This posting is offered as my own summary, inaccurate perceptions included, of the current status of the ELCA following the decision of our Churchwide Assembly to open ordination to our gay, lesbian, and transgendered brothers and sisters in Christ.
Our status at the close of 2009 includes the following observations:
1. Many ELCA members rejoice at the reduction of discrimination against gay, lesbian, and transgendered people by allowing them to be "rostered" in the ELCA. Many ELCA members grieve for the manner in which our Churchwide Assembly has made this decision outside the boundaries of scripture.
2. While I understand the concern about social justice for gay, lesbian, and transgendered persons within the ELCA (as for any minority group), this frankly does not seem to me to be the central issue. As many have already said, it is the issue of how scripture is read and interpreted that is the core issue here, rather than an issue of sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is simply a case in point.
3. The splits generated within the body of the ELCA by #1 and #2 above are becoming clearer, as the polarities within the membership begin to widen and crystalize. This polarization is evident
a. at an individual level, as some leave the ELCA for other denominations,
b. at a congregational level, as some congregations either leave or add an additional
affiliation with a church body such as Lutheran Churches in Mission for Christ , LCMS,
the new church body being formed by Lutheran CORE, etc.
c. at a synodical level, as with the Northeast Iowa Synod and perhaps the South Carolina
Synod.
4. As ELCA staff conduct the business of converting Churchwide Assembly policy into rules and regulations for implementation, it seems to me to be virtually inevitable that the fracture lines will deepen and that schism is on the horizon. Consider: as Dr. Michael Root points out on www.lutheranspersisting.com, the study on which the decision was made argued for flexibility and tolerance (i.e., "bound conscience"), but the pre-existing ELCA Constitution requires that synod constitutions must comply with the ELCA Constitution. The concept of "bound conscience" is incompatible with the ELCA's own constitutional provisions.
5. Fewer people on either side of the issue are listening to what the other has to say.
If the present course is continued (and I see nothing that would suggest 2010 will be different), I expect to see the following:
a. further loss of members and financial support for ELCA ministries,
b. continued deterioration of ecumenical relationships with denominations that have
stayed within the boundaries of scripture and tradition, and
c. the gradual appearance of information in Augsburg-Fortress educational materials for
adults, youth, and children which is inconsistent with scripture and the tradition of the
Church, leading to further loss of traditionalist members, further loss of financial
support.
I grieve for the pain I see in some of my ELCA friends and colleagues. I grieve that, despite our leadership's call for "continued conversation" on this issue, the conversation between traditionalists and revisionists seems essentially to be over. I grieve for the loss of diversity within the ELCA, fully expecting that, in time, the ELCA will reach a state of equilibrium, with a smaller traditional voice and fewer members (including the loss of some who don't really care about the issues but simply don't want to be members of a denomination in continuous conflict). If this happens, the ELCA will be more homogenous but far less rich.
As we face the coming new year, I can't help but wonder: has the "progress" made justified the cost?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas Angel
As my daughter Jennifer and I worked this past week to pack up the remaining stuff in our old house, we took quite a few trips to the local "green box" location to get rid of many overflowing bags of trash. During one of those trips, a small gray-haired woman walked up to us and asked, "Hi. What are you throwing away?" Except for the fact that the woman was driving a recent model car, I might have thought she was a bit eccentric if not outright daft -- who in their right mind asks about the contents of a stranger's trash bags? Granted that the contents of the trash bags were junk from around our house and not rotting fruit and chicken bones. But still the encounter seemed strangely surreal.
It turned out that this woman collects discarded but usable items and gives them to people who are poorer than herself. Within two minutes, we were fast friends. Blushing a bit at the way we were casually disposing of things I thought of as "junk," we opened our trash bags to her as well as our hearts.
After she had collected a few things she thought others might use, we invited her to the house and managed to find a number of other "junk" items for her to give away, including some that we otherwise would have kept.
It was a deeply humbling encounter, especially with Christmas on the near horizon. I told the woman that she was an angel, and meant it -- tired and slightly grumpy as I was from days of packing and cleaning -- reminding me of God's free and unbridled giving of Himself. The memory still powerfully reminds me still of the humble circumstances of God coming incarnate into the world -- His birth 2000 years ago announced to unwashed shepherds outside a small, rural town. God Himself born in a smelly stable and laid in a feed trough. Christ born again in my heart in a trash dump.
May Christ be born in you, too.
It turned out that this woman collects discarded but usable items and gives them to people who are poorer than herself. Within two minutes, we were fast friends. Blushing a bit at the way we were casually disposing of things I thought of as "junk," we opened our trash bags to her as well as our hearts.
After she had collected a few things she thought others might use, we invited her to the house and managed to find a number of other "junk" items for her to give away, including some that we otherwise would have kept.
