\books for ordinary radicals\

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 15 (p 110-119)

2009-02-08T17:39:00.003-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 15 (p 110-119)
A Jewish View of Embryonic Stem Cell Research -- Elliot Dorff

(1) "In the Jewish tradition, our bodies belong to God; we have them on loan during our lease on life. God, as owner of our bodies, can and does impose conditions on how we use them. Among these conditions is the requirement that we seek to preserve human life and health (pikuakh nefesh). As a corollary to this, we have a duty to seek to develop new cures for human diseases" (p 110).

What do you think about the view that our bodies are not ultimately our own, that we are responsible to God for them? What ramifications does this have on how we live regardless of the stem cell debate?

(2) "All human beings, regardless of their levels of ability and disability, are created in the image of God" (p 111).

In what ways are humans "created in the image of God?" What human characteristics or capacities are in God's image? How does this inform the stem cell research discussion?

(3) Three sources of embryonic stem cells are outlined on page 114--aborted fetuses, frozen embryos destined to be discarded, and stem cell "farms" (p 114).

Does the source of the stem cells affect your opinion of stem cell research? Why is this important to you?

(4) "When used in research to cure diseases, embryonic stem cell research is definitely permitted" (p 119).

Do you agree with this? Why or why not? What other uses for embryonic stem cell research may be more problematic?

(5) "In some ways, giving the homeless food, clothing, and shelter and providing basic health care for everyone in the world are more important goals to pursue. But to the extent that we devote money to medical research... both adult and embryonic stem cell research should be high on our list of priorities" (p 119).

What are your highest priorities for dollars spent on preserving and promoting life? What factors influences your values regarding priorities?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 14 (p 102-109)

2009-01-25T19:45:00.003-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 14 (p 102-109)
The Global AIDS Crisis -- Jacob Feinspan and Julia Greenberg

(1) "In 2005, 4.3 million people were newly infected with the HIV virus, bringing the total number of people living with HIV close to 40 million. In the same year, nearly 3 million died from the virus, bringing to 2.5 million the number of people who have died since the AIDS crisis began" (p 103).

These are staggering numbers. It's hard to understand what these numbers mean. As Stalin is credited with saying, "The death of one man is a tragedy, the death of millions is a statistic." To put these numbers in perspective, the authors reveal, "there are three time as many HIV-positive people in the world as there are Jews" (p 108-109).

This enormity, couple with the knowledge that "the leading causes of death in most poor countries are still common diseases such as diarrhea and pulmonary failure" (p 103), and we begin to see the great need for improved health care in the world. And the best health care is prevention, arguably in the form of education and jobs.

Do these numbers motivate or paralyze you? For those motivated to act, what can your first steps be? For those overwhelmed, the question remains the same: What small step can you take today? Also, this group should read the rest of the chapter carefully as it shows that collective action does produce measurable results.

(2) "We believe that supporting people who are claiming the tools and resources that are rightfully theirs to care for one another represents the ultimate Jewish response to this pandemic" (p 103).

Why is supporting the work of others seen as the ultimate response? How is empowerment crucial for sustainable solutions? Can you think of an example of this in your own life?

(3) "TAC's leader, Zackie Achmat, an HIV-positive man with access to treatment, refused to begin therapy until the South African government made it available to all those who needed it" (p 105). " After a page of success stories, we read, "Zackie Achmat began taking his drugs and continues to lead TAC today" (p 106).

This reminds me of Gandhi's refusal to eat until conflicting factions stopped fighting. This is powerful, high-stakes leadership. In your situation, how can you increase your effectiveness as a leader in rallying people to the cause? Who can you partner with for increased leverage?

(4) "There is still plenty to do at home" (p 107).

This is quite true. There is great need both in the U.S. and abroad. Who and what is in your circle of influence today? By effectively reaching this circle today, how could you reach other further tomorrow?

(5) "...we are equally guilty of transgression if we fail to act to save a life, no matter the circumstances. And we can act to fight AIDS...." (p 108).

The authors list 4 ways to get involved: (1) advocate that orphanages are not the solution; (2) advocate for aid based on science not ideology; (3) stand with GLBT individuals and groups; and (4) advocate for increased professional care in the 2/3 world rather than poaching their providers.

What other ways can individuals get involved locally and internationally? How are you currently involved? How could you increase this work one notch? What local groups can you join in order to increase your effectiveness receive support for the journey?

Back in the Saddle

2009-01-09T11:11:00.002-05:00

Obviously, I haven't been posting over the holiday season. Things are settling down, so new chapters should be coming Sunday evening after we return from the Mars Hill Shed.

Grace and peace,
Jeff

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 13 (p 94-101)

2008-12-21T17:18:00.004-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 13 (p 94-101)
The Blood of Our Neighbors: American Health Care Reform -- Fox & Seltman

Last night a group of us born in eight different countries discussed health care in the U.S. Two of the participants were graduate students from Ghana. They are appalled (this is not an overstatement) that basic health care is so expensive here.

One has to have monthly blood work, and he can't afford this expense that his basic school insurance does not cover. Back at home, in what he describes as a developing nation, he is able to get this done with minimal cost. The other, a PhD candidate in education, shared his wife's experience studying in England. She had to have 2 surgeries while living there, and the costs were covered for her.

We understood their frustration, as we are dealing with our second major medical bill without insurance (previous experiences described here). Two other friends of ours are having a midwife deliver their baby at home because they don't have adequate insurance. They are just praying the birth goes smoothly.

All this is to say that I don't approach this subject with an unbiased attitude. I understand the experiences of both uninsured and under-insured. For those who want to learn more about the US debacle, you can begin with these older articles:

France is healthcare leader, US comes dead last: study (AFP, 8 Jan '08)
US Ranks Last Among Other Industrialized Nations On Preventable Deaths, Report Shows (Science News, 8 Jan '08)
SiCKO [I wrote this review and analysis at the end of 2007.]

(1) "You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:16).

"The Rabbis explain that the elders need not proclaim that they are innocent of murder, but rather that they are innocent of ignoring a person at risk and in need" (p 95).

"...unless we intervene, we are guilty" (p 95).

"If the community, or the body politic, has the power to prevent life-threatening illness, or to treat that illness, and does not, it stands liable" (p 98).

How can I intervene? What can I do about health care? What is my part?

(2) "Patients are not to be seen as sources of profit, but as God's children, all equally deserving of good medical care" (p 97).

This makes sense to me from since I come from a Judeo-Christian background. But how can we effectively argue this in the context of capitalism and free markets and supply-and-demand and no-free-lunch? What is a wise approach?

(3) "The solution is a single-payer universal health care" (p 98).

What are the pros and cons of this solution? How can the obstacles listed by the author (i.e., stakeholders in the current system) be overcome? Are there any other solutions on the table for consideration?

(4) "What can individuals do?" (p 99).

We are directed to Healthcare--NOW!. What level of involvement can you sustain on this issue? How high of a priority is it for you?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 12 (p 87-93)

2008-12-14T14:29:00.004-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 12 (p 85-93)
Redemption for Radicals: Jewish Congregation-Based Community Organizing -- Rabbi Jonah Pesner

(1) While the two primary examples in this chapter relate to health care (general access/coverage and nursing home care), the two over-lapping themes of community organizing and story-telling can be applied to any social justice issue.

The first example of community and stories was especially powerful for me because my wife and I personally struggle with health care access and cost. If there is a time for organizing on this issue, it is now as Daschle begins tackling this issue anew. What is your health care story?

(2) "Though the story of the recent Massachusetts health reform is powerful, it is not unique. It is but one example of Jewish participation in the emerging movement called Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO)" (p 88).

The Jewish Reconstructionist Federation website lists three CBCO characteristics:

Congregants engage in one-to-one conversations within their synagogue, and often with other congregations, about their social justice passions.
Leaders engage in extensive clergy and lay leadership training and development.
Synagogue leaders work side-by-side with dozens of faith institutions and progressive organizations in their community, across lines of race, class, and faith.

Would your local congregation be open to telling their stories? What social justice passions would you want to discuss? What would it take to get the spiritual leaders of your faith community to engage in this conversation? How open is your community to working with people of other faiths? How open are you?

[More resources at/by Interfaith Funders, Unitarians, DART and YouTube.]

(3) "For people of faith, the first step toward justice is when we cry out" (p 89). The examples given of people who listened to the cry are Pharaoh's daughter, Moses and God.

I once prayed that God would open my ears to the cry of the oppressed. It wasn't long before I was overwhelmed. Cries from every direction were disorienting. Where to start? What to do? What was the first priority? "Okay, God. There is too much. Your kingdom come; your will be done. And how can I be a part of that right here, right now?"

What was the first cry for justice that you remember hearing? When have you cried out? Did anyone listen and respond?

(4) Since this blog is for "ordinary radicals," let's look at the definition of radical given on page 90.

"The radical is that unique person to whom the common good is the greatest personal value.... The radical is so completely identified with mankind that he personally shares the pain, the injustices, and the sufferings of all his fellow men" (p 90; quoted from Reveille for Radicals by Saul Alinksy).

How radical am I? In what ways do I share in the pain, injustice and suffering of others? How does this lead to their redemption? And to my own? If the common good is not my greatest personal value, what is?

(5) "First and foremost, [the Exodus story] teaches that in every time and place, redemption is possible. It begins with a cry... It continues with rage at the injustice, and a willingness to act. It requires leadership and relationships.... The people must begin to articulate their story..." (p 91).

Crying, rage, willingness to act, leadership, relationships and story-telling. Where am I at on these themes? Am I crying or hearing some else's cries (or both)? Do I have rage? At what? Am I willing to act? Am I acting? Am I offering leadership? Am I follow others who are more experienced than I? What condition and quality are my relationships? Are there key relationships I need to focus on to bolster community change? I am telling my story, listening intently on other's stories, providing an environment what words can be shared and heard?

(6) "In the globalized twenty-first century, justice transcends categories of race, class, and faith. Today, standing together for redemption means discovering our shared suffering and being challenged by each other's divergent traditions" (p 91).

What groups do I still not listen to? Why? What barriers am I allowing to stop their story? What stories am I telling myself about these groups? What suffering might I share in common with them? Am I open to hearing anything from this group's faith tradition?

(7) "The power for systemic change emanates from the Divine, but it comes only from authentic relationships both inside the Jewish family and beyond, with other communities who share a vision of a world redeemed. We can harness the power of our relationships and engage together in bold, public action, across lines of faith, class, and race, and address the structural sources of economic and social injustice" (p 93).

"Redemption isn't just for radicals. Redemption is for everyone" (p 93).

May we build relationships across barriers of faith, socio-economic class, age, ethnicity, political party, and every other characteristic we use to describe "them" and "us." And in these relationships, may we find divine power to build a more just world.

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 11 (p 79-84)

2008-12-07T15:47:00.003-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 11 (p 79-84)
Judaism, Oil, and Renewable Energy -- Shana Starobin

(1) "Unfortunately, many of us live as if the miracle of Hanukkah is an ongoing reality. We act as though oil--a non-renewable resource--will continue to power our economy long after the time scientists tell us it will surely be used up" (p 79).

To learn about Peak Oil, consider these films and books: A Crude Awakening, The Power of Community, and Plan C. Whether there is enough oil to fuel our world for 20 years or 100 years, we still need to be using present reserves to power the development of renewable methods. We cannot just pretend that once we're 5 years away from depletion that we will be able to pull things together and make a smooth switch to new ways of living.

Does your local electricity provider offer renewable energy sources? In what ways can you personally conserve electricity, coal, oil and natural gas?

(2) "According to [Deuteronomy 10:19], fruit trees are innocent bystanders in a human conflict. In comparing fruit trees to humans, the Torah implies that trees (like human beings) have inherent value and are deserving of honor and respect" (p 82).

"As Sefer Hachinuch so beautifully teaches, our ability to conserve natural resources is connected to our ability to recognize our blessings..." (p 82).

So we are taught to minimize the damage to the earth from human activity. We are taught to consider the perpetuity of life--both human life and plant life (elsewhere, animals as well). We are taught that sustainability requires an understanding of today's actions on tomorrow's reality. What I cut-down won't feed me next season; what I use up this year can't fuel my lifestyle in the next decade.

To you what is the strongest motivator to invest in renewable energy sources--climate change, Peak Oil, ecological conservation, or human impact (such as on the U'wa or Nigerians)? Other motivations? What renewable source of power do you believe is most promising? What possible negative impact might it have?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 10 (p 76-78)

2008-12-07T15:21:00.003-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 10 (p 76-84)
Toxic Waste and the Talmud -- Jeremy Benstein, PhD

(1) "Legislation and policy are often disassociated from Jewish tradition for reasons including relegation of religion to the private sphere, fear of coercion, stigmatization of religious law as backward, and the claim that 'secular' policy is a realm for politicians and experts, not rabbis" (p 76).

The role of religion in/on government, especially as played out here in the United States, is a tricky one. While most religions don't want the government interfering with their worship and way of life, they do have something to say about how the government operates and spends its budget. But how far to go? Where is the limit as religious leaders and lay persons use the ballot to enforce their views on abortion, gay rights, corporate freedom, school vouchers, smoking in public areas and public funds for faith-based social initiatives? In the past, the list would have also included slavery, civil rights and women's suffrage.

What principles should guide the religious community in deciding what actions are appropriate and which over-reach the boundaries between church and state?

(2) "The Mishnah enumerates different classes of damages (avot nezikin), but the underlying principle is the same: the liability rests on the individual" (p 77).

Who should pay for the Superfund clean up, tax payers or the corporations who caused the damage?

(3) Liberal philosophy, which underlies so much of our culture, sees the individual and his property as inviolable--a concept that has been extended to corporations with disastrous effect" (p 77).

For more evidence of this claim, watch the documentary, The Corporation. What are some of the negative effects of corporate power? Do I know who and what I'm supporting when I hit the mall, when I invest in retirement funds?

(4) Without a strong ethic of the public good, and legal responsibility for the effects on that which is all of ours, privatization and economic globalization are pure plunder" (p 78).

What can I do about this? How can I advocate for responsibility? How can I live more responsibly?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 9 (p 67-75)

2008-12-07T14:10:00.005-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 9 (p 67-75)
Wonder and Restraint: A Rabbinical Call to Environmental Action -- COEJL

(1) Within the Jewish tradition reside rich teachings about the unity of creation, about boundaries and limits, about deeds and consequences, about poverty and wealth, about individual and communal responsibility, which together form a comprehensive environmental vision and provide practical guidance for environmental balance and restoration" (p 68).

What examples stand out to you that demonstrate the unity of creation? What boundaries or limits do you are most in need of respect? How do poverty and wealth fit in the conversation on enviro stewardship?

(2) "The awakening we seek begins with wonder" (p 68).

Why wonder? What is the significance of wonder? Why do you think the authors want us to begin here?

(3) We are called to consistency on page 69. How consistent are my words and deeds? Do I thank God for the bounty of my meals while supporting agriculture that "despoils the waterways"? Do I give tzedakah and think little of the effects of my investments? Do I talk a big game and yet still leave a large chemical and carbon footprint?

