Imagine that you are sitting with your friend and suddenly, his/her face starts to convulse involuntary. Facial muscles, particularly the lips, stretch and there is a peculiar expression in his/her eyes. Your friend's vocal organs vibrate and he/she is making a sequence of rhythmic expiratory sounds. Oddly enough, nobody around you even turns his head to look as your friend chokes, trying to take broken, sudden inhalations, while your friend's shoulders jerk and their entire body twists and shakes.
Call 9/11? Not hardly. Its called laughter!
Little is known about laughter... but there are a few things we do know. Laughter is unique to human beings. Like language, we don't share it with any other creature on earth. Many theorists hypothesize that laughter and language must be associated.
I agree... I wonder if there is some connection with getting a joke and getting a metaphor. Both require language and cognitive ability... and both have an "Ah, ha!" moment.
One experiment was performed at the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Here, one researcher elucidated the unique pattern of brain wave activity via electroencephalograms during the perception of humor. He found that during the set up to the joke, there was activity in the cortex's left hemisphere. This is where the brain begins its analytical function of processing words. Shortly afterward, most of the brain activity moved to the frontal lobe. This is the center of emotionality. An instant later, activity spreads to both the right and left hemispheres as the right hemisphere's synthesis capabilities joined with the left's processing to find the pattern and "get the joke." A few milliseconds later, before the subject laughed, the increased brain wave activity spread to the occipital lobe. This area of the brain processes sensory information. The increased fluctuations in activity reached a peak and crested as the brain "got" the joke and the external expression of laughter began. (Derks, 1992)
Could it be the same with metaphor?
One of the theories on why we laugh is called the incongruity theory. This theory suggests that humor arises when logic and familiarity are replaced by things that don't normally go together. Researcher Thomas Veatch says a joke becomes funny when we expect one outcome and another happens. When a joke begins, our minds and bodies are already anticipating what's going to happen and how it's going to end. That anticipation takes the form of logical thought intertwined with emotion and is influenced by our past experiences and our thought processes. When the joke goes in an unexpected direction, our thoughts and emotions suddenly have to switch gears. We now have new emotions, backing up a different line of thought. In other words, we experience two sets of incompatible thoughts and emotions simultaneously. We experience this incongruity between the different parts of the joke as humorous.
Wow, I am reminded of all the metaphors Jesus used to teach us... just when we think we know the ending, he turns it at the last second like a good stand up comedian. Was the sermon on the mount given at the local improv?
William Fry, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School and expert on health and laughter, reports the average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. Yet, adults average just 17 laughs a day. Interesting that Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these and that in order to enter heaven, we must do so like a little child.
Chuck Gallozzi says: "Our five senses are not enough for ideal living. We need to use our sixth sense: our sense of humor. Humor isn't about merely telling jokes; it's the way we view the world. We can be sincere about life without taking it so seriously. We can laugh about our mistakes and pain."
Louis Kronenberger explains: "Humor simultaneously wounds and heals, indicts and pardons, diminishes and enlarges; it constitutes inner growth at the expense of outer gain, and those who posses and honestly practice it make themselves more through a willingness to make themselves less."
William James (1842-1910), said, "We don't laugh because we're happy, we are happy because we laugh."
Ah, the power of language to effect change.
5.24.2005
5.11.2005
Canon
Is there ever a time that a church or religious organization becomes it's own canon to the point in which is in conflict with God's canon? Are there times in which the community overrules God? What is our response to be within that community, if this is the case... and what has God done Biblically in cases such as this, supposing they do exist?
I realize this is a loaded question with lots of definitions to be made and articulated, but I thought it might be a good topic to jump start my blog. :)
I realize this is a loaded question with lots of definitions to be made and articulated, but I thought it might be a good topic to jump start my blog. :)
4.25.2005
The Birth of a Rock & Roll Band
Sunday night, I joined a slew of Horizonites traveling on 2 school buses to DC for an Ashes Remain show... I've got to say, I'e seen these guys a lot in concert, but this was perhaps their best. All of them gave the performance of their lives... Absolutely astounding. I think I witnessed something beautiful, something miraculous. Though the idea of AR came about years ago, there is something just different about the band as of late. The change is apparent to all... I can only imagine what the future holds! :D
4.07.2005
Everyone's a Critic
Stealing this title from Alicia Farrell's blog. Seems as though her small group focused on fasting from criticism for 2 days. She mentioned how doing this made her realize how much she was critical of others in nearly everything. I imagine I would have the same experience. It's so easy to cast stones. It's easy to condemn. It's easy to compare and say, "I'd never do that" or "I'd never say that," etc. Yet, when truth is revealed, we are all found wanting.
Matthew 7.2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Props to Alicia and that small group for such a great idea. Anyone wanna fast with me?
