Lunar Eclipse

Red Sox in four. Wow, what pitching. Wow, what dominance. The only thing about the series that hurt for me was that it was the Cards that took the fall! I saw my first major league game in that stadium as a young lad and have a soft spot in my heart for the Cardinals.

Yet it was the lunar eclipse that caught Lauren's attention last night. She kept working out the notion of how this was happening until a smile as bright as the full moon surfaced on her face. It is an amazing world that we inhabit; how often do we see it with the wonder of 12 year old eyes?

World Series or a seriously wonderful world? One points to humankind's recreational habits; another to Divine creation.

To Vote or Not to Vote

One week from today the nation goes to the polls. This exercise in democratic governance, often taken for granted, will result in setting the course of the nation regarding America’s relationship to other countries, economic and social issues, and, at least in Georgia, shaping the debate on what properly constitutes marriage.

Stakes are high and tensions are rising. In DeKalb County this week people are waiting three hours in line to vote in advance. In this divisive time in American politics where does Christian faith into play? Does our faith inform our politics? Can Christians engage in the political process without losing something distinctive about Christian identity? If Jesus was right when he said that his kingdom was not of this world (John 18.36), then the church’s identity with the kingdoms of this world is always tenuous and secondary.

That said, should Christians engage the issues? Should Christians vote? The answer is yes—if we remember two important things.

First, faith and the core values of Christian belief must inform our choices. The difficulty here is that we can be sucked up into the rhetoric of political machinery, which uses fear or Christian language or Christian virtues to sway voters. Informed Christians must look beyond the rhetoric and beyond the campaign promises to ask fundamental questions about a candidate’s capacity govern that reflects “God’s authority” (Romans 13.1-2).

Second, Christians must not be so naïve as to think that any political candidate or amendment or political issue will really bring sweeping moral, social, or spiritual change to our country. Christians must refrain from thinking that Bush or Kerry will offer America the safety both candidates have promised. Nor should Christians think that feeding the poor or addressing the social or economic needs is something that we can vote on and then walk away. Election Day will come—and it will go. But the work of God’s kingdom will still remain.

Vote on Tuesday? Yes. But spend at least as much time in prayer as you will in line at your precinct. As hard as it may (or may not) be for you to decide who and what to vote for, the important question is whose kingdom are you really expecting to make a difference? The kingdoms of this world or God’s?

Peace,
Carson

Friends

Vickie, William and I made our way out to Loganville Saturday night and found Solomon's Porch. (No, this is not an archeological site; it's a coffeehouse/cafe!) Our goal was to hear Stranger 2--a three man band with more instruments on stage than most orchestras!

More specifically, we were able to see old friends Ivan and Monica Benson, along with their two daughters Susie and Denise. We hadn't seen them in 11 years and nearly lost touch with them. We were amazed to find them living in Lilburn and we were equally pleased to see that they haven't gotten any older! (Susie and Denise have of course; they are wonderful young women in college!)

Ivan and Monica, along with Ronnie and Christy Wade were among our dear friends in Memphis in the early 1980's. Vickie and I were suffering through grad school; we were delighted to spend time with sweet and delightful people eating pizza on Sunday nights.

Ivan and his two musical friends kept the fretboards hot on a stunning array of folk, bluegrass, country, and gospel tunes. The evening was a grand one and we hope to see more of our old friends soon.

Politics or Prayer

Thinking about politics as the election draws closer prompts me to reflect on what makes for a Christian response in the confusing swirl of rhetoric. Working through Mark 9 for Sunday's message has given me pause.

The disciples are asked to heal a boy who has epileptic seizures brought on by demonic possession. They fail to do so. In their failure the local critics take up argument with the disciples. Though Mark doesn't tell us what they were arguing about, it is likely that the disciples inability to make a difference in the boy's condition is at the heart of it.

The remarkable thing, perhaps the very reason why Jesus responds with "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put with you?" rests with the disciples interest in debate. Rather than stay focused on why the boy was not healed by their ministry, they turn to argument with the critics.

As Herman Waetjen states on this text: "Not only have they been unable to cure the boy; apparently they have also sublimated by redirecting their energies into a dispute with the scribes. Having reached the limit of their powers, they have transmitted their discipelship into intellectualizing and theological debate. Words have been substituted for deeds."

When humans get to the end of their influence or control they debate, argue and fight. When humans sense that something important is slipping away, they raise their fists.

Rather then fight or debate, Jesus informs his disciples they the proper and fitting course is prayer (Mark 9.29). Makes me think that the real path to power--God's power--would best found in a path marked by fervant prayer, not frenzied politics.

