Well, friends, Annual Conference is over, and we are "back home" in Warren, PA. It is still not natural to call Warren "home," but it is getting easier the more we use the term. I guess what makes it a bit tough is that, all through High School, my "home town" Oil City High was a rival school, athletically speaking, with the Dragons of Warren. Now I'm rooting for the Dragons! This year's high school girls' softball team was excellent, and was worth rooting for. Several of our church's young women played on the team, and one of "our own" was their star pitcher. Yes, the Sterlings are, for this time in our lives, officially "Warren Dragons."
That "dragon" thing reminds me of Harry Potter, and that reminds me of some of the strange legislation with which we dealt at Annual Conference. Some folk who proclaim themselves Christians spend in inordinate amount of time fearing things. Paul said, "God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and of a sound mind." One piece of legislation merely asked churches to consider having a study of the tricky question (at least in the religious world) of homosexuality, using our denomination's study resources. The motion was defeated in the legislative section, and again on the floor of the Annual Conference! Weren't we just being asked to CONSIDER studying the matter to gain insight? Why do so many folk FEAR knowledge? Are they afraid their opinions might be altered slightly by new information? It boggles the mind.
If you would have told me ten years ago that I would be earning what I am now (thanks to the generosity of the churches I have served) and still living payday to payday, hand-to-mouth, I wouldn't have believed it. Between paying my kids' educations off, the price of gasoline, and the other "trivialities" of life, that's what is happening. However, we are still maintaining our "tithing-plus" stand toward giving. I don't understand people of faith who, when the going gets a bit tough financially, refuse to make a few personal sacrifices in order to keep up their church and charitable giving. It CAN be done, friends. We just have to decide these things are important, and therefore a priority. Again, check out my website on "personal philanthropy" called www.tenfortheworld.org
A large group from our church, and representatives of a few others here in Warren, are doing mission projects this week with The Pittsburgh Project. Pray they have a great week of service and experience, especially life-changing ones for the youth involved.
Did I mention that it is "Summer Break" time? I hope you will find some time to wind down a bit and enjoy the few nice days that will come our way. Be good to yourself. Shalom!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Off to "Conference"
For United Methodists, "Annual Conference" is a study in contrasts. The annual meeting of clergy and lay delegates (in Western PA, we hold it at historic Grove City College) has its beginnings in the days of Mr. Wesley himself. In his day, pastors (there were no lay representatives then) walked or rode in on horseback to the gathering, where much time was spent in prayer, worship, and fellowship with one another, and, of course, ordinations of new pastors occurred. Today, we motor in, park far enough away from the meeting hall that we SHOULD have brought a horse, and the meeting--while still embodying all of the above elements during its four days--now includes debates over budgets and myriad legislation. Large video screens and "rock and roll" sound systems now substitute for preachers shouting from crude platforms.
I like some of the worship, but much of it is too long. Now, I know that Christians should be willing to praise God and not be governed by the clock, but the "seat of endurance" can only handle so much, and the eclectic nature of Conference worship often juxtaposes differing expressions, images, and activities that, to me, seem forced. I guess when you only meet once a year, every group has to find a way to parade something around. Anyway, the music is stirring and the preachers--especially the guest ones such as Will Willimon--are quite good.
It is always good to see one's colleagues and friends, and our Bishop, Thomas Bickerton, always finds a way to liven things up, even during the most tedious of moments, such as during legislative debates.
What do we legislate? A few important things, such as the annual ministry budget of the organization, for example. But we sometimes we beat to death resolutions or petitions embellished with sweeping language about halting all abortions or bringing peace to the Middle East, which, honestly is mostly rhetoric forgotten beyond the doors of the meeting hall. Some folks just like to have their "day in court," so to speak, and I guess one never knows when the Spirit will show up and empower one of these paper tigers to really change the world.
Annual Conference ends with an impressive Ordination Service which has become a "command performance" for all clergy. I really like what this Bishop has done with it, but honestly, wouldn't it be really cool if we could make it three hours rather than four? I'm one of those people with a three-hour bladder, and getting up in the middle of a crowd jammed elbow to elbow, trying to slither out through tightly-packed rows, and saunter unnoticed while wearing a preaching robe and bright red stole is a challenge, to say the least. Where is Harry Potter's "invisibility cloak" when needed?
Still, we come from all over Western PA to this tiny town just off Interstate 79, to do our duty as United Methodists. We will get sunburned in long lines waiting to eat college food. We will listen as some passionate petitioner argues for yet another "special Sunday" to be added to the calendar of our churches. We will laugh together, and maybe shed a tear or two for friends remembered during the Memorial Service. And we will go home to report the happenings to our congregations, who really don't have a clue about it all. As they say, "You had to be there." Shalom, friends.