It was a deeply humbling encounter, especially with Christmas on the near horizon. I told the woman that she was an angel, and meant it -- tired and slightly grumpy as I was from days of packing and cleaning -- reminding me of God's free and unbridled giving of Himself. The memory still powerfully reminds me still of the humble circumstances of God coming incarnate into the world -- His birth 2000 years ago announced to unwashed shepherds outside a small, rural town. God Himself born in a smelly stable and laid in a feed trough. Christ born again in my heart in a trash dump.
May Christ be born in you, too.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Spirituality #4: Simplicity
I have been the pastor of Orangeburg Lutheran now for over a year, and the house my family and I moved from is still vacant.
It's the real estate market, of course. Right after we moved to Orangeburg, the value of homes plummeted, and nothing much is selling now except for foreclosures and houses that are nearly in foreclosure. Because of market conditions, I've not been terribly quick to move completely out of our old house -- we still have a few pieces of furniture and some boxes of stuff, some old clothes and the like. But Advent has given me an opportunity to reflect on the way our possessions can tie us down and distract us from our proper focus on God.
Even after the repairs and new paint and new carpet we've done since we moved, the unsold house continues to drag on our lives with its weight. The house must still be maintained, utility bills paid, yard work finished, and so on. What was once our home now surely serves at times as a distraction from my calling as a pastor, and, just as surely, as a competitor for time that otherwise would be spent with God.
It's a powerful reminder for my family and me that "the world" can be too much with us. Simplicity of life is a goal that is more important to me now than ever. Whatever your circumstances, I commend greater simplicity of life to you for your consideration as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Garry
It's the real estate market, of course. Right after we moved to Orangeburg, the value of homes plummeted, and nothing much is selling now except for foreclosures and houses that are nearly in foreclosure. Because of market conditions, I've not been terribly quick to move completely out of our old house -- we still have a few pieces of furniture and some boxes of stuff, some old clothes and the like. But Advent has given me an opportunity to reflect on the way our possessions can tie us down and distract us from our proper focus on God.
Even after the repairs and new paint and new carpet we've done since we moved, the unsold house continues to drag on our lives with its weight. The house must still be maintained, utility bills paid, yard work finished, and so on. What was once our home now surely serves at times as a distraction from my calling as a pastor, and, just as surely, as a competitor for time that otherwise would be spent with God.
It's a powerful reminder for my family and me that "the world" can be too much with us. Simplicity of life is a goal that is more important to me now than ever. Whatever your circumstances, I commend greater simplicity of life to you for your consideration as well.
Blessings,
Pastor Garry
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The "Science" of Faith
Most of us are aware of the spiritual value of faith. I thought it
might be interesting to review some of the science of faith as
well. Kenneth Cooper, author of ‘it’s Better to Believe’, says
that having deep personal convictions and values can do
wonders for almost every aspect of your physical and emotional
well-being. He listed several specific enhancements to health
that have been linked to firm, inner commitments to moral
principles, social values, God, or even oneself.
Less Depression, Smoking, And Alcohol Abuse
In a study of more than five hundred African-American men
conducted by Wayne State University in Detroit, a significant
correlation was found between the participants' religious
involvement and their health. The researchers identified a
number of indicators of true religious commitment, including
overall religiosity and church attendance. They found these
were linked to various beneficial health effects, such as less
depression, little or no smoking, and infrequency of alcohol
consumption. (Source: November 1994 issue of the Journal
of the National Medical Association)
Healthier Mothers And Babies
Maternity patients with a strong religious commitment, and
their newborns, who were studied at the Department of
Family Medicine, East Carolina University, had fewer medical
complications than maternity patients without a religious
affiliation. (Source: November 1994 issue of Southern
Medical Journal)
Protection From Colon And Rectal Cancer
In an Australian study of patients with cancer of the colon or
rectum, 715 cancer patients were compared with 727 "controls"
without cancer. The researchers found that the respondents
who saw themselves as most religious were less likely to have
cancer than those who were not as religious. In other words,
self-perceived "religiousness" was a statistically significant
protective factor against the diseases. Another interesting
finding in this study was that self-reported or perceived
religiousness was associated with median survival times of
sixty-two months. In contrast, those patients who reported
themselves as "non-religious" had a median survival time
of only fifty-two months. (Source: November 1993 issue of
the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine)
Improved Coping With Breast Cancer
A number of studies have associated a deep religious faith with
an ability to cope more effectively with cancer, including breast
cancer. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio published a study about the impact of
deep faith on the condition of women with breast cancer. They
found that with a group of Anglo-American patients, "intrinsic
religiousness" was a strong predictor of spiritual well-being and
hope- both of which are important factors for successfully coping
with cancer. (Source: Oncologocial Nurse's Forum,
September 1993)
A Healthier Emotional Balance
A study at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, ranked
participating young men and women as high, medium, or low in
the quality of their personal religious commitment. Those in
the high religious category, regardless of their religious
denomination, scored highest for self-esteem, emotional maturity,
and nondepression. (Source: June 1993 issue of Psychological
Reports)
Lower Blood Pressure, Healthier Cardiovascular System
And Reduced Stress
A commitment to maintain significant social ties, including marriage
and religious community involvements -and a willingness to act on
such commitments-can have tremendous beneficial effects on health.
