I am not trying to obscure Adam's very interesting post below. I just wanted to put up an alert that this Sunday evening at 8:00 ET/PT NBC is premiering a series that is a modern day retelling of the story of King David. The actual review of it that ran in USA Today this morning is not great. However, I found this secondary article about the Biblical history behind the modern story (and the interpretive choices made) to be quite interesting. Not everyone here will agree with the interpretive calls made. The series may not be worth watching, but the line about the censors backing down every time an OT chapter and verse was cited is priceless.
If you watch it, let's talk about it here next Thursday. Oh, the name of the series is, Kings.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
24-7 Prayer
A long time ago I did a post about the 24-7 prayer web community. Well, like all web-based things, it has grown and changed; so, I thought it was time to do another.
24-7 prayer has become many things. First, it is a clearinghouse for people to register and start prayer rooms to be continually filled with prayer for a period of time. It is also, a founder of Christian communities in urban settings around the world, leader of worldwide mission programs, a training resource for young, adult Christians interested in learning more about their faith and developing a real commitment to their faith.
24-7 Prayer began with a group of people in England who decided to try praying non-stop (in shifts) for a month. That was September, 1999. They didn't stop until Christmas. At the time I was writing this, their web site was tracking 75 groups in 13 countries staffing prayer rooms around the clock for varying periods of time.
Their point?
The meat of the community and mission programs is on the individual Countries' sites. Going to the UK site, for instance, leads to links to the UK Boiler Rooms -- urban centers forming the basis of a form of 21st Century monasticism. Clicking on the Mission Teams page takes you to the UK's short-term mission projects page.
The US page also has news of US prayer rooms, mission programs, plus shorter term training programs. The home page of the US site is worth reading through. I find the US page hard to use. There doesn't seem to be anyway of tracking down the various locations where things happen. For instance, at the bottom of the man page, there is a link for Transit Tulsa, a 9-month long discipleship training program in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I didn't see a mention of Tulsa anywhere else. I know that they have boiler rooms in Minneapolis and Kansas City -- or have had. It appears that they still do from the bios of "The Team" which lists a lot of people living in those two cities.
I've never found the 24-7 web sites easy to follow, and I have yet to find the time to cruise through the 24-7 Salvation Army site -- sounds interesting, I just haven't gotten to it yet. However, I always find that it is worth the time to just start following links reading about young adults in this culture, and abroad, who are leading radically different, committed lives of prayer and service.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
24-7 prayer has become many things. First, it is a clearinghouse for people to register and start prayer rooms to be continually filled with prayer for a period of time. It is also, a founder of Christian communities in urban settings around the world, leader of worldwide mission programs, a training resource for young, adult Christians interested in learning more about their faith and developing a real commitment to their faith.
24-7 Prayer began with a group of people in England who decided to try praying non-stop (in shifts) for a month. That was September, 1999. They didn't stop until Christmas. At the time I was writing this, their web site was tracking 75 groups in 13 countries staffing prayer rooms around the clock for varying periods of time.
Their point?
To turn the tide. The dream behind 24-7 is to turn the tide of youth culture back to Jesus. It's a big dream -- maybe an impossible dream. We recognize that the Body of Christ in the West is bleeding young people. Something has to change. But clever strategy alone is not the answer. Never has been. History shows that the tide turns when God's people pray. That is why God is mobilising prayer movements like 24-7 (and others). (Quoted from 24-7 FAQ.)Any discussion of 24-7 prayer begins with the main International site, www.24-7prayer.com. Here you can register a prayer room, check out the available resources for starting a prayer room, read through the online Wailing Wall; but don't go to the web site without checking out their Training page. Here you will find a description of Transit, their name for a 10-month residential program training young adults in the Christian faith, prayer, community and mission.
The meat of the community and mission programs is on the individual Countries' sites. Going to the UK site, for instance, leads to links to the UK Boiler Rooms -- urban centers forming the basis of a form of 21st Century monasticism. Clicking on the Mission Teams page takes you to the UK's short-term mission projects page.