Confessing Christ

The following document was drafted by several leading evangelicals, principally Richard Hays of Duke, George Hunsinger of Princeton, Richard Pierard of Gordon, Glen Stassen of Fuller, and Jim Wallis of Sojourners. It was released, as best I can tell, last week. I post it here without comment from me at this time.

My own critique will follow in a few days. Suffice it to say, politics and faith are difficult bedfellows. One particular danger for Christians is that in critiquing a particular political agenda for appropriating Christian language and imagery, one can end up appropriating the Christian faith to further one’s own particular political agenda.

That said, as a general rule, whenever this document pays attention to our allegiance to Jesus the Christ it does well. On the other hand when the document is making comments about what churches or people are doing or not doing or when the writers feel the need to address particular political points of view it languishes.

Here it is:

Confessing Christ in a World of Violence

Our world is wracked with violence and war. But Jesus said: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Matt. 5:9). Innocent people, at home and abroad, are increasingly threatened by terrorist attacks. But Jesus said: "Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). These words, which have never been easy, seem all the more difficult today.

Nevertheless, a time comes when silence is betrayal. How many churches have heard sermons on these texts since the terrorist atrocities of September 11? Where is the serious debate about what it means to confess Christ in a world of violence? Does Christian "realism" mean resigning ourselves to an endless future of "pre-emptive wars"? Does it mean turning a blind eye to torture and massive civilian casualties? Does it mean acting out of fear and resentment rather than intelligence and restraint?

Faithfully confessing Christ is the church's task, and never more so than when its confession is co-opted by militarism and nationalism.

* A "theology of war" is emanating from the highest circles of American government.

* The language of "righteous empire" is employed with growing frequency.

* The roles of God, church, and nation are confused by talk of an American "mission" and "divine appointment" to "rid the world of evil."

The security issues before our nation allow no easy solutions. No one has a monopoly on the truth. But a policy that rejects the wisdom of international consultation should not be baptized by religiosity. The danger today is political idolatry exacerbated by the politics of fear.

In this time of crisis, we need a new confession of Christ.

1. Jesus Christ, as attested in Holy Scripture, knows no national boundaries. Those who confess his name are found throughout the earth. Our allegiance to Christ takes priority over national identity. Whenever Christianity compromises with empire, the gospel of Christ is discredited.

We reject the false teaching that any nation-state can ever be described with the words, "the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." These words, used in scripture, apply only to Christ. No political leader has the right to twist them in the service of war.

2. Christ commits Christians to a strong presumption against war. The wanton destructiveness of modern warfare strengthens this obligation. Standing in the shadow of the Cross, Christians have a responsibility to count the cost, speak out for the victims, and explore every alternative before a nation goes to war. We are committed to international cooperation rather than unilateral policies.

We reject the false teaching that a war on terrorism takes precedence over ethical and legal norms. Some things ought never be done -- torture, the deliberate bombing of civilians, the use of indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction -- regardless of the consequences.

3. Christ commands us to see not only the splinter in our adversary's eye, but also the beam in our own. Alexander Solzhenitsyn observed that the distinction between good and evil does not run between one nation and another, or one group and another. It runs straight through every human heart.

We reject the false teaching that America is a "Christian nation," representing only virtue, while its adversaries are nothing but vicious. We reject the belief that America has nothing to repent of, even as we reject that it represents most of the world's evil. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).

4. Christ shows us that enemy-love is the heart of the gospel. While we were yet enemies, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8, 10). We are to show love to our enemies even as we believe God in Christ has shown love to us and the whole world. Enemy-love does not mean capitulating to hostile agendas or domination. It does mean refusing to demonize any human being created in God's image.

We reject the false teaching that any human being can be defined as outside the law's protection. We reject the demonization of perceived enemies, which only paves the way to abuse; and we reject the mistreatment of prisoners, regardless of supposed benefits to their captors.

5. Christ teaches us that humility is the virtue befitting forgiven sinners. It tempers all political disagreements, and it allows that our own political perceptions, in a complex world, may be wrong. We reject the false teaching that those who are not for our nation politically are against it or that those who fundamentally question American policies must be with the "evil-doers." Such crude distinctions, especially when used by Christians, are expressions of the Manichaean heresy, in which the world is divided into forces of absolute good and absolute evil.

The Lord Jesus Christ is either authoritative for Christians, or he is not. His Lordship cannot be set aside by any earthly power. His words may not be distorted for propagandistic purposes. No nation-state may usurp the place of God.

We believe that acknowledging these truths is indispensable for followers of Christ. We urge them to remember these principles in making their decisions as citizens. Peacemaking is central to our vocation in a troubled world where Christ is Lord.

