Living the Resurrection

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At church on Sunday, Bob Carlton brought up an interesting point – as Christians we tend to focus more on the crucifixion than we do the Ressurection. We have numerous theories (and debates) about atonement, we observe the Stations of the Cross, we watch movies detailing the violent death of Jesus – but give little attention to the Resurrection apart from asserting that it happened. This, of course, begged the question of “why?” Why do we fail to remember the Resurrection? Why don’t we re-enact it like we do Christ’s death? Why are we more fixated on death than life? There were a number of fascinating explanations suggested – that we feel the need to live in a story with a known climax, that we understand violence but not mystery… – but a couple things occurred to me during the discussion.

First – that as the church we haven’t always been so divorced from the practice of celebrating Resurrection. In the pre-industrial world people were much more attuned to the fading and returning of life in the unfolding of the seasons. Their feast days (which our Christian holy days attempt to co-opt) marked the turning points of the seasons – solstice, equinox, solstice – in an endless ritual. Each year the world enacted the play of death and resurrection as winter crept in and stole life and light away and then summer brought everything back to life again. But this wasn’t just a ritual – it was life. Marking and understanding this cycle meant the difference between life and death. One had to know when to plant and when to harvest and how much to store up against winter starvation. Life was cherished, and light as the harbinger of life revered. But we’ve lost that in the modern world. In our wired and climate-controlled homes we have little need to mark the passing of seasons except for how they effect our comfort. We know we can go to any store and buy produce no matter the season. We have disconnected ourselves from the cycle – living in an artificial (and unsustainable) now. We have little need to yearn for or celebrate the return of life to the earth. We take that life for granted and so have gotten out of the habit of practicing resurrection.

I believe this falling into the habit of remembering the death and not the life has marred our faith. The resurrection stands for hope – for remembering that good does win. The resurrection ushers in the Kingdom, calling us to live in that hope by following in the way of Christ. The resurrection encourages us to spread that hope – doing good, righting wrongs, caring for others. But instead we dwell simply on the death. We see less hope and possibility for improvement and instead see depravity. We make the death about us – how it serves us, how it defines us. Not that those questions are invalid, but to solely focus on them leads to a highly imbalanced faith. Our faith becomes about endings rather than beginnings. We can’t break free of the eternal now that is but a pseudo-life and embrace the return of the light. I think we can learn from the cultures that marked the passing of the seasons – even on the darkest day when it looked like death may have won the people are not called to mourn or to remain in darkness. No, they light a bonfire and chase away that very darkness asserting that the light will return and with it the life that sustains.

So I wonder what it will take for us to do more than utter a few “He is risen indeeds” on Easter and to choose to live in the Resurrection. To refrain from dwelling in despair and darkness and to affirm life instead. To live in the hope of the resurrection – choosing to bring life into the world.

At least that is what I am asking myself as I prepare for Holy Week.

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Violent Media and Children

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I recently picked up a copy of Parent: Wise Austin, a free publication tagged as “The Journal for Thinking Parents.” It’s a fun publication with slightly more alternative offerings – like cloth-diaper reviews and Montessori school ads – than typical parents publications. The feature article in the March 2009 edition is “Dining on Destruction: Does Violent Media Harm Kids?” by Sugandha Jain. I admit, there is nothing new about this discussion. Basically it boils down to asking whether or not playing at “violence, gore, and antisocial behavior” has a negative impact on kids. The article is full of all sorts of statistics – how much violence kids are exposed to, levels of aggression by age group, what percent of aggressive kids become aggressive adults. But what really struck me in the article was the requisite “dissenting opinion” section.

The argument for violent video games was twofold. First that violence is a good thing. Chris Crawford, a video game designer, said that for young boys “everything about their psychologies is oriented around establishing their identities through physical conflict.” He believes that it is healthy for boys to acknowledge this violence and that “too many mothers, in particular, attempt to suppress this … and all they succeed in doing is robbing their boys of their ability to become men.” So apparently if I don’t like the idea of my son (no mention of my daughter) playing at killing people then I am keeping him from becoming a man? Or at least according to the game designer who I am sure must also have a Ph.D. in child psychology, right?.