Matthew 7.2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Props to Alicia and that small group for such a great idea. Anyone wanna fast with me?
4.06.2005
Celebrating the Life of Jason Wallace, Jr.
This morning I made a trek to Essex to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church to share in the grief of Jason and Allison with the death of their son. The service was beautiful. The transcendent nature of the sanctuary was a reminder that all of us in Christ transcend this world to the next. Graphic reminders abounded that our Lord suffered the same fate we all will soon face, that of death... stations of the cross were all around. Yet, this little one has beaten us all to the punch. He's there already...
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these... Amen.
I was reminded of the day Joshua was born. There simply is no other feeling in the world than to feel your newborn's grip on your pinky. To see a child, your child, brought into the world is such an amazing thing. I couldn't help but think... what if I had lost him after a week? Each hour would mean so much. Each breath. Each touch. Wow, what things we take for granted in this life. Jason... you have been a great teacher for me today.
My prayers are for your mom and dad, my friend. May they see you again in time.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these... Amen.
I was reminded of the day Joshua was born. There simply is no other feeling in the world than to feel your newborn's grip on your pinky. To see a child, your child, brought into the world is such an amazing thing. I couldn't help but think... what if I had lost him after a week? Each hour would mean so much. Each breath. Each touch. Wow, what things we take for granted in this life. Jason... you have been a great teacher for me today.
My prayers are for your mom and dad, my friend. May they see you again in time.
4.05.2005
How did we get the Bible?
Just how did the events of history become recorded in the texts of sacred scripture? Just as a reminder to any that happen to check out my (rather unbusy and vacant as of late) blog that this Saturday from 2-4 @ our house there will be a study about this very topic... Hope some of you can make it! :)
3.13.2005
Horizon's Baptism Service Last Night
What a great night it was! Thanks to Leslie for really taking the lead to make this happen. The MAC was a great place for this event in the cold of winter.
I told Clay it's amazing to think it all began years ago in NOLA. The call. The dream. We looked through a glass dimly and the future was there for the taking... and one day at a time, God put the pieces together... connected us with the people that would lead with us, etc. There are times I just pause and take it in, and look around and think: "Look at all of these people!" God has really blessed. Good stuff yesterday... esp. the new lives of Jess and Suzanne.
I told Clay it's amazing to think it all began years ago in NOLA. The call. The dream. We looked through a glass dimly and the future was there for the taking... and one day at a time, God put the pieces together... connected us with the people that would lead with us, etc. There are times I just pause and take it in, and look around and think: "Look at all of these people!" God has really blessed. Good stuff yesterday... esp. the new lives of Jess and Suzanne.
2.27.2005
Storytelling...
Ah, the power of a good story. Is this the calling of all Christians? To tell their story? Our story? Our family's story? God's story? The story of Jesus... the Greatest Story Ever Told? I think so... choose the canvas... choose the the oils... choose the clay... choose the screen... choose the scene, but these must be told, shared, remembered. Something I was reminded of today: Horizon's new message series named after a book entitled: "The Story We Find Ourselves In," and the great storytellers of our day at the Oscars... Dave Reichley? Paul Morrell? Holly Briscoe? someday...
Thank you God for my story, as insignificant as it may be in the scheme of things. Use it to your glory...
Thank you God for my story, as insignificant as it may be in the scheme of things. Use it to your glory...
2.18.2005
I'm in love...
Strange. I've always heard it said by married people that their flame died out years before... that the fire was gone, etc. How is it that after 10 years of marriage and 15 of being a couple that I can say that I am more in love with Kimme than ever before? How is it that our love is hotter than ever? She is more beautiful than ever... she is my support; my advocate... she challenges me, encourages me, and gives me strength. She is my absolute best friend. And while I've had lots of great friends over the years, she is the one that's always there. I am such a blessed man... She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and no one knows her like I do, and no one ever will. What we have is so special. :) Marriage is a wonderful friendship with some killer benefits. Like the feeling of accomplishment after working hard on something challenging and beating the odds... that's how I feel. The results are stunning, unique, and beautiful. I'm in love.
Kimme, I love you...
Kimme, I love you...
1.06.2005
I love the Moby Boards
Ah, yes... a mass ball of confusing thoughts and ideas all put into one forum: the Spiritual Discussions Forum @ Moby.com. Clay rightly calls it the Tower of Babble. lol
But, here is why I go there... here is one conversation with someone asking questions about Christianity...
Sapphire Dragon: My opinion and my question:
I don't think he was a lunatic. I think he was just different, like the Buddha. Jesus proclaimed he was the son of God, and I believe he was as much as we all are. I don't worship Jesus because I don't feel he was any Supreme Being, though I don't deny his greatness. Does that mean I'm not a Christian? Is not the basis of Christianty worshiping Jesus Christ?
