« July 2006 | Main | September 2006 »
August 30, 2006
A few blogs from this week
Well, I just wanted to direct your attention to a few blogs that have gotten my attention this week. I guess I've been rather busy this week orienting new team in Geneva, and have been doing a bit more reflecting on the bloggings of others than doing much for authoring. I am off for three days tomorrow on a team hike through Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Wengen Who knows, maybe we'll have some good photos? Wink Wink.
So here are a few blogs and topics i've been reading and thinking about this week. Read them while i am away. And i'll share photos when I'm back!
Here you go:
Paul Mayers post on Jason Clark's blog entitled "Exploring the role of women in missional churches in the Western world
"Even More Reformed" by Tony Jones
Mike Todd's Article "Cultivating Justice".
And finally, Josh Brown's post on Jordan Cooper's article on "How the Drive for Excellence is Driving Young Adults from the Church"
peace...jc
Posted by joshuacase at 05:43 PM
August 28, 2006
Me, and Tiger
Well, unlike Tiger Woods who won yet another trophy for his mantle yesterday, I lost the iamjoshbrown competition to Leslie. It was a hard fought attempt, but i was unable to come back from her efforts earlier in the week.
So i had a wierd experience yesterday as i was waiting for the updates on the computer come through..shot by shot, hole by hole. I thought...you know, Tiger is married now. I wonder what married Tiger is like compared to single tiger? I mean, all these years he had family, and millions of others cheering him on. Calling out his name, and now, amid most of the voices, he has Elin, his bride, his wife, his friend. And i wonder, what kind of husband is he? How is his capacity to woo his wife compared to his capacity to hit long drives.
And just as these thoughts were passing through my head, i remembered...Tiger's not so different from me. He has responsibilities, he has passions, he has faith, he has family, he has fears, and he has friends. Sure, he's the greatest gofler in the world, possibly the greatest ever, but when it really comes down to it, I think he'll measure his success not by the amount of trophies on his wall, but by the way he loved those around him. By the way he chose to be husband, father, and friend. I could be wrong, but i think there is that depth to him. I think he's that kind of a guy.
Well done Tiger. And thanks to all of you who tried to help me win. Maybe next time...maybe next time...
jc
Posted by joshuacase at 08:53 AM | Comments (0)
August 26, 2006
Dialogue through Monologue
Incarnate Me
If you had never met me, except through the words on this page, or another,
would that mean for you,
in the beginning was the word?
If you then met me, face to face,
would that mean for you,
the word became flesh?
If i then moved to your neighborhood or town,
would that mean,
I made my dwelling among you?
But what if, you never read this, or any other writing of mine?
Would that mean we'd never dialogue?
Would that make this only a monologue?
And if this were a monologue, then who are you but I?
____________________________________________________________
The blogosphere has made a world of monologuers who are hoping desperately for people who are willing to listen. Even more so, it has brought new definition to the word becoming flesh. The capacity of individuals to leap from city to city, country to country, room to room, bed to bed all through digital technology has made a mess and a reality out relationship management. Many people seem desperate on getting people to listen to to their voice. It's everywhere. And in many cases, like my blog for instance, there are endless posts where there are just no comments. Its almost as if...no one is listening.
But people are listening, and watching, and that's part of the issue. In the world we live in today, I am not sure there is anything such as a monologue. Sure we like the illusion of the monologue, but in reality, whether we realize it or not, we are forcing dialogue.
I've entitled this post, dialogue through monologue because i am increasingly convinced that most people prefer the illusion of monologue to the reality of dialogue. In decision-making, in consensus building, in religion, in politics. It is almost as if many people, having been formed by the age of individualism, believe and say what they think is right such that they have no regard for the way that this information is giving shape to the world.
