A week in review! Catching up from within...

Of course the Christian week begins on Sunday. And, so it was for me. Last Sunday was the start of one of the most incredible weeks in my life.

Sunday.
It started very early on Sunday the 8th of March - around 4.30am. I woke up excited! Today is the Cape Argus cycle tour! It was my 8th ride and I had done a great deal of early morning cycling, careful eating, and mental preparation for a great ride. I knew there was going to be trouble the moment I heard the first gust of wind! But, off to the race I went with Graham, Dawie, Etienne, Brian, Dawie Jnr and Stefan (see the photo from the District Mail - our local Heldberberg Newspaper on the left).

Apparently it was the worst weather in the history of Cape Argus! At places the wind gusted up to 75km/h. Two examples of the strength of the wind were: First, when Dawie Jnr, a fit young guy, was blown completely off his bike just 100m from the start, injuring his arm and leg in the process that caused him to retire from the race! Second, at about 95km into the race (coming over the top of Suikerbossie, down the hill towards the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Camps Bay), I found myself in my lowest gear, standing as I peddled downhill against a ferocious wind - as I looked at my speed I was doing 9 km/h! All around me people were getting off their bikes and walking.

Well, thankfully my race went off without incident. I had hoped for, and trained for, a sub 4 hour ride (which I think may have been possible in better weather). I ended up doing the 109km (this year including Boyes Drive) in 4h58mins. A race official commented that one could take of 1h30mins for the weather... But, 4h58 it is. I am thankful for great, fun, ride! I'll be back next year God willing!

Oh, and at the start of the race I managed to meet both Francois Pienaar (whom I had met once before), the Springbok Rugby Captain from 1995's world cup winning team (see the photo below).

I also met Matt Damon, who was in South Africa to play the part of Francois Pienaar for a movie on the 1995 world cup. Mr Damon (I don't quite feel comfortable calling him 'Matt'... He's a superstar and I'm... well, just me!) was such a nice guy! He was patient and allowed us to be photographed with him. This photo below was taken by a friend. I wasn't quite ready - so that accounts for the fact that I was in mid sentence when the photo was taken. I can't remember what I was saying! But, it looks quite serious! ha ha! What an incredible day!

My final time was 4h54 mins (which I got here).

Monday.

On Monday I spent the day doing two things (primarily). First, I had to pack my bags in order to be ready to go to the airport in the afternoon to catch a flight to London - but more about that later. Second, I spent most of the day trying to complete my lecture for the Hugh Price Hughes lecture series that I would give on Tuesday evening. I had written up a great deal of the lecture, but needed to spend some further time refining the argument, developing some of the thoughts, and bringing together the questions and research assumptions. It was wonderful to be 'back in the books' for a day! I enjoyed carefully crafting my text, shaping and sharpening my thoughts, and putting this all down in text.

Not yet having completed the lecture I had to leave for the airport. I knew when I left that I this trip was going to be a busy one! So, here's a rough overview of the week:

Tuesday:
Meet the staff of the Hinde Street Methodist Church, do the Hugh Price Hughes lecture (see http://www.hindestreet.org.uk follow the links to the lecture and you can download an audio copy as soon as they've edited and uploaded it). It was wonderful to see my Brazilian brother Leao Neto again! He and I met at the Oxford Institute in 2007 and hit it off imediately. Leao has been such a great support and encouragement. He has such a significant ministry with the poor and marginalised on the streets of London. Leao is a 'minister in exile' from the Methodist Church in Brazil (which to my amazement refuses to have anything to do with the Catholic Church - if I understand it correctly, and Leao faced some persecution for his stance on various issues and so ended up moving to London with his family in order to continue his ministry). I stayed with Sue Keegan von Almen and her husband Daniel. Sue is the Superintendent of the London West City Mission - she is a remarkable woman who carries a great deal of responsibility. I am certain that it will not be long before she is the chair of the District and the President of the Methodist Conference! Her husband Daniel is a Retired Reformed Professor and minister. He taught both mission and New Testament in Switzerland and Germany for many years. He was a fount of knowledge! What a remarkable Christian. These encounters reminded me that the Christian world is rich in its diversity, and deep in its gifting!