I like some of the worship, but much of it is too long. Now, I know that Christians should be willing to praise God and not be governed by the clock, but the "seat of endurance" can only handle so much, and the eclectic nature of Conference worship often juxtaposes differing expressions, images, and activities that, to me, seem forced. I guess when you only meet once a year, every group has to find a way to parade something around. Anyway, the music is stirring and the preachers--especially the guest ones such as Will Willimon--are quite good.
It is always good to see one's colleagues and friends, and our Bishop, Thomas Bickerton, always finds a way to liven things up, even during the most tedious of moments, such as during legislative debates.
What do we legislate? A few important things, such as the annual ministry budget of the organization, for example. But we sometimes we beat to death resolutions or petitions embellished with sweeping language about halting all abortions or bringing peace to the Middle East, which, honestly is mostly rhetoric forgotten beyond the doors of the meeting hall. Some folks just like to have their "day in court," so to speak, and I guess one never knows when the Spirit will show up and empower one of these paper tigers to really change the world.
Annual Conference ends with an impressive Ordination Service which has become a "command performance" for all clergy. I really like what this Bishop has done with it, but honestly, wouldn't it be really cool if we could make it three hours rather than four? I'm one of those people with a three-hour bladder, and getting up in the middle of a crowd jammed elbow to elbow, trying to slither out through tightly-packed rows, and saunter unnoticed while wearing a preaching robe and bright red stole is a challenge, to say the least. Where is Harry Potter's "invisibility cloak" when needed?
Still, we come from all over Western PA to this tiny town just off Interstate 79, to do our duty as United Methodists. We will get sunburned in long lines waiting to eat college food. We will listen as some passionate petitioner argues for yet another "special Sunday" to be added to the calendar of our churches. We will laugh together, and maybe shed a tear or two for friends remembered during the Memorial Service. And we will go home to report the happenings to our congregations, who really don't have a clue about it all. As they say, "You had to be there." Shalom, friends.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Finally, an ENDING to the Winter of Our Discontent!
Greetings, friends. Now that the Sterlings have gotten fully moved into Warren, PA and have begun to get our spiritual feet wet at Warren First United Methodist Church, I have a few minutes to get back to this blog thing. Sorry--again--for the long hiatus. I guess that at almost 55 years of age, I'm just beyond the "I blog regularly" habit. As my half-a-new-year's resolution (those made in June, of course), I vow to blog more, but the keep my entries shorter!
Winter is finally over in Warren, PA. I say this as a matter of faith, as the natives say we are really not "out of the woods" until July or August. Actually, we have seen some beautiful weather here in the past couple of weeks, and when the wind is not icy and gusting to 80, this area is a true natural wonder. God is indeed good.
Hey, don't forget to go to church this Summer, friends. Your pastors, priests (and Rabbis, if you are Jewish) really appreciate it when you don't forget them just because the weather looks more like picnic or boat weather than prayer, praise, and preaching weather. I bet God is please, too, when we don't take the Summer off. After all, God does not; God is 24/7, as they say.
Have a great Summer, friends. Enjoy the fabulous out-of-doors, your family, your faith, and your friends. Life is good; enjoy the journey. Shalom!
Winter is finally over in Warren, PA. I say this as a matter of faith, as the natives say we are really not "out of the woods" until July or August. Actually, we have seen some beautiful weather here in the past couple of weeks, and when the wind is not icy and gusting to 80, this area is a true natural wonder. God is indeed good.
Hey, don't forget to go to church this Summer, friends. Your pastors, priests (and Rabbis, if you are Jewish) really appreciate it when you don't forget them just because the weather looks more like picnic or boat weather than prayer, praise, and preaching weather. I bet God is please, too, when we don't take the Summer off. After all, God does not; God is 24/7, as they say.
Have a great Summer, friends. Enjoy the fabulous out-of-doors, your family, your faith, and your friends. Life is good; enjoy the journey. Shalom!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sorry for the long break...
Greetings, sports fans. I'm sorry for the huge gap in my postings. You see, two major events have occupied my attention: The United Methodist Church appointed me to a new church, resulting in an unusual January move; and the Steelers made a successful run at the Super Bowl! Both of these things are exciting, but the move thing really takes a lot out of you. I am thankful for many praying, supportive friends and colleagues in both my former congregation and in the new one.