The US page also has news of US prayer rooms, mission programs, plus shorter term training programs. The home page of the US site is worth reading through. I find the US page hard to use. There doesn't seem to be anyway of tracking down the various locations where things happen. For instance, at the bottom of the man page, there is a link for Transit Tulsa, a 9-month long discipleship training program in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I didn't see a mention of Tulsa anywhere else. I know that they have boiler rooms in Minneapolis and Kansas City -- or have had. It appears that they still do from the bios of "The Team" which lists a lot of people living in those two cities.
I've never found the 24-7 web sites easy to follow, and I have yet to find the time to cruise through the 24-7 Salvation Army site -- sounds interesting, I just haven't gotten to it yet. However, I always find that it is worth the time to just start following links reading about young adults in this culture, and abroad, who are leading radically different, committed lives of prayer and service.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Read and Learn -- Google maps meets the Bible
On January 4, 2007 I posted a review entitled Friday Review. . . Google Maps Meets the Holy Land. Two years later there are still 0 comments, so I am assuming that no one will notice if I repeat myself -- with improvements.
The basic premise is that a website called Biblemap.org links Google Maps and text from the Bible, more specifically the ESV translation. You start by choosing the book and chapter, it shows the map. Within the scripture text there will be highlighted terms that link to more specific locations. The interface has improved during the last two years. There have also been other improvements. For instance, you can now link directly to any location or chapter.
Also, if you click on events there are prepared maps of Paul's three missionary journeys. There are also some pretty cool mini-movies using the mapping technology on Jonah, Hosea and Quick Church History.
Oh, and just to make sure that credit gets to where credit is due. I found this by way of the ESV Bible Blog This is an official blog that provides information on new additions and, in this case, new uses for the ESV translation.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
The basic premise is that a website called Biblemap.org links Google Maps and text from the Bible, more specifically the ESV translation. You start by choosing the book and chapter, it shows the map. Within the scripture text there will be highlighted terms that link to more specific locations. The interface has improved during the last two years. There have also been other improvements. For instance, you can now link directly to any location or chapter.
Also, if you click on events there are prepared maps of Paul's three missionary journeys. There are also some pretty cool mini-movies using the mapping technology on Jonah, Hosea and Quick Church History.
Oh, and just to make sure that credit gets to where credit is due. I found this by way of the ESV Bible Blog This is an official blog that provides information on new additions and, in this case, new uses for the ESV translation.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Thursday Review - The Life You've Always Wanted
It has been several years since I read Dallas Willard's book on Spiritual Disciplines. I recall that it had a tremendous emotional impact on me. It made me want to be a better Christian. It made me understand -- to some extent -- why the disciplines were an important part of becoming a better Christian. It was also dense, demanding and expected real commitment up front.
Recently, I read John Ortberg's book on spiritual disciplines, The Life you've Always Wanted. The Preface concludes with:
This book is an excellent introduction to the idea of spiritual disciplines. There is nothing to be afraid of in this book. There is also nothing terribly challenging either. Now, I don't mean to imply that the Holy Spirit can't transform lives through any tool it chooses; but throwing this group into your local Womens' book study group will probably do little more than keep them entertained for a few weeks.
Now, to be fair, I thought the small group questions at the back were really very good.
On a more secular note, Quotidian Grace posted a review earlier this week of some historical fiction that looks quite interesting. I have run the author's name by a friend of mine who is a fantasy novelist and reasonably well credentialed medieval historian. She confirms Grace's opinion of this author's work. So, if you are looking for an addition to your non-professional reading pile and you like historical fiction, check out Quotidian Grace's review of Devil's Brood, by Sharon Kay Penman.
Until next week,
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Recently, I read John Ortberg's book on spiritual disciplines, The Life you've Always Wanted. The Preface concludes with:
In particular, I want to express a debt of gratitude to Dallas Willard, whose thinking and writing about spiritual formation have had an enormous impact on my life and ministry, as it has on so many others. (In fact, one of my private working titles for this book was Dallas for Dummies.) While I wouldn't want to saddle him with any of its deficiencies, much of whatever merit this book has is due to him.I think that Dallas for Dummies would have been a better title. Don't get me wrong. The book has much to recommend it. It is engaging, easy to read and charming in the way I have come to expect from John Ortberg; but when I put it down, I put it down.