A study on this issue, involving more than 1,100 healthy men and
women aged seventy to seventy-nine, was reported by Yale
epidemiologist Lisa Berkman at a January 1995 meeting of the
American Medical Association. She confirmed that strong emotional
support and social ties can help lower blood pressure and enhance
survival after a heart attack. Berkman also found that significant
social ties, including close friendships and family relationships,
improved the levels in the brain of the chemicals norepinephrine
and cortisol, which have been associated with excessive stress.
Stronger Marriage Ties
Religious compatibility between spouses at the time of marriage
has a large influence on marital stability. A study, conducted by
E. L. Lehrer and C. U Chiswick of the Economics Department of
the University of Illinois at Chicago, also found that spouses of
different faiths generally break up more often than those with a
common faith. (Source: August 1993 issue of the journal
Demography)
A commitment to a meaningful marriage-rather than just
cohabiting with a partner or remaining single-has also been
linked in scientific studies to some specific health benefits.
Researchers from the University of Chicago found that divorced
men had twice the rate of alcohol abuse as married men.
Divorced women also had more problems with alcohol than their
married counterparts. Other researchers reported that those
who live together before marriage have higher divorce rates,
are more likely to be sexually disloyal, and are generally less
happy than married couples. (Source: Conferences of the
Population Association of America, April 1995).
In fairness, I should note that there are more studies than these,
some of which have produced negative results. On balance,
however, religion seems to be good for you.
Science is limited to empirical results, but our relationship with God
remains both a gift and a treasure.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
might be interesting to review some of the science of faith as
well. Kenneth Cooper, author of ‘it’s Better to Believe’, says
that having deep personal convictions and values can do
wonders for almost every aspect of your physical and emotional
well-being. He listed several specific enhancements to health
that have been linked to firm, inner commitments to moral
principles, social values, God, or even oneself.
Less Depression, Smoking, And Alcohol Abuse
In a study of more than five hundred African-American men
conducted by Wayne State University in Detroit, a significant
correlation was found between the participants' religious
involvement and their health. The researchers identified a
number of indicators of true religious commitment, including
overall religiosity and church attendance. They found these
were linked to various beneficial health effects, such as less
depression, little or no smoking, and infrequency of alcohol
consumption. (Source: November 1994 issue of the Journal
of the National Medical Association)
Healthier Mothers And Babies
Maternity patients with a strong religious commitment, and
their newborns, who were studied at the Department of
Family Medicine, East Carolina University, had fewer medical
complications than maternity patients without a religious
affiliation. (Source: November 1994 issue of Southern
Medical Journal)
Protection From Colon And Rectal Cancer
In an Australian study of patients with cancer of the colon or
rectum, 715 cancer patients were compared with 727 "controls"
without cancer. The researchers found that the respondents
who saw themselves as most religious were less likely to have
cancer than those who were not as religious. In other words,
self-perceived "religiousness" was a statistically significant
protective factor against the diseases. Another interesting
finding in this study was that self-reported or perceived
religiousness was associated with median survival times of
sixty-two months. In contrast, those patients who reported
themselves as "non-religious" had a median survival time
of only fifty-two months. (Source: November 1993 issue of
the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine)
Improved Coping With Breast Cancer
A number of studies have associated a deep religious faith with
an ability to cope more effectively with cancer, including breast
cancer. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science
Center at San Antonio published a study about the impact of
deep faith on the condition of women with breast cancer. They
found that with a group of Anglo-American patients, "intrinsic
religiousness" was a strong predictor of spiritual well-being and
hope- both of which are important factors for successfully coping
with cancer. (Source: Oncologocial Nurse's Forum,
September 1993)
A Healthier Emotional Balance
A study at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, ranked
participating young men and women as high, medium, or low in
the quality of their personal religious commitment. Those in
the high religious category, regardless of their religious
denomination, scored highest for self-esteem, emotional maturity,
and nondepression. (Source: June 1993 issue of Psychological
Reports)
Lower Blood Pressure, Healthier Cardiovascular System
And Reduced Stress
A commitment to maintain significant social ties, including marriage
and religious community involvements -and a willingness to act on
such commitments-can have tremendous beneficial effects on health.
A study on this issue, involving more than 1,100 healthy men and
women aged seventy to seventy-nine, was reported by Yale
epidemiologist Lisa Berkman at a January 1995 meeting of the
American Medical Association. She confirmed that strong emotional
support and social ties can help lower blood pressure and enhance
survival after a heart attack. Berkman also found that significant
social ties, including close friendships and family relationships,
improved the levels in the brain of the chemicals norepinephrine
and cortisol, which have been associated with excessive stress.