---
DCCowan: The basis of Christianity is finding grace because of what Jesus did for the whole world: dying and coming back to life. At least, that's the basics of the Christian faith...
Mark 10.45:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
---
Sapphire Dragon: hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?
And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully.
---
DCCowan: In reply to: "hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?"
Yes... it is. There are a lot of claims about Christianity that make it sort of like a house of cards. If one is taken away, the house falls. One of these is the resurrection.
The Apostle Paul says it best:
1 Corinthains 15.12-19:
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people.
If Jesus did not raise from the dead, he died in vain. Christians, like me, would live their lives in vain... the most pathetic on the planet. It would then just be (frankly, like the Passion of the Christ) like a story of a man that died a brutal and horrible death... and that's it.
But, for a Christian, that's NOT it. For us, Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God... he was like us in every way, except he didn't blow it like we do. Even when he lost his cool, it was appropriate. His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death.
In reply to: "And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully."
The only way to understand this concept is to understand, at least briefly, about the sacrificial system mindset of the Hebrew people thousands of years ago. The idea is basically that if a wrong is committed (of any kind), someone has to pay for it.
A modern day example: if someone commits a crime, like murder, all family members of the deceased seek justice. The murderer should do time and face the consequences. If the crime goes unpunished, one would say that there was a lack of justice.
Well, back up a few thousand years... the same applied then, too. Out of this came the sacrificial system. People would bring an offering/sacrifice to God for their sins... the ways in which they fell short, etc.
One sacrifice of note, was a spotless lamb. Each year, people would bring their offering as an atonement (a forgiveness, cleansing) of sin. In other words, the crimes/sins of the people were placed upon this poor lamb.
So... year after year after year... this was done.
In steps Jesus, and a new way of looking at this. In Christianity, Jesus became the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (as John the Baptist described him). Once and for all, a final sacrifice was made. A spotless "Lamb" was given up in our place... and the sins of the world (even yours, even the most hideous hypocrites of the world like me as well) were placed upon him on our behalf.
In Christianity, we see the judge that pronounces us "guilty as charged," step down from his bench to take our place of judgment and pay for our crime in our place.
In fact, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus' last words from the cross were: "It is finished." The word was really one word in Greek. It was a word used for business transactions, purchases, and the payments of debts. It means "Paid in full." Like when you fully purchase your house, or your car, etc. In other words, our debts were all paid... once and for all. And of course, I don't mean in a true monetary sense, but figuratively.
Hope this helps a bit.
---
Sapphire Dragon: ohh yeah, it helps. 'specially the explanation of the whole sacrificial system. and this
"His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death."
is about the coolest thing I've ever read concerning Christianity.
Thank you for taking the time to explain all that. :)
-------------
Man... I love stuff like that. I love it when the pieces come to together.
But, here is why I go there... here is one conversation with someone asking questions about Christianity...
Sapphire Dragon: My opinion and my question:
I don't think he was a lunatic. I think he was just different, like the Buddha. Jesus proclaimed he was the son of God, and I believe he was as much as we all are. I don't worship Jesus because I don't feel he was any Supreme Being, though I don't deny his greatness. Does that mean I'm not a Christian? Is not the basis of Christianty worshiping Jesus Christ?
---
DCCowan: The basis of Christianity is finding grace because of what Jesus did for the whole world: dying and coming back to life. At least, that's the basics of the Christian faith...
Mark 10.45:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
---
Sapphire Dragon: hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?
And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully.
---
DCCowan: In reply to: "hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?"
Yes... it is. There are a lot of claims about Christianity that make it sort of like a house of cards. If one is taken away, the house falls. One of these is the resurrection.
The Apostle Paul says it best:
1 Corinthains 15.12-19:
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people.
If Jesus did not raise from the dead, he died in vain. Christians, like me, would live their lives in vain... the most pathetic on the planet. It would then just be (frankly, like the Passion of the Christ) like a story of a man that died a brutal and horrible death... and that's it.
But, for a Christian, that's NOT it. For us, Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God... he was like us in every way, except he didn't blow it like we do. Even when he lost his cool, it was appropriate. His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death.
In reply to: "And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully."
The only way to understand this concept is to understand, at least briefly, about the sacrificial system mindset of the Hebrew people thousands of years ago. The idea is basically that if a wrong is committed (of any kind), someone has to pay for it.
A modern day example: if someone commits a crime, like murder, all family members of the deceased seek justice. The murderer should do time and face the consequences. If the crime goes unpunished, one would say that there was a lack of justice.
Well, back up a few thousand years... the same applied then, too. Out of this came the sacrificial system. People would bring an offering/sacrifice to God for their sins... the ways in which they fell short, etc.
