Mere Musing

An account of my time in seminary

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I Moved! Sorry...

So, I planned to start this blog and continue it all here...but I have found that it's a bit easier for me to continue it here:

meremusingtoday.wordpress.com

I hope you'll continue checking out my blog, but just at a different site!

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Model Citizens

I believe (though I cannot be sure for my class notes are not totally clear on this issue) that Athenagoras, an early church leader, wrote a letter to Marcus Aurelius concerning the Christian population at the time. Marcus was Roman emperor from AD 161-180. During this period, the Roman government was still hostile to Christianity, an attitude that would remain until Constantine became emperor. However, this letter that was written stated this fact (now paraphrased): Christianity shouldn't be discouraged in the empire, for Christians are the model citizens.

The question that arises from this statement, for each of us, is: "Am I a model citizen?" That's a really important issue for each of us as Christians to wrestle with. Because of the commands given to us and the morals we are taught through the Bible, we should be model citizens. Beyond that, we should actually be different, set apart from everyone else, not physically set apart, but noticeably different. We should be holy, set apart for God. Now this doesn't mean that we're perfect by any means. However, we should find that Christians should be more aware of their actions and more able to correct improper actions making them better people, people more like Christ and should then, in turn, make them better citizens of their nation.

So are you? Are you a better American (or whatever nationality you might be) because you are a Christian? If you're answer is "No, I'm pretty much the same as I would be without Christ." Then you really need to spend some time reading your Bible and considering your actions in this world. We're called, as Christians, to be the salt and light of the earth. Christ has given you hope and joy beyond anything this world has to offer, and yet you're living your life as if none of that means anything to you. I do not wish to pass judgement here, for that is not my place or purpose, I merely wish to push you to examine yourselves and decide: "Am I a better person, a better citizen, because I know Christ?"

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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe - that unless I believe, I should not understand.

Anselm

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Short Story on Observation

Sir William Osler, the eminent physician, always sought to impress upon young medical students the importance of observing details. While stressing this point in a lecture before a student group he indicated a bottle on his desk. "This bottle contains a sample for analysis," he announced. "It's possible by testing it to determine the disease from which the patient suffers." Suiting actions to words, he dipped a finger into the fluid and then into his mouth. "Now," he continued, "I am going to pass this bottle around. Each of you taste the contents as I did and see if you can diagnose the case." As the bottle was passed from row to row, each student gingerly poked his finger in and bravely sampled the contents. Osler then retrieved the bottle. "Gentlemen," he said, "Now you will understand what I mean when I speak about details. Had you been observant you would have seen that I put my index finger into the bottle but my middle finger into my mouth."