The HPH lecture was incredible! A veritable who's who of British Methodism and Theology were in attendance. It was daunting and I felt both ill prepared and unworthy. However, I delivered my paper entitled 'Revolution of evolution: Considering the impact of 'emerging conversations' on the mission and ecclesiology of established Churches'. The questions that were raised after the lecture were good, and I left having learnt a great deal more than I shared. In the European Tradition I was given a magnificent Pen to mark the occasion (an honour which is bestowed upon visiting scholars). I felt humbled and will cherish this precious object. Sometimes I fear that my current post is 'taking the edge off' my scholarly mind - it was great to have this opportunity!

Wednesday:
I spent the day with the LEAT team at Elephant and Castle. I had three meetings here. One to meet the team and see what the Methodist Church are doing in relation to dealing with prejudice and stigma relating to HIV+ persons in England, and also how the Church is working to break down prejudice against gay persons in the Church. Second a chance to meet with the Chaplain and staff of LEAT seeing some of the work they do with the community around HIV, particularly helping the Church and massive immigrant population to cope with this difficult issue. Third, I met with my friend Rev. Dr. Angie Shier-Jones (with whom I've worked on a number of book projects in the past) to go through the concept of the next book she has asked me to participate in which deals with a theology of HIV and AIDS. My chapter will be entitled 'The Church has AIDS' and it will consider how the Methodist Church of Southern Africa's mission and ministry has been shaped by this pandemic. It will consider both the deep theology that informs the Church's perspective and the pragmatic and necessary changes in our structures and ministry agents in order to respond appropriately. On Wednesday after these meetings I loaded up my luggage (a daily task!) and made my way via the tubes and overland trains to Wimbledon station. Here I met my brother in law Craig and his partner Kath. I try to spend at least one night with this part of my family whenever I am in London. It was wonderful to see them and enjoy their hospitality and kindness again! We had some good beer (Indian beer!) and talked until late in the night.

The impact of the world economic crisis can be seen and felt by ordinary working class persons in the UK. This was evident in the streets and in the conversations with friends and family. I am worried that we shall soon be feeling the impact of this crisis in South Africa in greater measure.

Thursday:
On Thursday I once again packed up my bags (two of them - both on wheels, one with my computer and other daily goods, and one with my clothes and a ton of books (my books) which I was asked to bring over to give away and sell at the various lectures and speaking engagements). I made my way along the Northern Line from the Wimbledon North tube station to Kings Cross St Pancrass station, and then from there along the Circle line to Westminster. At Westminster I was going to the 'Mecca of Methodism' - Methodist Central hall. It is a formidable structure across the road from Westminster Abbey. Thursday was a day in which I experienced a great deal of blessing and joy. You see I had been invited by the District Chairs of the London Districts to do two workshops with their clergy at Westminster Hall. What a joy it was to see two South African Methodist ministers (now living and working in the London area) among them - Jongikhaya Zihle and Jenny Sweet. The workshops were 2 hours each, they were very well attended and I got a great deal of positive feedback. My task was quite simple. I was using the 'action / reflection' method of contextual theology to help these ministers gain a new perspective on the possibilities of ministry in their contexts. Having completed the lectures I was treated to a most amazing tour of Methodist Central Hall by the curator, Rev Mervyn Appleby. The most knowledgeable Methodist historian I have ever had a chance to meet! From there I collected my bags at Kings Cross and caught the train to Cambridge! I arrived at Wesley House Cambridge where I have stayed a few times before just in time to do some work with the Methodist students for ministry and the Methodist students who are studying other various disciplines at the University. It was a wonderful evening of theological engagement and questioning with a group of about 30 young people at various stages in their theological (and other) education.

After this I went to evening prayers in the Chapel at 9pm, and then spent some time with my close friend Madika Sibeko and later with Jane Leach (a lecturer at Wesley House who had previously come to spend two weeks with us at John Wesley college). Jane, her partner Una and I talked until late. It was great to catch up on all the news and developments in their lives.

I went to bed and slept the sleep of the dead! I fasted today.

Friday: I woke very early this morning - before 5am. Today is my regular fast day and I shall take extra time to pray for sick children, for parents of sick children, pregnant women, and those who have lost children to illness.

