the end is nearish

character and corruption

There are so many things to say regarding the recent passage of Health Care legislation in Congress this past Sunday. Reactions abound and I, like so many others, am taking opportunity to process the event before moving forward.

The most disturbing part of this bill is not found in its provisions, exclusions or aims. Rather, the difficulty comes with the method by which it was passed through Congress. Over the past few weeks we have seen moral bankruptcy in full display, Congressional members who have sold their souls (and their Constitutional responsibilities) for its passage, and a lack of regard for the majority of Americans who expressed opposition to it.

The vote was held on a Sunday, not just because this administration shows a total lack of regard for the church, but that they did not want this Congress to hear from Main Street before returning to Capitol Hill. Of course, the fact that this was a Sunday vote is more than an indicator of anti-evangelical behavior made in the administration. It also becomes quite problematic for those who think that this passage of legislation is a great moment for Christian principles.

And I am even more outraged that those who continue to support this Health Care legislation refuse to provide an answer for this reality. In a bill that is being (falsely) touted as one of the most morally responsible acts coming out of Congress, why are so many unconcerned with the immorality to get it passed? America (and the world) has just been witness to an 'ends-justify-the-means' philosophy, and far too many in the church have willingly applauded it.

This is not behavior which is becoming people of the kingdom, and persons who build upon Christ's words of love should not be lauding it.

But in the end, this generation will certainly come to realize what many previous generations have seen: that lasting change does not come through legislation or judicial fiat. It has been repeated in the last few days that the will of the American people will note be thwarted. Indeed, the significantly larger majority of those who oppose this bill will be heard; elections have consequences and reactive measures are sure to follow. But, more importantly, is the truth that legislative change will come and go. This is why Jesus never sought political reform, knowing full well that the only true, lasting and significant hope and change is found in a renewed heart and mind.

after you believe

N. T. Wright, After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters (New York: HarperOne, 2010).

In what presents itself as a sequel to his previous HarperOne Publications (Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope), The Bishop's newest release challenges theoretical Christianity with the ongoing work of the kingdom, most notably through the oft-debated areas of character and virtue. His own words work best to summarize the book: "Christian life in the present, with its responsibilities and particular callings, is to be understood and shaped in relation to the final goal for which we have been made and redeemed" (ix). That is to say, our lives must reflect the faith to which we cling.

But, of course, many Christians are able to live out the goal of their faith; it is a challenge to make certain that our faith is properly aligned and set to the right goal. And that is why this book makes an appropriate trilogy with the previous two, that understanding how Christian faith is about the restoration and rejoining of heaven and earth, and how our lives are meant to reflect that in this present inaugurated eschatology.

This book then is about the transformation and dedication of human character as the right response to resurrection. It is about the restored humanity which is now possible, though not without its stumbling and searching, as part of the dawning of God's new day. The opening chapter gives a few examples of admirable behavior, where those who were able to instinctively react heroically in certain situations did so because they had lived in certain ways for years before. In like manner, Wright asserts that Christian character is learned and built (and trained) on a daily basis. What am I here for? Transformation! Not just in our own lives, but as agents of God's Spirit to transform the world.

Throughout the book Wright continually points to various character traits which are often regarded as worthwhile and challenges the reader to think of them as transformative for the kingdom. "We've had enough of pragmatists and self-seeking risk-takers. We need people of character" (25). Thus, he believes that character is transformed by three things in particular: 1) aiming at the right goal; 2) figuring the steps to reach that goal; 3) allowing those steps to become habitual (29). He spends a good amount in the second chapter interacting with Aristotle, which may be lost on some people but helps establish his foundation nonetheless.

Perhaps one of the most interesting chapters in the book is the third, "Priests and Rulers." It is here that Wright asserts that transformation must include a return to the imago Dei which was set within humanity at Creation. Our proper role in the world is thus "worshipping and reigning" - we are priests and rulers(78-79). He builds this concept on solid biblical footing, and begins to build his perspective on character from here. If this is true, then it is the community of believers which is given over to the twin tasks of holiness and prayer (91).

From here, the book follows with the implications of being that sort of community. We are to be a people prepared and presently working for the kingdom (he brings in the beatitudes at this point). Wright also asserts that Christian character is not about rules. Rather, it is about freedom to become what we are intended to be, with the parameters of Scripture given as guides along the journey. We are to be transformed by priestly worship, living and working as people of the kingdom on a moment-by-moment basis (cf. 149). This transformation comes through the renewal of our minds, as our thoughts direct us to a new way of living.