(4) It is said on pages 70 and 71 that there are two covenantal responsibilities--restraint and speaking out. "First, we must understand "...restraint: to practice restraint in our individual and communal lives" (p 70). Examples include Shabbat, dietary consciousness, destruction in warfare, care for animals, generosity and self-care.

"...we must transform ourselves from nature's children to nature's guardians by learning to say 'dai,' 'enough,' to ourselves" (p 71).

In what areas do I need to exercise some restraint--shopping, traveling, watching TV, working, blogging, worrying, controlling? How could restraint in these areas bless the Earth?

(5) "...the second convenantal obligation that our Earth and our faith require is that we speak out, and speak truth, to the world's leaders" (p 71).

Of the six general obligations listed on page 71, which are you already doing? Which pose the biggest challenge for you? Why? Who can hear your voice today?

(6) "Let us rejoice that we, as children of God, have been endowed with the intelligence, reverence, scientific capacity, and faith to serve as the caretakers for such an extraordinary world! And when God declares to us--'Look at My works! See how beautiful they are--how excellent! For your sake I created them all. See to it that you do not spoil and destroy My world, for if you do, there will be no one else to repair it' (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7:13)--let us respond, with unified voice: 'We will do and we will hearken' (Exodus 24:7)" (p 75).

May we each respond with love, reflection and action.

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 8 (p 60-66)

2008-11-30T16:10:00.002-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 8 (p 60-66)
Jewish Textual Practice and Sustainable Culture -- Rabbi Natan Margalit, PhD

(1) "As my wife nurses our infant, I wonder about the reports that a mother's milk may contain dangerous levels of pesticides--one small example, but perhaps no better symbol, of how the sacred circle of life that connects us all has been badly damaged. Largely due to human intervention, the earth is out of balance" (p 60).

What other examples of our damaged connections are most meaningful to you? When did you first realize the interconnectedness of life?

(2) "...we will need more than technical solutions to solve this crisis" (p 60). The rest of the paragraph develops this idea.

I have met some resistance to this idea when talking with people, even environmentally conscious ones. There is this idea that we don't need to change our lifestyles and ways of thinking, only our light bulbs and sources of electricity. That is, new technology will discover ways for the American way of life to continue without disruption. We don't need to travel less; we just need electric cars with more nuclear generators. We don't need to break the consumption addiction; we just need to buy organic and recyclable merchandise.

What do you think? Will technology mean that no deeper changes are needed? Many of us are driven to buy and consume--Shop worker killed in sale stampede. What drives this? What can change it/us?

(3) "In the modern world, we've broken that pattern of connection. We isolate, separate, and distance ourselves from one another, from the world, and even from our own being" (p 64).

Besides automatic garage door openers (and online book clubs), how do we distance ourselves from others? What impact does this have on our sense of fulfillment? In what ways do you work to connect with others, the world, and yourself?

(4) In describing the "gardener's ethic," Rabbi Margalit states that "our task is not to worship pristine wilderness, but to work the land with stewardship and caring" (p 65). He continues, "The good gardener knows that to vanquish nature would be self-defeating, as he ultimately depends on nature's bounty for the fertility of his garden. The gardener, the garden, and nature are actually all parts of a larger whole." "A Jewish eco-theology starts from this same sense of belonging to a larger whole."

What do you think of the "gardener's ethic" versus the "wilderness ethic"? How do you react to these paradigms? How can we apply the gardener's ethic to society--economies, food production, manufacturing, etc.? What does this look like compared with what is commonplace?

(5) "It is a spiritual practice to construct economic, agricultural, and social modes that work together in dynamic patterns. When we do this, the whole world will be as happy as a new creation and as sweet as new life" (p 66).

God bless your spiritual practice. May our hearts and minds be open to wisdom, change and new patterns. May we bring a little happiness and sweetness to those people, plants and animals in our sphere of influence.

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 7 (p 55-59)

2008-11-24T21:25:00.005-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 7 (p 55-59)
Rereading Genesis -- Ellen Bernstein

We now shift gears from the introductory chapters dealing with social action/justice to specific areas where these principles can be applied. First stop, The Environment.

(1) Our first short chapter on this topic discusses the meaning and significance of "dominion" (Gen 1:28). Does it mean, as Lynn White argued, that Genesis gives us permission to do anything we want to the planet? Or does it carry with it the idea of stewardship and care?

I appreciate the explanation on page 57 that Hebrew is more vague than English. This is good for us to remember when we get the urge to decipher a Hebrew text without its linguistic, cultural, historical and spiritual context.

I've read a couple estimates that say the English language has up to 1 millions words (take out double counts where a word is more than one part of speech and a low estimate comes in around 250,000), while Hebrew has 80,000 or fewer. Do any readers have more precise numbers? We may like precision, but the original language doesn't lend itself to that. This partially explains, in my opinion, why Judaism has such a rich history of interpretation.

"...both kvs, 'master,' and rdh, 'have dominion over,' appear here in these particular grammatical forms, and nowhere else in the Bible. Translating them is not a cut-and-dried affair" (p 57).

How do you feel about ambiguity in the sacred text? Why do you think God left "wiggle room" in His teachings for us? What does this say to you personally about God and truth?

(2) Pages 58 and 59 are packed with content--meaning of dominion, right use of dominion, tending the garden (Gen 2), ownership, continuity of creation, free will, love, work, blessings, curses, etc.

"Dominion, like money, is not in itself bad; it all depends on how we exercise it" (p 58).

Power is a third item that is not bad in itself. It can be used positively or negatively. And power is an integral aspect of dominion. We have power over creation. We do. Not because of our muscles, for the most part, but because of our brains. "With great power comes great..." You know the Spiderman line.

Will we use this power to destroy habitat and the creatures that depend on it? Or can we use our creativity and genius to learn to live with nature instead of against it? In what ways are you living more sustainably now than a year ago? What is your next step in reducing your carbon, chemical and consumptive footprint?

(3) "The complimentary pair of blessings: 'fertility' and 'mastery,' can be understood as blessings for 'love' and 'work.' Fertility implies love, creativity, and being; mastery implies work, strength, and doing" (p 59).

This refers to the two injunctions in Genesis 1:28--to be fruitful and to master the earth. When interpreting in context, it is good to look at the rest of what God said as these other words help define the original command. In Genesis 2:15 God puts humans in the garden to "take care of it."

When you think of humankind's role and activities on this earth, do you tend to think in terms love or work, relationships or accomplishments, enjoyment or utility? What might balance look like for you at this point? What aspect of God, of the human experience, could you expand in your life?

(4) Matthew Sleeth also deals with the word "dominion" in Serve God, Save the Planet (p 34-37). "Dominion comes from a Hebrew term meaning 'higher on the root of a plant.' Dominion does not mean ownership or even unrestricted use. Implied in our dominion is our dependency on everything under us. Cut the root out from under a plant and the fruit above it will perish, despite its superior position" (p 35).

"When we drop off children at kindergarten, we cede dominion over them to the teacher.... At the end of the day... we expect to find them in the same or better condition as when they arrived. We would not tolerate finding them battered or less inteligent at the end of the day. Similarly, dominion over nature does not translate to neglect, license, or destruction" (p 35).

In what ways are we cutting the roots out from under us? With these examples in mind, how could we (I) live more sustainably in these areas? What is the connection or relationship between caring for creation and the health of my own soul? That is, what is the spiritual significance of valuing the world God created to be our home?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 6 (p 45-52)

2008-11-23T09:59:00.002-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 6 (p 45-52)
Religious Leadership and Politics -- Rabbi David Saperstein

Although I'm not Jewish, this is yet another essay that relates directly to concerns I have about my faith community. Here, I refer to the need for the spiritual leader to also be the social justice leader and the necessity of training in order to do this well.

(1) The commitment to social justice within the Jewish community is said to be bolstered by three converging forces:

The "texts of traditional Judaism" (p 46).
The Age of Reason (p 46).
"...a renewed interest in those manifestations of religion that bring existential fulfillment to our individual and communal lives" (p 47).

How do you think these three factors have influenced your faith and priorities? What else has influenced your personal path to care about and work for social justice?

(2) "...good people must never stand idly by while others are oppressed, persecuted, and victimized" (p 47).

Proverbs 31:8 teaches, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute" (NIV). Who needs my voice today? Who is destitute? Why? What intervention can I be a part of? Who else needs to get involved? How can I engage these other parties?

(3) Saperstein asks the question, "How should a synagogue or a rabbi balance the five basic types of social justice programming (educating the synagogue or broader community on issues, providing social services, community organizing, legislative advocacy, and tzedakah)?" (p 51).

Which of these are you currently engaged in? How many of these is your faith community actively involved with? In what ways? What is working? What is next?

(4) The questions about rabbinic courses (p 51) speak to me because I am contemplating attending a Christian seminary, and I am finding few that deal with these issue in any depth. So far I've found two--Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University (Ron Sider, Jim Wallis, Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne have ties to either the seminary or the university) and the Mennonite seminary in Indiana. This is a tragedy and a scandal. Surely, there are more. What can you share with me?

(5) "As we look toward this new century, it should be clear that if the Judaism we offer our community and our young does not speak to the great moral issues of their lives, their country, and their world, it will fail to capture their imagination or loyalty--and will fail to capture the authentic meaning of Judaism for our lives" (p 52).

This resonates with me. How do you react? What are the "great moral issues" to you?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 5 (p 38-44)

2008-11-21T14:31:00.005-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 5 (p 38-44)
The Legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel: Jewish Spirituality and Political Transformation -- Rabbi Michael Lerner, PhD

My chapter is all marked up. How can I choose only a few selections for comment?!

(1) The first two paragraphs give an overview of the life, thoughts and works of Abraham Heschel.

What do I want people to say about me after the dirt covers my casket? What am I doing today that will lead them to those desired conclusions?

(2) "...one of Judaism's central contributions to humanity was precisely its integration of spirituality and the struggle for equality and justice" (p 39).

In your understanding, what is the relationship between spirituality and the struggle for justice (for the oppressed and the advocate)? What does this look like as lived in your life?

(3) Let me just give a shout-out to Tikkun magazine (p 40).

What other magazines encourage you in the work of spiritual and social transformation?

(4) Heschel "understood that the fundamental alienation in our society is not only about the deprivation of material goods and political rights. Without for a moment abandoning the struggle for rights and inclusion, Heschel tried to focus our attention on the deeper spiritual crisis that comes from being alienated from the spiritual core of our being..." (p 42).

In Walking with the Poor, Bryant Myers discusses how spirituality (when distorted or lacking) can be a cause of poverty. But in this chapter we are reminded of the crisis of spiritual poverty itself. What does it take to overcome this alienation? How could this question be better phrased? How can we help others grow in their own spirituality?

(5) "...lasting social change can only be won with building a politics that speaks not only to peace, environmental sanctity, rights, and inclusion but also to the hunger for meaning" (p 43).

If this is true, can the secular government be relied on for "lasting social change"? To me this points out the unique role of the spiritual leader. Or am I jumping to the synagogue/church/mosque too quickly? How can governments work to respect or build citizens' "hunger for meaning"?

(6) "The most urgent task is to destroy the myth that accumulation of wealth and the achievement of comfort are the chief vocations of man" (p 43).

Why are these pursuits problematic? How can these myths be done-away-with? What should our "chief vocations" be?

(7) The Global Marshall Plan goes well beyond the .7% of GDP that I normally hear activists and development professionals discuss (See The End of Poverty, Jeffrey Sachs). Very bold.

Would you support a national tax equal to 1-2% of GDP? What would it take to convince a majority of your country's citizen's to back such a proposal? Until this becomes a reality, are you personally sharing directly with those in need or through something like the Relational Tithe or your local faith organization? Is the Global Marshall Plan an approach you can embrace?

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 4 (p 31-37)

2008-11-16T16:05:00.009-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 4 (p 31-37)
Preaching What I Practice -- Margie Klein (Ed.)

I really appreciated the mixture of personal experience and biblical teaching in Klein's essay. I do enjoy a good story of someone's journey now and again.

(1) "How could I move from direct service, with its focus on mitigating an individual's hardships, to social justice, which would address the source of those hardships?" (p 32).

I believe that this is a central question many of us are asking. What's your story? How have you made the jump? Or, what is keeping you back from working at the structural level (I can think of a number of good and not-so-good reasons)?

(2) "Justice, justice, shall you pursue" (Deut. 16:20, read in NIV here).

In all that I do, am I seeking justice? In the grocery store, at work, with my spouse and family, in my free time... am I committed to creating a more just world?

(3) The section titled Sanctifying Our Work was powerful for me (p 33-34). My wife and I keep moving (geographically), so it has been hard to build up a community of co-conspirators. And even back when we had one, I encountered this same spiritual issue--our friends who were active in local nonprofits were our tightest community, and our friends from church had little interest in any type of volunteering or even attending our social issues movie nights. So I love this story of sharing Sabbat dinners.

(4) "King and other religious leaders of the civil rights movement taught that emulating Jesus meant caring for the poor and marginalized in society and working to change the systems that dehumanize them. In Jewish terms, if every person is created in the Divine image, then mistreating a worker is a desecration of God" (p 35-36).

Do you believe you are created in the image of God? Do you believe that everyone you see is created in His image? How might this realization affect how we live, drive, shop and eat if we were to always keep this in mind? I think it can provide a deep, lasting and meaningful motivation for service and social action.

(5) "...like the great prophets in our tradition, we must cultivate a vision of redemption. In the midst of the darkest times, we must likewise envision a better world and prepare to make it so, even though it seems irrational to believe in transformative change" (p 36).

Again, this reminds me of Thomas Merton's Letter to a Young Activist.

Redemption. To redeem. To save. To heal. To mend. To restore. There is no action for change where there is no belief that redemption is possible. We must hold on to our belief in redemption and repentance if we are to do our work for today. What do you turn to when you lose hope?

Just as in every chapter, I have many more passages underlined and starred than I'm able to comment on in this post. Maybe it's more important for me to ask questions than to add commentary.

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 3 (p 23-30)

2008-11-13T20:04:00.010-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 3 (p 23-30)
Divine Limitation and Human Responsibility - Rabbi Or N. Rose

(1) The story of the Lost Boys of Sudan was a harrowing and effective way to begin this chapter (film). Wow. The questions at the end of the story set up the rest of the chapter, and these are questions that we face too. "Could I, as a religious activist, develop a spiritual narrative that accounts for such instances of injustice? More importantly, could I help others--particularly those suffering from oppression and degradation--frame their experiences in meaningful theological terms?" (p 24).

In some ways this reminds me of Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Incredible book. What is your answer for evil, for injustice? Is it strong enough to help someone in the middle of their devastation? Does it need to? And is there meaning in all pain?

(2) Rabbi Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev must have been one interesting gentleman. I appreciated the summarizing thought on page 27: "While God's heroic actions at the Sea of Reeds may have been necessary to impress the Israelites and to astound any would-be foes, at Sinai God wished to provide God's people with the spiritual and ethical tools--Torah--to function as an increasingly independent community, no longer reliant on God's supernatural intervention in human affairs."

I see here a father teaching the child to crawl, stand, walk and feed itself. But I'm not ready to move all the way to Deism, where in my understanding, the child is ultimately left alone and the father has no further role to play in the life of the offspring. I still believe in the power of prayer to effect change in the world, even if that change is primarily in me.