One sacrifice of note, was a spotless lamb. Each year, people would bring their offering as an atonement (a forgiveness, cleansing) of sin. In other words, the crimes/sins of the people were placed upon this poor lamb.
So... year after year after year... this was done.
In steps Jesus, and a new way of looking at this. In Christianity, Jesus became the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (as John the Baptist described him). Once and for all, a final sacrifice was made. A spotless "Lamb" was given up in our place... and the sins of the world (even yours, even the most hideous hypocrites of the world like me as well) were placed upon him on our behalf.
In Christianity, we see the judge that pronounces us "guilty as charged," step down from his bench to take our place of judgment and pay for our crime in our place.
In fact, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus' last words from the cross were: "It is finished." The word was really one word in Greek. It was a word used for business transactions, purchases, and the payments of debts. It means "Paid in full." Like when you fully purchase your house, or your car, etc. In other words, our debts were all paid... once and for all. And of course, I don't mean in a true monetary sense, but figuratively.
Hope this helps a bit.
---
Sapphire Dragon: ohh yeah, it helps. 'specially the explanation of the whole sacrificial system. and this
"His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death."
is about the coolest thing I've ever read concerning Christianity.
Thank you for taking the time to explain all that. :)
-------------
Man... I love stuff like that. I love it when the pieces come to together.
12.31.2004
Goodbye 2004
What a crazy year it's been...
This year, Elizabeth turned 3... Josh 6. Me? 32. Kimme the same.
We started Horizon of Towson... Mark stepped in. Awesome.
Beth Ann David spent the summer with us @ Horizon. :)
Went to Disney World. It was amazing.
Made a cool short film with Dave Reichley and Jenn Stephenson. Very fun.
Kimme's family came to visit. Her dad hadn't seen where we have lived since 1996.
I ate a $2,000 dinner in a tux @ the Waldorf in Manhattan for free. That was wild.
Had my hardest (debateable) and yet most fulfilling (for sure) year in ministry.
I lost half my salary, only for God to raise the other half. Go God!
Kimme quit her job, only to come back again. Bigger pay, so it worked out.
My grandfather died... Captain is sorely missed! :(
Kimme and I have the best year of our marriage, by far. What a woman!
Josh started 1st grade! Elizabeth started pre-school (um... sort of).
-----
I wonder what 2005 will bring!?
This year, Elizabeth turned 3... Josh 6. Me? 32. Kimme the same.
We started Horizon of Towson... Mark stepped in. Awesome.
Beth Ann David spent the summer with us @ Horizon. :)
Went to Disney World. It was amazing.
Made a cool short film with Dave Reichley and Jenn Stephenson. Very fun.
Kimme's family came to visit. Her dad hadn't seen where we have lived since 1996.
I ate a $2,000 dinner in a tux @ the Waldorf in Manhattan for free. That was wild.
Had my hardest (debateable) and yet most fulfilling (for sure) year in ministry.
I lost half my salary, only for God to raise the other half. Go God!
Kimme quit her job, only to come back again. Bigger pay, so it worked out.
My grandfather died... Captain is sorely missed! :(
Kimme and I have the best year of our marriage, by far. What a woman!
Josh started 1st grade! Elizabeth started pre-school (um... sort of).
-----
I wonder what 2005 will bring!?
12.25.2004
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone... Our family is currently in Allentown, PA visiting my mom and Len for the Holidays. It's been a good one, mainly just being able to relax and enjoy time together. The kids have been wonderful... what a Christmas for them!
My prayer is for all of you that may read this... May God answer your prayers, your concerns, and your heart's desires as they move into alignment with His.
God's Peace to you.
DCCowan
My prayer is for all of you that may read this... May God answer your prayers, your concerns, and your heart's desires as they move into alignment with His.
God's Peace to you.
DCCowan
12.01.2004
Understanding the Bible
There is so much distortion out there about bible interpretation. Here's a helpful introduction for any interested.
There is a science of sorts behind Scripture interpretation (called hermeneutics). One does not interpret some things literally and sometimes not so an argument may be won. Everything biblical (as with ANY ancient document) needs to be interpreted through these two lenses: genre and context.
Genre: Just like when you go the movies and there are a variety of genres of movies, the same goes for scripture. The movie Saw is of a different genre than The Incredibles, for obvious reasons. Think of the bible in the same way... there are several basic types of genre of Scripture, some (but not all) I have listed below:
1. Narrative (like today's documentaries): This genre tells a story. There is plot development, characters are described in detail -- their statements/their actions. A majority of the Old Testament is of this genre (Much of Genesis-Deuteronomy is this, though also a sub-genre of Law, as well as 1-2 Samuel, which is also a part of a subgenre called the Prophets, as quoted above, and the four Gospels found in the NT). To quote Fee and Stuart in How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth, "Each individual narrative or episode within a narrative does not necessarily have a moral all it's own. Narratives cannot be interpreted atomistically, as if every statement, every event, every description could, independently of the others, have a special message for the reader.... the whole unit gives the message, not the separate individual parts."