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The Future of Ministry

Well, I finished my first week of seminary. I'm thankful to remain among the living as well as to have retained my sanity. It's been pretty crazy, but also very exciting. Now before I make my next statement, I want to be a bit clear, I am in no way saying anything negative about my professors from undergraduate college. However, I am extremely surprised by the honesty and openness of the professors here at seminary! These are some of the top people in their fields! One of my professors regularly has book signings. That kind of recognition can very often translate into a prideful nature that ruins the relationships between teachers and students. But this professor is the most honest, down to earth individual I have ever experienced. It's just amazing! She has every right to think of herself as higher than all us lowly students, but instead chooses to open up to us in a way I've never experienced as a student. Now I could've believed perhaps this was only true of one or two professors, but it's inconceivable to think that every professor here is really that honest, but in fact, it is true! I've just been blown away by that fact alone beginning my time here and wanted to share that with you. Now, today, one of my professors discussed the four bents that most people can be categorized into: idealism, progressivism, behaviorism, and essentialism. We began talking about idealism, not the normal definition that one believes everything to be ideal or good, but that one is mostly concerned with ideas and ideals rather than it's opposite, behaviors or physical conception of ideas. This is the place most philosophy and education begins, in the ideas. He gave us a bit of an example as idealism moves to progressivism, talking about the need to remain pertinent to people and stay relevant when viewed from the context of today's culture. The point that he brought out is the idea of discipleship. When we consider discipleship today we imagine two or a small group of individuals gathering regularly to help each other in the walks with Christ, whether that's several people all helping each other, or a more mentor-mentee relationship. Nevertheless, it is very physical, being together. As we move to more technology being involved in education, Christian education (not just Sunday school, but also discipleship) is being affected as well. As disciples and teachers, we need to be understanding and aware of these changes. One example we discussed was online education. Most students, when taking an online class, love the videos, slides, and digital notes that are available to them whenever they need them, but are not so excited about discussion board posts and having to collaborate over the internet. Sure, certain technologies have come out that make things a little more interactive, such as Google Drive and their ability to have multiple contributors simultaneously make changes to documents, but in the end, as of right now, technology cannot provide the one-on-one interaction we get when meeting with someone face to face. Even services like Skype can be helpful, but how many of us have been disconnected in the middle of an important conversation? That doesn't happen in a face to face discussion. So, perhaps the technology of today hasn't really made a huge impact on the idea of discipleship. I mean, we use text messages and emails to set up times to meet with one another, but we still meet face to face. There are not too many discipleship meetings happening over Facebook. However, something that is much closer than we often consider could change the way we do Christian education, as well as secular education. What happens when virtual reality, technology causing us to perceive ourselves as existing in an artificial world, becomes available to us? To give you an example, you would put on a helmet, or if neurotechnology advances beyond helmets, you could be connected through implants in your brain, and instantly be connected to a virtual world. Perhaps it's just a room, perhaps it's a whole city, but you could, virtually, meet with other people there. It wouldn't be like seeing them on a computer screen. It would be like they are really sitting, walking, talking next to you. Suddenly, you're not restricted to meeting with those who are in immediate, physical proximity to you, but instead could meet with anyone around the world, instantly. How does that change the way we disciple? How does that change the way we do school? Imagine this: what if the virtual world looks, smells, feels better than the real world? How does THAT change discipleship? And education? These are huge questions we, as educators and teachers, but also as Christians, are not considering because we feel it's too far advanced for the real world. But in fact, you would be wrong. Here's an article in which Skype claims it's ready for holographic video calls: http://gizmodo.com/skype-says-it-can-support-holographic-video-calls-1221656487 This is technology we don't even have yet! But companies are preparing for it because they know it's inevitable. Now, I know that many people are aware that technology is advancing faster and faster, but very few of those people really know what's going to be coming out. I mean, though, of course they don't. They don't know the future, and neither do I, but it's not a bad habit to do some research and speculate what will be coming out next, because those new technologies could change the way the world works forever! Consider this: holographic technology. What's the application for something like that? Some examples: just what Skype suggests, holographic video calls, but beyond that, you could have a holographic pastor giving a sermon (still standing behind the pulpit!) on Sunday morning. I know, it's a crazy thought. But everyday it's becoming more and more a reality. All I'm saying is that we should really start preparing for this as it could be here tomorrow and we don't want to be taken by surprise and find that the Gospel isn't being spread effectively because we missed the bandwagon. It's scary, it's unnerving, but we really should be ready. Now, as a quick side note, I'm sure there's many of you thinking: "Oh, that's got nothing to do with the Bible. We'll still have church and Sunday school every week. We've been doing it for hundreds of years it's gonna keep happening for hundreds more!" Well, perhaps it will for the more devout among us. But what if a good number of people are no longer required to leave their house because they can do all their work and interaction with others through virtual reality? They won't be leaving their houses Sunday morning to come to church, nor will they be out and about to see the flyers you put around town to invite people to a revival. How are you going to reach people like that? Because some of them exist already today. Many computer science jobs can be done anywhere there's an internet connection. How are you going to use technology to reach those who are surrounded by computers rather than people? These are hard questions, questions our parents and grand parents would've never thought to ask. But now, today, they need to be asked, perhaps not on a large scale level, obviously, but as I'm in seminary now, preparing for ministry in three to five years, I need to be aware of how technology is going to change the transmission of the Gospel and how I can use it for the glory of God. A final note: if you'd like to see what one author's view on the future of technology might be, while also being enriched and impacted by the Gospel story, check out "The Last Christian" by David Gregory. It's an amazing story and exposes us to the way technology could change our world for the worse, with a message, of course, of how it can still be redeemed.