What about you? How active do you believe God is in altering events on planet Earth? Why do you hold this belief? Have you ever had or seen a significant answer to prayer? What is the role of faith in even attempting an answer to this question? What is your understanding of the interaction of divine and human in activism, justice and peace-making?

(3) "Among the deepest expressions of God's love and respect for humankind is the gift of free will" (p 28). The rest of that paragraph unwraps this idea beautifully. I can't imagine a response to the question of suffering without some reference to free will. Apparently, free will is more important to God than anything else, even His own heart.

How well am I using my free will? What is the best choice I've made today or this week? What is a good decision I made even though I felt like choosing a different option (e.g., a way to spend time, money, energy, etc.)? In what ways do I take free will for granted or deny its existence (two very different problems)? Do I value the free will of those around me, or do I feel a deep need to control their actions and opinions?

(4) "The question about Auschwitz is not where was God, but where was man" (p 28). Batman style Pow! Zing! Whack! to the gut.

(5) "The Divine may inspire, agitate, and comfort..., but human beings must act to create a just and compassionate world, minimizing the pain and suffering of all God's creations" (p 29).

Brilliant. I like that he included "all creation," not just humans.

I wrestled with this theme of God using humans in one sermon I gave in Korea (I only gave 3 real sermons in 3 years there)--I Don't Know Why. " “God, why don’t you do something to stop this?” “Jeff, why don’t you?” The wrestling match has not yet concluded.

God, I want to create a just and compassionate world. I want to relieve suffering. I want to give hope. I want people to have the liberty to exercise their free will. Teach me how. Take away my excuses and doubts and fears. Or help me to work despite them. Remind me of the power of little things, and open my eyes to bigger actions I can take. Let me be your hands and feet this day. Open my ears to hear your "still, small voice urging me forth in my efforts to help mend the world" (p 30).

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 2 (p 15-22)

2008-11-09T17:12:00.016-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 2 (p 15-22)
What Does Tikkun Olam Actually Mean? -- Rabbi Jane Kanarek, PhD

This short chapter is packed with meaning as it considers the ramifications of one's actions on the world, the future and even on God. The two primary concepts are tikkun ha'olam and chesed.

(1) Tikkun ha'olam roughly means "mending the world" (p 15).

"Tikkun ha'olam may be translated and understood as a recalibration of the world, a recognition that the world is out of balance and that legal remedies are needed in order to readjust the world to a better balance. The focus is not so much on the power of the individual to effect change, but rather on the power of the law to correct systemic injustice" (p 19).

"The Mishnah and Talmud help us ask the big structural questions, forcing us to focus on underlying causes of suffering and to address them..." (p 21).

"Tikkun olam means Jewish social justice. It means having a large vision of the world as it ought to be..." (p 22).

What issues are you researching and dealing with from a systems perspective? What structural injustices are you focusing on? What are you finding? What are you doing? What's your story? Does your faith play a role in your motivation or methodology? Let's not forget about environmental issues as we consider other social and economic injustices.

(2) Chesed includes the concepts of "compassion, generosity, and lovingkindness" (p 20).

"Acts of chesed are immediate responses to an individual in need. A person is cold: give her clothes. A man dies: bury him" (p 19).

"Acts of chesed are responses from one individual to another in a difficult or desparate time, a response to help that person get through the day" (p 21).

"All too often, as we pursue our grand visions for the world, we can forget the people who are in the immediacy of suffering. Chesed is our reminder that as we ask why people suffer from hunger, we also remember to bring meals to the hungry..." (p 22).

What individual acts of compassion and kindness have you witnessed recently? What is a meaningful way that you have been cared for?

(3) "Chesed reminds us not to forget the people that make up our societies. Tikkun olam teaches us to try and change society itself" (p 22).

Which comes more naturally to you, chesed or tikkun olam? That is, from a social work perspective, what level do you tend to focus on more--micro (give a man a fish), mezzo (teach him and others more effective fishing methods) or macro (secure equal access to the pond, stop those who are polluting the water)? What might happen if we approached social activism at only one of these levels? What examples can you give?

Some faith communities see chesed as consistent with their ethical teachings, but feel tikkun olam is not for them because they do not want to meddle in politics. What would you say to convince them to work for societal change? What examples from your community's teachings and from history could you use to encourage them to get involved at the macro level without being partisan?

As the Introduction explains, this book will focus on tikkun olam rather than chesed. But let's be sure to keep a balance of both.

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 1 (p 3-14)

2008-11-09T14:15:00.010-05:00

Righteous Indignation, Ch. 1 (p 3-14)
Can Social Justice Save the American Jewish Soul? -- Rabbi Sidney Schwarz, PhD

(1) I appreciated the two-part answer to the purpose of Judaism on pages 4 and 5.

"Extend the boundaries of righteousness and justice in the world" (p 4; Genesis 18:19).
To be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (p 4; Exodux 19:6). The concept of "holy" includes being separate or apart.

"Judaism is a religion based on a paradox: Jews are expected to maintain a holy apartness as God's chosen people and, at the same time, are expected to be totally engaged with the world around them" (p 4).

Regardless of your faith orientation, do you feel this tension? Which do you find easier to maintain--holiness or engagement? Which do you value more at this point? Why? What do these words mean to you--righteousness, justice, holiness? What are potential problems of ignoring either personal transformation (holiness) or social transformation (justice/engagement)? Or do you disagree with the premise of this question?

(2) "Sinai consciousness is at the root of the Jewish understanding that to live true to the covenant that God established with the Jewish people at Sinai is to live a life of social responsibility" (p 5).

To our Jewish readers: Is it an improper gesture to co-opt this terminology for those not a part of the Jewish community? That is, can we say non-Jews are living with Sinai consciousness when they value and work for peace and justice?

It's my understanding that Rob Bell's new book addresses some of these issues--Exodus and Sinai consciousness. I believe it's based on 2 sermon series that I really appreciated--The New Exodus and Jesus Wants to Save Christians.

(3) "It is critical to recognize how central social justice is to Jewish consciousness. The concern for the stranger, the pursuit of justice and peace, the empathy for the poor, and the commitment to truth and fairness is buried deep in the soul of every Jew" (p 9).

That is a strong statement. Are these elements deep in my soul? In what ways are they manifested in my life? Is there anything I can do to help these values grow and thrive in my soul?

(4) I just want to highlight the lives of Michael Schwerner and Andy Goodman (p 10) who were killed along with James Chaney while working for racial reconciliation and civil rights in the South.

(5) The story of the $2 million synagogue project and the $1.5 million homeless shelter reminds me of Shane Claiborne discussing his similar frustration. What priorities does my local faith community demonstrate in its budget?

(6) As described on page 13, is your faith community more of a camp (defensive) or a congregation (nurtured by love)?

Righteous Indignation (p ix-xviii)

2008-11-02T11:56:00.007-05:00

Righteous Indignation (p ix-xviii)

Welcome back from our short break. Today we'll cover the Foreword and Introduction, and in the future we'll also cover two essays per week.

FOREWORD (Rabbi David Ellenson, PhD)

(1) "...individual spiritual devotion and social justice are partners" (p ix).

Britt Bravo talks about this connection in two Have Fun*Do Good blog posts--Funding Personal and Social Transformation: Paula Sammons, Seasons Fund and Spirituality, Religion and Activism: What's the Connection? Both posts refer to the Seasons Fund which supports organizations that understand and develop this link between personal and social transformation. As a side note, Jewish Funds for Justice was one of the founding partners of Seasons Fund.

What connections between the two have you noticed in your life? How does your personal faith/spirituality/belief system/religious practice affect your attitudes toward social justice issues and your actions for making a better world?

INTRODUCTION

(2) "The creation of a just and sustainable world requires the cooperative efforts of people from all walks of life" (p xiii).

No single organization, political party or religion is powerful enough or humble enough to create a "just and sustainable world." I can do my part. You can do your part. In cooperation we will grow personally and collectively, and then change will come.

(3) "In assembling this anthology, we draw strength from past Jewish activists who sought to meet the justice needs of their times. The biblical prophets take as their primary task to teach people the need to create just communities" (p xiii).

This paragraph is the main reason I chose this book for us to read together. We must learn from the prophets the definition of peace and justice, the principles for action, the goals that are in line with God's priorities. As we learn from them, we gain wisdom for our actions today--what, where and how.

(4) "None of the essays in this book addresses direct service because we feel that the American Jewish community does this work very well. Virtually every synagogue we have entered has a 'social action committee' and provides congregants with ways to serve the needy. Very few social action committees, however, actually empower congregants as political advocates. And without political action, there can be no deep and lasting change" (p xvii).

What a statement! I wish every congregation in my denomination had a social action committe. That would be incredible. I know we try to serve and help, and many churches do this fairly well given their resources, but we are far from organized. We have school committees, budget committees, evangelism committees, etc., but I dare say the number of social action committees is pretty low. Let alone political activism that gets to the root of issues!

Is your local faith community committed to social action to the degree that it organizes around these issues? If not, how can you work to change this? What leadership role are you willing to take?

(5) "Yet our tradition tells us that we can change our ways and transform our world. This is the essence of teshuvah (repentance)" (p xviii).

I'm reminded of the deeply philosophical and intensely political drama, Two Weeks Notice (Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant). I believe it was tofu yogurt or cheese cake that Sandra's father uses to demonstrate that people change. He would have never eaten it before the influence of his wife. I hope that is indeed how the exchange goes. Hmm, I wasn't planning on referencing that less-than-engaging film in this post.

(6) "'It is not incumbent upon you to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it' (Pirkei Avot 2:16)" (p xviii).

It is possible that Thomas Merton had this in mind when he wrote "A Letter to a Young Activist," where he cautions the young man that he may not see results but that the work is still "crucially important." I first read this letter in Faith Works (Jim Wallis, 2002).

Do I have the courage to continue working for change, for justice, for peace, for sustainability even if I don't see results this month, this year, this decade? Do I believe it's still crucial? Do you? And if I do see results, will I remain humble?

There are so many more points that stood out to me in these short sections, but this introductory post is already lengthy.

Shalom,
Jeff

Righteous Indignation - Table of Contents

2008-11-02T10:36:00.016-05:00

Our second book, Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice, is divided into the following sections. Each chapter will be linked to the corresponding post as we progress through the book.

With nearly 40 separate essays, it would take us close to a year to finish if we only read one per week. So for starters we'll aim for two a week, and we can adjust the pace as needed.

Forward/Introduction (p ix-x, xiii-xviii)

Part 1 -- Judaism, Justice and American Life

Can Social Justice Save the American Jewish Soul? (p 3)
What Does Tikkun Olam Actually Mean? (p 15)
Divine Limitation and Human Responsibility (p 23)
Preaching What I Practice (p 31)
The Legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel (p 38)
Religious Leadership and Politics (p 45)

Part 2 -- Renewing Creation: Judaism and the Environment

Rereading Genesis (p 55)
Jewish Textual Practice and Sustainable Culture (p 60)
Wonder and Restraint (p 67)
Toxic Waste and the Talmud (p 76)
Judaism, Oil and Renewable Energy (p 79)

Part 3 -- The Temple of the Spirit: The Human Body

Redemption for Radicals (p 87)
The Blood of our Neighbors (p 94)
The Global AIDS Crisis (p 102)
A Jewish View of Embryonic Stem Cell Research (p 110)
The Brownsville Legacy (p 120)
Looking Inward (p 126)

Part 4 -- The Yoke of Oppression: Social and Economic Justice

Hearing the Voice of the Poor (p 135)
A Jewish Vision for Economic Justice (p 147)
Why a Labor Movement Matters (p 155)
And If Not Together, How? (p 163)
Gracious Giver of Wisdom (p 169)
The Possibility of Change (p 175)

Part 5 -- Klal Yisrael: Creating an Inclusive Community

The Significance of Sex (p 185)
Beyond Same-Sex Marriage (p 195)
Priority Lists (p 206)
Created Beings of Our Own (p 214)
Multiracial Jewish Families (p 222)
Differently Abled (p 229)

Part 6 -- Seeking Peace: Israel, Palestine, and American Jewry

Warriors, Prophets, Peacemakers, and Disciples (p 237)
Plotting the Middle Path to Israeli-Palestinian Peace (p 249)
Imitatio Dei and/as Shared Space (p 260)
Everything Falls Apart (p 270)
The Challenge of Making Peace (p 275)

Part 7 -- The Seventy Nations: Global Concerns

Am I My Brother's Keeper If My Brother Lives Halfway Around the World? (p 281)
A Jewish Response to Globalization (p 293)
Silence is Akin to Assent (p 303)
Once Again: Genocide in Darfur (p 308)
How to Split the Sea: Anti-Semitism and Social Change (p 312)
Reopening the Tent of Abraham (p 319)

NEXT BOOK: Nov 3 -- Righteous Indignation

2008-10-22T20:01:00.005-04:00

Our next book will be Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice (Editors: Rabbi Or N. Rose, Jo Ellen Green Kaiser, and Margie Klein).

With so many great options, it's hard to choose. But I think this will include a good variety of issues and perspectives. So order your copy today, and look for the first blog post on November 3, 2008.

Here's part of the Amazon.com description from Publishers Weekly:

"The contributors, who are activists, intellectuals and spiritual leaders, broadly interpret their mission, touching on topics such as social justice, toxic waste, renewable energy, stem cell research, domestic violence and Middle East peace. Unsurprisingly, many touch on the Jewish imperative, tikkun olam—mending the world—and how we might better accomplish our part."

Until then, here are a few videos. They're all of Shane Claiborne since we just finished his first book.

Okay, and some Flobots.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 13 (p 341-358)

2008-10-20T18:32:00.005-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 13 (p 341-358)
Crazy But Not Alone

(a) "In a world of smart bombs and military intelligence, we need more fools, holy fools who insist that the folly of the cross is wiser than any human power" (p 343).

That reminds me of Michael Card's old song, "God's Own Fool" (watch the simple revolutionary who goes before us + bonus).

Seems I've imagined Him all of my life
As the wisest of all of mankind.
But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men
He must have seemed out of His mind.
For even His family said He was mad
And the priests said a demon's to blame.
But God in the form of this angry young man
Could not have seemed perfectly sane.

God, keep us a little crazy. Don't let us settle back into the normal that you are delivering us from.

(b) Community of Communities (p 348): www.communityofcommunities.us. Even if you're not in an intentional community housing situation, what is your community like? What kind of support group of fools have you put together?

(c) "Because it is small like the old mustard seed, it is possible to miss the little revolution spreading across our land, cross-pollinated by an ongoing web of relationships and a common vision--of alternatives to existing worldly structures, of bartering economies, of money collectives for emergencies (instead of insurance), of prophetic interruptions to war and theft, of sustainable urban gardening and eco-energy alternatives, of using trash and wreckage of the consumptive world to create things that bring life and beauty" (p 348-349).

That is one long and beautiful sentence. For those who want to pursue this in other venues, check these out: Papa Festival, A Sustainable Faith, School(s) for Conversion, CCDA Institute, Word and World, Geez Magazine, Sojourners, SC Faith in Action and Fight with Tools.