2. Wisdom Literature (Like poetry or lyrics to songs): This genre includes a lot of poetry, illustration, similie, allegory, and all kinds of imagery. It is basically about choices and how our choices chart the course of our lives. One is not to take many of these sayings literally. For instance, in one of the Psalms the writer says that the trees will clap their hands in praise to God. Do trees have hands? Of course not, but one gets the idea... creation itself is an expression of praise back to God. Not surprisingly, I have seen website after website that try to discredit the bible with verses like that without understanding the importance of understanding a text's genre.
3. Epistolary (like a letter to a friend): This genre includes all of the letters found in the New Testament. Each one contains a particular form that was contemporary to most of the hellenistic world in the 1st century CE (with a few exceptions). Each was written by someone of honor among the community that addressed various issues among the community itself. Sort of like an instruction guide of sorts, a personal letter, as well as a hallmark card in some ways.
4. Apocalyptic: (think of political cartoons today): The strangest of genres and the least understood, this genre is a literary form that does not exist in our own day. The closest example in modern life of what apocalyptic genre was is today's political cartoons. Imagery is used that everyone understands to convey meaning. For instance, if you saw an elephant and a donkey in a cartoon, you would know that one represents a republican and the other a democrat. But, stick that newspaper in the sand for 2,000 years after those parties are long gone, the people 2,000 years from now would think we were nuts (and though we are, that's another discussion). The same goes for the imagery in Revelation with beasts with seven horns and tons of eyes. To readers in the first century, they knew exactly what was being said. This genre cannot be interpreted literally (Though, in the case of the Book of Revelation, one finds 3 different genres at the same time: apocalyptic, prophesy, and epistolary... making it very interesting indeed).
*whew* So... that being said, one cannot simply pick and choose to interpret literally or not. If someone does this, they are abusing the text. Also, one can abuse the text by looking at the Scriptures out of context to their day and apply one's own worldview to the text.... i.e. applying the values/mores of 2004 to a document that's roughly 3,500-2000 years old.
To quote Fee and Stuart again:
"A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to it's author or his or her readers."
That's hard for many Christians to deal with when it comes to Revelation. Much of the stuff one hears from TV preachers about the end times is bunk. Why? Because of what that statement says above: A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to it's author or his or her readers.
There is a science of sorts behind Scripture interpretation (called hermeneutics). One does not interpret some things literally and sometimes not so an argument may be won. Everything biblical (as with ANY ancient document) needs to be interpreted through these two lenses: genre and context.
Genre: Just like when you go the movies and there are a variety of genres of movies, the same goes for scripture. The movie Saw is of a different genre than The Incredibles, for obvious reasons. Think of the bible in the same way... there are several basic types of genre of Scripture, some (but not all) I have listed below:
1. Narrative (like today's documentaries): This genre tells a story. There is plot development, characters are described in detail -- their statements/their actions. A majority of the Old Testament is of this genre (Much of Genesis-Deuteronomy is this, though also a sub-genre of Law, as well as 1-2 Samuel, which is also a part of a subgenre called the Prophets, as quoted above, and the four Gospels found in the NT). To quote Fee and Stuart in How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth, "Each individual narrative or episode within a narrative does not necessarily have a moral all it's own. Narratives cannot be interpreted atomistically, as if every statement, every event, every description could, independently of the others, have a special message for the reader.... the whole unit gives the message, not the separate individual parts."
2. Wisdom Literature (Like poetry or lyrics to songs): This genre includes a lot of poetry, illustration, similie, allegory, and all kinds of imagery. It is basically about choices and how our choices chart the course of our lives. One is not to take many of these sayings literally. For instance, in one of the Psalms the writer says that the trees will clap their hands in praise to God. Do trees have hands? Of course not, but one gets the idea... creation itself is an expression of praise back to God. Not surprisingly, I have seen website after website that try to discredit the bible with verses like that without understanding the importance of understanding a text's genre.
3. Epistolary (like a letter to a friend): This genre includes all of the letters found in the New Testament. Each one contains a particular form that was contemporary to most of the hellenistic world in the 1st century CE (with a few exceptions). Each was written by someone of honor among the community that addressed various issues among the community itself. Sort of like an instruction guide of sorts, a personal letter, as well as a hallmark card in some ways.