Stronger Marriage Ties
Religious compatibility between spouses at the time of marriage
has a large influence on marital stability. A study, conducted by
E. L. Lehrer and C. U Chiswick of the Economics Department of
the University of Illinois at Chicago, also found that spouses of
different faiths generally break up more often than those with a
common faith. (Source: August 1993 issue of the journal
Demography)
A commitment to a meaningful marriage-rather than just
cohabiting with a partner or remaining single-has also been
linked in scientific studies to some specific health benefits.
Researchers from the University of Chicago found that divorced
men had twice the rate of alcohol abuse as married men.
Divorced women also had more problems with alcohol than their
married counterparts. Other researchers reported that those
who live together before marriage have higher divorce rates,
are more likely to be sexually disloyal, and are generally less
happy than married couples. (Source: Conferences of the
Population Association of America, April 1995).
In fairness, I should note that there are more studies than these,
some of which have produced negative results. On balance,
however, religion seems to be good for you.
Science is limited to empirical results, but our relationship with God
remains both a gift and a treasure.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Spirituality #3 - A Personal Rule of Life
Following the example of Benedictine monasteries who use the Rule of St. Benedict (found at http://www.osb.org/) to guide their lives together, some Christian people elect to develop their own personal Rule as a guide to their own living. I have one for myself, and recommend the practice. Developing and following a personal Rule as a spiritual discipline can serve to focus and sharpen our attention on living a Christ-like life.
Here are some brief suggestions to get started:
1) Start with the three categories that form a central core for Christian living: (a) prayer and worship, (b) study and learning, and (c) service to others.
2) Using these categories, develop a general plan that fits your unique life and circumstances. You may wish to consider the following questions:
- How often do I pray each day? Strict Benedictine monasteries pray seven times each day, those not as strict pray at least three. Martin Luther once recommended three times of prayer each day: on rising in the morning, on returning home each evening, and at bedtime. Benedictines sometimes refer to morning and evening as the "hinges" of the day, especially suitable as reminders for prayer. Praying a table blessing at mealtimes is another natural time for prayer.
- How do I pray? Christians have found comfort in a large variety of types of prayer, ranging from contempation, to simple conversations with God, to the "daily office," to praying the rosary, to walking a labyrinth. There are many discussions on line that are great to explore. Add something new to your prayer life and you may find it to be a gift from God.
- Do I worship regularly with other Christians? If your answer is 'no,' you may wish to rethink this. Christianity is practiced best in a community where we can learn and grow. Denominational labels are important only as starting points. Explore. Find a community that fits you, without expecting perfection. Solo Christianity is virtally a contradiction in terms, and Christ has promised to be present in the midst of "two or three" gathered in his name.
- Do I regularly engage in religious studies? Christianity has been around for 2,000 years, and in that time has built up a literally incredible body of commentaries, reflections, theological treatises, and devotional materials. Visit a library, try http://www.ccel.org/ on the internet, or explore the many other sources available.
- In what ways do I devote portions of my life to serving others? What people do I encounter who are in need of help (in need of help, not 'deserving' of help)? Like community, service is an essential part of Christianity. We trust in and worship a God who gives of Her/Himself continually, and we are made in His/Her image. Christ has promised to be present in those we serve.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
Here are some brief suggestions to get started:
1) Start with the three categories that form a central core for Christian living: (a) prayer and worship, (b) study and learning, and (c) service to others.
2) Using these categories, develop a general plan that fits your unique life and circumstances. You may wish to consider the following questions:
- How often do I pray each day? Strict Benedictine monasteries pray seven times each day, those not as strict pray at least three. Martin Luther once recommended three times of prayer each day: on rising in the morning, on returning home each evening, and at bedtime. Benedictines sometimes refer to morning and evening as the "hinges" of the day, especially suitable as reminders for prayer. Praying a table blessing at mealtimes is another natural time for prayer.
- How do I pray? Christians have found comfort in a large variety of types of prayer, ranging from contempation, to simple conversations with God, to the "daily office," to praying the rosary, to walking a labyrinth. There are many discussions on line that are great to explore. Add something new to your prayer life and you may find it to be a gift from God.
- Do I worship regularly with other Christians? If your answer is 'no,' you may wish to rethink this. Christianity is practiced best in a community where we can learn and grow. Denominational labels are important only as starting points. Explore. Find a community that fits you, without expecting perfection. Solo Christianity is virtally a contradiction in terms, and Christ has promised to be present in the midst of "two or three" gathered in his name.
- Do I regularly engage in religious studies? Christianity has been around for 2,000 years, and in that time has built up a literally incredible body of commentaries, reflections, theological treatises, and devotional materials. Visit a library, try http://www.ccel.org/ on the internet, or explore the many other sources available.