The latter chapters acknowledge the difficulty of living in such a way, with Wright asserting that this Spirit-enabled life being possible for us to have in this life. ". . . 'Left to myself, doing what comes naturally, I would fail.' But the point of love is that it doesn't" (183). Love, which Paul repeatedly asserts is the greatest virtue, is the ultimate goal of the believer. Not for self, not even for others . . . but for God alone. If all of our character and virtue are directed to him, then true kingdom work and ministry will happen. Wright includes this as well, "Worship must lead to mission" (225).

One could reflect on so much Christian thought at this point. At times Wright's model for character sounds like Brother Lawrence, John Wesley, C. S. Lewis, and many Jesus-Creeders throughout the centuries, among others. It is clear that this is a book written from a lifelong reflection on Christian virtue. While there are a few areas of the book that I could present minor quibbles, I now decide not to do so because the present need for Christian character is so high in our culture that I do not want to give any discouragement for approaching this book - and they are quite minor quibbles indeed. My review and summary is brief and wholly inadequate in capturing the overall journey which is presented in this book. I greatly encourage all Christians to work through this trilogy of faith and action . . . worship and reign.

in his hands

The headlines say that this is a most historic day; the headlines say today will redefine our world; the headlines say that legislation headed to vote will impact our leaders most.

The headlines are wrong.

Today is a marked day not because of the news, the weather or the box scores. It is a day given by the grace of our Creator, endowed with his presence, and shining with the glory of his liberty. His world remains firm on the foundations on which he placed it, not toppled by human pride or arrogantly vain accomplishment. It turns in spite of our self-imposed importance and will not slow to the whims of those who seek momentary personal power.

The legislation given attention this day will not matter most to the President, Congress or any other so-called elite. It will matter to those who hold tightly to the life of this creation, and who grasp at the few remaining ounces of liberty and the pursuit of happiness that is left in our country's covenant. Though it is trampled and tossed, it remains true. True because of the promise that stands behind - the promise of God's word, which is the source of true exceptionalism.

And it matters most to those who are too feeble and weak to defend themselves, but who nevertheless continue the fight to live with every moment of their existence. Those who are old and crippled, handicapped, diseased, and . . . unborn. It is instinct that they push for life and liberty, because it is put deep within the fiber of our DNA. Now that they are being attacked, it is up to those who have the ability to stand up for them to seize the opportunity.

For us, it is time to pray. We must place all of this into the hands of the only one who can truly change hearts, minds, souls and strengths. Because it is only through his transforming presence that we can love him and others in such profound ways. May he continue to bless our nation, even when it is in spite of ourselves.

green

I arise today

Through a might strength,

the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the threeness,

Through confession of the oneness

Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today

Through the strength of Christ's birth

with his baptism,

Through the strength of his crucifixion

with his burial,

Through the strength of his resurrection

with his ascension,

Through the strength of his descent

for the judgment of Doom.

I arise today

Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,

In obedience of angels,

In the service of archangels,

In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In prayers of patriarchs,

In predictions of prophets,

In preaching of apostles,

In faith of confessors,

In innocence of holy virgins,

In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven:

Light of sun,

Radiance of moon,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of wind,

Depth of sea,

Stability of earth,

Firmness of rock.

I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me:

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's host to save me

From snares of devils,

From temptations of vices,

From everyone who shall wish me ill,

Afar and anear,

Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,

Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that there may come to me abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every many who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the threeness,

Through confession of the oneness,

Of the Creator of Creation.

-St Patrick's Breastplate

what season is it in heaven?

There are many different expression which try to get at the experience of heaven. Some people talk about how it will be a neverending worship service. Indeed, our grandparents were fond of talking about how we would sing the great hymns of the faith into eternity. I have often wondered, would God really do that to himself?

Superficially, such sentiment could be taken or left. More seriously, didn't God create humans to be human? In other words, are all of our gifts and talents forgotten at the gate of heaven where we are forced into the choir? I don't think so.

There is more to humanity than the singular purpose of singing praise to God. We are summoned to be God's representatives on earth, to be caretakers of his creation, and to be in fellowship with him. Redemption and restoration cannot mean that lose our distinctiveness and purpose as humans, for that would not be undoing the effects of sin but letting sin run us out of God's plan and forcing him to come up with some lesser alternative.

The same ought to be said of creation as a whole. Far too many Christians today believe that God is simply going to dispose of this earth (and heaven) for the new earth (and new heaven) that is to come. Simply stated, this is replacement theology. It is assuming that the earth has become so corrupted that it no longer rests within the Creator's ability to restore it and rescue it from evil. He has no choice but to blow it up and start again with something else. Again, this is not undoing the effects of sin, but conceding to it and moving on to something else.

And this is not God.

The Bishop has written two incredible books on this topic (The Resurrection of the Son of God and Surprised by Hope). In both of these he stresses quite strongly and rightly that the ultimate Christian hope is not 'life after death' but rather 'life after life after death' and that God's ultimate plan is found in the renewal of heaven and earth. This is the only way to makes sense of so many of the biblical texts, but leaves us baffled under the weight of generations who have simply assumed otherwise.