4. Apocalyptic: (think of political cartoons today): The strangest of genres and the least understood, this genre is a literary form that does not exist in our own day. The closest example in modern life of what apocalyptic genre was is today's political cartoons. Imagery is used that everyone understands to convey meaning. For instance, if you saw an elephant and a donkey in a cartoon, you would know that one represents a republican and the other a democrat. But, stick that newspaper in the sand for 2,000 years after those parties are long gone, the people 2,000 years from now would think we were nuts (and though we are, that's another discussion). The same goes for the imagery in Revelation with beasts with seven horns and tons of eyes. To readers in the first century, they knew exactly what was being said. This genre cannot be interpreted literally (Though, in the case of the Book of Revelation, one finds 3 different genres at the same time: apocalyptic, prophesy, and epistolary... making it very interesting indeed).
*whew* So... that being said, one cannot simply pick and choose to interpret literally or not. If someone does this, they are abusing the text. Also, one can abuse the text by looking at the Scriptures out of context to their day and apply one's own worldview to the text.... i.e. applying the values/mores of 2004 to a document that's roughly 3,500-2000 years old.
To quote Fee and Stuart again:
"A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to it's author or his or her readers."
That's hard for many Christians to deal with when it comes to Revelation. Much of the stuff one hears from TV preachers about the end times is bunk. Why? Because of what that statement says above: A text cannot mean what it never could have meant to it's author or his or her readers.
11.18.2004
Republican Party ≠ Christianity
Ok... so we had elections in this country not too long ago. All the rhetoric, debates, scandals, and bad TV ads are all over now. President Bush won the election, and not with the nuisance of hanging chads or Supreme Court Decisions. This was a solid victory. With the victory came word across the world that the one factor that made the difference was the importance of moral values. Strangely enough, that was never brought up by the news before the election (at least as I can recall, and I watched a LOT of election news). It would seem that the country's press thought that "moral values" had gone the way of the 1950s.
So, suddenly, all attention was drawn worldwide to the voting power of the conservative Christian. I heard report after report that gave the win for Bush from the hands of this demographic in America. Like clockwork, within hours of the election, the Democratic Party was trying to stake it's claim in the hill of moral values... perhaps a little too late? Ugh... politics (of any form) makes me sick to my stomach.
---
And here I am with a HUGE concern for our nation... While many Christians in America rejoice that their man won the election, I am afraid that their success will be one more nail in the coffin for Christianity in America. Why?
---
Now, two generations removed from church attendance being the norm in America (X and Y being the first two post-Christian generations here in the US), anyone that is not a Christian and is perhaps more liberal in their thinking of how government should work is now equating Christianity with the Republican Party. :( What a sad day for Christianity, even in the wake of a victory in the eyes of many.
Historically speaking, when the church has harbored itself with any organization or aligned itself with a government entity (throughout the ages) for a gain of power, it has paid for that with blood. Religion and politics are a bad mix; it is a deadly elixir. For that reason, I am proud of my baptist heritage that fought for the freedom that our founding fathers did not have in England: the freedom of government control of religion or the control of religion on government.
But the mixing of religion with politics is not only bad for that reason, though that's a good one. The mixing is bad because the lines can be confusing... what does it really mean to be a Christian in America? Now, the whole world (due to massive ignorance and perpetuated stereotypes of Christians from religious leaders like Falwell, Dobson, and Robertson), believes the USA is a Christian nation because we elected a Christian president. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to the North American Mission Board in 1999, North America is the ONLY continent in the world where Christianity is not growing. Gaining a Christian president will not make this nation a Christian one.
So, are political lines and checks on litmus tests what makes one a Christian? Absolutely not! But, that's the perception. Anyone else see this HUGE disconnect?
True power in this world comes by loving your neighbor as yourself and loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And it takes the later to do the former. Political power is nothing. True power comes in love and humility. The power of change takes place when we start doing what we were told to do already: walk as Christ walked... live as Christ lived. How many Christians do you know that do this? Show of hands?... ok... now, when the number of hands begin to increase in this nation and the world around... then, and only then, will we be even CLOSE to being a Christian nation/world.
Yet, now, as it stands we are the scourge of the earth... and not because we "stand up for Jesus." We are the scourge because we do not live as our Lord did, and that is simply unacceptable.
So, suddenly, all attention was drawn worldwide to the voting power of the conservative Christian. I heard report after report that gave the win for Bush from the hands of this demographic in America. Like clockwork, within hours of the election, the Democratic Party was trying to stake it's claim in the hill of moral values... perhaps a little too late? Ugh... politics (of any form) makes me sick to my stomach.
---
And here I am with a HUGE concern for our nation... While many Christians in America rejoice that their man won the election, I am afraid that their success will be one more nail in the coffin for Christianity in America. Why?
---
Now, two generations removed from church attendance being the norm in America (X and Y being the first two post-Christian generations here in the US), anyone that is not a Christian and is perhaps more liberal in their thinking of how government should work is now equating Christianity with the Republican Party. :( What a sad day for Christianity, even in the wake of a victory in the eyes of many.