The Sterlings are now the parsonage family at First United Methodist Church in Warren, PA. Warren is a beautiful little town plunked down in the middle of the Alleghany National Forest. First UMC is an historic church designed after a 13th Century cathedral, located in the historic district of the community. We are both honored and pleased to have been deemed worthy of this appointment. But still, moving in January to a venue far north of I-80 is an adventure. Living and working among boxes of one's own accumulated "stuff" is never treat, but in sub-zero weather, it is even more of a challenge. Warren First is a large, bustling congregation with many programs and ministries. Walking into the senior minister's position in the middle of the program year has made life interesting, too. Many denominations--or independent churches--"hire" their pastors after a series of interviews and getting to hear them preach. We United Methodists are appointed by a Bishop, and are simply "swapped out" on a single date. What this means, in my case for instance, is that a beloved pastor who served this church for almost eleven years is just suddenly "not there" on Sunday, and the "new guy" (that's me) is standing in front of a room full of grieving strangers. I will never cease to be amazed at how well this sudden transition often goes. It truly makes one believe more deeply in the grace of God and in the tolerance of God's people!
If you are a steeler fan, you are probably still clutching your heart, or trying to get it back down your throat into your chest. The Super Bowl was awesome--now that they won--but during that last five minutes, I was about ready to give up football for knitting. Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers' quarterback, was like Moses leading his people to the promised land after that late Cardinal touchdown that sure seemed like the final, crushing blow to fans of the black and gold. Yup, January was eventful--a new job, a new community, and a Lombardi Trophy.
I want to thank all of my dear friends and former parishioners in Sharon, PA who made our sojourn there such a blessing. We truly had a ball. I hope we did some effective ministry together; I think we did. We will miss the Shenango Valley. Now, we are looking forward to seeing what Warren looks like without being covered with snow, which the natives here say we will see about August(!). I'll try to do something with my Blog more often, friends. But until then, Grace and Peace!
The Sterlings are now the parsonage family at First United Methodist Church in Warren, PA. Warren is a beautiful little town plunked down in the middle of the Alleghany National Forest. First UMC is an historic church designed after a 13th Century cathedral, located in the historic district of the community. We are both honored and pleased to have been deemed worthy of this appointment. But still, moving in January to a venue far north of I-80 is an adventure. Living and working among boxes of one's own accumulated "stuff" is never treat, but in sub-zero weather, it is even more of a challenge. Warren First is a large, bustling congregation with many programs and ministries. Walking into the senior minister's position in the middle of the program year has made life interesting, too. Many denominations--or independent churches--"hire" their pastors after a series of interviews and getting to hear them preach. We United Methodists are appointed by a Bishop, and are simply "swapped out" on a single date. What this means, in my case for instance, is that a beloved pastor who served this church for almost eleven years is just suddenly "not there" on Sunday, and the "new guy" (that's me) is standing in front of a room full of grieving strangers. I will never cease to be amazed at how well this sudden transition often goes. It truly makes one believe more deeply in the grace of God and in the tolerance of God's people!
If you are a steeler fan, you are probably still clutching your heart, or trying to get it back down your throat into your chest. The Super Bowl was awesome--now that they won--but during that last five minutes, I was about ready to give up football for knitting. Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers' quarterback, was like Moses leading his people to the promised land after that late Cardinal touchdown that sure seemed like the final, crushing blow to fans of the black and gold. Yup, January was eventful--a new job, a new community, and a Lombardi Trophy.
I want to thank all of my dear friends and former parishioners in Sharon, PA who made our sojourn there such a blessing. We truly had a ball. I hope we did some effective ministry together; I think we did. We will miss the Shenango Valley. Now, we are looking forward to seeing what Warren looks like without being covered with snow, which the natives here say we will see about August(!). I'll try to do something with my Blog more often, friends. But until then, Grace and Peace!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Turning of Tides and the Change of Seasons
Greetings, friends. Sorry it has been an ETERNITY since my last post! I know that Blogs are supposed to be "everyday" kinds of things, but I'm of the "elder" generation that believes that if you don't have something important to say, then don't SAY it.
Much of my attention has been focused on the presidential election. I'm an election "junkie," and since I don't want this Blog to be be too political in nature, I have refrained from commenting. Being that I am a fairly liberal Democrat, however, you can probably deduce for whom I shall vote...
The big story affecting us all--believers, non-believers, governments, churches and other non-profit agencies, rich, poor, you name them--is the "bulbed out" economy. I believe it is greed that got us here. People for whom money is everything, including their profession, devised many and ill-advised ways to "manufacture" wealth, and the bubble on these financial "instruments" finally burst. Others sought mortgages on homes they couldn't POSSIBLY afford, and found institutions foolish enough to lend the funds. Now that the chickens have come home to roost on these sub-prime and other contrived loans, people are losing their homes right and left. Why do we do such things? Is it because we believe we DESERVE to be wealthy, not matter what the cost, or that we believe life OWES us a big, beautiful home? Some have tried to lay the blame on the sub-prime collapse at the feet of certain low-income persons who borrowed at sub-prime rates and have defaulted, but from what I've read, these were not the majority of the cases.