This book is an excellent introduction to the idea of spiritual disciplines. There is nothing to be afraid of in this book. There is also nothing terribly challenging either. Now, I don't mean to imply that the Holy Spirit can't transform lives through any tool it chooses; but throwing this group into your local Womens' book study group will probably do little more than keep them entertained for a few weeks.
Now, to be fair, I thought the small group questions at the back were really very good.
Describe a time when you hurt someone through a sinful choice, humbly confessed, and saw God bring healing and restoration. How did this experience act as a catalyst for future obedience and willingness to confess when you recognized your sins?I also think that there are far more people who will read this book and be exposed to the concepts than will make it through anything written by Dallas Willard, and there is value in that.
What possible extremes might we face if we confess on our own without the leading of the Holy Spirit?
On a more secular note, Quotidian Grace posted a review earlier this week of some historical fiction that looks quite interesting. I have run the author's name by a friend of mine who is a fantasy novelist and reasonably well credentialed medieval historian. She confirms Grace's opinion of this author's work. So, if you are looking for an addition to your non-professional reading pile and you like historical fiction, check out Quotidian Grace's review of Devil's Brood, by Sharon Kay Penman.
Until next week,
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Read and Learn -- Adult Study Groups
Good small group materials can be hard to find. First, you need a good topic. Then, you need good questions; and when you find those then you really need a good leader's guide. Good luck. Oh, and it would really help if small group materials used in Presbyterian churches were teaching something slightly more consistent with Presbyterian doctrine than, say, Southern Baptist doctrine.
I have recently run across some small group materials put together by Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in New York City. I did not open these to see if they are more conservative than I am -- I knew that; but I did want to see if I could live with them. I welcome materials that clearly come from a perspective I don't share. They can challenge me to defend what I believe and why I believe it. Of course, there are limits. Nonetheless, I expected to see pretty decent Presbyterian theology; and I thought they would be worth a look.
There are a number of sets of materials. Most of them cover either a single Bible book, or in a few cases a collection of related books. There are topical series as well, including one on developing a prayer life. I started off looking at the materials covering Genesis.
First of all, the materials come with a Participant's Guide and a Leader's Guide. The Leader's Guide includes the Participant's Guide at the back. Oh, and the Participant's Guide (you know, the short one) is 105 pages and covers 23 weeks. The Participant's Guide begins each section with a one paragraph introduction followed by 5 - 8 questions. The questions are serious enough that they do require that you do the reading and give it some serious thought. For the most part, they are not angled towards a right answer. I don't think they really lend themselves to small group discussions, however. One example is:
2:24-25. What do we learn about marriage from this famous verse? What do we learn about the purpose and boundaries for sexuality? What does it mean that they were 'naked and unashamed'?
The small group that I participate in would view that question as looking for AN answer. Once someone came up with an answer we liked, that would be that.
The Leader's Guide provides a substantial amount of material, which again is more conservative than I am; but would not be out of place in many PCUSA churches -- but it will bother a number of Ring members. For instance, the Leader's Guide is unequivocal that sex only belongs inside of heterosexual marriage. That shouldn't come as a surprise. These are PCA materials. Gender roles emphasize equality but still come done pretty clearly on the complementary side of the fence. One thing I found interesting about the Leader's Guide is the number of quotes from other works. In Genesis, the Leader's Guide frequently quotes both C.S. Lewis and Derek Kidner. Both the Leader's Guide and the Participant's Guide are clearly written for an educated audience.
I also found the licensing terms interesting. You download a pdf file, which, as a practical matter, you can print as many times as you like. However, if you pay $10, you are only paying for the right to make one copy of the materials. If you pay $20, you are paying for the right to make 25 copies of the materials.
These materials will help guide a small group through a study of Genesis, Acts, Romans, Galatians, and other topics. I would be more inclined to use them in solo study than in group study. I don't see that they provide a lot of value in the sense of stimulating a group dynamic. Also, if your church is very far left of center; these will be in the lead balloon category.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
I have recently run across some small group materials put together by Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in New York City. I did not open these to see if they are more conservative than I am -- I knew that; but I did want to see if I could live with them. I welcome materials that clearly come from a perspective I don't share. They can challenge me to defend what I believe and why I believe it. Of course, there are limits. Nonetheless, I expected to see pretty decent Presbyterian theology; and I thought they would be worth a look.