As I write this I am sitting in the guest suite at Wesley House College, Cambridge, looking out over the gardens of 'Jesus College' as they stretch towards the River Cam. Cambridge is a remarkable place. I could have worked here twice before, and once was accepted to study here (in fact to do my PhD). But I made other choices, for which I am grateful. But, being back here does fill me with a sense of immense gratitude for the friends that I have made over the years. I feel quite at home among them. This is a very different world to the one in which I spend most of my time back home. I love and appreciate both contexts tremendously! Today is the last day of the first term and I shall spend some time working with the students and staff here at Cambridge. I am not entirely sure how the rest of this day will be shaped. My presentations and notes are in order, and as always I am thankful to teach. I frequently have to pinch myself when I realise the incredible privilege of my life! I thank God for God's unmerited favor and grace which is so lavishly and extravagantly placed upon me and my family.

When this day is done I'll make my way to Stansted by train to meet my friend Bryan and his wife Alix with whom I shall spend the evening before they take me back to Heathrow to fly back home on Saturday evening.

This has been a very short and packed trip! The reason for this was because I had to get back to South Africa in order to prepare for a trip to West and North Africa (Ivory Coast, Ghana and Liberia). Thankfully that trip has now been placed on hold for a few reasons. So, I shall have an extra week at home with Megie, Courtney and Liam whom I miss with every fibre of my being.

Here's what I think I have learnt from this trip:

1. I am still a scholar. I have appreciated the rigor and blessing of deep thoughts and the ability to hold them, shape them and share them with others.

2. My life is somehow deeply linked to the Methodist Church worldwide. No matter where I go in the world I tend to encounter wonderful Methodists of various theological persuasions that have those some deep roots of personal holiness and social holiness which are the backbone of Christian perfection.

3. I have particularly special connection with the Methodist Church of Britain. I would not be surprised if we spend some time here in the years to come.

4. I am humbled by the grace and support of others. It is truly wonderful to be able to bring some fresh insight and challenge, and to have it enthusiastically received!

5. I can't wait to get home!!! I want to be with Megie, Courtney and Liam!

6. My leg is all but better (99% there). On my last trip to the UK in September 2008 I picked up a mild thrombosis from the flight and walking. On this trip my leg was absolutely fine (even after cycling the Argus the day before I left)! I thank God for that mercy.

Well, I'm not sure if this post has been anything more than a personal reflection and an incredible week! I'm fairly certain that it will have no value for anyone other than myself. But, thank you for stopping by. My regular blogging, videos and thoughts will resume next week.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Dion

On Being 'done'.... The Cult of Done and being 'Dion'

I found this post on boingboing - I have been so busy in the last few weeks that I have not been able to check many blogs (only my friends Wessel, Pete, and Gus... see details on the right hand side of this page.  PS, Pete, I found your post about sex quite interesting and challenging!)...

But, this quote from Cory was very interesting - it comes from here Cult of Done Manifesto: a name for my disease

Bre Pettis and Kio Stark's "Cult of Done" manifesto is basically how I live my life -- fail fast and often, get stuff done, get more stuff done, fail some more, learn, blow something up, fail, learn, do more stuff, do more stuff, do more stuff.

Seriously: reading these 13 bullet points are like discovering the name for my disease. Or my religion.

1. There are three states of being. Not knowing, action and completion.
2. Accept that everything is a draft. It helps to get it done.
3. There is no editing stage.
4. Pretending you know what you're doing is almost the same as knowing what you are doing, so just accept that you know what you're doing even if you don't and do it.
5. Banish procrastination. If you wait more than a week to get an idea done, abandon it.
6. The point of being done is not to finish but to get other things done.
7. Once you're done you can throw it away.
8. Laugh at perfection. It's boring and keeps you from being done.
9. People without dirty hands are wrong. Doing something makes you right.
10. Failure counts as done. So do mistakes.
11. Destruction is a variant of done.
12. If you have an idea and publish it on the internet, that counts as a ghost of done.
13. Done is the engine of more.

The Cult of Done Manifesto (via Boogah)

posted in: Happy Mutants

Yup, that's me alright!  Task oriented, walk where angels fear to tread, and always thinking a few steps ahead of where I am.  There can be a great deal of reward in being this way... Of course there are also many challenges to being compulsive and task oriented.  But, that's Dion ;-)

What's your style!?

Ego and satisfaction...

The human 'ego' is a powerful 'thing'... I can't quite think of a better word to use than 'thing' (the 'ego' is not truly an objective thing, rather it is something of a subjective state of being (or states of being)... But I think you get the idea)!