(d) "So to the young 'uns: we have to remind ourselves to stay anchored in the church, for we need roots and wisdom" (p 353).

Charissa reminds me of St. Augustine's quote from time to time: "The church is a whore, but she's my mother" (p 354). I found that quote again today in an article by Tony Campolo--Why the Church is Important (Christianity Today, 1 May '07). It's a good article to go along with this chapter.

Why is the church (i.e., the body of Christ, the community of disciples) still important to you, even if you have a bent away from institutional religion?

(e) "We believe poverty can end even though it is all around us. We believe in peace even though we hear only rumors of war. And since we are people of expectation, we are so convinced that another world is coming that we start living as if it were already here" (p 355).

Increase our faith! (Luke 17:5)

: : :

Thanks for sharing the adventure of processing this book together.

Grace and Peace,
Jeff

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 12 (p 317-340)

2008-10-12T22:48:00.005-04:00

By Travis, O.R. Conspirator Extraordinaire

(a) "We can easily become so driven by our vision for church growth, community, or social justice that we forget the little things, like caring for those around us. An older charismatic woman told me, 'If the devil can't steal your soul, he'll just keep you busy doing meaningless church work.'"

This quote hit me like a ton of bricks. As did a few others that I'll share in a few minutes. This chapter was very hard for me to swallow. I think mostly because I am now employed by the church and it is a constant battle to try to figure out what thing is "more good" to do than the other. It reminds me of the new NOOMA DVD by Rob Bell called "Shells". You can drown in a sea of goodness. Sometimes we have to say no to a lot of good things in order to say yes to the ONE thing that God has called us too. The rub, however, is finding that ONE thing.

Or at least it is for me. I'm the music director at my church and I constantly see other areas where I could serve but I have to say no because I'm paid (and feel led for now) to lead my church in worship. But sometimes (and I've had to learn to sense this) I have to stop and help others in very special moments. Whenever they are in pain or lonely. And it gets hard sometimes. Especially when other people (other staff, my volunteers, etc.) are depending on me.

Is the devil keeping me busy with good things? What do I need to say "no" to so that I can say "yes" to the one or two things God has laid on my heart to do?

(b) "The early prophets would say that a church that spends millions of dollars on buildings while her children are starving is guilty of murder."

(c) "Giving to the poor should not make its way into the budget; it is the budget."

Whewww. Another hard one to swallow. Being on staff sometimes confuses things. Last week we were talking about hiring a new person to clean the church. An important thing to consider. However, after doing a little math, I wasn't as happy as everyone else around the table about the bid because we were getting ready to pay the janitor more than me. And more than the property manager (who was in charge of researching the bids and organizing the potential janitors!!!).

Money is a difficult thing to handle within the church. It is a blessing but it is also a burden to realize that my salary is paid for by church members. Some of them struggling to get by. Additionally, it is true that "giving to the poor" does get tossed in right beside the music ministry budget, the youth budget, the utilities budget and everything else. Or the congregation is asked to give to the church and then give additionally to the poor. Times are getting harder. We're entering a resession. Which is more important?

Am I really giving to the poor? Am I putting the needs of others before my own? Does a big building, big screen, drums, stained glass, pews, chairs, sound system, lights, make a church? Is there any hope to change the modern church? Is the modern church wrong? Or just misguided?

Side note: I thought it was really interesting to read about Shane's work and dealings with Willow Creek. That is were I first experienced worship, where I've learned about leadership, and bought into the idea that the local church is the hope of the world. I had a problem with the idea of them building a new building as well but couldn't put my finger on it. I guess I thought the first building was big enough. But, I had never thought about it from the perspective that many lives could have been blessed with those dollars. But who knows how many have been changed since the new building and growth that has happened at Willow since?

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 11b (p 305-314)

2008-10-05T15:01:00.004-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 11b (p 305-314)
Making Revolution Irresistible

(a) "The transformation begins with the people--with ordinary radicals, courageous mothers and grandmothers like Rizpah.... Nations will not lead us to peace; it is people who will lead the nations to peace as they begin to humanize the nations" (p 307).

If peace and justice are to begin with me (my intentions, attitudes and actions), what's my mustard seed?

(b) "Protesters are everywhere, but I think the world is desperately in need of prophets, those little voices that can point us toward another future" (p 309).

What is a prophet? The esteemed wikipedia explains that in Judaism a prophet is someone God chooses to speak for Him for the purpose of bringing social change, a spokesperson with the goal of transforming society into God's highest ideal. And what did the prophets speak?

Isaiah: "Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17

Jeremiah: "'He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the LORD." Jeremiah 22:16

Ezekiel: "Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49

Amos: "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies." "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" Amos 5:21,24

Micah: "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Solomon?: "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Proverbs 31:8

Here are God's spokesmen declaring in no vague terms His priorities. Are they my priorities? As I raise my "little voice," am I singing in harmony with the prophetic voices of the past? What picture of the future does my song paint?

Last week a Christian leader explained to me that military spending is not a waste of money because we are able to sell the weaponry to other countries for a profit. How/why have we veered so far from the voice of the prophets (Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3)?

(c) The story on page 310 of the Camdenhouse crew wading into the demonstrations wearing clothes with the fruits of the Spirit is so great. What a brilliant example of using imagination. We do in fact need more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Which of these do I need to pray most passionately for today? What will it look like lived out in my relationships today?

(d) "I take great courage from the fact that many of us are taking steps toward a gentler revolution. We need more prophets who laugh and dance" (p 313).

How do you react to this? Are you a laughing prophet? Do you know a dancing one? Am I a speaker of only gloom and doom, or is there a positive twist of love, joy and peace with some laughter and dance thrown in?

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 11a (p 289-305)

2008-09-28T15:03:00.004-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 11a (p 289-305)
Making Revolution Irresistible

(a) "I got this [burn scar] making stuff for you" (p 292).

Though not Claiborne's main point in this chapter, still you can find fair trade businesses in this pdf (published by the Fair Trade Federation) or at this site (Fair Trade Certified). These related sites may also guide you: Corporate Critic, Ethical Consumer, EthiScore, Ethical Shopping and Get Ethical. Or learn to sew like Shane.

Production and trade aren't necessarily bad, whether local or (maybe even) international. They just need to be done in a fair manner with respect to all parties and the planet. Once every four years, (some) U.S. citizens vote in the presidential election. But we vote for the world of tomorrow with every dollar spent. Will it be fair trade or indifferent? Organic or carcinogenic? Win-win or win-lose?

(b) "There are times when injustice will take us to the streets and might land us in jail, but it is our love for God and our neighbor--not our rage or our arrogance--that counts" (p 293).

What issues take you to the streets? In the midst of protest, are you able to embody love and peace, or do rage and arrogance take over?

From a different perspective, Rob Bell talks about what we do with our anger in Store. Do I use it to make the world a better place like Jesus did (Mark 3:5)? Or do I get destructive?

The words of Kaj Munk on pages 294/5 fit this concept brilliantly.

(c) "Just as 'believers' are a dime a dozen in the church, so are 'activists' in social justice circles nowadays. But lovers are hard to come by. And I think that's what our world is desperately in need of--lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the way, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues..." (p 295).

Am I a believer? What do I believe about God and justice? Am I an activist? What actions and what attitudes will achieve the results God desires? Am I a lover? Of whom? Why? Who else needs my love today? How do healthy boundaries help me love more completely?

(d) View the life of Immokalee Workers (p 298-300). That cheap produce in the grocery store suddenly doesn't look so appealing. The answer isn't to stop eating it, but to help those harvesting it for us to get what they need. Our wage scales (both in the U.S. and for multinational corporations) may be legal, but God has a different perspective.

Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. (James 5:4-5)

(e) "Degrees of separation allow us to destroy human beings we do not know except as the enemy" (p 304).

Smart bombs keep war de-personalized. "We have guided missiles and misguided men" (Chris Blake, Swimming against the Current, p 109).

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 10

2008-09-26T15:13:00.003-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 10
Extremists for Love

(a) John Perkins and Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Of John's various books, I most want to read Let Justice Roll Down, Beyond Charity and Linking Arms, Linking Lives. Check out the CCDA Institute.

What would you ask John if you were sitting across the table from him?

(b) The story about the Iraqi lady on page 277 is just crazy. Who do I need to see twice a month (or more frequently) to gain a little perspective?

(c) "It is this third way, Wink writes, that teaches that 'evil can be opposed without being mirrored... oppressors can be resisted without being emulated... enemies can be neutralized without being destroyed'" (p 280).

That quote from The Powers That Be is further developed in Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way. Excellent little book.

How's my imagination? What new solutions are just beyond our mental horizons?

(d) "The only thing harder than war is peace. The only thing that takes more work, tears, and sweat than division is reconciliation. But what more beautiful things could we devote our lives to?" (p 285).

What reconciliation has God helped you achieve? With Him, friends, family, enemies, the planet, ideologies, etc.? What reconciliation is needed next?

This ministry of reconciliation we've been given is beautiful--2 Corinthians 5:18.

(e) "I was able to be the face of another kind of Christian extremist, another ordinary radical ready for a revolution that dances and laughs" (p 288).

What kind of Christianity am I the face of? How close to The Way is my "brand"? In what ways has God been making my "version" closer to reality? What inconsistencies are most pressing for an upgrade?

The Irresistible Revolution -- Table of Contents

2008-09-21T12:55:00.010-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution (Shane Claiborne)

Table of Contents

Book Introduction
Forward and Introduction (p 11-34)
Ch. 1 (p 35) -- When Christianity Was Still Safe
Ch. 2 (p 53) -- Resurrecting Church
Ch. 3 (p 69) -- In Search of a Christian
Ch. 4a (p 91-103) -- When Comfort Becomes Uncomfortable
Ch. 4b (p 103-114)
Ch. 5a (p 115-126) -- Another Way of Doing Life
Ch. 5b (p 126-136)
Ch. 5c (p 136-146)
Ch. 5d (p 146-153)
Ch. 6a (p 155-169) -- Economics of Rebirth
Ch. 6b (p 169-180)
Ch. 6c (p 180-189)
Ch. 7a (p 191-204) -- Pledging Allegiance When Kingdoms Collide
Ch. 7b (p 204-222)
Ch. 8 (p 223) -- Jesus Made Me Do It!
Ch. 9 (p 243) -- Jesus Is for Losers
Ch. 10 (p 267) -- Extremists for Love
Ch. 11a (p 289-305) -- Making Revolution Irresistible
Ch. 11b (p 305-314)
Ch. 12 (p 315) -- Growing Smaller and Smaller... Until We Take Over the World
Ch. 13 (p 341) -- Crazy but Not Alone

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 9

2008-09-21T11:24:00.009-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 9 (p 243-266)
Jesus Is for Losers

(a) "The church is a place where we can stand up and say we are wretched, and everyone will nod and agree and remind us that we are also beautiful" (p 245).

A week ago three of us visited Mars Hill and met a young lady flying solo. Our new gang of four ended up sharing communion while briefly sharing our personal stories that need Jesus' last word. It was really powerful for me; the embodiment of this quote. The sermon will be online for a few weeks. I highly recommend giving it a listen.

(b) "Many of us want the same things. We want the world to be rid of evil. We want justice. We want to liberate the oppressed. The question is, How do we do that?" (p 247). This quote is given in the context of the parable Jesus told about letting the weeds and wheat grow up together (Matthew 13). Pulling up the weeds may kill the wheat at the same time.

So how do we do these grand things--liberate, bring justice, etc.?

And who are the weeds that need pulled? Is it the capitalists or the communists? Is it the Republicans or the Democrats? Is it the religious fundamentalists or the atheists? Is it the multinational corporation CEO or the single welfare mother?

Everyone has a different "weed" they want to pluck. If we each try to pull our favorite weed, won't we all be torn down by someone? So Jesus said, let it grow; don't call down fire from heaven on everyone you disagree with. Teach and live love as you understand it. The Holy Spirit is working on every heart, to bring it to the side of love. Use no violent means of weeding the garden. God will divide the two groups with His wisdom and love when the time is right. And we must remember that today's weed (Saul) may be tomorrow's wheat (Paul), so we can't give up on anyone. We shouldn't attack someone just because we label them a weed today.

So this partially answers the "how" question. With love. With forgiveness. With passion. With effort. With words. With reason and rationality. With self sacrifice. With kindness and goodness. With generosity. With the other cheek. With humility. With the Holy Spirit. With help. With a vision for a better world based on cooperation and community. With the understanding that God is the gardener, not me.

The subsequent pages describe this in positive detail (p 247 - 252).

(c) "We will hurt no one... We will love evildoers, even if it costs us our lives. And then we will see evildoers become extremists for grace. This is the story of our faith" (p 253-254).

How well am I playing my part in the "story of our faith"?

(d) "We know that we cannot do life alone, and the good news is that we don't have to. We are created for community" (p 254).

I am thankful for the people that are becoming our community in this new place. In addition to living it, I'd also like to read these books about community: Deep Economy, School(s) for Conversion, Organic Community, The Small Community, The Community of the Future, and Plan C (each considering community from a different perspective).

(e) "Dear God, liberate us from the logic of redemptive violence" (p 261).

The Shining Lady story sets up the Timothy McVeigh account well. Of all the stories in this book, I think I share this one about Timothy, Bud and Julie the most. Amazing.

(f) "There is something scandalous about grace. It's almost embarrassing that God loves losers so much" (p 262-263).

I start to squirm a bit when I feel moved to pray, "Jesus teach me to love like you do." Okay, more than a bit.

(g) "When we look through the eyes of Jesus, we see new things in people. In the murderers, we see our own hatred. In the addicts, we see our own addictions. In the saints, we catch glimpses of our own holiness. We can see our own brokenness, our own violence, our own ability to destroy, and we can see our own sacredness, our own capacity to love and forgive. When we realize that we are both wretched and beautiful, we are freed up to see others the same way" (p 264).

This just might be the most important paragraph in the book. May we spend some significant time meditating on this one paragraph alone. And then the next one. And...

(h) "When we have new eyes, we can look into the eyes of those we don't even like and see the One we love" (p 266).

Jesus, give me new eyes. Who do I need to look at again for the first time today?

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 8

2008-09-18T20:30:00.004-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 8
Jesus Made Me Do It

(a) "Most of us live in such fear of death that it's as if no one really believes in resurrection anymore" (p 226-227).

What risks am I willing to take to defend my family or my country? And how does that compare with what risks I'm willing to take to spread the message of Jesus' love and resurrection? What am I willing to risk to love someone?

Shane's mom is pretty revolutionary herself, aye?!

(b) "But we are to be extraordinary; we are to love people who don't think and look like us, even our enemies" (p 232).

Who is someone in my life that is different from me? Maybe a coworker, classmate or church member. How can I show this person love? How far out of my comfort zone am I willing to go today?

(c) "...if it weren't for people who broke unjust laws, we wouldn't have the freedom that we have. We'd still have slavery. That's the story of this country, from the Boston Tea Party to the civil rights movement. These people are not criminals; they are freedom fighters" (p 235-236).