There are a number of sets of materials. Most of them cover either a single Bible book, or in a few cases a collection of related books. There are topical series as well, including one on developing a prayer life. I started off looking at the materials covering Genesis.
First of all, the materials come with a Participant's Guide and a Leader's Guide. The Leader's Guide includes the Participant's Guide at the back. Oh, and the Participant's Guide (you know, the short one) is 105 pages and covers 23 weeks. The Participant's Guide begins each section with a one paragraph introduction followed by 5 - 8 questions. The questions are serious enough that they do require that you do the reading and give it some serious thought. For the most part, they are not angled towards a right answer. I don't think they really lend themselves to small group discussions, however. One example is:
2:24-25. What do we learn about marriage from this famous verse? What do we learn about the purpose and boundaries for sexuality? What does it mean that they were 'naked and unashamed'?
The small group that I participate in would view that question as looking for AN answer. Once someone came up with an answer we liked, that would be that.
The Leader's Guide provides a substantial amount of material, which again is more conservative than I am; but would not be out of place in many PCUSA churches -- but it will bother a number of Ring members. For instance, the Leader's Guide is unequivocal that sex only belongs inside of heterosexual marriage. That shouldn't come as a surprise. These are PCA materials. Gender roles emphasize equality but still come done pretty clearly on the complementary side of the fence. One thing I found interesting about the Leader's Guide is the number of quotes from other works. In Genesis, the Leader's Guide frequently quotes both C.S. Lewis and Derek Kidner. Both the Leader's Guide and the Participant's Guide are clearly written for an educated audience.
I also found the licensing terms interesting. You download a pdf file, which, as a practical matter, you can print as many times as you like. However, if you pay $10, you are only paying for the right to make one copy of the materials. If you pay $20, you are paying for the right to make 25 copies of the materials.
These materials will help guide a small group through a study of Genesis, Acts, Romans, Galatians, and other topics. I would be more inclined to use them in solo study than in group study. I don't see that they provide a lot of value in the sense of stimulating a group dynamic. Also, if your church is very far left of center; these will be in the lead balloon category.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday Review -- Advent and Lent
I cannot believe that it is already November. What is harder to believe is that Advent -- you know, that blessedly peaceful time of reflection and preparation -- yea, that Advent -- starts two weeks after this coming Sunday.
It is ok to scream now, but only once. I come bearing help.
I have reviewed an Irish Jesuit website before called Sacred Space. It may be the largest prayer website in the world. The idea behind Sacred Space is to provide a few short ideas to think about and a scripture passage for meditation every day. Millions of people (including lots of non-Catholics) pray there every month. A while ago they started putting out a book with a whole year of their prayers in it. Before that they started posting materials for a one-day, self-directed Lenten retreat. I'm addicted to their Lenten Retreat. I can no longer imagine Good Friday without it.
This year they have done something a little different. At least, I don't recall having seen this before. They have published two small booklets: Sacred Space for Advent and the Christmas Season 2008 -- 2009 (it actually ends the first Sunday in January, Epiphany, as it should -- these Catholics know the Liturgical Calendar). The second is Sacred Space for Lent 2009. The best part? Each one comes with a prepared one-day, self-directed retreat. Yes, that's right. I can now get addicted to a Lenten retreat and an Advent retreat. Oh, and the price? They are $2.25 a piece. I paid as much in shipping from Amazon as the books cost me.
If you aren't familiar with the website the daily prayers are organized into weeks. Each week starts with a kind of introduction which is used each day of that week. That is followed by the Scripture passages for each day of that week.
The retreats come with a suggested timetable starting at 9:30 in the morning and running through 4:00 in the afternoon. (Yes, there is a lunch break -- in fact, there are several breaks planned in.) Each retreat includes a preparatory period, three hour-long prayer periods with scripture and some useful supplemental material; and finally, a review period at the end.