- In what ways do I devote portions of my life to serving others? What people do I encounter who are in need of help (in need of help, not 'deserving' of help)? Like community, service is an essential part of Christianity. We trust in and worship a God who gives of Her/Himself continually, and we are made in His/Her image. Christ has promised to be present in those we serve.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
Monday, November 16, 2009
Spirituality #2: Scripture
I found an interesting web site that describes the difference between Dog and Cat theology. It's a clever and insightful peek at the vulnerabilities of using our own experience as a guide to interpreting scripture. Despite its brevity, it's also a thought-provoking article about some of the Church's challenges in our post-modern world.
Since it's readily availabe on line, I'll not copy it here. Go to dogandcattheology.com. Enjoy and reflect!
Blessings,
Pastor Garry
Since it's readily availabe on line, I'll not copy it here. Go to dogandcattheology.com. Enjoy and reflect!
Blessings,
Pastor Garry
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Orthodox Lutherans in SC
The meeting of 'Orthodox Lutherans in SC' took place earlier today. Unlike other groups who have either taken steps to leave the ELCA, or who are protesting the actions of Churchwide Assembly, the SC group has chosen a different direction. This group wishes to stay within the SC Synod, and to seek ways by which the synod as a whole can take a stand within the tradition of the Church (a stand with which I agree). Unfortunately, the ELCA has already stated that synodical bishops and candidacy committees may not exercise their "bound conscience" in a direction that is different from the policies of the ELCA. While the SC orthodox Lutherans are anticipating a meeting after the first of the year to discuss legislative actions which allow synods the freedom to follow their "bound conscience," then, such an action will require another vote of a subsequent Churchwide Assembly to modify the policy changes made in August.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Spirituality #1 - Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is the basic meditative practice of Benedictine monks, a way of reading the Scripture with a prayerful attentiveness to the immediate presence of God. At its core, Lectio Divina involves listening deeply to God’s word addressed personally to you. In that way, Lectio Divina moves toward contemplation.
The original practice has expanded from the attentive reading of Scripture or commentaries by the early Fathers of the Church to include spiritual reading in the broadest sense of the word. At the risk of sounding too conservative, I would recommend initially limiting the process to either scripture or Christian “classics” for a while -- the value and joy of Lectio Divina lies in its ability to increase one’s attention to the presence of God rather than intellectual stimulation. Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest, or even the Rule of St. Benedict would likely be better choices than, say, The Cabin.
In order to practice Lectio Divina, select a time and place that is peaceful and in which you may be alert and prayerfully attentive. Dispose yourself for prayer in whatever way is natural for you. This may be a spoken prayer to God to open you more fully to the Spirit, a gentle relaxation process that focuses on breathing, singing or chanting, or simply a few minutes of silence to empty yourself of thoughts, images, and emotions.
Reading (lectio) - Slowly begin reading a biblical passage as if it were a long awaited personal letter addressed to you. Approach it reverentially and expectantly, in a way that savors each word and phrase. Read the passage until you hear a word or phrase or image that touches you, resonates, attracts or even disturbs you.
Reflecting (meditatio) - Ponder this word or phrase for a few minutes. Let it sink in slowly and deeply until you are resting in it. Listen for what the word or phrase is saying to you at this moment in your life, what it may be offering to you, what it may be demanding of you. The word or phrase may be grounded in unconditional love (“Gospel”), in God’s expectations of you (“Law”), or a mixture of both.
Expressing (oratio) - When you feel ready, openly and honestly express to God the prayers that arise spontaneously within you from your experience of this word or phrase. These may be prayers of thanksgiving, petition, intercession, lament, or praise.
Resting (contemplatio) - Allow yourself to simply rest silently with God for a time in the stillness of your heart, remaining open to the quiet fullness of God’s love and peace. This is like the silence of communion between the mother holding her sleeping infant child where communication passes beyond words into pure relationship.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
The original practice has expanded from the attentive reading of Scripture or commentaries by the early Fathers of the Church to include spiritual reading in the broadest sense of the word. At the risk of sounding too conservative, I would recommend initially limiting the process to either scripture or Christian “classics” for a while -- the value and joy of Lectio Divina lies in its ability to increase one’s attention to the presence of God rather than intellectual stimulation. Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest, or even the Rule of St. Benedict would likely be better choices than, say, The Cabin.
In order to practice Lectio Divina, select a time and place that is peaceful and in which you may be alert and prayerfully attentive. Dispose yourself for prayer in whatever way is natural for you. This may be a spoken prayer to God to open you more fully to the Spirit, a gentle relaxation process that focuses on breathing, singing or chanting, or simply a few minutes of silence to empty yourself of thoughts, images, and emotions.
Reading (lectio) - Slowly begin reading a biblical passage as if it were a long awaited personal letter addressed to you. Approach it reverentially and expectantly, in a way that savors each word and phrase. Read the passage until you hear a word or phrase or image that touches you, resonates, attracts or even disturbs you.
Reflecting (meditatio) - Ponder this word or phrase for a few minutes. Let it sink in slowly and deeply until you are resting in it. Listen for what the word or phrase is saying to you at this moment in your life, what it may be offering to you, what it may be demanding of you. The word or phrase may be grounded in unconditional love (“Gospel”), in God’s expectations of you (“Law”), or a mixture of both.