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A Short Update

Well, I'll be going to my first real class at seminary in about 20 minutes. I'll be honest. I feel honored beyond explanation to be here. These professors are some of the foremost experts in their fields, giving us the best education we could possibly ask for. My prayer is simply that I'm up for the task of learning from them. With a stack of about 12 large books, all of which I'm to read by the end of the semester, I'm reminded by the fact that I'm not sure I ever finished a book required for my undergraduate degree. I'm about to finish my first book for seminary, though. Just one chapter left. I'll be sure to share my thoughts on the book here once I've completed it, but I just want to be sure that the books, the classes, the homework, the papers, don't get in the way of my real purpose here: to become a better Christian disciple. If I gain all of this knowledge, but don't emerge a better person, I've really failed in my pursuit here. At the same time, I would challenge each of you reading that, although my end goal for seminary is to be a better person, I would strive for that same goal if I was doing anything else with my life, you do the same and make the end goal of your time becoming a better person. Referencing my first blog post, the journey is important, but our destination is key. If we are striving for anything but God, we are going the wrong way. So, also, when I say "become a better person", I really mean become closer to God and more like Christ. That's the end goal of life.

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Best Job Description

Interviewer: So, what do you do for a living?

Christian Disciple: Well, I'm involved in the arts.

Interviewer: Really? What area of the arts?

Christian Disciple: The fine arts

Interviewer: Oh?

Christian Disciple: Yes, the finest of the fine arts.

Interviewer: What specifically do you specialize in?

Christian Disciple: Reproductions.

Interviewer: Reproductions of what?

Christian Disciple: I'm glad you asked. Reproductions of the life of the man Christ upon the canvases of every human being.

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A Christian is someone who's life makes it easier to believe in God.

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In His city all things are made for each. When He died in the Wounded World He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less. Each thing, from the single grain of Dust to the strongest eldil, is the end and the final cause of all creation and the mirror in which the beam of His brightness comes to rest and so returns to Him. Blessed is He!

C.S. Lewis - Perelandra

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A Quick Note to All Who Are Reading

Please feel free to contact me with any issues you see in my posts. I am more than open to constructive criticism. But also, keep in mind that, as I write these posts, I am not sitting down and typing out an essay that gets proofread and edited, but instead these are truly my thoughts as I have them. As I go through classes, I'll write my thoughts about what was discussed. As I read books, I'll write my thoughts about how they apply to my life, your life, or the lives of the entire world.

In other words, I am writing what I think as I thinking it. If I get off-topic or heretical, please call me out on it and I will be sure to go back and fix it.

Thank you!

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Sending the Message

So, I just finished reading a book called "The Judas Gospel". Though it shares its title with the gnostic book, it is in fact a fiction novel. I won't go into many details because I think it's a book you might want to read sometime, but here's the premise:

Judas, after hanging himself, stands before God and claims that if he had been in charge of Jesus' "appearances" on Earth, Jesus would've been bigger. God gives him a second chance, to be in charge of a contemporary 'prophet', and to see if Judas' guiding can use this prophet to better share the message.

Now, while this book, at first, seems pretty heretical, it's actually written by a guy name Bill Myers, a recipient of the C.S. Lewis Honor Award. I figured by that award alone I could give a few hours to read his book. I'm glad I did. Because this is something we don't stop to think about enough in our churches, or perhaps we think about it too much: appearance. How are we to spread the Gospel message? How are we to tell people about Christ and God's love for us?