I used to have wonderfully stimulating debates with a conservative lawyer in one of my congregations. He argued that human greed will always be a factor in economics, and that the best we could do was balance it with what he called "enlightened self-interest." His point was that we naturally will look out for ourselves, but that persons who were sophisticated enough to "rise above" the typical neanderthal tendencies, may learn to factor in concern for neighbor and community to the list of what matters. As a more liberal thinker, I tend to believe that God has made each of us with a level of dignity and moral responsibility, and an appeal to this better nature is in order. Whatever we call "sin" can certainly get in the way, but it should not be blamed for everything we choose to do that elevates self above all else--we need to take responsibility for that, personally.
Is there a way out of this mess? Yes, but it obviously involves many people swallowing their pride and allowing government to literally DUMP trillions of dollars into less than public hands, if the economy, the banking community, and the credit situation are to get back on track. Conservatives who profess to hate government intrusion are just going to have to GET OVER IT, and those of us who despise the thought of handouts to the well-off will have to get over it as well. If the economy totally tanks, ideology won't much matter; we'll all be in soup lines again.
Where is God in this? Probably playing the role of a parent who sees his/her child learning a very hard lesson. Such a parent wants to intervene to save his/her child from suffering, but he or she knows that the lesson will be aborted if they do. Still, I pray for those far less fortunate than I for whom this situation is most dire. There are people who won't eat, and that is tragic.
Speaking of the turning of tides (were we?), I got the call from the powers-that-be in my denomination, The United Methodist Church, to a new pastoral appointment commencing January 15, 2009. This is an unusual "mid-year" move, necessitated by a serious illness on the part of one of our district superintendents. I have been appointed as the senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Warren, PA. Special thanks to the wonderful people of Sharon First UMC, who have put up with my fits and foibles over these past six years. Pray for the folk in Warren, that they can deal with what is coming. To quote the Apostle Paul, we shall "press on toward the high calling of God..."
Well, that's about all I have to say, so in keeping with the philosophy of my generation, I shall stop saying it. Shalom, my friends.
Much of my attention has been focused on the presidential election. I'm an election "junkie," and since I don't want this Blog to be be too political in nature, I have refrained from commenting. Being that I am a fairly liberal Democrat, however, you can probably deduce for whom I shall vote...
The big story affecting us all--believers, non-believers, governments, churches and other non-profit agencies, rich, poor, you name them--is the "bulbed out" economy. I believe it is greed that got us here. People for whom money is everything, including their profession, devised many and ill-advised ways to "manufacture" wealth, and the bubble on these financial "instruments" finally burst. Others sought mortgages on homes they couldn't POSSIBLY afford, and found institutions foolish enough to lend the funds. Now that the chickens have come home to roost on these sub-prime and other contrived loans, people are losing their homes right and left. Why do we do such things? Is it because we believe we DESERVE to be wealthy, not matter what the cost, or that we believe life OWES us a big, beautiful home? Some have tried to lay the blame on the sub-prime collapse at the feet of certain low-income persons who borrowed at sub-prime rates and have defaulted, but from what I've read, these were not the majority of the cases.
I used to have wonderfully stimulating debates with a conservative lawyer in one of my congregations. He argued that human greed will always be a factor in economics, and that the best we could do was balance it with what he called "enlightened self-interest." His point was that we naturally will look out for ourselves, but that persons who were sophisticated enough to "rise above" the typical neanderthal tendencies, may learn to factor in concern for neighbor and community to the list of what matters. As a more liberal thinker, I tend to believe that God has made each of us with a level of dignity and moral responsibility, and an appeal to this better nature is in order. Whatever we call "sin" can certainly get in the way, but it should not be blamed for everything we choose to do that elevates self above all else--we need to take responsibility for that, personally.
Is there a way out of this mess? Yes, but it obviously involves many people swallowing their pride and allowing government to literally DUMP trillions of dollars into less than public hands, if the economy, the banking community, and the credit situation are to get back on track. Conservatives who profess to hate government intrusion are just going to have to GET OVER IT, and those of us who despise the thought of handouts to the well-off will have to get over it as well. If the economy totally tanks, ideology won't much matter; we'll all be in soup lines again.
Where is God in this? Probably playing the role of a parent who sees his/her child learning a very hard lesson. Such a parent wants to intervene to save his/her child from suffering, but he or she knows that the lesson will be aborted if they do. Still, I pray for those far less fortunate than I for whom this situation is most dire. There are people who won't eat, and that is tragic.