My bigger issue was with the other argument for violent video games – that there is no evidence that links violent media and violent behavior. While I could dispute that argument, my main concern is that that’s not really the point. For so long this whole debate has been framed as to whether or not playing violent video games will cause kids to join gangs or do a school shooting – as if those personal acts of violence are the only issue at stake. What I would rather see the debate focus on is in what ways playing at violence as children makes a person immune to systemic violence. Sure they may not pick up a gun and go on a rampage, but do they become more apathetic to others doing just that? Would we be perhaps more offended and outraged at the killing of innocents in the war in Iraq or the genocide in Darfur if we were not so accustomed to doing such things in the nursery so to speak? Individual personal violent acts are somewhat rare in “polite” society (whatever that means), but condoning systemic violence is almost expected. Could that be the real legacy of violent media?

I’m not saying that I don’t struggle with this or that I think violent media should be banned. Just that I think the issue is far more complex and far-reaching than the arguments generally imply.

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Excuse or Goal?

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The other day I saw a car with a bumper sticker that said “I’m Saving for a Hybrid.” My first reaction was to smile and think “I so totally agree.” (not that I’m actually saving for one since that’s way out of our getting through seminary budget, but I wish I were). But I resonated with the idea – I wish I could be driving a more eco-friendly car.

Then I had to wonder at the need to advertise one’s justification for not driving a hybrid. Are people so worried that they are being judged that they need to apologize for what they are not doing? I personally get this a lot. My friends and family are starting to realize my commitment to sustainable living and ethical consumption. So much so that they now apologize to me for actions like serving non-fair trade coffee or using paper plates. It reminds me of the tendency for people to apologize to conservative Christians when they say a curse word.

But then I asked myself if that is really such a bad thing (and yes, it’s quite common for me to argue with myself – I’m weird, I know). I’m not a fan of guilt as a motivation, but is it really such a bad thing to admit that there is a better way even if you are not there yet? I personally find more hope in hearing people say they are working towards a sustainable future than in some of the recent SUV commercials I’ve heard (i.e. ‘now that gas prices are down, it’s the perfect time to buy a luxury SUV”). I think it goes beyond guilt to the reality of attainable solutions. This statement doesn’t have to be an excuse or a justification, but a goal. It is someone talking about the basic things they are doing to help change the world.

At least, that’s how I like to see it.

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Announcing Christianity 21

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Christianity 21: Faith in the 21st Century
21 Voices
21 Ideas
21 Minutes Each

We live in a time of epochal change.

Many find this change exciting; for others, it’s a challenge. Call it globalization, pluralization, or postmodernism, this change affects our economy, politics, government, and education—all of society. And, of course, our faith and our churches are not immune to change.

So we have gathered 21 of the most important voices for the future of Christianity—21 voices for the 21st century—to speak into our future as people of faith in this age. They represent a diverse array of backgrounds, interests, and passions, and they will provide a wide range of innovative and challenging presentations.

Christianity21 is less a conference and more a happening, an event—a gathering of voices and ideas that will shape the future of our faith. And to the 21 voices, we want you to add your voice, whether you’re a seeker or skeptic, leader or layperson, disciple or doubter.

We hope you consider joining your voice to ours at Christianity21.

Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 11
Colonial Church of Edina
6200 Colonial Way
Minneapolis, MN 55436
$195

I am really excited about this event. I’ll can’t wait to hear from these presenters, and I get to join them as I will be speaking on “seeking justice in the everyday” I think this will be a gathering where we can really dig deep and explore where faith is headed in the 21st century. We can’t ignore that changes are happening around us, and I appreciate the opportunity to think out loud with others about what this all means. So stick it on your calenders and plan on join us in October!