Expressing (oratio) - When you feel ready, openly and honestly express to God the prayers that arise spontaneously within you from your experience of this word or phrase. These may be prayers of thanksgiving, petition, intercession, lament, or praise.
Resting (contemplatio) - Allow yourself to simply rest silently with God for a time in the stillness of your heart, remaining open to the quiet fullness of God’s love and peace. This is like the silence of communion between the mother holding her sleeping infant child where communication passes beyond words into pure relationship.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
Meeting of 'Orthodox Lutherans of SC'
On November 10, a meeting of ELCA rostered leaders and laity will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in West Columbia for further discussion of the direction that the ELCA took at the August Churchwide Assembly. The meeting may even generate a response of SC traditionalists. The meeting is an indication of the degree to which many members of the ELCA are angry and outraged at the Churchwide Assembly's actions. The lack of reliance on scripture and tradition in the Chuchwide Assembly's decision making has seriously impacted a significant number of people. Some plan to stay within the ELCA and continue to protest, some plan to stay within the ELCA with minimal participation in the life of the larger Church, and some have already resigned their membership. I will report on the results of tomorrow's meeting and try to keep everyone updated.
As promised, I am also providing information in another post on Lectio Divina for the use of those who wish to not only read scripture but to use scripture in their prayer life.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
As promised, I am also providing information in another post on Lectio Divina for the use of those who wish to not only read scripture but to use scripture in their prayer life.
Blessings!
Pastor Garry
Friday, October 30, 2009
Freedom from religion? Or freedom for religion?
From AOL. news (Oct. 30) — A clash between the Constitution and a Christmas tradition has led to a federal lawsuit in Warren, Mich. John Satawa is fighting to return the Nativity scene his father built in 1945 to
the median of a public street. The Thomas More Law Center, a Michigan firm that promotes Christian values, filed a suit on his behalf last week, charging Satawa’s rights to free speech and equal protection under the law have been violated.
The Macomb County Road Commission, which ordered the creche removed, also cited the First Amendment. After receiving a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, of Madison, Wis., last December, the commission ruled the display on public property violated the separation of church and state.
So whose rights should upheld in this case? Freedom From religion? Or Freedom for Religion?
I can't help but be concerned about a nation for which the default position in matters of religion in the public square is atheism. Without belief in God, it seems to me to be impossible for humanity to get outside our own narrow and very anthro-centric view of the universe. What happens to a society in which the only ideal is our own imperfect selves?
the median of a public street. The Thomas More Law Center, a Michigan firm that promotes Christian values, filed a suit on his behalf last week, charging Satawa’s rights to free speech and equal protection under the law have been violated.
The Macomb County Road Commission, which ordered the creche removed, also cited the First Amendment. After receiving a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, of Madison, Wis., last December, the commission ruled the display on public property violated the separation of church and state.
So whose rights should upheld in this case? Freedom From religion? Or Freedom for Religion?
I can't help but be concerned about a nation for which the default position in matters of religion in the public square is atheism. Without belief in God, it seems to me to be impossible for humanity to get outside our own narrow and very anthro-centric view of the universe. What happens to a society in which the only ideal is our own imperfect selves?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Distractions from God
This blog began with an intended emphasis on discussions of aspects of Christian spirituality. As I look back on the last several entries, however, I find that I have been caught up in the politics and doctrinal changes within my own denomination. Despite my original intentions for starting this blog, I was distracted from my purpose.
Distractions from our original priorities are commonplace. Distractions are noted many times in scripture -- distractions from God caused by sin (Adam and Eve), by wealth (the Rich Young Ruler), by power (Saul). We can be distracted from God by church politics, as I was, or even by arguments about the proper way to interpret scripture itself.
Franciscan Richard Rohr has noted that -- if Jesus can be said to have a doctrine -- His doctrine was one of non-idolatry. He knew how easily we are distracted from what is Real.
As a Benedictine might say, "We fall, we get up. We fall, we get up."
It is time, then, to refocus. Next time: lectio divina.
God's Peace be yours.
Distractions from our original priorities are commonplace. Distractions are noted many times in scripture -- distractions from God caused by sin (Adam and Eve), by wealth (the Rich Young Ruler), by power (Saul). We can be distracted from God by church politics, as I was, or even by arguments about the proper way to interpret scripture itself.
Franciscan Richard Rohr has noted that -- if Jesus can be said to have a doctrine -- His doctrine was one of non-idolatry. He knew how easily we are distracted from what is Real.
As a Benedictine might say, "We fall, we get up. We fall, we get up."
It is time, then, to refocus. Next time: lectio divina.
God's Peace be yours.
With all the events that have transpired since August's Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA, I feel like I'm still catching up -- not to mention catching on....