This week we're reminded that breaking unjust laws does not break the peace. Greed does that. Greed on Wall St. that leads banks to take on too much risk to make a buck. Greed in our hearts that leads us to use credit cards instead of delaying gratification and saving money for the purchase. Greed in buying a house just beyond our means, hoping nothing will go wrong. Greed, in one form or another, takes us down so easily. Following the law of love over the law of the land does not make a person an enemy of the state. That is the highest form of patriotism; demanding a higher standard for society when many have set a low mark on an important issue.

(d) "If you're wondering whether you'll be safe, just look at what they did to Jesus and those who followed him" (p 241). "But look on the bright side, if you end up in jail, historically, you will be in very good company. Jail has always been an important place for Christians. In eras of injustice, it becomes the Christian's home" (p 242).

If it weren't for jails, we wouldn't have some of Paul's best writing or King's Letter from Birmingham Jail (Stanford.edu PDF). I've visited three jail systems to tell the men that Jesus loves them, but I've never spent the night. If and when the time comes, may we each stand for justice over comfort. Have you been in prison for living what you believe? If so, please share.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 7b (p 204-222)

2008-09-02T21:51:00.007-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 7b (p 204-222)
Pledging Allegiance when Kingdoms Collide

(a) I think it is powerful when parents of those killed in brutal tragedies choose to end the cycle of violence. Bob McIlvaine is a brilliant example (p 204). We'll be getting another story soon. Could I forgive if something horrible like this happened to a family member of mine? How willing am I to forgive the smaller grievances I face now?

Peaceful Tomorrows
Voices in the Wilderness
Christian Peacemaker Teams

(b) "Essentially, I went to Iraq because I believe in a God of scandalous grace. I have pledged allegiance to a King who loved evildoers so much he died for them, teaching us that there is something worth dying for but nothing worth killing for" (p 207).

What is important enough to me to die for? Would I really never resort to killing? But I am taught that hatred and murder are both evil (Matthew 5:21-22, loose interpretation). Do I have hatred festering in my life that I need to resolve? What is the first step to healing that I can take?

Pages 207-208 just blow me away. As do 204-207 and... okay, most things in this book.

(c) The story of the worship service and conversation with the bishop on pages 212 and 213 are so beautiful. How badly Christians in the U.S. need to embrace the wisdom of this bishop. Why are we so eager to embrace war as an effective means for creating a better world? War Made Easy

(d) Physicians are a bright spot in violence. Soldiers try to kill each other, but as soon as someone is hurt, doctors move in to help regardless of which side the injured person is on. It's great to see this kindness in Iraq as well. Long live Doctors without Borders. Long live the Rutba House.

(e) "Revolutionary subordination exposes the evils of power and violence without mirroring them, by gently allowing them to destroy themselves and then rising above the ruins" (p 217).

As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral question of our time - the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to violence and oppression" (Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech).

How do I respond to the little evils done to me in everyday life--the comments, gestures or actions that set me off?

(f) "Too often we just do what makes sense to us and ask God to bless it" (p 219).

The remedy Shane presents are the Beatitudes. Am I the kind of person God blesses--poor, peacemaker, merciful, etc.? What am I doing for the hungry and mournful around me? Do I have time for them, to bless them in some way?

(g) "Rebirth means that we have a new paradigm of 'us' and 'them.' Our central identity is no longer biological. And our central allegiance is no longer national" (p 221).

This is so important. The relevance of this is just barely beginning to creep into my understanding. In the words of Derek Webb (King and a Kingdom, Mockingbird):

my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man
my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood
it's to a king & a kingdom

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 7a (p 191-204)

2008-08-29T16:31:00.011-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 7a (p 191-204)
Pledging Allegiance when Kingdoms Collide

(a) "They had lost all faith in the empire and had become faithful to God alone as the one who could preserve peace and prosperity" (p 196).

What do I believe, really believe, brings peace and prosperity? Democracy? Communism? Free markets? State-controlled economies? Democrats? Republicans? Theocracy? Anarchism? Cooperation? Competition? Military? Diplomacy? More education? More laws? More dichotomies? Meditation? Activism? The President? Jesus? (not listed in any particular order)

And whose peace and prosperity am I concerned about? Mine? My neighbors'? My blood relatives'? My country's? Westerners'? Humanity's?

About the role of government, we read:

Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:2-4)

So government has a role that God has instituted. Yet we do look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, understanding that in some mystical way the kingdom of God is now, is inside of us now:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

And the rub, the point of this chapter, is when they're opposed. Then we read:

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29)

Nazi soldiers should have disobeyed their unjust commands. All soldiers must disobey unjust commands. As citizens of heaven before citizens of a given country on earth, we must disobey laws and commands that contradict the laws of our true kingdom. No one can stand in the judgment and say, "But I was following orders." The response will be, "You weren't following MY orders. You belong to the king you claim, not Me." Am I committed to obeying God? How much time am I spending in the Bible each day to learn what it is He's calling me to?

Let me take this opportunity to shout out Centurion's Purse.

(b) "A people longing for a savior placed their faith in the fragile hand of human logic and military strength, which have always let us down. They have always fallen short of the glory of God" (p 199).

This takes me back to high school when I listened to a certain heavy metal band (You take a mortal man and put him in control...). Though Megadeth probably also falls short of the glory of God. This quote also makes me think of War Made Easy.

(c) "Jesus offers a new vision of family" (p 200).

If my mother, father or sister were starving, I'd find a way to help them. I wouldn't stop until their needs were met. If it was only about money, I sure wouldn't buy a nicer ride while they were suffering. But then I realize I lie, because they are.

Do I care as much for each citizen who dies in Iraq (30,000, 50,000, 90,000, 151,000, 655,000???) as I do for those who died in the towers on September 11, 2001 (2,974)?

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
(Matthew 6:9-10)

Info: Next Book

2008-08-24T20:43:00.005-04:00

This summer has been busy--started two jobs, moved to a new city, traveled quite a bit. But now things should be calming down, so posts will be coming weekly again.

Also, I've chosen the next book we'll read after The Irresistible Revolution. The short list included Disruptive Religion, Sub-merge, Jesus for President, and Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life. But I've chosen...

Righteous Indignation: A Jewish Call for Justice (Editors: Rabbi Or N. Rose, Jo Ellen Green Kaiser, and Margie Klein).

Here's the Amazon.com description from Publishers Weekly:

"Seeking to provide a set of intellectual and spiritual resources to encourage a sophisticated conversation about Judaism, social justice and environmental responsibility, this book more than meets its mark. The contributors, who are activists, intellectuals and spiritual leaders, broadly interpret their mission, touching on topics such as social justice, toxic waste, renewable energy, stem cell research, domestic violence and Middle East peace. Unsurprisingly, many touch on the Jewish imperative, tikkun olam—mending the world—and how we might better accomplish our part. However, those authors' focus on mending the world doesn't stop with recommendations for service but centers just as much, if not more, on far-reaching reform—changing social systems for the better. While written for progressive Jews and their communities, anyone struggling with the age-old conundrum of ...but what can I do? should sample this wonderful buffet of ideas, replete not just with tradition but with innovative interpretations suited to a 21st-century approach toward social action and reform."

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 6c (p 180-189)

2008-08-07T08:33:00.003-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 6c (p 180-189)
Economics of Rebirth

(a) “The reality of divine multiplication is realized only when we allow ourselves to be dependent on God and live in radical interdependence with one another” (p 180).

What am I depending on for security, happiness and fulfillment? How well is it working? What is God depending on me to do? Why do so many of us crave independence? Given that independence is a complete myth, what can I do to embrace interdependence today? How can I play my part well?

Some of my favorite stories in the whole book are in this chapter—Jubilee on Wall Street, Indian kids sharing ice cream, Mother Teresa’s feet, neighbors who trade cars for food, and the family who takes in the pregnant lady. Classics.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 6b (p 169-180)

2008-08-07T08:26:00.005-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 6b (p 169-180)
Economics of Rebirth

(a) “…God did not mess up and make too many people and not enough stuff. Poverty was created not by God but by you and me, because we have not learned to love our neighbors as ourselves” (p 169-170).

Am I willing to take some responsibility for the poverty in the world, or do I just blame corrupt business men, politicians and the systems they create? Could it be that my apathy has been one cause? Could my voting, spending and eating habits be perpetuating and intensifying poverty for some people in some places? How long am I willing to sit still and contemplate the ramifications for my decisions and lifestyle before I start justifying and excusing and explaining?

(b) “The Jubilee… aimed to dismantle structures of social-economic inequality by releasing each community member from debt…, returning encumbered or forfeited land to its original owners…, and freeing slaves…” (p 171).

Who could use a Jubilee from their credit cards? We had always kept our cards paid off until I got hurt two years ago. It’s amazing how fast things can change. "But if people could get out of debt like that, how could industrialists get rich?" Yes, good question. Maybe God has other priorities.

(c) “It is miraculous how the abundance of God and the gifts of the children of God are able to provide mystically for people’s needs” (p 179).

When have others provided for you? How have you shared your abundance with others recently?

One of the biggest gifts I’ve received from a community member was a home. An elderly lady had to leave her home and enter an assisted living center. Her daughter allowed us to live in the vacant home with very low rent for a year while she prepared to sell the house. I’m sure I’ll never be able to repay them for the gift that meant so much while we were in the middle of a rough stretch.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 6a (p 155-169)

2008-07-28T00:36:00.008-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 6a (p 155-169)

Economics of Rebirth

I've been on the road for the past 5 weekends plus a number of days in between, so please be patient with my problem of tardiness. I should have asked Travis to write again. But here I am now.

(a) "Faith-based nonprofits.... can too easily merely facilitate the exchange of goods and services, putting plenty of professionals in the middle to guarantee that the rich do not have to face the poor and that power does not shift." The reign of God "did not spread through organizational establishments or structural systems. It spread like disease--through touch, through breath, through life. It spreads through people infected by love" (p 159).

This totally reminds me of a quote by another revolutionary a few years ago, Ellen White. In The Ministry of Healing, she said:

"Everywhere there is a tendency to substitute the work of organizations for individual effort. Human wisdom tends to consolidation, to centralization, to the building up of great churches and institutions. Multitudes leave to institutions and organizations the work of benevolence; they excuse themselves from contact with the world, and their hearts grow cold. They become self-absorbed and unimpressible. Love for God and man dies out of the soul.

"Christ commits to His followers an individual work--a work that cannot be done by proxy. Ministry to the sick and the poor, the giving of the gospel to the lost, is not to be left to committees or organized charities. Individual responsibility, individual effort, personal sacrifice, is the requirement of the gospel.

"'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in,' is Christ's command, 'that my house may be filled' (Luke 14:23). He brings men into touch with those whom they seek to benefit. 'Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house,' He says. 'When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him' (Isa. 58:7). 'They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover' (Mark 16:18). Through direct contact, through personal ministry, the blessings of the gospel are to be communicated" (p 146-148).

How have I been relying on organizations? What can I do personally today? When might collective efforts (i.e., organizations) be able to deal with issues that individuals cannot?

(b) "The poor will always be among you" (p 16).

A pastor friend of mine even used this verse with me. "Jeff, don't waste all your energy fighting poverty. It will never be eradicated. Jesus said there will always be poor people."

But this conclusion is the opposite of Jesus' teaching. He said we would always have the opportunity to help the poor, so it was acceptable for this lady in this instance to do something generous personally for him. He wasn't saying, "You'll never overcome this entirely, so don't even try." The empire, bad decisions and bad luck will always make people poor, and we get to lend a hand, to demonstrate God's love for them.

Being poor is a fairly normal stage in life. We help people in need, and someone helps us when we have needs, and they help someone else when they get on their feet and have extra to share. And the more interdependent we become, the more often we can meet each other's needs.

Are there poor people in your faith community? Do they have truly equal status with those with bank accounts?

(c) "Simplicity is meaningful only inasmuch as it is grounded in love, authentic relationships, and interdependence" (p 163).

I friend helped us move recently, and he called me out. "You talk big about living simply, but you have boxes full of books, CDs and clothes." I'm blessed to share an authentic relationship with him.

(d) "True generosity is measured not by how much we give away but by how much we have left, especially when we look at the needs of our neighbors" (p 164). And to me, this is why the widow's might was a more amazing gift than all the others. Do I need to pray for more love so I can freely share with my neighbors?

And that quote about murdering the hungry child... Hraugh! (good luck pronouncing that)

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5d (p 146-153)

2008-07-20T21:34:00.005-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5d (p 146-153)
Another Way of Doing Life

Thanks, Travis, for posting your thoughts and discussion questions. I trust it won't be the last time.

(a) "For us, belief is only the beginning. What really matters is how we live, how what we believe gets fleshed out, so we also have a statement of orthopraxis (meaning, 'right living, right practices')" (p 147-148).

I think these are what he's referring to: Our Commitments & Our Foundation and Functionality.

The bottom line is action--Matthew 21:28-31, James 1:22, Matthew 7:24. "Talk is cheap."

(b) "What the world needs is people who believe so much in another world that they cannot help but begin enacting it now" (p 149).

How strongly do I believe in another world? In what specific ways can I live as a citizen of that world while walking in this one? What principles guide me?

(c) "We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, but we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself" (p 151). --Dietrich Bonhoeffer

What does this mean for you? What injustice gets you fired up? What solutions do you see? What are you working on? Do you care about so many that it's hard to get traction on dealing with any of them?

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5c (p 136-146)

2008-07-06T23:46:00.006-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5b (p 136-146)

Another Way of Doing Life
By Travis, O.R. Conspirator Extraordinaire

(1) "We've been very careful at the Simple Way never to claim that we have the corner on the market for "radical Christianity." Nor have we even tried to spread a brand or model." (p 137) (italics & bold mine).

I'm so glad that I don't see "IR" mouse pads or coffee cups. I'm sorry to offend anyone but give me a break. Just go to Amazon.com come and search Purpose Driven Life or Your Best Life Now and see what comes up. Do we need calendars and planners promoting this stuff? Daily devotions? I tried to find a link to the mouse pads. I know I've seen the Purpose Driven Life mouse pads but I could not find them online. I know that the intentions are good but when someone without a christian background sees this stuff, what does it communicate? Personally it turns me off and makes me feel like I'm being sold another product. Another brand. Another model.

What do I buy into? In a highly consumer driven society how do I determine what is needed and what is junk? How do I vote with my dollars?

(2) "And the incredible thing is that the stories of ordinary radicals are all over the place, stories of everyday people doing small things with great love, with their lives, gifts, and careers." (p 137)

What am I doing? How am I doing small things with great love?
Last week after church myself and some friends went to the hospital to visit an older woman from our congregation. The idea was birthed out of the sermon topic. We have been doing a series about how God interacts with us through our 5 senses and how we use those senses to interact with the world. We wanted to sing songs to this woman (who loves praise and worship time) and be a sweet fragrance in a dying world (we studied the sense of smell at church). She ended up ministering to us and touching us (I think) more profoundly than our ministry to her.

(3) "Some may leave their jobs. Others will redefine them." (p 140) "So not everyone responds in the same way, but we must respond." (p 142) (italics & bold mine)

How are you responding? I love how he gives many examples all throughout the book about people ministering in many different and unique ways. Amazing. Beautiful. Freeing. Inspiring.