The reason for this post and video results from a discipline I have been trying to cultivate in that few weeks. In recent weeks I have been spending quite a bit of time 'pushing others to the front'. By this I mean, I have been quite deliberate about finding ways to step back from things that will put me in the limelight by rather encouraging the work, efforts, and recognition of other persons. I realise that I need this. First, I need it because the struggle to keep my own ego under control reminds me just how powerful my ego is in shaping my experience of life, peace, and joy. Second, I realise that I need to do this because it is good when other persons are celebrated for their gifts and achievements! We should never live with a scarcity mentality when it comes to blessing, recognition and praise! What I have discovered for myself is that there is plenty of joy to go around - seeing someone else being blessed and recognised has brought me great joy as well. Although, I would like to think that this is not why I have been practising "playing second fidle" (as Eugene Peterson puts it in his translation of Romans 12:9-16.

Isn't this just wonderful?

9 Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. 10 Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. 11 Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12 cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. 13 Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. 14 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. 15 Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. 16 Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.

The human ego can be an incredibly powerful thing! Sadly, I like many others, am enslaved by my ego. It causes us to feel unworthy, it prompts me to be less than loving, not supportive of the gifts and blessings of others. This is certainly not Christian!

However, the one thing that I can assure you is that you need to have a strong sense of security, and a firm foundation for your ego, if you're going to push others to the front! I have frequently found this source of strength in the spiritual discipline of prayer. As I pray for others, for their blessing and success, I find that my attitude towards them changes (perhaps bringing me in line with God's attitude towards them?) But, it is not easy! It is a lot like the discipline of exercise! I have found that I literally have to practice playing second fiddle!

Well, here's a video that I made about this... Perhaps the verses and insights might offer some challenge and encouragement.

I would love to hear from you! Please share any insights and thoughts on this subject.

An Apple among the thorns!

On our flight back from Johannesburg today we had a BIT of work to
do! So, out came the laptops (by the way you can use your 3G card on
private flights...). My little Apple is the only rose among the
thorns... Ah, the Macbook Air!

In this photo are (L to R) Graham Power, Peter Serokewa (Uganda),
Steve Johnstone & Lary Ailey (USA).

Freedom and struggle...

The notion of 'struggle' (i.e., political action, social intervention, destabilization of all oppressive structures in society) is a necessary precursor to social freedom.  I think that the same could be said for religious freedom - it takes energy, intervention, and of course a fair amount of courage to become who we are truly intended to be!

The converse reality is of course that there is always a resistance to such action.   Most of us seek to maintain the status quo - even when it is not good!  Have you ever heard the saying 'rather the devil you know than the one you don't?'  Yup, society and individuals resist change, particularly when it is costly and sacrificial.  This can be said of small things (like waking up at 4am to go cycling so that one can prepare for a race), and larger things (like choosing not to be part of the way in which society structures itself towards the enrichment of the few and impoverishment of the many).  I struggle with both of these on so many levels.  Of course there are many, many other areas in my life where action is necessary for me to grow towards freedom - I need to find more time to pray and read the scriptures, I need to create more opportunities to encounter broken people and places so that my heart remains compassionate, I need to find better resources that help me to shape and inform my prayer life, I need to travel less so that I can spend more time with my family, I need to be more deliberate about what I write, say, and do in order to influence greater change in the individuals and structures that surround me...  The list could go on and on!

What I realised in my prayer time on this first Saturday of Lent was that freedom is costly!  It requires intentional planning, and sacrificial action.  It is not comfortable, but it is necessary and the rewards are great.  Here is a verse from scripture that has touched me today:

For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?

- Jeremiah 8:21-22

For the past few weeks I have been doing quite a bit of work with our nation's politicians - Hellen Zille, Mosioua Lekota, Mvume Dandala, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, Andre Gaum and a few others.  I have also been working with close to 300 religious leaders from across Africa and Southern Africa this week.  The constant refrain has been the application of intentional effort and sacrifice in order to initiate change towards true freedom!  Most of these persons have been engaged towards the http://www.unashamedlyethical.com campaign.  PS, you can watch the video here with a few of these persons here: http://www.unashamedlyethical.com/video/video.html

Well, what has amazed me in this process has been the reaction that I have come up against from all quarters - people resist change!  I have encountered many who have been very critical of our attempts to address social and religious 'evil' in an attempt to work towards freedom.  People like the status quo!  We don't like challenge or change...

Those who profess to favor freedom, and yet depreciate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning.

- Frederick Douglass,
from his speech celebrating West India Emancipation Day (August, 1857)

Theological Buzzwords: 'Transformation', what is it? A theological explanation.