What is our expectation for the hope of this world? It is quite like asking what season it will be in heaven? Or perhaps we should be asking what season it will be in the new world?

As complex as the world is . . . and it really is an enormous complexity which our best minds and computers cannot fathom . . . are we to assume that it is always summer in the new creation? Will it always be springtime, because of its 'newness' and 'freshness'? Will it be autumn? Will it ever be winter? Or will it be the world that God has always intended it to be, and will cycle the way that God designed it to cycle?

What of those who enjoy winter? Will the new world be a place that allows the Winter Olympian to be as completely at home as the pipeline surfer? Is the new existence something that requires us to be uniform and alike? Or is it a world which is just as wonderfully diverse and exciting as creation has always been, now found to be more so because of the unbridled experience of God's love?

Our answers tell us what we think of heaven and new creation. And what we think of ourselves. And what we think of God.

impact

This past week I read through Thomas Cahill, How the Irish Saved Civilization (New York: Doubleday, 1995) since I have had some intrigue about it for a number of years and that St Patrick's Day is less than a week away. My overly brief review of the book is that it is good - though parts of it do not lend the reader to an easy navigation of the narrative - but, people should read this book to better understand the role of the Irish in world history. Of special interest is the part played by Irish Christianity, beginning with Patrick himself. In many respects this civilization preserved and progressed the entire human enterprise, and we should be grateful for their devotion to their faith.

One particular quote from Cahill's book is worth noting:

"Patrick's gift to the Irish was his Christianity - the first de-Romanized Christianity in human history, a Christianity without the sociopolitical baggage of the Greco-Roman world, a Christianity that completely inculturated itself into the Irish scene. Through the Edict of Milan, which had legalized the new religion in 313 and made it the new emperor's pet, Christianity had been received into Rome, not Rome into Christianity! Roman culture was little altered by the exchange, and it is arguable that Christianity lost much of its distinctiveness. But in the Patrician exchange, Ireland, lacking the power and implacable traditions of Rome, had been received into Christianity, which transformed Ireland into Something New, something never seen before - a Christian culture, where slavery and human sacrifice became unthinkable, and warfare, though impossible for humans to eradicate, diminished markedly" (148).

How interesting to think that a culture could be transformed by Christianity rather than assimilating Christianity. It seems that the greater a civilization becomes the more hubris keeps the impact of the gospel from making lasting change. It should come without shock to identify the assimilation found within our own borders, and the blessings which have become commonplace make it possible for us to regard our own ways to be right, or (what is worse) our own abilities sufficient over the need for grace.

quote of the day

"Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith. Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love."

Reinhold Niebuhr

(HT: TC)

the ill advised importance of winning

There aren't very many things people do that surprise me much. We may think that we are hobbits on an incredible journey outside of ourselves, but more often than not we are simply repeating behavior found within a repeatable human nature. Solomon's wisdom continues to be true: there is nothing new under the sun. He was right, even though we've made more than a few 'world-changing' inventions since his time. In the end we simply go around the block of humanity, only to arrive back at the same place . . . and go around again.

One area in particular which I find sadly intriguing is the human desire to win. Especially in the Western world we think of ourselves as winners and achievers, and we find great virtue in such lofty peaks of culture. This has become so true of who we are that it refuses to be contained to the athletic field, the political arena or the workplace. Winning is perhaps one of the defining characteristics of how we conduct our interpersonal relationships as a whole.

As a pastor I am constantly watching as people navigate conflict and crisis, and there is always an observable push for one side to 'win' over the other. This happens in group conflicts, friendly disputes, marriage difficulties and potluck dinners. It is never enough that we do our best, or give our best . . . we must always have the best over someone else.

Whenever I see such behavior I wonder (sometimes to those involved) if there is any concept of what consequences will come from 'winning' this battle. It appears that this culture of victory has consumed us and is corroding away at our own character. Too often someone will gain a sense of winning in a particular situation only to discover that they have lost far more in the process. We think that we can treat our character as though it were the good silverware: we put it on display when we want people to admire it, put it out of sight for a while, and then un-tarnish it just before we set the table for our next big event.

My greatest concern comes from Christians who are more than willing participants in this same culture and mindset. For we are not only wearing our name, but (more importantly) we wear the name of Jesus as our character (unless I'm the only one who gets that out of Galatians). Not only do we damage our own reputation, but we destroy the reputation of our Messiah. All in the name of winning . . . while we as followers of Jesus are supposed to find ourselves in losing everything. What I cannot always discern is whether this is a matter of ignorance to God's Word or apathy of Jesus' commands.