Historically speaking, when the church has harbored itself with any organization or aligned itself with a government entity (throughout the ages) for a gain of power, it has paid for that with blood. Religion and politics are a bad mix; it is a deadly elixir. For that reason, I am proud of my baptist heritage that fought for the freedom that our founding fathers did not have in England: the freedom of government control of religion or the control of religion on government.
But the mixing of religion with politics is not only bad for that reason, though that's a good one. The mixing is bad because the lines can be confusing... what does it really mean to be a Christian in America? Now, the whole world (due to massive ignorance and perpetuated stereotypes of Christians from religious leaders like Falwell, Dobson, and Robertson), believes the USA is a Christian nation because we elected a Christian president. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to the North American Mission Board in 1999, North America is the ONLY continent in the world where Christianity is not growing. Gaining a Christian president will not make this nation a Christian one.
So, are political lines and checks on litmus tests what makes one a Christian? Absolutely not! But, that's the perception. Anyone else see this HUGE disconnect?
True power in this world comes by loving your neighbor as yourself and loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And it takes the later to do the former. Political power is nothing. True power comes in love and humility. The power of change takes place when we start doing what we were told to do already: walk as Christ walked... live as Christ lived. How many Christians do you know that do this? Show of hands?... ok... now, when the number of hands begin to increase in this nation and the world around... then, and only then, will we be even CLOSE to being a Christian nation/world.
Yet, now, as it stands we are the scourge of the earth... and not because we "stand up for Jesus." We are the scourge because we do not live as our Lord did, and that is simply unacceptable.
11.04.2004
Capernaum Project
I just got back from a wonderful night learning about the Capernaum Project. This is an incredible ministry that links mentors with disabled youth. The mentors representing Young Life in the Baltimore region spend countless hours every week with kids whether it be taking them to the mall, a baseball game or the beach. Simply awesome. My good man, Sean Napfel was there, representing Horizon... along with Ben and Carissa and my main man Dan Gerding. I am so pumped about this ministry! My hope is that we as a church can take advantage of this awesome opportunity to serve.
11.03.2004
BE
Be the Generation X Church *Scratch*
Be the Post Modern Church *Scratch*
Be the Emergent Church *Scratch*
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Be the Church *NOW THAT'S WORTH SAYING!*
Be the Post Modern Church *Scratch*
Be the Emergent Church *Scratch*
-------
Be the Church *NOW THAT'S WORTH SAYING!*
10.12.2004
Story/Plot Driven
When Warren's Purpose Driven Church came out in 1995, he sent a shock-wave through modern churches. This primer on church life also rocked my world, and it became an influential force in the making of Horizon. But, with a twist...
Here is something I have been thinking about and thought I would share with you. I believe Horizon is Story or Plot Driven... I will need to explain what I mean. lol First of all, what it doesn't mean. This doesn't mean a wishy/washy approach to church... Not by ANY means. It also doesn't mean that Horizon is all about stories, though I do like to speak on Sunday mornings best from Bible stories. Here is what I do mean:
As a story contains a main plot, so does Horizon. We have one purpose, one goal, and one vision: To connect people with God through Jesus Christ and to each other in authentic community through the multiplication of small groups, Link Groups, and Horizon Churches. Now, much like a plot in a book, this can be worded so many different ways and it's played out through the actions, convictions, and dialogue of the characters. It's not like in a term paper where one states one's thesis. No, this is much more creative than that. The plot thickens as the story develops. And any good story has plot development... this is something wonderful about Horizon. We are on a journey... we know the direction to go, but the story is far from over. In fact, the plot develops as each new person that shares our values and purpose comes aboard. They become characters in the story...
Speaking of characters, Horizon has plenty of those... and there are all kinds. There is the crowd, the community in which we live (think of Warren's concentric circles), and then there are those that are more connected with the story of Horizon. Some attend Link Groups, others to church, and many to both. Some even help tell the story of Horizon to others, and share that they can also be a part of this grand plot. Those are the leaders. Every good vision caster is an excellent story teller and is one that can help develop others into the plot line. Characters add the color to the canvas and a mix of various personalities and giftedness to the story.
more later...
Here is something I have been thinking about and thought I would share with you. I believe Horizon is Story or Plot Driven... I will need to explain what I mean. lol First of all, what it doesn't mean. This doesn't mean a wishy/washy approach to church... Not by ANY means. It also doesn't mean that Horizon is all about stories, though I do like to speak on Sunday mornings best from Bible stories. Here is what I do mean:
As a story contains a main plot, so does Horizon. We have one purpose, one goal, and one vision: To connect people with God through Jesus Christ and to each other in authentic community through the multiplication of small groups, Link Groups, and Horizon Churches. Now, much like a plot in a book, this can be worded so many different ways and it's played out through the actions, convictions, and dialogue of the characters. It's not like in a term paper where one states one's thesis. No, this is much more creative than that. The plot thickens as the story develops. And any good story has plot development... this is something wonderful about Horizon. We are on a journey... we know the direction to go, but the story is far from over. In fact, the plot develops as each new person that shares our values and purpose comes aboard. They become characters in the story...