In the book, and granted this is a fiction book, but there is still much to be learned from fiction, they go to be shown on television, a network called GHN, God's Holy Network. They're taken there in a private jet, housed in a large mansion (each guest room being extravagantly furnished and Biblically themed, of course), all to be shown on a two-hour program, with the motto engrained into the audience: "Expect God's Best". For, of course, if we give God our best, we should expect His best, right? The idea is that people have been giving money to this organization to spread the Word of God. Not an problem at all. We all do that. We are all called to tithe. The problem here is not the people giving, it's who is receiving. When asked about the homes they own, the host of the show responded, "Well, let's see. The ministry owns thirty-two in the United States. And another five overseas. Then, of course, there're the condos in Aspen and St. Thomas...God...is...so...good."  Really? God is so good? Again, I know this is fiction, but when is it ever more honoring to God to use money donated to spreading His Word to buy houses all over the country?

Maybe I'm a bit too overzealous with this topic this evening, but this is an issue in our churches and one that really needs to be looked at. How are we to spread the Gospel? One obvious way is to use television. Tele-evangelists have been doing it for years now. Is it the right way to be spreading the Gospel though?

Incidentally, God has had me reading two books, "The Judas Gospel" and "Who Needs Theology?", a book I'm reading for class. The great thing is that the last chapter I read in "Who Needs Theology?" lines up precisely with this book. The chapter was called "Constructing Theology in Context". It was all about how we need to make theology biblical above all else, but if it's not practical, why do we need it? The point I'm getting from this is that we don't spend months of theological study into whether we should sacrifice a lamb, a goat, or a cow every week because that is not relevant to our culture. It is biblical, but not practical. The council in Constantinople spent days arguing about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin. Perhaps not even biblical, but surely not practical! So the question is: how do we share the Gospel practically in a way that people can relate to?

Jesus used parables to explain the Gospel. Over time in history, the way Jesus has been portrayed as Savior has changed. The Gospel hasn't changed, but the theory about how Jesus saved us has. 

2nd Century - Ransom Theory Jesus was portrayed as a ransom. The idea was that, because of our sin, Satan now had ownership of our souls. Because of Jesus' death, He was the ransom to buy us back from Satan.

11th Century - Satisfaction Theory European order had changed to the feudal system. It was now seen that, because of our sin, we were not honoring God in the way that He deserved, as if we were feudal barons who have refused God the honor due Him as our Sovereign. Jesus' death satisfied that honor due to God in our place.

Recent History - Penal-Substitution Theory After nations and governments were put in place, it was now seen that because of our sins we are criminals who have transgressed divine law. Jesus died in our place as we deserved death because of our sins.

Now I'm sure many of you, just as I did myself, looked at the third example and said, "Yes! That's the real Gospel message." But truly, they are all the Gospel. The difference is that, as our culture and society have changed, the way we see Jesus' act of salvation. We see our relationship to God differently. So, as we spread the Gospel, we have to think about that. We are not called to "fit in" with society to make the Gospel relevant. The world is terrible and disgusting! Even those who roll in the mud know it. We are to be salt to the earth. We are to be different, set apart, but at the same time a man dressed like John the Baptist standing in Times Square is not going to be reaching souls anytime soon.

I hope that the two ends of my post here are connect in your minds. I don't have much of a conclusion here to tie things together. I want you to think about it. We need to make the Gospel relevant to people in their needs today, but we can't let the people of today change the Gospel. If it takes million-dollar mansions and private jets to spread the Gospel in the world of today, so be it. But if the Gospel is, as it seems to always have been, more effective when spread to individuals rather than groups, then perhaps we should continue that way. I don't mean a sermon to one is more impactful than a sermon to one thousand, I mean:

"When He died in the Wounded World He died not for men, but for each man." - C.S. Lewis

We should be reaching out to individuals, whether they be by themselves or in a crowd, just as Jesus did. And, we should use whatever means God provides to do so.

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If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow I've never been more homesick than now

MercyMe

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Greek and History Lesson

Have you heard the phrase: "one tiny iota"? I'm sure you have. If not it means, basically, "one tiny bit". An iota, according to the dictionary on my computer, means: an extremely small amount.