I will use these for myself. I will do both retreats. I am already trying to figure out which Friday in December I can take off from work. I would love to know if any of you find ways to use these in your churches or a small group.
So, take a deep breath. Need devotional materials, retreat materials, something for a small group, a spot of peace for yourself? You're handled -- right up to Easter.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
It is ok to scream now, but only once. I come bearing help.
I have reviewed an Irish Jesuit website before called Sacred Space. It may be the largest prayer website in the world. The idea behind Sacred Space is to provide a few short ideas to think about and a scripture passage for meditation every day. Millions of people (including lots of non-Catholics) pray there every month. A while ago they started putting out a book with a whole year of their prayers in it. Before that they started posting materials for a one-day, self-directed Lenten retreat. I'm addicted to their Lenten Retreat. I can no longer imagine Good Friday without it.
This year they have done something a little different. At least, I don't recall having seen this before. They have published two small booklets: Sacred Space for Advent and the Christmas Season 2008 -- 2009 (it actually ends the first Sunday in January, Epiphany, as it should -- these Catholics know the Liturgical Calendar). The second is Sacred Space for Lent 2009. The best part? Each one comes with a prepared one-day, self-directed retreat. Yes, that's right. I can now get addicted to a Lenten retreat and an Advent retreat. Oh, and the price? They are $2.25 a piece. I paid as much in shipping from Amazon as the books cost me.
If you aren't familiar with the website the daily prayers are organized into weeks. Each week starts with a kind of introduction which is used each day of that week. That is followed by the Scripture passages for each day of that week.
The retreats come with a suggested timetable starting at 9:30 in the morning and running through 4:00 in the afternoon. (Yes, there is a lunch break -- in fact, there are several breaks planned in.) Each retreat includes a preparatory period, three hour-long prayer periods with scripture and some useful supplemental material; and finally, a review period at the end.
I will use these for myself. I will do both retreats. I am already trying to figure out which Friday in December I can take off from work. I would love to know if any of you find ways to use these in your churches or a small group.
So, take a deep breath. Need devotional materials, retreat materials, something for a small group, a spot of peace for yourself? You're handled -- right up to Easter.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Read and Learn -- Book Club coming soon to a blog near you
If you have been following the schedule for Thursdays that we posted several months ago, you would know that today should have a review of a book, movie or other resource; and the monthly Book Club feature got off to a great start and then -- not.
There is a fascinating story involving a hurricane, a vacation, lots of work, an Amazon shipment gone astray, communication problems -- I know, save it for the movie version.
Here is the scoop.
We are getting back on track. Check back next week for a Review of a book, movie, or other resource. The following Thursday which will be the first Thursday in November and should be a book club day will, instead, feature something unique for us, a question and answer session with the author of our next featured Book Club selection, and a member of this blogring, Carol Howard Merritt. Then, on the 1st Thursday of December Book Club will be back with Carol's book, Tribal Church.
Tribal Church is about reaching and ministering to adults who aren't yet middle-aged. For many of our churches, they are something of a lost generation. This is a chance to start thinking how to refind them. Oh, and it is available at Amzaon.
See you here next week.
JusticeSeeker
There is a fascinating story involving a hurricane, a vacation, lots of work, an Amazon shipment gone astray, communication problems -- I know, save it for the movie version.
Here is the scoop.
We are getting back on track. Check back next week for a Review of a book, movie, or other resource. The following Thursday which will be the first Thursday in November and should be a book club day will, instead, feature something unique for us, a question and answer session with the author of our next featured Book Club selection, and a member of this blogring, Carol Howard Merritt. Then, on the 1st Thursday of December Book Club will be back with Carol's book, Tribal Church.
Tribal Church is about reaching and ministering to adults who aren't yet middle-aged. For many of our churches, they are something of a lost generation. This is a chance to start thinking how to refind them. Oh, and it is available at Amzaon.
See you here next week.
JusticeSeeker
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Thursday Review -- Spiritual Development Materials
This is going to be short and sweet. Last year Willow Creek released a study of spiritual development in congregations. Frankly, it wasn't pretty. It said a lot of things that most of us know but don't want to admit about how little progress in spiritual development a lot of regular church goers actually make. Yea, I know -- shocking.