I was asked by a friend to give an overview of my understanding of the concept of transformation. Here is my attempt at expressing my understanding of the much used concept of transformation.

What is transformation?

The concept of Transformation is linked to a movement of change from one state of being to another.

In Christian terms the movement is always in the same direction, i.e., from a state of sin, brokenness, emptiness and Godlesness to a state of life, blessing, wholeness and adherence to God’s will. The New Testament uses a particular word for this process, it is the Greek word metamorphasou (from which we derive our English word for the transforming process of simple life forms such as a worm to a butterfly).

We are commanded in Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Here you can clearly see the movement of being transformed FROM the standards of this world (that lead ultimately to death and destruction – whether these be physical death such as poverty, death as a result of sexual sin, abuse of alcohol etc., or spiritual death as a result of our separation from God, other persons and ourselves (e.g., like what one finds in a bad marriage, or in a nation where the political and social violence as a result of separation between different groups).

God’s fundamental desire is to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Phil 2:5) - and because that is God’s mission, that should also be the mission of the Church and every member of the body of Christ, as it was Christ's mission (Lk 4:43). It should be our aim to transform both the structures of society to reflect the structures of God’s will (most often expressed in the Bible through the use of the term 'the Kingdom of God' he basiliea tou theou – which literally means 'the place in which God reigns’, or ‘the sphere in which in God is King'. So for some Christians mission means transforming structures in society (such as economic structures and political structures) to more closely represent the structures that are present in God’s Kingdom (i.e., they are more just, more loving, more gracious, they are structures that give life, that seek equality, that include people, that build them up, that display God’s image and beauty and recognize it in people and places).

The second approach to transformation (that goes hand in hand with the first) is the transformation of the individuals that make up society and populate the structures of society. The best way to transform individuals is not just to transform the social and physical things around them (e.g., giving them new clothes, building them new buildings and roads etc.) rather it is to change their very nature! A sinful, selfish nature (which is the natural way of this world) will always lead to destruction, greed and death (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23), but when one can bring people into a relationship of Christian discipleship (i.e., help them to form the disciplines that 'transform' their minds and hearts to be the same as the mind and heart of Christ Jesus), then society changes from the inside out! Even poor people can bless others, even the powerless in a society can bring about loving, holy and God honoring change!

So, this is my understanding of transformation (or at least that which I can express at the moment). It is both spiritual and physical. It deals both with individuals and with groups and structures in society. For the individual there are two elements to transformation. First there is the nature of a transformed person.

What is the nature of a transformed person? It is the same gracious, loving, life giving nature as that of Christ Jesus.

Then there is the character of the transformed person (i.e., the tangible characteristics of the transformed nature) these characteristics are the same as those expressed in the Biblical understanding of God's Kingdom. You can see that a person is transformed because the people and structures around them begin to be transformed into the image of Christ and the values of the Kingdom of God.

2. How can we strengthen the Church for the ministry of transformation?

Before the Church can be God's agent of Transformation in society it will first need transformation itself.

I think there are two fundamental steps. First, I think the Church itself needs transformation! It needs to be transformed from a self centered institution to a God directed mission movement. When the individuals and structures of the Church are encountered by Christ and come to understand His will for their lives and surroundings the Church can be changed! People will see that they ARE the Church at work, at school, at the shops, in their political decisions, in the way they handle their money etc., Such Churches are powerful in transforming society.

Prayer is the first step in this process. The second step is connecting people with places and instances where they can discern the will of God! We will soon find that God does not truly worry about styles of worship, what people wear to Church or how much water we’re baptized in! God could care less about this petty issues when within walking distance of most Churches in South Africa there are children dying of malnutrition, people who are dying of HIV AIDS, relationships being destroyed by alcohol and drugs... The list could go on and on. Sadly I think very few Christians, and very few Christian Churches actually know what God’s will is for them and their surroundings!

So, we need to work for the renewal and conversion of both Christians and the Christian Church – a transformation FROM our selfish will TO a rediscovery and obedience to God's perfect and loving will, and strengthening the body of Christ to be courageous enough to bring God's will to bear on society. When we have been saturated in prayer, fully connected with a loving God, and we walk into our world, ever person, every structure, every institution takes on a new meaning. We have a chance to bring transformation to bear in every action, every encounter, every decision...