I'm constantly reviewing this one. Right now I'm considering taking a job at the church. Is this what God wants? Is this the best use of my talents? Is this where I need to focus? Am I doing it for a paycheck?

(4) Jesus was not simply a missionary to the poor. He was poor -- born a baby refugee from the badlands of Nazareth, wandered the world a homeless rabbi, died the rotten death of insurrectionists and bandits on the cross, executed by an oppressive empire, buried in a borrowed tomb. Jesus was crucified not for helping the poor people but for joining them. That is the Jesus we follow." (p 144) (italics his)

Do you follow this Jesus? Does it make you uncomfortable?

These facts really disturb me. They rail against the Jesus I learned about at church in my little bible class growing up. It's not pretty. It's not clean. It's too real.

But I'm learning more about, and my heart is being moved to follow this Jesus. To see this Jesus. It's hard. It's uncomfortable. It's exciting.

(5) "What the world really needs is not more churches but a Church" (p 146)

I love how he talks about this concept. That we are all the embodiment of Christ on earth. It reminds me of the story about someone asking C.S. Lewis (I think) which church they should attend and he says that you should go to the one closest to your house! Interesting. How many of us drive out of our community in order to be in another community? Just a question. Questions are good.

I still pose the question: What would it look like if a church impacted the community within its mile radius? Imagine every church on every corner.

That's all for me......until next time. Peace be with you.

Travis, O.R. Conspirator Extraordinaire

2008-07-02T08:58:00.003-04:00

I speak for the entire OR blog team when I say that it is good to have Travis writing here. His posts will be coming soon.

Peace,
Jeff

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5b (p 126-136)

2008-06-26T17:42:00.009-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5b (p 126-136)
Another Way of Doing Life

(1) "...the only way I know to invite people into Christian faith is to come and see. After all, I'm not just trying to get someone to sign a doctrinal statement, but to come to know love, grace, and peace in the incarnation of Jesus, and now in the incarnation of the body, Christ's church" (p 126).

If someone knew nothing about "Christianity," what would they think is important to God based on your local faith community? What does your part of "the incarnation of the body" show the world? Originally, I wrote these questions about the individual, but then I changed them to include the entire faith community. Which question is more useful or telling, the one focusing on the individual or on the community?

(2) "We are trying to shout the gospel with our lives" (p 127). --Sister Margaret

(3) "It is a beautiful thing when folks in poverty are no longer just a missions project but become genuine friends and family with whom we laugh, cry, dream, and struggle" (p 128).

I just deleted my thoughts on this section of the book. It was just too hypocritical. Shane's quote stands.

(4) "People do not get crucified for charity. People are crucified for living out a love that disrupts the social order, that calls forth a new world" (p 129).

This reminds me of a t-shirt I saw today at Herbivore Clothing--"All My Heroes Have FBI Files." The shirt references a serious and thought provoking case.

(5) "Today the church is tempted by the spectacular, to do big, miraculous things so people might believe, but Jesus has called us to littleness and compares our revolution to the little mustard seed, to yeast making its way through dough, slowly infecting this dark world with love" (p 132).

We'll be getting back to this theme in a later chapter. This past weekend I read Jim and Casper Go to Church; my boss wanted me to read it. I was intrigued by Casper's reaction to the big shows, the "spectacular" shows, the churches put on--lights, fog machines, huge screens. He basically asked, "Is this how Jesus told you to do church?"

(6) "...wealthy countries like ours have the highest rates of depression, suicide, and loneliness. We are the richest and most miserable people in the world" (p 133).

It was hard for us moving back to the U.S. from South Korea because suddenly all our co-workers and church members lived so far away. We were used to having our community in one neighborhood, and suddenly, they were spread over three cities. We felt disconnected, disoriented. Eventually, we moved into a big home on a golf course (family friends let us stay there for next-to-nothing until they were ready to sell it), but it didn't compare to having friends close by, a community.

We just recently moved again, so we're working on building a new community. What can you do this week to welcome someone who's new to your neighborhood, business or church? What has someone done to make you a part of a group, to build you into their community? "Community is what we are created for" (p 134). "But that doesn't mean community is easy" (p 135).

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5a (p 115-126)

2008-06-22T17:30:00.004-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 5a (p 115-126)
Another Way of Doing Life

(1) “…what people are really wondering is whether there is life before death” (p 117).

Does my life show the world another, a better, way to live?

(2) “And the kingdom that Jesus speaks so much about is not just something we hope for after we die but is something we are to incarnate now” (p 117).

Sometimes I’ve heard or read people express the idea that Jesus’ teachings sound good, but they just don’t work here on this planet—love your neighbor, forgive, turn the other cheek*. But Shane brings up a good point in the quoted paragraph. These teachings don’t fit heaven; they were expressed specifically for planet Earth with its sin problem. We don’t need the teaching “turn the other cheek” in heaven because no one will slap the right cheek to begin with. Jesus’ hard words might not sound like actions we can live here, but clearly he wasn’t giving us advice on how to live later. It is meant for here and now.

(3) “We knew that the world cannot afford the American dream and that the good news is that there is another dream” (p 119).

This is so true. Already the world is feeling the pinch of limited resources with growing demand. Prices from steel to corn are rising as countries grow their economies in ways patterned after the United States. Demand for oil, food, water and all value-added resources will continue to rise. It has been estimated that for the entire population of the planet to live like North Americans, we would need seven more planets of resources. The U.S. style of life and production is simply not sustainable on a world-wide scale (or even within our borders, but that’s another discussion).

(4) “We narrowed our vision to this: love God, love people, and follow Jesus” (p 121).

That about covers it. What is my mission statement? What guides my decision-making process? How do I decide what to say yes and no to?

(5) “We share life with our neighbors and try to take care of each other” (p123).

What a great statement; reminds me of Galatians 6:2. This line is in the fun description of The Simple Way on pages 122 - 126. I want to quote the whole section here. It’s like the Sermon on the Mount to me.

Our upstairs neighbor is a retired gentleman who likes to garden. He knocked on the door the other day to see if we wanted another tomato plant. He had a couple extra and wanted to share because Charissa’s tomato hadn’t made the move so well. It’s a little thing, but it was really kind of him.

Neighbors can build community with the smallest of kindnesses. Charissa had taken him a plate of homemade cinnamon roles when we moved in, and that had opened the way to more conversations. How can I build community with people around me today?

*As explained by Walter Wink in Jesus and Nonviolence: The Third Way.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 4b (p 103-114)

2008-06-15T17:06:00.009-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 4b (p 103-114)
When Comfort Becomes Uncomfortable

(1) "Rather than accumulating stuff for oneself, followers of Jesus abandon everything, trusting in God alone for providence" (p 104).

Do we? Do I? How closely am I following my rabbi? "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matt 6:19-20).

(2) "...Jesus warns people of the cost of discipleship, that it will cost them everything they have ever hoped for and believed in--their biological families, their possessions, even their very lives. He warns them to count the cost before putting their hand to the plow. And Jesus allows people to walk away" (p 106).

There's this line, "Jesus doesn't call us to the easy thing, just the best thing." Carrying our cross isn't easy, it's just the best. Because there's a reason for the cross, it helps our brothers and sisters. "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). What problem can I shoulder for someone today? How can I make someone's walk easier? Someone at work? Someone in my family? Someone in my community? Someone in Sudan?

(3) "God comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable" (p 107). Classic. May we ponder this over the week.

(4) "I was convinced that what we do is not nearly as important as who we are. The question is not whether you will be a doctor or a lawyer but what kind of doctor or lawyer you will be" (p 108). I love this line. What kind of event planner am I? What kind of husband am I? What kind of friend am I? What kind of disciple am I?

(5) "Somehow I had missed the fact that singleness was a beautiful means of discipleship..." (p 111). "We can live without sex, but we cannot live without love, and God is love" (p 111). This for singles and wed to meditate on.

(6) "We can admire and worship Jesus without doing what he did.... I had come to see that
the great tragedy in the church is not that rich Christians do not care about the poor but that rich Christians do not know the poor" (p113).

When I came back from Korea with my neck injury, I was sitting outside my motel room waiting for a friend to pick me up so I could stay with her while I was in treatment. A cleaning lady noticed I was reading Walking with the Poor, and commented as she walked by, "Nice book."

I didn't know how to respond, and then she was gone. I leaned against my one suitcase and said, "I'm not walking with the poor; I am the poor. One suitcase. No car. No home. No job. No hope of having a job soon because of medical problems. Only a little cash left over from my last paycheck that has to last."

But I had two things that truly financially poor people don't have--rich friends and rich family members. I knew I'd be okay. I had a huge safety net.

Bottom line: People without financial support are my family. Are they my friends? How good am I doing at being their safety net?

I love the last line of the chapter. But I've already quoted too much.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 4a (p 91-103)

2008-06-08T15:56:00.008-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 4a (p 91-103)
When Comfort Becomes Uncomfortable

(1) "I had been doing a study whose central premise was that rather than waiting around for God's special plan for your life, you should just go find where God is at work and join in" (p 93). What do you think? How does this fit your experience and biblical understanding?

(2) "He [Shane's roommate in the ROTC] explained to me that he did not believe Christians should go to war" (p 95). This is such a loaded topic. State: kill our enemies. Jesus: love your enemies. That's pretty hard to reconcile. Derek Webb has a great line, "I would rather die than to take your life. How can I kill the ones I'm supposed to love" (My Enemies are Men Like Me). I think this issue raises how closely we align ourselves with a given state or government as opposed to the government of God.

It's clear to a majority of folks, I would imagine, that Nazi soldiers should have disobeyed their leaders. They had a moral obligation not to commit genocide just because their leaders wanted them to. What seems less clear is how closely Christians in countries around the world should place their lives, hopes and futures in the armies of their respective governments. What would happen if the millions of Christians around the world refused to fight their secular government's battles? What if rather we embraced and lived non-violent social action? What if we refused to kill the ones we're supposed to love?

Even if you embrace a "just war" theory, how many of those have you seen in the past 100 years? We'll get back to this topic again. Developing a "consistent ethic of life" demands that we revisit and wrestle with this.

For those looking for thoughts on becoming a conscientious objector, click here--Wikipedia or Mennonite Central Committee.

(3) "So I learned not to be so quick to judge" (p 101). I'm still working on this one. Any stories of when you quickly judged someone incorrectly, or when you withheld judgment and were glad you had?

(4) "Jesus never says to the poor, 'Come find the church,' but he says to those of us in the church, 'Go into the world and find the poor, hungry, homeless, imprisoned,' Jesus in his disguises" (p 102). I rarely do this. I read about doing this. I talk about doing this. When have you gone?

[we'll finish ch 4 next week]

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 3 (p 69-89)

2008-05-31T17:19:00.009-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 3 (p 69-89)
In Search of a Christian

(1) “I wondered what it would look like if we decided to really follow Jesus” (p 71). Pretty basic. Pretty revolutionary. See number 2.

(2) “The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly” (Soren Kierkegaard, p 71). I do this.

"Love your enemies." "Sell what you have and give to the poor." "Store up treasure in heaven, not earth." "Forgive 490 times." But it’s all metaphorical, so that’s cool. What’s on TV tonight?

Michael Franti has a great line about “all the freaky people make the beauty of the world” (Stay Human). People like Shane and Andy (p 76) are pretty “freaky,” and talk about some serious beauty. My pride (ego, selfishness, whatever you call it) is so strong. Living the revolution isn’t something you all should do; it’s something I need to live. I want to make beauty of the world, and I want to load up on organic, fair trade Patagonia gear.

To my friends who are on this journey outside of cyberspace: it’s great partnering together as “ordinary radicals just trying to figure out how to love better” (p 76). It’s simple—compassion, forgiveness, generosity, empathy, courage, creativity. It’s only complicated when I’m looking out for me instead of you.

(3) Mother Teresa (p 78): “We are called not to be successful but to be faithful.” “We can do no great things, just small things with great love. It is not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing it.” No discussion questions; just let those sink in.

(4) “We are the body of Christ, not in some figurative sense, but we are the flesh and blood of Jesus alive in the world through the Holy Spirit—God’s hands, feet, ears” (p 79). What is Jesus doing through the hands, feet and ears of your faith community? What’s your story?

(5) “Calcuttas are everywhere if only we have eyes to see. Find your Calcutta” (Mother Teresa, p 89). Where is my Calcutta? Where can I serve those in need? Who needs me today? What do I have to give today? Who needs me to listen today? Who needs my bubbles and sidewalk chalk today?

Check out Shane telling these and other stories at Mars Hill in a talk called Finding Your Calcutta.

Friday Bonus Video

2008-05-30T14:16:00.004-04:00

Thanks, Andrew, for sharing this video. Hopefully, you'll have time on the road to drop a few thoughts this summer. Peace.

You can find more of Shane on YouTube.com.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 2 (p 53-67)

2008-05-25T10:52:00.009-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 2 (p 53-67)
Resurrecting Church

Here are five quotes that stood out to me. What caught your attention, moved you, or connected with you?

(1) “They reminded us that we all need each other and assured us that if we all shared with one another, there would be enough for everyone” (p 57).

This is something Charissa and I are trying to live. It’s easy to lend some things; for me it’s books and documentaries. Other items, the Vitamix for example, reveal a streak of selfishness. We could live with so much less by learning to share. How many lawn mowers does one neighborhood or one church community really need? Or cars?

(2) “My second instinct was to cry because of how far the church had become removed from the poor” (p 63).

When we came to this new church, we joined a study class that does try to serve. They’ve built a Habitat for Humanity house. They get names of pregnant women with financial problems and donate dressers to them full of baby supplies and clothes. Plus they regularly help people in the community with dollars and cents. It’s really beautiful, and now we’re leaving again. What are you doing along with your local faith community? What’s your story?

(3) “At that moment, we decided to stop complaining about the church we saw, and we set our hearts on becoming the church we dreamed of” (p 64). What is your dream for your faith community?

(4) “Over and over, when I ask God why all of these injustices are allowed to exist in the world, I can feel the Spirit whisper to me, “You tell me why we allow this to happen. You are my body, my hands, my feet” (p 65).

I had an experience just like this a few years ago. It went something like this, “God, why don’t you do something about this.” “Jeff, why don’t you?” You can read about it in a talk I gave in South Korea—I don’t know why. It was eerie to read this story.

(5) “We do indeed have a God of resurrection, a God who can create beauty from the messes we make of our world” (p 67). What “beauty from the messes” have you seen? What have you been a part of?

As always, feel free to address these questions and quotes or anything else that you'd like. Consider the general questions.

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 1 (p 35-51)

2008-05-18T15:12:00.004-04:00

The Irresistible Revolution, Ch. 1 (p 35-51)
When Christianity Was Still Safe

Chapter 1 is an autobiographical look at growing up Christian deep in the Bible Belt that addresses “spiritual bulimia,” the good life, and Jesus in his distressing disguise.

(1) “I came to realize that preachers were telling me to lay my life at the foot of the cross and weren’t giving me anything to pick up” (p 38). I can relate to this. I grew up knowing not to do x, y, and z. The few things to “do” for Jesus were giving Bible studies, passing out flyers for prophecy seminars, and attending Bible Camp. Looking back, I see other people did more (e.g., mission trips to Mexico), but my view was pretty limited.