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Mocking Our Neighbor

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Last week Eugene Cho posted his thoughts on how it hurt him and his children when people, especially celebrities, do the slanty-eye thing mocking Asians. His post was simple – basically “hey people, that’s offensive, stop doing it.” One would kinda hope that we are way past the making fun of other people because of their race thing, but no such luck as the subsequent conversation displayed.

Reading the comments there was a bit disturbing. I somewhat expected the comments that told Eugene he was overreacting, but was unprepared for the number of people defending mocking others. Some of them weren’t even saying that the gesture isn’t offensive, but that they know it’s offensive and mocking and that’s okay. Or as one guy commented, “I’m not racist, but I do enjoy my ethnic jokes.”

What sort of messed up world do we live in where our entertainment serves as justification for hurting others? Okay, I’m not naive, and I realize that there is nothing new about it, but I just can’t wrap my mind around Christians defending the practice of making fun of people, much less how God created people to be. I don’t care if it happens all the time, just think about that concept. Instead of loving our neighbor (and enemy), we are destroying them for a moment’s entertainment. We think it’s funny to tear down the image of God in others, and then claim it is our right to continue to do so. Does anyone else see the utter absurdity there?

Growing up missing a limb had me at the butt of many jokes. Kids in elementary school found it amusing to tell “stump” jokes to my face. They were almost as popular as the Helen Keller jokes mocking deaf people. And I’m sure we are all familiar with current phrases and jokes that mock women and gays. It is a strange thing to have someone make fun of you, and then insist that their right to be entertained by hurting you is more important than your feelings and identity. And that their right is more important than the command to love our neighbor. I just don’t get it.  As a child I was too unsure of myself to stand up to those kids and tell them that their jokes weren’t funny.  Sad thing is – none of the other kids, or teachers, or parents sent that message either.  So the jokes continued.

I think it’s sad that when guys like Eugene say “please stop making fun of my family,” people (Christians!) get mad at him.  There seems to be a huge failure of love happening here.  So what do you think needs to be done to change things? Are churches working to change this or are they part of the problem? How can the body of Christ learn to love so much that we can’t fathom mocking the other, much less defending out right to do so?

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Book Review: Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.

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So I don’t think it’s much of a secret that I have some serious issues with the typical messages the church sends to moms. I refuse to accept that my entire identity is wrapped up in my children – that my only calling in life is to serve them. I love my kids, I (generally) love taking care of them, but who I am is so much more than them. But it’s hard to question those messages without being accused of being a bad mom. So that’s why I loved  Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira’s fantastic new book Mama’s Got a Fake I.D. (WaterBrook Press). Caryn has provided a resource (for moms and dads and well, anyone who has to relate to moms ever…) that helps get past some of those false messages and affirm moms’ true identity in God’s eyes. And she does it with humor and encouragement throughout.

I found myself reflected on the pages of this book. I know I have tried to pass off my fake id – attempting to fit into a one-size-fits-all motherhood mold. Caryn pointed out though the hypocrisy in encouraging my kids to develop as unique individuals while I gave up my identity at the motherhood door. That’s not the sum of who God created me to be, and if I want to truly follow him I need to claim my full identity. Moms shouldn’t feel guilty to be themselves, explore their gifts, and follow Christ. Caryn affirms that it’s okay to be more than a mom, be upset at the stupid ways our culture treats moms, and admit our frustrations as moms. She affirms that we are not alone in dealing with the loneliness and loss of self that plagues the modern American mother. And that people who think that moms have all the free time in the world are just clueless.

But at the same time, this book provides resources in learning how to be content as a mom. This doesn’t involve striving to be someone you are not (including the perfect domestic goddess mother). It doesn’t limit mothers or try to strip them of their God-given talents and identity. But it does involve learning to be grateful for what we have right now – being thankful in all circumstances. But this is a contentment that also doesn’t allow us to be held back by perceived limitations or our own insecurities. But to simply allow ourselves to be affirmed in who we truly are – and extend that affirmation to others. It’s a call to moms to discard our fake ids and to question the expectations placed upon us (often by ourselves). This isn’t about being selfish or self-consumed, but about being real. Being ourselves is just far healthier, more spiritually authentic, and provides a better example for our kids anyway.