In theological terms we have often spoken of this as a balance between personal holiness (i.e., complete devotion to God) and social holiness (complete devotion towards achieving the will of God in society). You cannot have personal holiness without social holiness (i.e., you cannot say you love God, yet not love those whom God loves. And, God’s love is tangible and real – it is expressed in food, shelter, clothing, healing, acceptance...)

So, I hope that gives some idea of my understanding of the concepts of transformation?

I would love to hear your views on Transformation!

On that note, with regards to the relationship between Personal Holiness and Social holiness you can read this paper I presented at the Oxford Institute some years ago (it has since been revised, published in a journal and later in my book 'Methodism in Southern Africa: A celebration of Wesleyan Mission')

Past Presiding Bishop could be South Africa's next President! Rev Mvume Dandala - new leader of COPE

I was greeted by this great news this morning when I got back from my cycle! I know Mvume very well, he is a man of impeccable integrity, with a heart for the poor and marginalized. He was my Bishop for many years, and has also served as the Patron for Transformation Africa (one of the organisations in which I serve) for some years now! This image was taken in Korea a few years ago, from left to right are myself (Dr Dion Forster), Rev Dr Mvume Dandala, and Rev Trevor Hudson.

Well, this surely bodes well for a good opposition in South Africa! Just over a week ago we had a chance to interview Mr Lekota, who himself is a formidable individual. But, Mvume is a man of such deep faith a integrity. I may just be changing my vote this year!

Here's the first story from 'The Times':

Now here’s a surprise. The SABC has reported that Cope’s election list is headed up not by Mosiuoa Lekota or Mbhazima Shilowa, but by the head of the Methodist Church, Bishop Mvume Dandala. It’s yet to be confirmed, but it hasn’t been denied.
Wow.
It’s a bit of a shock given the high profile that Lekota and Shilowa enjoy within the party, but it could give Cope a totally fresh hand to play: Moral leadership. The Reverend vs the sexually deviant corruption accused. Might play well with middle South Africa.
As one caller to John Robbie’s Radio 702 talk show this morning put it: Does that mean that Mosiuoa Lekota will start another party?
From the SAPA story:

The head of the Methodist church of Southern Africa, Bishop Mvume
Dandala, has been nominated as the presidential candidate for the
Congress of the People (Cope), SABC news reported on Thursday.
In its Thursday evening news bulletin, the public broadcaster
announced that it had “reliably learnt” that Dandala came out on top of
the party’s national list.
But party spokeswoman Palesa Morudu would not be drawn to verify
this on Thursday night, saying “a formal announcement will probably be
made on Friday”.

Technorati tags: Mvume Dandala, COPE, Elections, Dion Forster

books... so elitist... use twitter instead!

"I stopped reading books. There's nowhere to add my avatar, I can't leave anonymous comments, and they NEVER add me back. Books are elitist."

Back to twitter I guess ;-) ... follow me!  http://www.twitter.com/digitaldion

Bad religion and good grace. Jesus needs new PR!

Over the years I have been party to my fair share of bad religion! I like to think (and hope) that my bad religion was motivated by naive passion and ignorance.

I've preached my fair share of sermons that have intended to 'convict' people of their guilt. I have participated in judging the behaviour (or lack thereof) among certain groups and in certain individuals - as if somehow I occupy a higher moral and religious ground than they do, and so have a right to pass judgment. I have labeled people (sometimes unknowingly, and in other situations out of anger or disgust). Bad religion... There is a lot of that around.

Thankfully it is not the whole picture of the Church! I think that Jesus needs new PR! (Public relations) I certainly haven't done much to help others to connect with the Christ whose love I experience. Neither have I helped them to understand the depths of his grace and the wonder of acceptance - not because of who you are, but in spite of who you are. This Jesus is wonderful, and I realise that Jesus needs new PR! Just look at this glorious sunset above! Wow, if only I could capture just one iota of God's beauty in my actions, words, and thoughts - just a tiny glimpse of something as magnificent as this display of God's creative beauty... But, sadly, I can witness it (this photo was taken near my home with my cellphone camera), but I cannot seem to share it as I would like to.

I recently read a comment on a blog where someone said "I don't mind Jesus, it's his wife I don't trust!" The bride of Christ - we can be pretty harsh!

