed and I. So I guess my love of the book begins with a sentimental value. I suppose my journey with reading began in high school - I wasn't very happy and I wanted to change. One way change began for me was through English class with Mrs. Ecker (my favorite teacher of all time). As I began reading books for my english courses I found myself being engaged and shaped by what I read - it was exciting and my passion for reading was reignited. Once I realized the power of reading I picked up the book I had been read as a child - Lord of the Rings - and I started reading, not just to my self, but to my friend John as well. This book was not just exciting - it was inspiring. Could I become wise like Gandalf? Brave like Fordo? Faithful like Sam? Mighty like Aragorn? This book also hints to the presence of God. As Tolkein was Catholic it is not surprising, but Gandalf's statement to Frodo "maybe someone or something meant for you to have it" (approximate quotes will be used) continues to force the reader to think on a character which is far more behind the scences.
If you haven't read these books you MUST - you'll be a better person if you do (this is my foundational conviction with books I consider a must read - I guess this is one of the reasons I think people should read).
SUMMARY
The Lord of the Rings begins with the main character of The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In that adventure Bilbo came across a ring with strange powers. In LoR's Gandalf the Grey, after pondering the ring for many years determines that it is the One ring of power which was forged by the Dark Lord himself. In his wisdom Gandalf recognizes that events are coming to a very dangerous climax as that ancient power rises once again and the one ring has resurfaced - should the Dark Lord regain this ring he would regain a great deal of his power once thought lost. It is now up to Gandalf to aid Bilbo's heir Frodo on a quest to deal with this ring. The greatest warriors of middle earth come together to face the greatest threat of their time but their might seems to pale in comparison to the power seated in Mordor. Now the whole earth rests on a fools hope.
Why I like this book
When I was a kid we didn't have a TV, so in the evening my mom read to my brother Ed and I. So I guess my love of the book begins with a sentimental value. I suppose my journey with reading began in high school - I wasn't very happy and I wanted to change. One way change began for me was through English class with Mrs. Ecker (my favorite teacher of all time). As I began reading books for my english courses I found myself being engaged and shaped by what I read - it was exciting and my passion for reading was reignited. Once I realized the power of reading I picked up the book I had been read as a child - Lord of the Rings - and I started reading, not just to my self, but to my friend John as well. This book was not just exciting - it was inspiring. Could I become wise like Gandalf? Brave like Fordo? Faithful like Sam? Mighty like Aragorn? This book also hints to the presence of God. As Tolkein was Catholic it is not surprising, but Gandalf's statement to Frodo "maybe someone or something meant for you to have it" (approximate quotes will be used) continues to force the reader to think on a character which is far more behind the scences.
If you haven't read these books you MUST - you'll be a better person if you do (this is my foundational conviction with books I consider a must read - I guess this is one of the reasons I think people should read).
Beginning the Journey
I have often toyed with the idea of writing, but I have always put it off for one reason or the other. I have also repeatedly tried and failed to journal - a discipline often commended to me. Even more recently I have been wanting to write in response to or about things I have been reading.
I am a reader. Over the last number of years my capacity and my desire to read have grown, which I consider a very good thing. I also have a growing concern about the next or future generation's desire and ability to read and write.
So this blog brings these things together for me. It gives me the challenge of reading good books; both ancient and contemporary. It allows me to write about and in response to what I have read. And hopefully, it encourages and inspires others to pick up a book and read it.
I am a reader. Over the last number of years my capacity and my desire to read have grown, which I consider a very good thing. I also have a growing concern about the next or future generation's desire and ability to read and write.
So this blog brings these things together for me. It gives me the challenge of reading good books; both ancient and contemporary. It allows me to write about and in response to what I have read. And hopefully, it encourages and inspires others to pick up a book and read it.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)