So this book is seriously great. And I am excited for it’s potential to help moms throw away those fake ids and the identity crises that motherhood provokes. Many of us need that reminder – or more importantly, that permission – to be who God created us to be. So I highly recommend that you read this book. Moms need to read it for sure – but so do dads, and non-parents, and pastors, and moms group leaders, and everyone else. Until the false identity messages are overcome, moms will have a hard time finding ways to fully serve God. This book can help dismantle those false messages, and give moms the encouragement we so deeply need. So go buy the book – give it to all your friends, pass it out to your playgroup, give it to the church library – it’s a book that needs to be read.

(and btw – the book cover actually isn’t hot pink, it’s a nice shade of red.  Just thought I’d mention that for all of you who are like me and hate women’s books that are pink…)

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Impeach the Pope?

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So there was a fascinating editorial in The Washington Post today by that title. Robert McElvaine suggests that instead of being currently outraged at AIG and the like, we should be directing it at the Pope. He lists the Pope’s insults to Muslims and women, his acceptance of a Holocaust denier, and his recent remarks on condoms, AIDS, and Africa as reason enough to be outraged. He writes –

I am a Catholic and the idea that such a man is God’s spokesperson on earth is absurd to me.

There are, of course, no provisions in the hierarchical institution set up, not by Jesus but by men who hijacked his name and in many cases perverted his teachings, for impeaching a pope and removing him from office. But there ought to be.

I am, of course, not Catholic. So some might say I shouldn’t care the least what the Pope has to say about anything. But it got me thinking about what response the church does have when it appears a select, but vocal, few have hijacked our religion. Granted the Pope is in a place of power, so the world hears whatever he has to say. With others though, its generally the media that places them in such positions of power. The media loves extremes and gives a platform to the loudest and most obnoxious voices, hence giving them power. Would a Falwell, or Robertson, or Dobson, or Driscoll have anywhere near as influential of a voice if the media didn’t parade them around as the worst possible example of Christianity? I’m not surprised in the least that Time named the “new calvinism” as a important idea of our time – they are the perfect media draw, sure to sell magazines as they fill the spots vacated by the old ranks of fundamentalists. But however they got there, these voices have power and represent Christianity to the world.

Where does that leave those of us who feel like our faith has been hijacked by extremists? Do we call them to account for themselves like McElvaine suggests, saying with him “If this be heresy, make the most of it.”? Do we leave them alone and simply be faithful witnesses in our own spheres? I truly am torn. I know there are tons of people out there whose only exposure to Christianity are these voices the media reports. Mike tells me that over at the Friendly Atheist blog most of the atheists simply cannot accept that other sorts of Christianity even exist. To them the close-minded, sexist, racist, extremists they hear about on the news represent the whole of Christianity. It’s similar to how most of us, knowing nothing about Islam, choose to believe that the Taliban represents the whole of Islam.

So that’s where my hang-ups are. I don’t want to echo the extremists and call for their excommunication or impeachment as it were, but I have a hard time with the Talibanesque image they give to the faith. I’m not a fan of infighting, but I feel the need to say at times “that man (always a man) doesn’t speak for me, and I don’t believe he speaks for Jesus Christ either.” Earlier this week I asked why more of weren’t out there speaking truth to power about the financial crisis and I ask the same question of this situation. But I find it very interesting that when anyone attempts to stand up to one of these voices, we get criticized for being unholy, unloving, and unfaithful. Is the church truly the last place where the freedom to speak honestly and hold others accountable is denied? I know we have all seen the Catholic priests get away with heinous crimes in recent years, but we seem to be okay with letting others get away with the crime of stealing our faith.