Speaking of the turning of tides (were we?), I got the call from the powers-that-be in my denomination, The United Methodist Church, to a new pastoral appointment commencing January 15, 2009. This is an unusual "mid-year" move, necessitated by a serious illness on the part of one of our district superintendents. I have been appointed as the senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Warren, PA. Special thanks to the wonderful people of Sharon First UMC, who have put up with my fits and foibles over these past six years. Pray for the folk in Warren, that they can deal with what is coming. To quote the Apostle Paul, we shall "press on toward the high calling of God..."
Well, that's about all I have to say, so in keeping with the philosophy of my generation, I shall stop saying it. Shalom, my friends.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
We Do Believe!
A new poll by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has revealed that we Americans are, for the most part, believers. In fact, over 90 percent of us believe in God, including about 20 percent of those who declare themselves "atheists." (Usually, atheists are people who inherently DON'T believe in God or a "higher power," but to each his or her own.)
What is interesting in the poll findings is that most of us--over 70 percent--hold to a non-exclusive view of salvation, meaning we believe there may be many paths to God and eternal life. Those most apt to believe in the "many paths" view are Hindu and Buddhist, which is not surprising, given that Eastern religions view themselves as "pathways to enlightenment" in the first place. It was interesting, however, to see that 82 percent of Jewish people polled and 79 percent of Roman Catholics believe there are other paths to Heaven. The Jewish category obviously lumps all branches of Judaism together, and some are more tolerant than others. The high percentage of Catholic persons who believe in "many paths" was a real surprise to me. Up until the Second Vatican Council, Catholicism was an exclusive faith--if you weren't Catholic, you weren't Heaven bound. It is exciting to see that the ecumenical teachings of Vatican II have been taken to heart in such a "short" period of time (Vatican II was held during the years 1963-65). Protestants were where we usually are--right in the middle. 66 percent of us believe there may be other paths to God. Of course, lumped into the "Protestant" category were many fundamental sects that would NOT agree. Another surprise was the high number of Muslims polled--56 percent--who allowed for alternate paths to salvation. We often think of Muslims as being somewhat intolerant, but this demonstrates again that our opinions are improperly influenced by fundamentalists, who get most of the attention in the media. The religious groups with the lowest response to this question were the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, respectively (not unusual in that their core doctrines promote the exclusivity of those faiths).
Theologically, I have a problem just saying there are "many paths to salvation." This makes it sound like we are free to "pays our money and takes our choice," and I think there is more to it than that. Using the Bible as at least a cursory guide, I believe God is working in ways I don't fully understand in the three major religions--Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. As a Christian, I believe what II Corinthians 5 says: "God is in Christ, reconciling the world to God-self." I don't know what all God is doing in this action, but I believe God may be working through a variety of pathways to find people who are seeking truth. I know the other verses--"Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"--but if one views these eschatologically, one can believe that God is working in many venues to bring people into a saving relationship. One thing I know for sure is that I can't say for sure what God is up to, other than the biblical statement that God wishes that "none should perish." Does this mean that all will be saved? Unfortunately, probably not. There will be those who will continue to resist the grace of God throughout life, and as one wise old pastor once said, "There will not be anyone in Heaven who doesn't want to be there."
The Pew research also showed that almost 60 percent of those polled believed in a literal "Hell" as a place people would go to who "didn't live good lives." Of the findings of this poll, what most disturbs me is that we are more affected by Hollywood in our theology than we are the church, synagogue, or mosque. It is the stuff of movies that the "good" will go to Heaven while the "bad" go to Hell. These loose designations are divorced from any theological/doctrinal standards. It would seem that the modern trends of the American religious landscape--more believe in God but less and less affiliate with any specific faith community--have begun to dictate our whole belief structure. Without the church, synagogue, or mosque to offer historically-rooted teachings, guidance, and ethics, persons are free to make up their own belief system--and they are. Even some who ARE affiliated with a faith community are no longer engaged in regular worship or educational programs where they may "learn the faith." Hence, they, too, are making up their own theology, as the survey suggests.
I don't have much time for the cut-and-dried fundamentalist views that it is "my way or the highway." And the overly eclectic, "personalized" theology revealed in the Pew study worries me as well. Making up our own God is not any different from what some of the cults practice. Does this make us the "high priest" of our own religion? As a pastor, I teach the historic tenets of the Christian faith, but also urge tolerance among my congregants, suggesting that ours is a faith journey that will include many "wrestling matches" with what the church declares as "truth," our own appropriation of same, and with God, who is always trying to call us forward to a better future for the Kingdom and for all humankind. The word "wrestle" is the best image I can come up with, but it works.
Bottom line: be a seeker of God's truth; offer the love of Christ to people; work to bring grace and peace to the world. Pray that if there is a Hell, that none will go there because God is in Christ, reconciling the world to God-self. And this action may be far wider than the confines of Christendom. Shalom, my friends.