I’m barely catching on that there is a whole spectrum of actions that are of God, actions that make a more just, loving and sustainable world. There are limitless ways to make it a better place, to bring goodness to people’s lives. Those are the “good works” of Ephesians 2:8-10. Any stories of your adventures?

(2) “In the poor we meet Jesus in his most distressing disguises” (Mother Teresa, p 51). Michael Card wrote a great song on this theme—Distressing Disguise.

In His distressing disguise
He hopes that we'll realize
That when we take care of the poorest of them
We've really done it to Him

On Friday we were thrift store hopping, looking for a bed frame. As we left one shop, a lady was slowly walking away carrying a backpack and several bags. I knew I should offer her a ride, but my first reaction was to think of all the reasons why we should keep on driving. We talked about it quickly, drove past her, talked more, turned around, and offered a ride. She declined, and I saw how quick I am to “pass by on the other side.” Realizing she is Jesus in disguise, a first reaction of love instead of excuses would seemingly be the impulse.

Where have you seen Jesus lately? What happened?

The Irresistible Revolution (p 11-34)

2008-05-11T19:03:00.006-04:00

For our first week of discussion, we're going to focus on the three intro sections. I can't comment on all of the parts I underlined in my book, so I'll pick a few of my favorites.

Speak your voice by (a) responding to my questions here or the general questions, (b) adding your own questions, (c) offering your thoughts and stories related to the reading, or (d) doing whatever creative thing you need to do. Let's roll...

FORWARD (Jim Wallis)

(1) "...experimenting with the gospel..." (p 11). I like this idea--experimenting. There are all kinds of ways to live and share the good news of peace and reconciliation and of a God who still cares. "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8). In what ways are you and your community experimenting with the gospel?

"The monologue of the religious right is finally over, and a fresh dialogue has begun; it's a conversation about how to apply faith to social justice, and it is springing up across the land" (p 14). Thanks for being part of this growing conversation.

INTRODUCTION (Shane Claiborne)

(2) "But most Christian artists and preachers have remained strangely distant from human suffering..." (p 17). Include me in that. Most of my awareness of pain in the world comes from books and documentaries. Only in the past couple of years have I had to really face pain and disappointment (physically and emotionally) in my own life. These experiences are starting to open my eyes and ears to the needs around me. For example, I didn't really care about the health insurance issue in the U.S. until my wife and I were either sick or laid off. Homelessness starting meaning something completely different when we had to turn to friends and family to have a place to stay.

I recently watched Jared Diamond's the three-part documentary, Guns, Germs and Steel. He spent the whole time talking academically about these powerful forces that have shaped human history. He could talk abstractly about brutal wars and devastating illnesses, but when he actually saw the kids with malaria, he just broke down. What was your most recent contact with human suffering?

(3) "But rarely do we see that the sickness of the world has infected each of us..." The world's apathy isn't as big of a problem as my apathy. Ending the world's greed isn't as crucial as ending mine by moving from accumulation to generosity. This reminds me of G. K. Chesterton's response to the question, "What is wrong with the world today." He said simply, "I am."

(4) "...the giant triplets of evil: racism, militarism, and materialism" (p 26). Now that's an axis of evil. Which of these are you most passionate about ending? Any stories?

AUTHOR'S NOTE

(5) "We are all bound up in the filthy system, and if you find yourself particularly bound, take courage, you will then have more grace as you liberate others" (p 31-32). How are we bound up in it? I just deleted a list of ways; it felt burdensome. If you feel like you're not bound up in it, then either you have some great sustainable living ideas that you need to share in the comments section, or you don't yet realize the ramifications of the previously mentioned evil triumvirate. Let's keep talking.

And let's keep showing grace. There are few things more annoying than self-righteous environmentalists, religionists and social activists. May grace be in our conversations with each other here and with those we encounter daily as we "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). May we even find grace for the proud and annoying (cause it just might be me).

What say you?

Book 1: The Irresistible Revolution

2008-05-04T13:53:00.008-04:00

Our first book will be The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne (see Wikipedia and Pack Light). You can find the book at these and other sellers--All Book Stores, Powells and Amazon.

I'll post the first article for discussion on May 11, 2008.

While you wait for the May 11 post, you can read this blog's Welcome and About pages. You can also order the book (or get it from the library) and begin by reading the Foreward, Introduction and Author's Note.

Publisher's description found on Powells' website:

Many of us find ourselves caught somewhere between unbelieving activists and inactive believers. We can write a check to feed starving children or hold signs in the streets and feel like we've made a difference without ever encountering the faces of the suffering masses. In this book, Shane Claiborne describes an authentic faith rooted in belief, action, and love, inviting us into a movement of the Spirit that begins inside each of us and extends into a broken world. Shane's faith led him to dress the wounds of lepers with Mother Teresa, visit families in Iraq amidst bombings, and dump $10,000 in coins and bills on Wall Street to redistribute wealth. Shane lives out this revolution each day in his local neighborhood, an impoverished community in North Philadelphia, by living among the homeless, helping local kids with homework, and "practicing resurrection" in the forgotten places of our world.

Shane's message will comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable...but will also invite us into an irresistible revolution. His is a vision for ordinary radicals ready to change the world with little acts of love.

Shane Claiborne

2008-04-27T21:43:00.008-04:00

As you know, Shane Claiborne (1975 - ) is the author of the first book we'll be reading in May.

If you just can't wait to get started on this grand community project, you can listen to him speak at Mars Hill by down loading his talk, Finding Your Calcutta. That's a great introduction to The Irresistible Revolution.

I really appreciated the part where Shane talks about how his friends have found different ways to live as ordinary radicals. Each of us has different passions and abilities, and we can each offer a unique gift to the world by fully being who we were created to be. Unity in diversity.

Your reaction to the presentation?

[i copied the photo from shane's site. good shot, mr. stenbakken.]

Top 50 Books for Consideration

2008-04-21T20:15:00.008-04:00

Here are my Top 50 books that we might read on this blog (alpha order). They're taken from the Big List.

A Quaker Book of Wisdom: Life Lessons In Simplicity, Service, And Common Sense (Smith)
Adventures in Missing the Point: How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel (McLaren & Campolo)
Alternatives to Economics: Christian Socio-economic Perspectives (Cara)
And You Call Yourself a Christian (Lupton)
Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development (Perkins)
Changing the Face of Hunger: The Story of How Liberals, Conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, and People of Faith are Joining Forces in a New Movement to Help the Hungry, the Poor, and the Oppressed (Hall)
Christian Peacemaking & International Conflict: A Realist Pacifist Perspective (Friesen)
Christian Peacemaking: From Heritage to Hope (Buttry)
Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire (Walsh & Keesmaat)
Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor (Lupton)
Covenant of Peace: The Missing Peace in New Testament Theology and Ethics (Swartley)
Dangerous Faith: Growing in God and Service to the World (Vestal)
Disruptive Religion (Smith)
Economics in Christian Perspective: Theory, Policy and Life Choices (Claar & Klay)
Economy of Grace (Tanner)
Faith Works (Wallis)
Following Christ in a Consumer Society: The Spirituality of Cultural Resistance (Kavanaugh)
For the Beauty of the Earth (Bouma-Prediger)
For They Shall Be Fed: Scripture Readings and Prayers for a Just World (Sider)
Getting Your Feet Dirty: A Down-to-earth Look at Following Jesus (Everts)
Good News about Injustice (Haugen)
Jesus for President (Claiborne & Haw)
Jesus in the Margins: Finding God in the Places We Ignore (Mckinley)
Jesus Weeps: Global Encounters on Our Doorstep (Recinos & Evans)
Jesus, Justice, and the Reign of God: A Ministry of Liberation (Herzog)
Jewish Dimensions of Social Justice: Tough Moral Choices of Our Time (Vorspan & Saperstein)
Justice and Judaism: The Work of Social Action (Vorspan)
Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer (Thompson)
Less Than Two Dollars a Day: A Christian View of World Poverty and the Free Market (Van Til)
Let Justice Roll Down (Perkins)
My Name Is Child of God...Not "Those People": A First Person Look at Poverty (Dinsmore)
Peace on Earth: Roots and Practices from Luke's Gospel (Grassi)
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (Sider)
Same Kind of Different as Me (Hall, Moore & Vincent)
Seeking Peace (Arnold)
Serve God, Save the Planet (Sleeth)
Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community: Eight Essays (Berry)
Shalom: The Bible's Word for Salvation, Justice, and Peace (Yoder)
Social Justice: A Jewish Perspective (Kliksberg & Friedlander)
Social Justice and the Christian Church (Nash)
Submerge: Living Deep in a Shallow World: Service, Justice and Contemplation Among the World's Poor (Hayes)
The Drama of Scripture (Bartholomew & Goheen)
The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice (Campolo & Darling)
The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church (Boyd)
The New Friars: The Emerging Movement Serving the World's Poor (Bessenecker)
The Peacemaking Remnant (Morgan)
The Politics of Jesus (Yoder)
The Relevant Nation: 50 Activist, Artists And Innovators Who Are Changing Their World through Faith (Zydek)
What Can One Person Do? Faith to Heal a Broken World (Alkire)
Who Comes in the Name of the Lord?: Jesus at the Margins (Recinos)

Events

2008-04-21T20:11:00.013-04:00

2008

Feb. 28-Mar 1 -- The New Conspirators. Seattle, WA.
April 16-18 -- Justice Revival. Jim Wallis, Shane Claiborne, the CCDA & Others. Columbus, OH.
May 4-9 -- Nonprofit Leadership Training. Gladstone, OR.
June 19-22 -- PAPA Festival. (video)
June 29-July 5 -- Adventist Community Services Convention. Albuquerque, NM.
July 7-9 -- Ekklesia Project Gathering. Chicago, IL.
Sept. 20-21 -- Rocky Mountain Sustainable Living Fair. Fort Collins, CO.
Oct. 8-10 -- Catalyst. Atlanta, GA.
Oct. 30-Nov 2 -- Fifth U.S. Conference on Peak Oil and Community Solutions. Rochester, MI.
Nov. 6-9 -- Should I Fight?, Oshawa, Ontario, CANADA.
Dec. 14-21 -- Cruise with a Mission.

Photography

2008-04-21T20:11:00.011-04:00

Music

2008-04-21T20:10:00.006-04:00

\music for ordinary radicals\

Who else would you add to the list?

Film

2008-04-20T10:13:00.005-04:00

Organizations & Information

2008-04-20T10:12:00.013-04:00

Spiritual Thought + Action

Activism + Rights

Relief + Development

Environment

Peace

Discussion Questions

2008-04-20T10:12:00.010-04:00

In addition to weekly questions specific to the reading, the following questions can guide our conversations:

What stood out to me in this reading?
What stories in my life match or contradict this reading?
What questions does this raise for me?
How can I live this more fully? What is my next step?