Comment on Comments

A reader recently asked again about have a comments feature on this site. My answer was that I wasn't really smart enough to know how to do it but I hope to find a way to add it soon.

So, with fear and trembling, I went to the control features at blogspot and lo and behold, it isn't as as hard as I thought. Just click a button and presto.

So, with that done, I welcome any and all to comment away. There is nothing like fostering some dialogue and conversation. It is good for the soul!

More on Paul

Just got an email from a long time friend in Little Rock. His blog today uses the same Philippians text. But I would suggest that his 95 theses is well worth the read. Thanks Keith!

http://keithbrenton.blogspot.com/2004/10/nine-point-five-theses.html#comments

Do I know Atlanta?

I have arrived! Or have I?

I’ve been to Matthew’s Cafeteria (repeatedly). I confess I love fried okra! I’ve been to the Ted; the Braves are .500 when I am in the ball park. I see Stone Mountain nearly every day. All in all, I’ve encountering the best of Atlanta. Besides, Monday, I had lunch at the Varsity!

The Varsity, the culinary institution that has served cholesterol-laden good eats since 1928 with an attitude. The number one meal, heavy weight (two hot dogs with extra chili), with rings went down real well at lunch. However, I’m thinking that forgetting to bring the Altoids was a real mistake!

From one vantage point it seems that after eating at the Varsity it’s all down hill. What more does one need to see or do in Atlanta to get a handle on the way of life here?

Well, I can imagine that some of you are already making a list. There’s the Peachtree Road Race (I can remember this because I think its named after at least one street in Atlanta) for starters. Someone else is going to mention an evening at the Fox. Of course, the Reed’s haven’t made it out to the Laser Show either. We haven’t see Tech play or the Dogs play; I’ve had no visual on Michael Vick.

Fernbank or the High Museum have not been explored and the closest I’ve gotten to the Coca-Cola headquarters is the case of cans I bought last week at Publix. Besides, I’ve only watched Gone With the Wind once in my life (and that was two years ago)!

Upon reflection there is a lot of Atlanta left to see. In fact, after a lifetime in Atlanta, it would be hard to say that I could ever “know” Atlanta.

I wonder if Christians ever think that they done the Christian faith and now they can sit back, blissful in the ignorance that comes by thinking that a trip to the Varsity and a drive through Stone Mountain park equates with spiritual maturity.

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Paul, in Phil 3.11-12.

No Trick To It

This just in from my friend Morris:

NEWNAN, Ga. (AP) - Across the Bible Belt this Halloween, some little ghosts and goblins might get shooed away by the neighbors - and some youngsters will not be allowed to go trick-or-treating at all - because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year.

"It's a day for the good Lord, not for the devil," said Barbara Braswell, who plans to send her 4-year-old granddaughter Maliyah out trick-or-treating in a princess costume on Saturday instead.

Some towns around the country are decreeing that Halloween be celebrated on Saturday to avoid complaints from those who might be offended by the sight of demons and witches ringing their doorbell on the Sabbath. Others insist the holiday should be celebrated on Oct. 31 no matter what.

"Moving it, that's like celebrating Christmas a week early," said Veronica Wright, who bought a Power Rangers costume for her son in Newnan. "It's just a kid thing. It's not for real."

It is an especially sensitive issue for authorities in the Bible Belt across the South.

"You just don't do it on Sunday," said Sandra Hulsey of Greenville, Ga. "That's Christ's day. You go to church on Sunday, you don't go out and celebrate the devil. That'll confuse a child."

In Newnan, a suburb south of Atlanta, the City Council decided to go ahead with trick-or-treating on Sunday. In 1999, the last time Oct. 31 fell on a Sunday, the city moved up trick-or-treating to Saturday, which brought howls of protest.

"We don't need to confuse people with this," Councilman George Alexander said.

In Vestavia Hills, Ala., a suburb of Birmingham, a furor erupts every time Halloween falls on Sunday. Local officials decided not to take a stand this time.

"About 15 years ago, we decided to have Halloween on Saturday instead. People went crazy. We said, 'Never again,'" recalled Starr Burbic, longtime secretary to the mayor. "It messed everybody up to move Halloween. Some people don't like having it on a Sunday, but we just couldn't find a way to make everyone happy."

The patchwork of trick-or-treat zones could work to children's advantage: Some might go out on both nights to get all the treats they can.

With so many towns split over when Halloween should be celebrated, many are going with a porch-light compromise: If people do not want trick-or-treaters, they simply turn off their lights, and parents are asked not to have kids knock there.

"Most people don't have a problem with it. It's a pretty universal compromise, so that's what we go with," said Grand Rapids, Mich., police Lt. Douglas Brinkley.