Dr. Jeff
P.S. The website on my "Ten for the World" stewardship challenge is up and running. Find it at: www.tenfortheworld.org
What is interesting in the poll findings is that most of us--over 70 percent--hold to a non-exclusive view of salvation, meaning we believe there may be many paths to God and eternal life. Those most apt to believe in the "many paths" view are Hindu and Buddhist, which is not surprising, given that Eastern religions view themselves as "pathways to enlightenment" in the first place. It was interesting, however, to see that 82 percent of Jewish people polled and 79 percent of Roman Catholics believe there are other paths to Heaven. The Jewish category obviously lumps all branches of Judaism together, and some are more tolerant than others. The high percentage of Catholic persons who believe in "many paths" was a real surprise to me. Up until the Second Vatican Council, Catholicism was an exclusive faith--if you weren't Catholic, you weren't Heaven bound. It is exciting to see that the ecumenical teachings of Vatican II have been taken to heart in such a "short" period of time (Vatican II was held during the years 1963-65). Protestants were where we usually are--right in the middle. 66 percent of us believe there may be other paths to God. Of course, lumped into the "Protestant" category were many fundamental sects that would NOT agree. Another surprise was the high number of Muslims polled--56 percent--who allowed for alternate paths to salvation. We often think of Muslims as being somewhat intolerant, but this demonstrates again that our opinions are improperly influenced by fundamentalists, who get most of the attention in the media. The religious groups with the lowest response to this question were the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, respectively (not unusual in that their core doctrines promote the exclusivity of those faiths).
Theologically, I have a problem just saying there are "many paths to salvation." This makes it sound like we are free to "pays our money and takes our choice," and I think there is more to it than that. Using the Bible as at least a cursory guide, I believe God is working in ways I don't fully understand in the three major religions--Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. As a Christian, I believe what II Corinthians 5 says: "God is in Christ, reconciling the world to God-self." I don't know what all God is doing in this action, but I believe God may be working through a variety of pathways to find people who are seeking truth. I know the other verses--"Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and "Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"--but if one views these eschatologically, one can believe that God is working in many venues to bring people into a saving relationship. One thing I know for sure is that I can't say for sure what God is up to, other than the biblical statement that God wishes that "none should perish." Does this mean that all will be saved? Unfortunately, probably not. There will be those who will continue to resist the grace of God throughout life, and as one wise old pastor once said, "There will not be anyone in Heaven who doesn't want to be there."
The Pew research also showed that almost 60 percent of those polled believed in a literal "Hell" as a place people would go to who "didn't live good lives." Of the findings of this poll, what most disturbs me is that we are more affected by Hollywood in our theology than we are the church, synagogue, or mosque. It is the stuff of movies that the "good" will go to Heaven while the "bad" go to Hell. These loose designations are divorced from any theological/doctrinal standards. It would seem that the modern trends of the American religious landscape--more believe in God but less and less affiliate with any specific faith community--have begun to dictate our whole belief structure. Without the church, synagogue, or mosque to offer historically-rooted teachings, guidance, and ethics, persons are free to make up their own belief system--and they are. Even some who ARE affiliated with a faith community are no longer engaged in regular worship or educational programs where they may "learn the faith." Hence, they, too, are making up their own theology, as the survey suggests.
I don't have much time for the cut-and-dried fundamentalist views that it is "my way or the highway." And the overly eclectic, "personalized" theology revealed in the Pew study worries me as well. Making up our own God is not any different from what some of the cults practice. Does this make us the "high priest" of our own religion? As a pastor, I teach the historic tenets of the Christian faith, but also urge tolerance among my congregants, suggesting that ours is a faith journey that will include many "wrestling matches" with what the church declares as "truth," our own appropriation of same, and with God, who is always trying to call us forward to a better future for the Kingdom and for all humankind. The word "wrestle" is the best image I can come up with, but it works.
Bottom line: be a seeker of God's truth; offer the love of Christ to people; work to bring grace and peace to the world. Pray that if there is a Hell, that none will go there because God is in Christ, reconciling the world to God-self. And this action may be far wider than the confines of Christendom. Shalom, my friends.