Those on the traditional side of things -- those within what Robert Benne has called the Great Tradition -- continue to move toward a beak with the ELCA. The latest news is from a member of the ELCA Church Council, who confirms what others have speculated about: that the leadership of the ELCA has been pushing a pro-revisionist agenda with respect to the ordination of gay and lesbian people within our denomination. Since the ELCA's decision-making is by democratic vote, this has placed the decision of Churchwide Assembly within the boundaries of politics rather than of scripture or of tradition (and perhaps of reason, too, for that matter). The issue has been framed as one of discrimination and social justice, rather than as one of human brokenness -- from which we all suffer.
It is terribly ironic that a church body that has historically grounded itself in scripture has now made a decision which is outside the boundaries of scripture. Ironic, but not funny. Scripture has been discounted by the revisionist side by their insistence that each reference to homosexuality has its own unique historical context, and that these references therefore have nothing to say about the issue in our time. I now believe that schism is virtually inevitable.
The Episcopal Church USA has already walked further down this road than has the ELCA, at a terrible cost to that denomination in terms of membership, finances, and ministry. The breakup of the ELCA seems likely to be quicker, given the relative decentralization of Lutherans.
Again, please pray for us.
Those on the traditional side of things -- those within what Robert Benne has called the Great Tradition -- continue to move toward a beak with the ELCA. The latest news is from a member of the ELCA Church Council, who confirms what others have speculated about: that the leadership of the ELCA has been pushing a pro-revisionist agenda with respect to the ordination of gay and lesbian people within our denomination. Since the ELCA's decision-making is by democratic vote, this has placed the decision of Churchwide Assembly within the boundaries of politics rather than of scripture or of tradition (and perhaps of reason, too, for that matter). The issue has been framed as one of discrimination and social justice, rather than as one of human brokenness -- from which we all suffer.
It is terribly ironic that a church body that has historically grounded itself in scripture has now made a decision which is outside the boundaries of scripture. Ironic, but not funny. Scripture has been discounted by the revisionist side by their insistence that each reference to homosexuality has its own unique historical context, and that these references therefore have nothing to say about the issue in our time. I now believe that schism is virtually inevitable.
The Episcopal Church USA has already walked further down this road than has the ELCA, at a terrible cost to that denomination in terms of membership, finances, and ministry. The breakup of the ELCA seems likely to be quicker, given the relative decentralization of Lutherans.
Again, please pray for us.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
As I continue to follow the controversy around the August decisions of Churchwide Assembly to ordain gay and lesbian people, I have become aware of several developments. First, there continue to be theological arguments advanced against the decision by traditional clergy and laity. As before CWA, I find myself nodding my head in agreement with the traditional arguments (see the Lutheran Forum and Lutherans Persisting web sites for details of these arguments. Second, the ELCA leadership seems to have been largely unresponsive to the traditionalists' concerns, as if hoping that the dissident voices will quiet down or even go away. The primary things that I have seen voiced by the ELCA since Churchwide Assembly have been (1) a call for unity in the face of the theological divide over interpretation and role of scripture and tradition, and (2) a plea to congregations to continue to send money to support ELCA ministries.
With regard to both the ELCA's call to unity and plea to continue financial support, I sincerely hope that the ELCA survives this crisis. Whatever happens to congregational funding to synods and the national church, many of the ELCA's ministries clearly are continuing, and contingency planning is being done as well. However, the traditional voice seems to be gaining in volume, organization, and clarity, and I doubt that the ELCA will survive in its present size and scope.
At the present moment, I have no plans to leave the ELCA, instead taking my stand with those who argue and pray in love for a return to a reliance on scripture and the tradition of the larger Church. Pray for us.
With regard to both the ELCA's call to unity and plea to continue financial support, I sincerely hope that the ELCA survives this crisis. Whatever happens to congregational funding to synods and the national church, many of the ELCA's ministries clearly are continuing, and contingency planning is being done as well. However, the traditional voice seems to be gaining in volume, organization, and clarity, and I doubt that the ELCA will survive in its present size and scope.
At the present moment, I have no plans to leave the ELCA, instead taking my stand with those who argue and pray in love for a return to a reliance on scripture and the tradition of the larger Church. Pray for us.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Since the end of August, I've been listening to the voices of members of my congregation in regard to the Churchwide Assembly's decision to open ordination to gay and lesbian people. Despite the intense reactions elsewhere, both pro and con the decision, less than half a dozen members of my congregation have so far expressed any opinion at all. Most members seem indifferent to the issue at all. There are a number of gay members of my congregation, and I suspect the lack of (public) reaction is partly due to a wish to avoid hurting anyone's feelings.
In public, I have so far suggested that we "wait and see what happens." I am more deeply troubled by the decision. I have a high theology of the Church, and have not been able to reconcile the change in denominational policy with what I understand to be the culture of what some have called the Great Tradition. With the ELCA's proposed revisions in Visions and Expectations, I see little allowance for a traditionalist stance with respect to either faith or order, at least in the national and synodical expressions of the Church. Already Lutheran clergy and laity are reorganizing, and the ELCA's top-down polity and call for unity will not be sufficient to hold this Church together.