From a Christian point of view I wonder what normal, non-Christian people think when we get in an uproar about when folks do the Halloween thing. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a Halloween person. I'm glad we take the Halloween ideas of party and turn it into a "Funival" time at Northlake. We'll have hundreds of kids from the community all over our campus. That's wonderful. But do we do the witness of Christ any favors by petitioning city councils to move Halloween? It seems that we would do more by simply offering good things to children--and to families.

How you play the game

Losing the Division Series for the third year in a row does create a certain cynicism for Braves fans. But in looking at the negative the positive loses its voice. To be in the playoffs for 13 years in a row is nothing to sneeze at.

Seeing the realities that face as they are is important. Yet a persistant negativity can be a real obstacle in life. How do you see the glass? Whether it is half-full or half-empty matters less than whether you pick it up and use it. If a critical spirit contributes to inactivity and ultimately, to despair, then it is all the more important to reframe the realities.

Living with hope means sometime celebrating 13 years and sometimes it means saying we've got to do better. What you do with the glass of water is really what counts.

Connecting to the Power of God

" If anything Christian(!) be unrelated to the Gospel, it is a human by-product, a dangerous religious survival, a regrettable misunderstanding. For in this case content would be substituted for a void, convex for concave, positive for negative, and the characteristic marks of Chrsitianity would be possession and self-sifficiency rather than deprivation and hope. If this be persisted in, there emerges, instead of the community of Christ, Christendom, an ineffective peace-pact or compromise with that existence which, moving with its own momentum, lies on this side of resurrection. Christianity would then have lost all relation to the power of God.

"Now, whenever this occurs, the Gospel, so far from being removed from all rivalry, stands hard pressed in the midst of other religions and philosophies of this world. Hard pressed, because, if men must have their religious needs satisfied, if they must surround themselves with comfortable illusions about their knowledge of God and particularly about their union with Him, --well, the world penetrates far deeper into such matters than does a Christianity which misunderstands itself, and of such a 'gospel' we have good cause to be ashamed."

These comments, from Karl Barth in his commentary on Romans, mark the critical and necessary truth that the Christian community must get first things first. How is the gospel of Jesus Christ (not our convictions on political matters or doctrine) shaping our life together?

Prayer du jour

YES
You are the God who is simple, direct, clear with us and for us.
You have committed yourself to us.
You have said yes to us in creation,
Yes to us in our birth,
Yes to us in our baptism,
Yes to us in our awakening this day.

But we are of another kind,
more accustomed to “perhaps, maybe, we’ll see,”
left in wonderment and ambiguity.

We live our lives not back to your yes,
but out of our endless “perhaps.”

So we pray for your mercy this day that we may live yes back to you,
Yes with our time,
Yes with our money,
Yes with our sexuality,
Yes with our strength and with our weakness,
Yes to our neighbor,
Yes and no longer “perhaps.”

In the name of your enfleshed yes to us,
even Jesus who is our yes into your Future. Amen.

–Walter Brueggemann

Quote du Jour

"We must therefore make it our primary goal not just to hear the voice of God but to be mature people in a loving relationship with him." --Dallas Willard

Wanting a sign from God gets dicey when we assume that we can hear him on our terms.

"Earth's crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees takes off his shoes." --Elizabeth Barrett Browning

A Brave Kingdom

The one thing that made watching the Braves crumble yesterday at Turner Field was watching a 42 year old Roger Clemens work his way out of several jams. It is sweet to see an "old guy" do these things, mostly because I'm an "old guy" too!

Beyond baseball, I find myself engaging more and more Jesus' focus on the kingdom. Last night, working through Matthew, the kingdom figures so prominently into the speech and work of Jesus. And yet, my experience is that in current contexts we spend so little energy in appropriating this admittedly hard to grasp term. If Jesus was so keenly interested in announcing the kingdom to people, why aren't we?

Maybe we are too concerned about court dates at short stop or busted thumbs on third base.

I Lost My Job

That's what he said. She told me that she had surgery three weeks ago. Obviously tired, broke, dirty, and . . . . homeless. Two people standing in the doorway of the church building on a Sunday night. What do you do?

Do you write your congressman, call the police, edit an opinion piece for the newspaper about the problems of the homeless, find the preacher or some other church leadership to take care of this problem. What do you do? It is a problem isn't it.

Those two people are standing between you and your car in the parking lot, between you and going home to sit in your comfortable family room. That's the problem. They are standing between you and what you want.

The problem of the homeless is not merely a legislative issue, a social issue, or a religious issue.

It's a heart issue.