This year, they have released a follow-up based on a significant amount of in-depth study. This book looks at what things make a difference and when they make a difference. The book is called Follow Me, (it is listed on Amazon as Follow Me (Reveal)). It was written by Greg L. Hawkins and Cally Parkinson.
I've been on my church's adult education committee forever. I've read everything. Up until now I thought the best single work I had read was George Barna's, Growing True Disciples -- and it probably still is. This book is joining it on the shelf, however. Is it perfect? Um, well, no. I did mention it came from Willow Creek, didn't I? When I read spiritual development materials that treat church members as consumers to be satisfied (there is even a paragraph heading in this book "Recasting Our Primary Message"), I start reaching for the Calamine lotion.
Nonetheless, the rest of this book is worth an outbreak of hives.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
This year, they have released a follow-up based on a significant amount of in-depth study. This book looks at what things make a difference and when they make a difference. The book is called Follow Me, (it is listed on Amazon as Follow Me (Reveal)). It was written by Greg L. Hawkins and Cally Parkinson.
I've been on my church's adult education committee forever. I've read everything. Up until now I thought the best single work I had read was George Barna's, Growing True Disciples -- and it probably still is. This book is joining it on the shelf, however. Is it perfect? Um, well, no. I did mention it came from Willow Creek, didn't I? When I read spiritual development materials that treat church members as consumers to be satisfied (there is even a paragraph heading in this book "Recasting Our Primary Message"), I start reaching for the Calamine lotion.
Nonetheless, the rest of this book is worth an outbreak of hives.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Read and Learn -- Adult Study Groups
We started this topic last month with a request for materials used or those needed. One request was for something meaningful for a group of older women. Sometimes the best way to spur a discussion is to throw out an idea and see if something better comes up. So, here goes.
I just finished a group study of, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the discussion questions at the back. I wasn't overly enthused by the book, itself; but I did find that women even slightly older than I were much more impressed with it than I was.
I can come up with all kinds of reasons why I didn't care much for this book, but I am not its audience. Women older than I found a great deal of value in what it had to say.
Here are a few examples of questions:
Now, I do not think that this solves Becky's request (it was Becky, wasn't it?) for something of substance for a long-standing group of older women. It might, however, make a nice stop gap and, hopefully, in the meantime someone else here will come up with a better long-term solution.
So, any ideas?
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
I just finished a group study of, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the discussion questions at the back. I wasn't overly enthused by the book, itself; but I did find that women even slightly older than I were much more impressed with it than I was.
I can come up with all kinds of reasons why I didn't care much for this book, but I am not its audience. Women older than I found a great deal of value in what it had to say.
Here are a few examples of questions:
We all face barriers to intimacy with God. Put a check by the one or two you struggle with most, then look up the verses next to that barrier. Circle the verse that is most meaningful to you. Then, it lists 6 things: unworthiness, busyness, Guilt/Shame, Pride, Depression, and Trials/hardships. The verses next to those options come from Isaiah, Ephesians, Psalm, I John, James, John, Hebrews and 2 Corinthians.The next question is an instruction:
Meditate on the verse you circled, then personalize it in the form of a prayer to God. here is an exemple based on I John 1:9 -- and it gives a short prayer as an example.For a book that I wrote off early as inconsequential fluff, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found at the back.
Now, I do not think that this solves Becky's request (it was Becky, wasn't it?) for something of substance for a long-standing group of older women. It might, however, make a nice stop gap and, hopefully, in the meantime someone else here will come up with a better long-term solution.
So, any ideas?
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Read and Learn -- Review of Just Courage
When I reviewed the Willow Creek Leadership Summit last month I rather unabashedly admitted that one of the main reasons I went was to hear Gary Haugen speak. If you missed that post and don't know, Gary Haugen is the founder of the International Justice Mission. He has devoted his life to seeking justice -- in his case, he fights the big stuff -- slavery, sex trafficking, that kind of thing. Every Christian lawyer in the country should hear this man speak, but I think his message is aimed wider than just for lawyers. After I finished this review, I realized that it will post on 9-11. I didn't plan that, but I couldn't have picked better.