Speaking of characters, Horizon has plenty of those... and there are all kinds. There is the crowd, the community in which we live (think of Warren's concentric circles), and then there are those that are more connected with the story of Horizon. Some attend Link Groups, others to church, and many to both. Some even help tell the story of Horizon to others, and share that they can also be a part of this grand plot. Those are the leaders. Every good vision caster is an excellent story teller and is one that can help develop others into the plot line. Characters add the color to the canvas and a mix of various personalities and giftedness to the story.
more later...
10.09.2004
Little Round Top
Kimme and I spent the day in Gettysburg, PA. I absolutely love this town. It's sort of a reflective harbor for me. It's a place I go to look in deep. Today I spent about an hour at Little Round Top. Here, Joshua Chamberlain -one of my life's heroes, led the 20th of Maine against all odds to hold a tiny hill that if lost would have possibly changed the outcome of the Civil War. I spent about 10 minutes at the extreme right flank and another 10 at the extreme left. Strewn about in strange formation, a make-shift wall of rocks was made by these men around 3 PM on July 2, 1863. It still stands today, connecting the distance between each flank. Behind it, stood the 20th of Maine, a green/untried fighting unit led by a former school teacher. After raid after raid from Col. William C. Oates' 15th and 47th Alabama and ammo running horribly low, Joshua Chamberlain gave the order: "Bayonet! Forward to the right!"
Here is what Chamberlain noted of the events:
"At that crises, I ordered the bayonet. The word was enough. It ran like fire along the line, from man to man, and rose into a shout, with which they sprang forward on the enemy, now not 30 yards away. The effect was surprising; many of the enemy's first line threw down their arms and surrendered. An officer fired his pistol at my head with one hand, while he handed me his sword with the other. Holding fast by our right, and swinging forward our left, we made an extended "right wheel," before which the enemy's second line broke and fell back, fighting from tree to tree, many being captured, until we had swept the valley and cleared the front of nearly our entire brigade."
Today, I spent most of my time on a rock that now has a large monument commemorating this feat of heroism. It's supposedly the place where the order was given. I don't know why, but this place just rings so true in my heart and makes me think of my faith and the opposing forces among us:
Paul, a fellow church planter, noted of his own events:
2 Corinthians 4.7-12:
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."
My prayer is that the church will hear the call for bayonet... let's take on the forces of evil with a fierce faith and a bold love. Tomorrow, Horizon launches it's second church in Towson. I prayed at each section mentioned above on Little Round Top that we will used of God for something amazing, something unexplainable except for His involvement... that he would "show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
Here is what Chamberlain noted of the events:
"At that crises, I ordered the bayonet. The word was enough. It ran like fire along the line, from man to man, and rose into a shout, with which they sprang forward on the enemy, now not 30 yards away. The effect was surprising; many of the enemy's first line threw down their arms and surrendered. An officer fired his pistol at my head with one hand, while he handed me his sword with the other. Holding fast by our right, and swinging forward our left, we made an extended "right wheel," before which the enemy's second line broke and fell back, fighting from tree to tree, many being captured, until we had swept the valley and cleared the front of nearly our entire brigade."
Today, I spent most of my time on a rock that now has a large monument commemorating this feat of heroism. It's supposedly the place where the order was given. I don't know why, but this place just rings so true in my heart and makes me think of my faith and the opposing forces among us:
Paul, a fellow church planter, noted of his own events:
2 Corinthians 4.7-12:
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."
My prayer is that the church will hear the call for bayonet... let's take on the forces of evil with a fierce faith and a bold love. Tomorrow, Horizon launches it's second church in Towson. I prayed at each section mentioned above on Little Round Top that we will used of God for something amazing, something unexplainable except for His involvement... that he would "show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
10.01.2004
Buzz
Well, Clay and I have been getting word of people already getting the new Horizon Magazine in the mail! This is an exciting time... I wonder what awesome people we will get to know because of this? I wonder how many lives will be changed? For those that have been praying about this launch, keep it up.
9.23.2004
Alive
Hey, guys... this is just a post to let everyone know that I am alive and well. Sorry for not blogging much lately. I've been a bit more preoccupied with other things, namely my family which is a good thing. lol -- Also, as a staff and as Link Group leaders, we @ Horizon have been gearing up for our upcoming launch. I do hope to share more soon. Nevermind that someone close to me calls blogging "arrogant." (*wink*) I think it's quite cool.
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