As I mentioned in a previous post I have recently been reading Barbara Kingsolver's book "The poisonwood Bible" - it has affected me profoundly. I read a lot - perhaps two (or more) books a week. I have been sleeping a lot better in recent months because of increased exercise, but I still wake at 3.30 or 4am and spend some time reading. Well, this book has been my companion on those early mornings. It has caused me to weep - mainly it has reminded me of the need to confess my own propensity towards the 'bad religion'.

This book is wonderfully written - it offers a realistic and balanced view of individuals, families and communities that are influenced by the Christian faith. It is not shy to extol the virtues and unmeasurable value of having faith in Christ. Yet, it is realistic and balanced enough to be critical of the negative effects of our faith upon ourselves and others.

Indeed, as I read it I realise that the loving, servant, Christ needs new PR! He deserves it, and the whole world deserves to experience His love and grace! I am sadenned by my own inability to represent him well. I am discouraged by a Church (not any Church in particular, but many Churches on the whole) that are self obsessed, served by people who have lost their passion and love for Christ, and their passion and love for those whom Christ loves. I am sadened that we do not encounter the world with loving truth, the truth of Christ's love that welcomes every person that he has created!

A friend and I were recently talking about the narrative of the Church - I have a quote from a British humanist who said that "The narrative of the contemporary Church is either schism or decline". Within the Church we are quick to blame 'others' for this sad reality. Liberals blame conservatives for keeping people out of the Church. Conservatice blame liberals for making entry so easy that it bears no value. I have come to realise that as a 'liberal evangelical' (sometimes called an 'emergent' Christian) my perspective may be different from that of my conservative sisters and brothers, but my convictions are pretty much the same. I am also a fundamentalist! My fundamentals are just slightly different. I too believe in the supremacy of scripture, but somehow that 'supremacy' (like with other 'fundamentalists') is so closely tied to my own views and perspectives on reality that it becomes exclusive). Sure, I'm 'inclusive', but I do tend to be more 'inclusive' of those who share my views and more condemnatory of those who don't. We're not all that different, my conservative family and my liberal family...

Thankfully Jesus is not like me - although I do wish that I could be more like him! Thankfully the ways of Jesus are not like mine - although I do pray that my wise would become more like his!

So, Jesus needs better PR! What do you think?

Sunrise ove Table Mountain

Twice a week I meet at 5.15am with a few friends from our Church to pray for the many schools in our area (the teachers, pupils, parents and management). Straight from there I go for a cycle. This morning we did 50 kms - from Somerset West to Stellenbosch, then to Blackheath, and from there back to Somerset West.

This photo shows the sun rising onto Table Mountain from Polka draai. Isn't it lovely? I live in a great place!
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Lest we forget... I guess it's about rediscovering faith!

For a while now the following verses have been resonating in my mind and spirit:



"Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom." (Isa 40:28).



We tend to concentrate on:



"He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint."

Not a bad thing to concentrate on! But somehow I think we miss the 'key' to this passage - it is much less about us and much more about God! I have frequently encouraged Christians to remember that the Christian faith is 'theocentric' (i.e., it is focused primarily on the person of God who loves God's creation) rather than 'anthropocentric' (i.e., like much of the contemporary 'popular' Christian thought that places humanity at the center of God's universe. As if God is our slave and servant, existing to do our bidding...)

Lest we forget (in good times and in bad) God does truly love us, and this is God's gracious and loving will! It is undeserved and unearned.

Here's the little video that explains my thoughts on the matter.



What do you think?

A constant little reminder! Links to directly download copies of my books for FREE!

Every now and then I repost this message - Here are the links to download copies of three of my books for free!

As I've said elsewhere a few times, I would much rather have you read my books than pay me to own them! So, please, go ahead, download a copy of each and use them as you would.

http://www.spirituality.org.za/books/Uncommon_Spiritual_Path_Forster.pdf

http://www.spirituality.org.za/books/Prayer_Guide_for_Exams_Forster.pdf

http://www.spirituality.org.za/books/Christ_at_the_Center_Forster.pdf

Please may I request two favours in return?

1. Please could you drop me a line to let me know that you've downloaded one or all of the books and whether you have any thoughts, suggestions, or feedback to share? You can email me at digitaldion@gmail.com

2. Please could I ask that you spread the links to my books as widely as you possibly can! Please try to drive as much traffic to these books as possible. Thank you so much for your interest!

If you would like to own copies of the books simply go to my blog /blogger.html and you can order paper copies of each of the books, plus three more, using the links on the right hand side of the page.

May you be richly blessed in Christ,

Dion