I just finished Haugen's book, Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian. I don't write in books. Halfway through this one, I started over again -- this time with a combination hi-lighter/ballpoint pen in my hand.
Haugen defines the sin of injustice as:
There are two ideas in this book that I find seriously compelling. First, that we really can trust God. His promises are true, and we are called to live our lives as if we believe that. The second is that as much as we secretly want to be brave -- we would really rather be safe, but nothing about the Christian faith should be safe.
I don't know about you, but I need to find some courage; because God didn't make me who I am and shower me with the gifts he has given me, so that I can be safe.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
I just finished Haugen's book, Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian. I don't write in books. Halfway through this one, I started over again -- this time with a combination hi-lighter/ballpoint pen in my hand.
Haugen defines the sin of injustice as:
. . . . abusing power by taking from others the good things that God intended for them, namely, their life, liberty, dignity or the fruits of their love or their labor.He lays a strong Biblical foundation for the idea that caring for the weak, the poor and the oppressed is not charity, it is justice; and it is an action we are commanded to do in both the Old and New Testaments. It is also fundamental to evangelism:
Moreover, nothing presents a more compelling and authentic witness of Christian faith in this era than the struggle for justice. . . Few things are harder to do than to confront the violent forces of injustice the way Jesus taught -- with love and faith, perseverance and strength, hope and humility. This is the authentic transformation that earns a hearing from a tired, suspicious and wounded world: a band of believers who move out from behind "doors locked for fear" (John 20:19) and proceed by courageous love to become "these people who have been turning the world upside down" (Acts 17:6 NRSV).Those words would be seem trite in any other context, but they were written by a man who takes on slave traders and slave owners, corrupt police and political systems where personal safety is not a given. His people have been mugged, beaten and arrested. He says that he can't do his job for more than 30 minutes without prayer, and:
In fact, if following Jesus does not feel dangerous, I should probably pause and check to see if it is Jesus I'm following. . . Doing what Jesus does -- telling the truth and loving needy people -- is inherently dangerous and unsafe in a fallen world of lies and selfishness.Yes, I react differently to this book than most will. I am a lawyer, and I feel strongly that I am called to seek justice. Regardless, this is a stirring book, filled with captivating ideas, sparkling prose and ideas about worship and what it means to be a Christian that should have real meaning to all of us.
There are two ideas in this book that I find seriously compelling. First, that we really can trust God. His promises are true, and we are called to live our lives as if we believe that. The second is that as much as we secretly want to be brave -- we would really rather be safe, but nothing about the Christian faith should be safe.
I don't know about you, but I need to find some courage; because God didn't make me who I am and shower me with the gifts he has given me, so that I can be safe.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOK@aol.com
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Leadership Summit 2008
I am not a fan of all things Willow Creek. I've never been there, don't think I ever want to -- not my style. However, last year I went to a satellite site for their Leadership Summit. It was worth going to. This year I was thinking about going when I saw that Gary Haugen was speaking -- I signed up. (If you've never heard Gary Haugen speak, here is a link; he preached March 2, 2008.)
This year's Summit was better than last year's. The speakers this year were: Bill Hybels, Gary Haugen, Bill George, Wendy Kopp, John Burke, Efrem Smith, Craig Groeschel, Chuck Colson, Catherine Rohr, and Brad Anderson. Most of those names you probably don't recognize. Some are from business, some are from churches, some are from the non-profit world. They are all dedicated Christians whose faith is central to what they do.
This year the three who really stood out to me were Gary Haugen, Wendy Kopp, and Catherine Rohr. All three of them have founded faith based non-profits that are genuinely changing the world. Gary Haugen is the founder of the International Justice Mission. My favorite line of his is that, the great thing about injustice is that God's against it. His Mission frees slaves, stops sex trafficking, and represents the victims of police brutality and illegal and unjust property seizures. He believes that you cannot read the Bible and not join God in a fight against injustice -- and he's convincing.
Wendy Kopp founded Teach for America -- at the age of 23. Her goal is to change educational inequality in this country. She thinks that regardless of where a child is born, he should have the same access to the same quality education as any other child. If anyone can do it, Wendy can.