Dr. Jeff
P.S. The website on my "Ten for the World" stewardship challenge is up and running. Find it at: www.tenfortheworld.org
Monday, April 28, 2008
Living Lite
This title probably sounds like I'm proposing the latest new diet. Lord knows, we, as Americans NEED to do something about the girth we have been acquiring at an alarming pace. I just bought a new digital scale the other day, and while my actual weight it registers doesn't particularly concern me, its readout of my "percent body fat" does. I was surprised to see that I fall in the "high" side of the scale for a man my age, especially considering I lift weights and use weight training equipment two days a week at my local gym. Now, thanks to this marvel of modern weight science--my fancy digital scale--I've set a goal of losing ten pounds over the next year. Yes, I did say YEAR. My lovely wife--a registered, licensed dietitian with a certificate in adult weight loss management--suggests that weight lost more slowly is weight that will probably be easier to KEEP off. And while she says that my goal is pretty wimpy, I figure it should be easy to accomplish, and the adjustments in my eating habits necessary to make it happen should be simple to maintain. Ten pounds should do it, right? Only the scale knows...
This post is NOT about losing weight, however. What I want to suggest by the "Living Lite" title is that we westernized Americans would do well to live more SIMPLE, less stressful lives. We would be healthier for it, and less in debt. In listening to NPR the other day, I heard that we used to save about 11% of our income, as Americans. Now that is down to a little over 1%, and in 2007, our national savings rate actually ventured into the NEGATIVE numbers, meaning we corporately lived on MORE than we earned. Is it any wonder that people are losing their houses in the mortgage crisis or that our credit card debt has us tied up in knots? My friends, stress on the job is enough; why are we so bent on piling it on higher through our own actions and lifestyles?
Do you really NEED that big-screen TV? What about that $35,000 SUV? With the price of gasoline heading for the stratosphere, are we wise to drive gas guzzlers as some sort of status symbol? Our penchant for spending more than we can afford is what put us into the credit crisis that threatens to undo our whole economy in the first place. Unfortunately, our "feeding frenzy" led greedy banks, loan companies, and credit card issuers to offer "free credit" and mortgages far beyond our ability to pay. Many people I know are just one more bill from financial ruin, and some are already there. There is an answer: LIVE MORE SIMPLY!
My wife and I are seeking to do just that. We have less debt than the "average" American at this point, but it is still a lot for us, given that both of us work in human service jobs (she is a dietitian and I am a minister). We also put two kids through college, and are "stuck" with paying a few loans for a person we helped by co-signing for her, something I would not suggest you do, given my $11,000 lesson. Anyway, we are beginning to give prospective purchases and costly activities the "do we really need it?" test. You would be surprised how many things do NOT get bought after asking this simple question. I'm wearing my suits longer, we're buying things at second hand shops and rummage sales, and we NEVER buy hard goods that are not on sale, period. We are paying CASH for what we buy, and have been using almost every dime of my wife's paycheck--after our 10% benevolent giving--to pay down credit card debts. It is working. Lord willing, by the end of 2008, we will be OUT of credit card debt, and will have paid off two other loans. Each dollar freed up by the "pay offs," are immediately being applied to other debts, so the ability to pay each off more quickly is beginning to cascade in our favor.
I'm telling you, living more simply has more than just financial rewards. We have less STUFF to worry about, and are doing more things together with the money we do spend. Our future financial goals--after the majority of our debts are paid off--are simple. Here they are:
1. Save more money for retirement. We--and that is a corporate, American "we"--can't count on Social Security. Even the little report the Social Security folk sends us yearly has the disclaimer, "unless Congress changes the law, these benefits will not be paid at this projected rate..." I'm fortunate to have a decent pension, but even that may not be enough to do some of the simple things we want to do, like be able to travel to visit our children, especially with the cost of fuel.
2. GIVE MORE. I heard someone say recently that we should "live more simply, that others may simply live." I want to be a generous soul. My wife and I have been giving 10% of our income to our local church and to mission projects of our denomination forever. We give beyond the 10% to our colleges, to my seminary, and to our children's college. I want to do more. By getting out of debt, and living more simply, I want to give more to local charities, such as our food warehouse, that supplies local food pantries. I want to put money in "micro credit" programs in developing nations whereby folk can "borrow" money to create businesses and farms to care for their families. (Do a Google search on "micro credit" to read about this exciting way to help the world--you can actually "invest" in this, with a return on your money!) Giving is a really EXCITING thing to do, friends. It will change your life, and your gifts may change the lives of others! I heard a Hall of Fame quarterback giving the graduation speach at his alma mater. In his address, he suggested the student should "give back" to the community, but he said they didn't have to give money, but could just volunteer. His aim was admirable, but he missed the boat on the money thing. The world needs volunteers, but it needs FUNDS as well.
3. Have funds to enjoy simple pleasures such as dining out, going to the symphony, or traveling without incurring debt.
If you are reading this, and it sounds like a pipe dream, let me assure you, it is NOT. Start NOW to live more simply, reduce your debt, and redirect your financial futures. Set goals for yourself. This stuff will not happen by itself.