Now, if you didn't know, iota is also a Greek letter. Alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, eta, theta, iota. The 9th letter to be precise.

Several of you might be thinking at this point: "I've heard that word before somewhere...just can't remember." Well, you're in luck. Hopefully I have read your minds correctly and can present you with the answer:

Matthew 5:18 - "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."

So, Jesus used the word iota in the same way we do. Iota is a very small letter in the Greek alphabet. And, it's used in a different way than other letters. It can be used as a subscript, making a small backwards 'L' underneath the previous consonant letter, making it an even smaller letter.

Now, fast forward to the history lesson. Constantine was an emperor of the Roman empire around 300 AD. Many Christians know his name for he was the first Christian emperor of Rome and ended the persecutions of Christians throughout the Roman empire. However, at some point in his rule, he exiled a specific man: Athanasius. This man was a theologian and was exiled because he wouldn't compromise on his theology. He wasn't a heretic by any means, but actually was the reason many heretics were silenced. He was part of the group who put together the Nicene creed and they were working on one part, a single word: "ὁμοούσιον" or "homoousion". You might recognize the prefix 'homo-' meaning 'the same'. The argument was that they wanted to change the word from "ὁμοούσιον" to "ὁμοιούσιον". See the difference? It's almost unnoticeable! And yet this one tiny change, this one iota, would've changed the definition of God to this day. You see, the difference is "ὁμοούσιον" means "of the same substance" and "ὁμοιούσιον" means "of similar substance". This was the part of the creed describing Jesus Christ. If that iota had been added, Jesus would not have been portrayed in the Nicene creed as being One with God the Father, but instead as being similar to God the Father, or two separate Beings.

So, although theology may perhaps bring more arguments than some would deem necessary (I, myself, being one who would prefer less arguments to more), it is more than necessary to ensure that we debate, discuss, and argue these topics to fruition for they change our very faith which, in turn, changes the way we live our lives.

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The Journey and the Destination

So, as I have moved now to Dallas to attend seminary, I thought it would be a good idea to get my ideas laid out somewhere, not necessarily for everyone to see and decipher, but more for me to see how my thoughts progressed during my time here. Now, many people have asked me if I would have a blog while at seminary so they could keep up with me and see what's going on in my life, so this will also function in that capacity.

First, we have the move. Isn't there a bunch of sayings that are basically summed up: "It's not the destination that's important, it's the journey."? I'm sure there are. But, really, that's not the case. If that was true, it'd be like saying: "It's not that becoming a pastor is important, it's getting the education that will be important." ...right...not so much. Truly, I have come to believe that the education is not as important as the willingness. God will use whoever is willing to be used. So, if that means that an uneducated person is willing, God will use them.

The Destination. Where are we really headed? Dallas is not my end goal. Being a youth pastor isn't even my end goal. My end, my telos (Greek), my home is heaven. So as C.S. Lewis said: "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." I feel the same thing. Coming to Dallas has really shown me that. When we are taken from the place we've become complacent or comfortable, that desire for heaven reemerges and reminds us that nowhere on earth will we truly feel at home. Now, many people will convince themselves that they feel at home, especially after one has lived in Nebraska-ville for 50 some years, but that's not finding a true home. That's settling for something less than home.

I don't want to settle for something less. I want to feel uncomfortable, out of place, until I arrive home in heaven. Well, honestly, that's exactly how I feel here in Dallas: out of place. And while it pains me physically to be forced into a world that is not what I'm familiar with, I would have it no other way. How can I hope to learn who God is if I never see the world we've taken from God and ruined? Living in Nebraska all my life would not help me see God more clearly, it would blind me to the ways God is working across the United States.

Well, I think that is sufficient for my first post. Today is the first day I've really been able to use the internet. Still don't have it in my apartment yet, and apparently it can't be installed until the 28th, so I will try to continue to update this blog as often as I can.

Until then, please pray for my well-being and safety in a world I'm unfamiliar with.

"This too shall pass"

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If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.

C.S. Lewis