I have a friend who likes to collect "curses," of the "May the bird of paradise fly up your nose" variety. His two favorites are, "May you live in interesting times," and "May your life be full of lawyers." The first is now certainly true in the life of the ELCA. God help us, the second may be just over the horizon.
In public, I have so far suggested that we "wait and see what happens." I am more deeply troubled by the decision. I have a high theology of the Church, and have not been able to reconcile the change in denominational policy with what I understand to be the culture of what some have called the Great Tradition. With the ELCA's proposed revisions in Visions and Expectations, I see little allowance for a traditionalist stance with respect to either faith or order, at least in the national and synodical expressions of the Church. Already Lutheran clergy and laity are reorganizing, and the ELCA's top-down polity and call for unity will not be sufficient to hold this Church together.
I have a friend who likes to collect "curses," of the "May the bird of paradise fly up your nose" variety. His two favorites are, "May you live in interesting times," and "May your life be full of lawyers." The first is now certainly true in the life of the ELCA. God help us, the second may be just over the horizon.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
It's (very) early Sunday morning on Reformation Sunday. I'm looking forward to our worship service, which will feature the 52-member Claflin University Concert Choir. The choir sings in place of the sermon for the day (an unusual departure for Reformation Sunday, to be sure), but it seems warranted by this special occasion. Luther once said something about "music being second only to theology" in the Church, so I yield my sermon time with some sense that it's not too far out of bounds. In any case, I'm excited about the choir for several reasons. First, the Claflin Concert Choir is a wonderful choral group. Second, the Choir represents Claflin University, a UMC institution. And third, the service will cross the divide of race, allowing us to worship together in joy and thanksgiving.
Next Sunday, All Saint's Sunday, we have an evening worship service with a number of UMC pastors and congregants (caucasians and African Americans) to celebrate the ELCA-UMC Full Communion agreement. In the midst of a difficult world, it is a time when the genuine grace of God is abundantly evident.
May God's blessings be yours!
Pastor Garry
Next Sunday, All Saint's Sunday, we have an evening worship service with a number of UMC pastors and congregants (caucasians and African Americans) to celebrate the ELCA-UMC Full Communion agreement. In the midst of a difficult world, it is a time when the genuine grace of God is abundantly evident.
May God's blessings be yours!
Pastor Garry
Friday, October 23, 2009
I had a dear friend at the last congregation I pastored who died from melanoma. He was advised by his physicians that his illness was terminal and that he had no more than 6 months to live, despite several treatments with the "gamma knife." at a nearby hospital. My friend did indeed die from the cancer, which continued to metasisize despite the efforts of capable doctors. He lived for more than two years, into which he packed a rich life with his friends and family and congregation that was not only well-lived but which continues to be an example to me of Christian faithfulness.
When my friend passed away, I noticed a framed quotation on the wall of his living room by John Henry Cardinal Newman. I continue to treasure the reflection, both because it serves as a reminder of my friend's sense of Christian vocation and because it has come to mean much to me in my own life and ministry. Here's the quotation:
"God has created me to do some definite service. God has committed some work to me which has not been committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I shall be a preacher of truth in my own place. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve the Lord; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve the Lord; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve the Lord. God does nothing in vain. Therefore I will trust in the Lord."
Today I am comforted by Cardinal Newman's reflection once again. My denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has increasingly made decisions grounded in modern culture and human experience rather than in scripture and the great tradition of the Church. This direction grieves me and many other Lutheran clergy who believe that our vows require that we take a stand with orthodox Christianity. Although I cannot discern what God is up to with these departures from scripture and tradition, Cardinal Newman reminds me that God does nothing in vain, that God will eventually insure that "...all things work for the good of those who love him, who are called to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 ).
As for me, I will continue to do my best to be a preacher of truth in my own place.
When my friend passed away, I noticed a framed quotation on the wall of his living room by John Henry Cardinal Newman. I continue to treasure the reflection, both because it serves as a reminder of my friend's sense of Christian vocation and because it has come to mean much to me in my own life and ministry. Here's the quotation:
"God has created me to do some definite service. God has committed some work to me which has not been committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I shall be a preacher of truth in my own place. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve the Lord; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve the Lord; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve the Lord. God does nothing in vain. Therefore I will trust in the Lord."
Today I am comforted by Cardinal Newman's reflection once again. My denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has increasingly made decisions grounded in modern culture and human experience rather than in scripture and the great tradition of the Church. This direction grieves me and many other Lutheran clergy who believe that our vows require that we take a stand with orthodox Christianity. Although I cannot discern what God is up to with these departures from scripture and tradition, Cardinal Newman reminds me that God does nothing in vain, that God will eventually insure that "...all things work for the good of those who love him, who are called to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 ).
As for me, I will continue to do my best to be a preacher of truth in my own place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)