Well, "Living Lite" has turned into a term paper, hasn't it? Sorry for the length, but this stuff is fast becoming my life message--especially point 2 on giving. If EVERY American were to give 10% of his or her income to benevolent causes--church, charity, education, preserving the environment--you pick, we could change the world. Somebody's got to do it, or it won't be around for our grandchildren. Shalom for now.
This post is NOT about losing weight, however. What I want to suggest by the "Living Lite" title is that we westernized Americans would do well to live more SIMPLE, less stressful lives. We would be healthier for it, and less in debt. In listening to NPR the other day, I heard that we used to save about 11% of our income, as Americans. Now that is down to a little over 1%, and in 2007, our national savings rate actually ventured into the NEGATIVE numbers, meaning we corporately lived on MORE than we earned. Is it any wonder that people are losing their houses in the mortgage crisis or that our credit card debt has us tied up in knots? My friends, stress on the job is enough; why are we so bent on piling it on higher through our own actions and lifestyles?
Do you really NEED that big-screen TV? What about that $35,000 SUV? With the price of gasoline heading for the stratosphere, are we wise to drive gas guzzlers as some sort of status symbol? Our penchant for spending more than we can afford is what put us into the credit crisis that threatens to undo our whole economy in the first place. Unfortunately, our "feeding frenzy" led greedy banks, loan companies, and credit card issuers to offer "free credit" and mortgages far beyond our ability to pay. Many people I know are just one more bill from financial ruin, and some are already there. There is an answer: LIVE MORE SIMPLY!
My wife and I are seeking to do just that. We have less debt than the "average" American at this point, but it is still a lot for us, given that both of us work in human service jobs (she is a dietitian and I am a minister). We also put two kids through college, and are "stuck" with paying a few loans for a person we helped by co-signing for her, something I would not suggest you do, given my $11,000 lesson. Anyway, we are beginning to give prospective purchases and costly activities the "do we really need it?" test. You would be surprised how many things do NOT get bought after asking this simple question. I'm wearing my suits longer, we're buying things at second hand shops and rummage sales, and we NEVER buy hard goods that are not on sale, period. We are paying CASH for what we buy, and have been using almost every dime of my wife's paycheck--after our 10% benevolent giving--to pay down credit card debts. It is working. Lord willing, by the end of 2008, we will be OUT of credit card debt, and will have paid off two other loans. Each dollar freed up by the "pay offs," are immediately being applied to other debts, so the ability to pay each off more quickly is beginning to cascade in our favor.
I'm telling you, living more simply has more than just financial rewards. We have less STUFF to worry about, and are doing more things together with the money we do spend. Our future financial goals--after the majority of our debts are paid off--are simple. Here they are:
1. Save more money for retirement. We--and that is a corporate, American "we"--can't count on Social Security. Even the little report the Social Security folk sends us yearly has the disclaimer, "unless Congress changes the law, these benefits will not be paid at this projected rate..." I'm fortunate to have a decent pension, but even that may not be enough to do some of the simple things we want to do, like be able to travel to visit our children, especially with the cost of fuel.
2. GIVE MORE. I heard someone say recently that we should "live more simply, that others may simply live." I want to be a generous soul. My wife and I have been giving 10% of our income to our local church and to mission projects of our denomination forever. We give beyond the 10% to our colleges, to my seminary, and to our children's college. I want to do more. By getting out of debt, and living more simply, I want to give more to local charities, such as our food warehouse, that supplies local food pantries. I want to put money in "micro credit" programs in developing nations whereby folk can "borrow" money to create businesses and farms to care for their families. (Do a Google search on "micro credit" to read about this exciting way to help the world--you can actually "invest" in this, with a return on your money!) Giving is a really EXCITING thing to do, friends. It will change your life, and your gifts may change the lives of others! I heard a Hall of Fame quarterback giving the graduation speach at his alma mater. In his address, he suggested the student should "give back" to the community, but he said they didn't have to give money, but could just volunteer. His aim was admirable, but he missed the boat on the money thing. The world needs volunteers, but it needs FUNDS as well.
3. Have funds to enjoy simple pleasures such as dining out, going to the symphony, or traveling without incurring debt.
If you are reading this, and it sounds like a pipe dream, let me assure you, it is NOT. Start NOW to live more simply, reduce your debt, and redirect your financial futures. Set goals for yourself. This stuff will not happen by itself.
Well, "Living Lite" has turned into a term paper, hasn't it? Sorry for the length, but this stuff is fast becoming my life message--especially point 2 on giving. If EVERY American were to give 10% of his or her income to benevolent causes--church, charity, education, preserving the environment--you pick, we could change the world. Somebody's got to do it, or it won't be around for our grandchildren. Shalom for now.
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