So I’m getting sick of the “just be a quiet witness” solutions – I think there needs to be a place for holy outrage. Perhaps not impeachment, but outrage nonetheless.

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The God Who Sees: International Women’s Day Synchroblog

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Shortly after I took a position as Children’s Ministry Director at a small Baptist church, I sat down with the kids under my care and asked them what questions they would like to ask God. One girl, one of the oldest in the class who had grown up in churches and private Christian schools, told me that she would ask God why he hates girls. I asked her why she thought that and she replied that since there were no women in the Bible and since Jesus only choose male disciples, God must hate girls. To a fifth grader at least that’s the way things appeared.

I was shocked to hear her assumption. Here was a girl immersed in the church who had never been exposed to the stories of the women of the Bible. She had never been told of the mothers of the faith or the women leaders in the early church. The stories of women faithfully choosing to serve and follow God no matter the consequences were not part of her heritage. She didn’t see herself reflected in the Bible, and so her only assumption was that God had rejected her entire gender. My heart broke for her (and as children’s director, I did my best to tell the stories of biblical women).

Unfortunately though, ignoring the women of the Bible is far too common in many churches. When their stories aren’t told regularly, the church forgets about them and starts to assume that our faith has roots solely in the deeds of men. While of course those men’s stories are to be valued and explored, the Bible is rich with examples of women of faith as well. Though the church fails to heed their stories, God remembers who they were and how they served him. He is in truth the God who sees.

The name “the God who sees” (El Roi) was a name given to God by Hagar. An Egyptian slave, cast out by Sarah and Abraham into the desert, she epitomized rejection. But God noticed her plight and came to her aid. In thanksgiving she reaches into her pagan background and ascribes a name to this God who saw her struggles. God accepts this name just as he accepted the rejected and dejected Hagar. Her story is woven into our story of faith

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Blog and Preach to Honor International Women’s Day This Sunday

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Each year on March 8 the world takes time to observe International Women’s Day. It is a day dedicated to the celebration of women’s social, economic, and political achievements worldwide. In the United States, this official day of observance is rooted in women’s efforts to campaign for rights to work, vote, and hold public office, culminating on March 8, 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter work hours, better pay, voting rights, and an end to sweatshop conditions and child labor. In the early 1910s, the concept gained recognition in the international community and grew momentum as women across Europe continued to fight for the right to work and protest against ensuing world conflict.

This year March 8 falls on a Sunday. I know Sundays aren’t typically big blogging days since they are days when we take time to focus on our faith. But for that reason, I think we should make an effort this year to bring our faith to the celebration of IWD. So I’d like to suggest a joint synchroblog/synchrosermon observance of the day for Christians. Too often in the church not only are the voices of women not heard, but the stories of biblical women remain untold. But the Bible is full of inspiring examples of women faithfully following God and making a tremendous difference for the kingdom. So this year on International Women’s Day I invite men and women alike to take the time to explore the lives of these great women through a:

Synchroblog – On March 8 post something on your blog about biblical women. This could be your experience (or lack thereof) with learning about these women, a reflection on the life of a particular woman, an exploration of the ways women led in scripture, or a midrashic retelling of the life of one of these women. Have fun with it, push yourself to discover new things, and let’s tell these stories together.

Synchrosermon – These stories of women are rarely told from the pulpit, so I encourage those of you preaching or teaching on March 8 to include the stories of biblical women in whatever you do. The church often won’t hear about these women or learn from their example unless pastors and teachers make a deliberate effort to dwell on the mothers of our faith as much as they usually dwell on the fathers.

It’s not difficult. This isn’t like other negative or angry IWD blog endeavours I’ve seen (and participated in) in the past. It is simply a way to positively encourage women and let women’s voices be heard.

So if you are interested in participating, leave a comment here so I can post the list of participants. Feel free to promote this among your networks as well. And thanks for helping women continue to have a voice.

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