Books & Magazines

2008-04-20T10:11:00.014-04:00

Magazines

Books

A Biblical Economics Manifesto: Economics and the Christian Worldview (Gills & Nash)
A Framework for Understanding Poverty (Payne)
A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished CHRISTIAN (McLaren)
A Greener Faith: Religious Environmentalism and Our Planet's Future (Gottlieb)
A Heart for the City: Effective Ministries to the Urban Community (Fuder)
A Hunger for Healing (Miller)
And You Call Yourself a Christian (Lupton)
A Quaker Book of Wisdom: Life Lessons In Simplicity, Service, And Common Sense (Smith)
Adventures in Missing the Point: How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel (McLaren & Campolo)
All of One Peace: Essays on Nonviolence (McCarthy)
Alternatives to Economics: Christian Socio-economic Perspectives (Cara)
An Unstoppable Force (McManus)
And You Call Yourself a Christian (Lupton)
Approaches to Peace: A Reader in Peace Studies (Barash)
Architects of Peace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images (Collopy & Cronkite)
Banker To The Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty (Yunus)
Be the Change: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World (Zach Hunter)
Beyond Charity: The Call to Christian Community Development (Perkins)
Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development (Daly)
Blue Like Jazz (Miller)
Buck-Naked Faith: A Brutally Honest Look at Stunted Christianity (Sandras)
Changing the Face of Hunger: The Story of How Liberals, Conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, and People of Faith are Joining Forces in a New Movement to Help the Hungry, the Poor, and the Oppressed (Hall)
Christian Peacemaking & International Conflict: A Realist Pacifist Perspective (Friesen)
Christian Peacemaking: From Heritage to Hope (Buttry)
Christianity and Ecology: Seeking the Well-Being of Earth and Humans (Hessel & Ruether)
Churches that Make a Difference (Sider, Olson & Unruh)
City Reaching: On The Road To Community Transformation (Dennison)
Colossians Remixed: Subverting the Empire (Walsh & Keesmaat)
Come to the Quiet (Hohnberger)
Compassion, Justice and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor (Lupton)
Consuming Faith (Beaudoin)
Consuming Religion: Christian Faith And Practice in a Consumer Culture (Miller)
Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorrow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South Africa (Krog)
Covenant of Peace: The Missing Peace in New Testament Theology and Ethics (Swartley)
Cradle to Cradle (McDonough & Braungart)
Culture Jam: How to Reverse America's Suicidal Consumer Binge--And Why We Must (Lasn)
Cultures of Peace: The Hidden Side of History (Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution) (Boulding)
Dangerous Faith: Growing in God and Service to the World (Vestal)
Design Anarchy (Lasn)
Discovering Your City : Bringing Light to the Task of Community Transformation (Waymire & Townsend)
Disruptive Religion (Smith)
Doing Evangelism Jesus' Way (Sider)
Dynamics of Nonviolent Action (Politics of Nonviolent Action, Part 3) (Sharp)
Earth Community, Earth Ethics (Ecology & Justice) (Rasmussen)
Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace (Shiva)
Earth-Wise: A Biblical Response to Environmental Issues (Dewitt)
Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading (Peterson)
Eco-Economy: Building an Economy for the Earth (Brown)
Ecological Economics: Principles And Applications (Farley & Daly)
Ecology & the Jewish Spirit: Where Nature and the Sacred Meet (Bernstein)
Economic Compulsion and Christian Ethics (Barrera)
Economics in Christian Perspective: Theory, Policy and Life Choices (Claar & Klay)
Economy of Grace (Tanner)
Ending Poverty: A 20/20 Vision Guide for Individuals And Congregations (Maeker & Rogness)
Evening Thoughts (Berry)
Everybody Wants to Change the World (Campolo)
Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope (McLaren)
Evil And the Justice of God (Wright)
Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture (Frost)
Faith Works (Wallis)
Fields of the Fatherless (Davis)
Following Christ in a Consumer Society: The Spirituality of Cultural Resistance (Kavanaugh)
For the Beauty of the Earth (Bouma-Prediger)
For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future (Daly & Cobb)
For They Shall Be Fed: Scripture Readings and Prayers for a Just World (Sider)
Gandhi and Beyond: Nonviolence for an Age of Terrorism (Cortright)
Getting Your Feet Dirty: A Down-to-earth Look at Following Jesus (Everts)
Give Us This Day A Lutheran Proposal For Ending World Hunger (Lutheran Voices) (Beckmann & Nessan)
God & Money: The Moral Challenge of Capitalism (McDaniel)
God And the Evil of Scarcity: Moral Foundations of Economic Agency (Barrera)
God in the Flesh: What Speechless Lawyers, Kneeling Soldiers And Shocked Crowds Teach Us About Jesus (Everts)
God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It (Wallis)
Good News about Injustice (Haugen)
Good News and Good Works (Sider)
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas (Bornstein)
I'd Rather Teach Peace (McCarthy)
I am Not a Social Activist (Sider)
Inspiring Progress: Religions' Contributions to Sustainable Development (Gardner)
I Pledge Allegiance (Phillips & Tsatalbasidis)
Iraq Journal 2003 (Claiborne)
Is that Really You, God? (Cunningham)
Is There No Other Way?: The Search for a Nonviolent Future (Nagler)
It’s about People (Hohnberger)
It's Easy Being Green (Sleeth)
Jesus and Nonviolence (Wink)
Jesus for President (Claiborne & Haw)
Jesus in the Margins: Finding God in the Places We Ignore (Mckinley)
Jesus the Jewish Theologian (Young)
Jesus Wants to Save Christians (Bell & Golden)
Jesus Weeps: Global Encounters on Our Doorstep (Recinos & Evans)
Jesus With Dirty Feet: A Down-To-Earth Look at Christianity for the Curious & Skeptical (Everts)
Jesus, Justice, and the Reign of God: A Ministry of Liberation (Herzog)
Jewish Dimensions of Social Justice: Tough Moral Choices of Our Time (Vorspan & Saperstein)
Journey to the Center of the City: Making a Difference in an Urban Neighborhood (White)
Judaism and Ecology: Created World and Revealed Word (Blanchard)
Judaism and Environmental Ethics: A Reader (Yaffe)
Just Generosity: A New Vision for Overcoming Poverty in America (Sider)
Just Peacemaking: Ten Practices for Abolishing War (Stassen)
Justice and Judaism: The Work of Social Action (Vorspan)
Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer (Thompson)
Justice in a Global Economy: Strategies for Home, Community, and World (Brubaker)
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World (Wood)
Less Than Two Dollars a Day: A Christian View of World Poverty and the Free Market (Van Til)
Let Justice Roll Down (Perkins)
Linking Arms, Linking Lives (Sider)
Living God’s Politics (Wallis)
Living like Jesus: Eleven Essentials for Growing a Genuine Faith (Sider)
Living The Faith Community: The Church That Makes A Difference (Westerhoff)
Living the Heart of Christianity: A Guide to Putting Your Faith into Action (Borg & Scorer)
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela (Mandela)
Loving Nature (Nash)
Material Christianity: Religion and Popular Culture in America (McDannell)
Meet the Rabbis: Rabbinic Thought and the Teachings of Jesus (Young)
Meeting needs, sharing Christ: Ministry evangelism in today's New Testament Church (Atkinson)
Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis)
Methods of Nonviolent Action (Politics of Nonviolent Action, Part 2) (Sharp)
Ministering Cross-Culturally (Lingenfelter & Mayers)
Ministries of Compassion (Sahlin, Gavin, Washington, Wi)
Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light (Teresa & Kolodiejchuk)
My 30 Days Under the Overpass: Not Your Ordinary Devotional (Yankoski)
My Name Is Child of God...Not "Those People": A First Person Look at Poverty (Dinsmore)
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution (Hawken)
No Future Without Forgiveness (Tutu)
No Logo: No Space, No Choice, No Jobs (Klein)
Nonviolence: 25 Lessons from the History of a Dangerous Idea (Kurlansky & Dalai Lama)
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (Rosenberg & Gandhi)
Nonviolent Social Movements: A Geographical Perspective (Zunes)
Off-Road Disciplines: Spiritual Adventures of Missional Leaders (Creps & Kimball)
On Living Simply: The Golden Voice of John Chrysostom (Chrysostom & Van De Weyer)
Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens (Cole)
Parables As Subversive Speech: Jesus As Pedagogue of the Oppressed (Herzog)
Passion for Peace, New and Revised: The Struggle for Non-Violence (Merton)
Peace: A History of Movements and Ideas (Cortright)
Peace and Conflict Studies (Barash & Webel)
Peace in Our Lifetime: Insights from the World's Peacemakers (Skog & Hanh)
Peace Is the Way: Writings on Nonviolence from the Fellowship of Reconciliation (Fellowship of Reconciliation & Wink)
Peace on Earth: Roots and Practices from Luke's Gospel (Grassi)
Peak Oil Survival: Preparation for Life After Gridcrash (McBay)
People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present (P.S.) (Zinn)
Plan B: Rescuing a Planet under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble (Brown)
Plastic Jesus: Exposing the Hollowness of Comfortable Christianity (Sandras)
Power and Struggle (Politics of Nonviolent Action, Part 1) (Sharp)
Power in Movement: Social Movements and Contentious Politics (Tarrow)
Practical Justice (Blue)
Principles of Social Justice (David Miller)
Proclaiming Peace: Christian Pacifism from Unexpected Quarters (Schlabach & Hughes)
Radical Christian Writings: A Reader (Bradstock & Rowland)
Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth (Merkel)
Read the Bible for a Change: A Follower's Guide to Reading and Responding to the Bible (Lubeck)
Red Letter Christians (Campolo)
Red Letters: Living a Faith that Bleeds (Davis)
Redeeming Creation: The Biblical Basis for Environmental Stewardship (Van Dyke)
Refuse to Stand Silently By (Wigginton)
Renewing The City: Reflections On Community Development And Urban Renewal (Lupton)
Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel: A Message for Christians (Stern)
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (Sider)
Roots for Radicals: Organizing for Power, Action, and Justice (Chambers & Cowan)
Sacramental Commons: Christian Ecological Ethics (Hart)
Saving God's Green Earth: Rediscovering the Church's Responsibility to Environmental Stewardship (Robinson & Chatraw)
School(s) for Conversion (Rutba House)
Searching for a God to Love (Blake)
Searching for God Knows What (Miller)
Seeking Peace (Arnold)
Selling God: American Religion in the Marketplace of Culture (Moore)
Serve God, Save the Planet (Sleeth)
Sex, Economy, Freedom & Community: Eight Essays (Berry)
Shalom: The Bible's Word for Salvation, Justice, and Peace (Yoder)
Sharing Food: Christian Practices for Enjoyment (Jung)
Social Justice: A Jewish Perspective (Kliksberg & Friedlander)
Social Justice and the Christian Church (Nash)
Social Movements, 1768-2004 (Tilly)
Social Movements for Global Democracy (Smith)
Soul Survivor (Yancey)
Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who are Changing Our World (Kennedy Adams)
Starving Jesus: Off the Pew, into the World (Gross & Mahon)
Steps to Christ (White)
Strategic Nonviolent Conflict: The Dynamics of People Power in the Twentieth Century (Ackerman & Kruegler)
Submerge: Living Deep in a Shallow World: Service, Justice and Contemplation Among the World's Poor (Hayes)
Swimming Against the Current (Blake)
The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict (The Arbinger Institute)
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. (King)
The Better World Handbook : From Good Intentions to Everyday Actions (Jones)
The Call to Conversion (Wallis)
The Care of Creation: Focusing Concern and Action (Berry)
The Case for Christ (Strobel)
The Church of Irresistible Influence (Lewis & Wilkins)
The Church That Never Sleeps: The Amazing Story That Will Change Your View of Church Forever (Barnett)
The Desire of Ages (White)
The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God (Dallas Willard)
The Drama of Scripture (Bartholomew & Goheen)
The Eleventh Commandment (Nelson)
The End of Poverty (Sachs)
The End of Religion: Encountering the Subversive Spirituality of Jesus (Cavey)
The Essential Gandhi: An Anthology of His Writings on His Life, Work, and Ideas (Gandhi)
The Externally Focused Church (Rusaw & Swanson)
The Fear of Beggars: Stewardship and Poverty in Christian Ethics (Johnson)
The Forgotten Ways: Reactivating the Missional Church (Hirsch & Sweet)
The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice (Campolo & Darling)
The Gospel according to Moses: What My Jewish Friends Taught Me about Jesus (Dickson)
The Great Giveaway: Reclaiming the Mission of the Church from Big Business, Parachurch Organizations, Psychotherapy, Consumer Capitalism, and Other Modern Maladies (Fitch)
The Hebrew Yeshua vs. the Greek Jesus (Gordon)
The History of Human Rights: From Ancient Times to the Globalization Era (Ishay)
The Hope Factor: Engaging the Church in the HIV/AIDS Crisis (Yamamori)
The Intimate Merton: His Life from His Journals (Merton)
The Irresistible Revolution (Claiborne)
The Jesus of Suburbia: Have We Tamed the Son of God to Fit Our Lifestyle? (Erre)
The Justice God Is Seeking (The Worship Series) (Ruis)
The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (Ortberg)
The Lifelong Activist: How to Change the World Without Losing Your Way (Rettig)
The Love of Enemy and Nonretaliation in the New Testament (Swartley)
The Market Economy and Christian Ethics (New Studies in Christian Ethics) (Sedgwick)
The Moral Ecology of Markets: Assessing Claims about Markets and Justice (Finn)
The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church (Boyd)
The New Friars: The Emerging Movement Serving the World's Poor (Bessenecker)
The Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation (Young)
The Peacemaking Remnant (Morgan)
The Politics of Jesus (Yoder)
The Poverty and Justice Bible
The Power of Nonviolence: Writings by Advocates of Peace (Zinn)
The Pursuit of Holiness (Bridges)
The Radical Reader: A Documentary History of the American Radical Tradition (McCarthy & McMillian)
The Relevant Nation: 50 Activist, Artists And Innovators Who Are Changing Their World through Faith (Zydek)
The Revolution (Zydek)
The Son of God Is Dancing: A Message of Hope (Plass)
The Soul of Politics: Beyond "Religious Right" and "Secular Left" (Wallis)
The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People (Schell)
The Upside-Down Kingdom (Kraybill)
The World's Most Powerful Leadership Principle: How to Become a Servant Leader (Hunter)
The Wretched of the Earth (Fanon)
Theirs Is the Kingdom: Celebrating the Gospel in Urban America (Lupton)
This Beautiful Mess (McKinley)
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time (Mortenson & Relin)
To Baghdad and Beyond: How I Got Born Again in Babylon (Wilson-Hartgrove)
Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most (Stafford)
Torah of the Earth: Exploring 4,000 Years of Ecology in Jewish Thought (Waskow)
Toward an Evangelical Public Policy (Sider)
Traveling Mercies (Lamott)
Trees, Earth and Torah (Elon)
Troublesome People: The Warriors of Pacifism (Conscientious Objectors) (Moorehead)
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America (Yankoski)
Understanding Conflict Resolution: War, Peace and the Global System (Wallensteen)
Understanding Your Community (Sahlin)
Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights (Hartmann)
Urban Churches: Vital Signs: Beyond Charity Toward Justice (Harper)
Urban Ministry in a New Millenium (Claerbaut)
Velvet Elvis (Bell)
Violence and Its Alternatives: An Interdisciplinary Reader (Steger & Lind)
Violence: Reflections on a National Epidemic (Gilligan)
Voices of A People's History of the United States (Zinn & Arnove)
Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice And 21st Century Potential (Sharp)
Walking with the Poor (Myers)
War Is a Force that Gives Us Meaning (Hedges)
What Can One Person Do? Faith to Heal a Broken World (Alkire)
What’s So Amazing about Grace? (Yancey)
Where the Nations Meet: The Church in a Multicultural World (Rhodes)
Who Comes in the Name of the Lord?: Jesus at the Margins (Recinos)
Why Social Justice Matters (Brian Barry)
Women Who Changed Things (Smith & Peavy)
Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church (Moseley)

Welcome

2008-04-20T10:10:00.004-04:00

Welcome to \books for ordinary radicals\, a blog for people who want to explore the way of love, the way of peace, the way of nonviolent social action, the way of Jesus.

The Intro: Some of us who are more ordinary than radical are beginning to see with new eyes, hear with new ears, and live with new purposes. This blog is intended to be a place where we can learn together, grow together, change our attitudes and perspectives and hearts together, and get motivated and trained together to make the world a better place.

The Plan: We will read and discuss books for ordinary radicals, a term I first encountered in Shane Claiborne’s, The Irresistible Revolution. Each week, I will post a review of the pages under consideration. I may also include key quotes and/or discussion questions.

Then it’s up to you to speak your mind and take the discussion wherever it needs to go. What stories from your life compare or contrast with the reading? What did you get from it? What questions did it raise for you? What actions do you need to take?

You can comment on the blog posts or scroll down on comment on other people's comments.

My hope is that we'll hear and respect different perspectives. Jesus didn't surround himself with people just like him. He was comfortable with a mixed-bag of folks from all walks of life, and mysteriously, the motley bunch learned to walk together and share life. God give us unity in diversity.

The Guidelines: In our conversations let’s be respectful. We will have differences of opinion. That is healthy. However, badgering, belittling and bad-mouthing are not. I used to be part of a study group that embraced the following ten guidelines that I think are applicable to this blog as well:

We strive to be real. (Luke 12:1)
We are quick to listen. (James 1:19)
We respect the privacy of others. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
We value diversity in people and ideas. (Revelation 7:9; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-13; John 10:16)
We ask questions to seek truth and to better understand each other’s ideas. (Luke 10:26; Mark 9:33; Luke 2:46; Acts 8:30)
We each contribute our voice to the community of faith. (Ephesians 4:15; Psalm 19:14; Proverbs 15:23, 25:11)
We study God’s word diligently. (Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119:11)
We seek to know, trust and love God. (Jeremiah 9:23-24, 22:16, 24:7; Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 22:36-40; 1 John 4:7-8, 5:3)
We are learning to love our neighbors more fully. (1 John 4:11, 19-21; Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35; Luke 10:25-37)
We ask the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out, to write God’s law on our hearts. (Hebrews 8:10; Romans 8:2, 15:16; James 1:25; 2:8; John 16:13; Titus 3:5)

The Name: Why the name Ordinary Radicals? I first came across this label in Shane Claiborne's The Irresistible Revolution, which also happens to be the first book on our list. Here is his description (p. 20):

My activist friends call me conservative, and my religious friends call me liberal. What I often get branded is "radical." I've never really minded that, for as my urban-farming friends remind me, the word radical itself means "root." It's from the Latin word radix, which, just like a rad-ish, has to do with getting to the root of things. But radical is not something reserved for saints and martyrs, which is why I like to complement it with ordinary. Ordinary does not mean normal, and I lament the dreadful seduction which has resulted in Christians becoming so normal. Thankfully, there is a movement of ordinary radicals sweeping the land, and ordinary people are choosing to live in radical new ways.

The Disclaimer: This blog is inspired by, but not in any way affiliated with, The Simple Way or related communities, individuals, media or websites.

Finally, here are two quotes that are meaningful to me:

"The great Christian revolutions come not by the discovery of something that was not known before. They happen when somebody takes radically something that was always there." --H. Richard Niebuhr

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried." -- G.K. Chesterton

Peace,
Jeff