Catherine Rohr founded the Prison Entrepreneurship Program in a prison in South Texas. Her goal is to teach inmates the skills, not just to be employed, but to employ themselves. It is one thing to say that inmates need job skills when they are released from prison. It is another to find employers ready to hire them. Again, Catherine is finding ways to change her part of the world.
Each one of these three talked about how they do what they do. Haugen is very upfront that he and his team start things that they know their skills and their talents aren't enough to finish. He describes his job in one of his books as saying:
Likewise, Catherine Rohr talked about praying the "Bring it on" prayer. Each morning she wakes up and prays that God will, "Bring it on." I heard her say that, and I mentally recoiled. Is she nuts? I asked myself. Does she have any idea where that could get her? I think that the answer to that question might be inside a prison teaching inmates the skills they need to build lives. She was very matter of fact about going to the office, getting her instructions from God and carrying them out in obedience.
You know, I say that I do those things. I say that I have given all of my life to God. I say that I accept whatever God throws my way, although I admit that I struggle with obedience. I say that I don't just practice law -- I seek justice, I live my calling. Listening to those three made me realize what a farce it is when I say those things. I have seen the face of faith, obedience and trust -- and it ain't mine; but with God's help, I'm working on it.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOk@aol.com
This year's Summit was better than last year's. The speakers this year were: Bill Hybels, Gary Haugen, Bill George, Wendy Kopp, John Burke, Efrem Smith, Craig Groeschel, Chuck Colson, Catherine Rohr, and Brad Anderson. Most of those names you probably don't recognize. Some are from business, some are from churches, some are from the non-profit world. They are all dedicated Christians whose faith is central to what they do.
This year the three who really stood out to me were Gary Haugen, Wendy Kopp, and Catherine Rohr. All three of them have founded faith based non-profits that are genuinely changing the world. Gary Haugen is the founder of the International Justice Mission. My favorite line of his is that, the great thing about injustice is that God's against it. His Mission frees slaves, stops sex trafficking, and represents the victims of police brutality and illegal and unjust property seizures. He believes that you cannot read the Bible and not join God in a fight against injustice -- and he's convincing.
Wendy Kopp founded Teach for America -- at the age of 23. Her goal is to change educational inequality in this country. She thinks that regardless of where a child is born, he should have the same access to the same quality education as any other child. If anyone can do it, Wendy can.
Catherine Rohr founded the Prison Entrepreneurship Program in a prison in South Texas. Her goal is to teach inmates the skills, not just to be employed, but to employ themselves. It is one thing to say that inmates need job skills when they are released from prison. It is another to find employers ready to hire them. Again, Catherine is finding ways to change her part of the world.
Each one of these three talked about how they do what they do. Haugen is very upfront that he and his team start things that they know their skills and their talents aren't enough to finish. He describes his job in one of his books as saying:
"Father, we cannot solve this," and hearing him say, "Do what you know best to do, and watch me with the rest." In the end it means taking that risky bargain and seeing God do more than I could have hoped or imagined.Of course, he isn't talking about a building project or a Sunday School class. He is talking about taking on violent people accustomed to breaking the law and getting away with it -- and knowing that becoming the next victim of their violence is always a possibility.
Likewise, Catherine Rohr talked about praying the "Bring it on" prayer. Each morning she wakes up and prays that God will, "Bring it on." I heard her say that, and I mentally recoiled. Is she nuts? I asked myself. Does she have any idea where that could get her? I think that the answer to that question might be inside a prison teaching inmates the skills they need to build lives. She was very matter of fact about going to the office, getting her instructions from God and carrying them out in obedience.
You know, I say that I do those things. I say that I have given all of my life to God. I say that I accept whatever God throws my way, although I admit that I struggle with obedience. I say that I don't just practice law -- I seek justice, I live my calling. Listening to those three made me realize what a farce it is when I say those things. I have seen the face of faith, obedience and trust -- and it ain't mine; but with God's help, I'm working on it.
JusticeSeeker
JusticeSeekerOk@aol.com
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