So what's the point? The point is this, if, as Friedman suggests, The World is Flat, then we need to recognize the following(these are just a few ideas i sketched out):
1. Dialogue through monologue is not merely something that happens, but it is something we are responsible for- Every monologue we think we are having, is effecting the world around us! Yep thats right. There is no monologue that doesn't give shape. C.S. Lewis once said (paraphrase) that he prefered the written liturgy of the church over the free liturgy of other churches because he knew what was coming in the written liturgy. He knew the parts he could give mental ascent to. He knew the parts he disagreed with. And he could participate as he chose. One of the most difficult things about the free market of idea exchange is the degree to which we have to ebb in and out of agreement with people who are giving shape to our lives. People are listening. We must be deliberate. We must speak with intention. We must recognize our words call people to both follow along, and agree or disagree all at the same time. Most of the time, this happens without any input from us.
2. The words we use reflect our willingness to pass through the monolgue-myth (i am talking and everyone is listening because I am worth listening to) towards active mono-dialogue (ie, we are deliberate that what we say gives shape, definition, and calls others to action)- I actually think i am ok with people sharing their opinions on things; however, the way we act in the web of the technological communications reflects a great deal. There are numerous bloggers who seem bent on stirring the pot of conflict. Who seem fixed on using this tool of connectivity as a means for defending what they think is the truth they possess. In these cases, the words they use: hurtful, vindictive, hateful, are not reflective of a posture of "active dialgoue", but merely as the proverbial wooden soap box from which to preach. What we need today, is people wise enough to recognize the way through the myth that: "you are worth listening to". We need people humble enough to enter into dialgoue with the posture of their words, not just their willingness to barge into any old "chat room" or "message board".
3. At some point, we have to get out from behind our computers, and really talk to people face to face- The hardest part of the dialogue through monologue reality is that it is still so often dependant upon people sitting in different places around the world, out of real touch with one another. I still believe that the great influences on our life are the ones in greatest proximity to us. Now I agree, the way proximity has come to be defined has changed with technology; however, we are still humans. We are still unable to reproduce other humans through wireless internet..i think.. and we still need touch even from a small age. All this is to say, our most powerful mono-dialogues happen in proximity to the people with whom we live, work and play. It is the posture of the words we use with those closest to us that really forms. Maybe the internet is just a mirror we hold up to ourselves to think about the way we treat those we are in the greatest proximity to. And if I'm honest, i think some people need to hold that mirror up more often. Including me.
It was once said, all we need is love, love, all we need it love. And although i tend to be a skeptic from time to time, i do think we need to remember the basic need of many for love in our world. If we are able to start with love as the preamble to any and every monologue we create, maybe the dialogue that results will give a deeper, gentler, and more healing shape to those who actively choose to join us.
in the name of love.....joshua c
Posted by joshuacase at 11:07 AM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2006
PUSH ME INTO THE LEAD!!!!
Sorry to bother people's rss feeds, but you can please help me win this competition at Josh Brown's site. I've fought hard and am now in second place. All you have to do is click on the "Josh Brown" link of "Blogs I follow". The competition ends today!
And by the way...vote multiple times:hehe.
Posted by joshuacase at 07:36 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2006
FOR FUN...For Josh Brown!!!
This is a just for fun creation! Here is the scoop: Josh Brown is having a competition on his website to give away three free banners. I want to win the banners, and so do a few others. One of which is Leslie, a girl i met once in Alabama with her husband Nick at the shape or substance conversation. This video is in repsonse to the one you find on her blog that was posted yesterday. I am not going to give a link to the competition. haha
To help me, before watching the video, click on THIS BUTTON!!!
By the way, the video is silly...you really do not need to watch it!!! It's about six minutes long. Really it took less to to make it, than it will for you to watch it? Go figure..
Posted by joshuacase at 10:32 PM | Comments (2)
Reconstructive Connectivity?
Most people live in fear of the other. The other person, the other god, the other government, the other store, the other brand, the other executive. For most, the only sure way to keep from being consumed or beat, or destroyed by the other is to destroy or win the battle against the other. But what happens when the world is viewed less as on big competition and more like one big oppportunity for all? Sure, easy for you to say Joshua, you live in that world of opportunity. But really, what would happen if it was less about my way, your way, the right way, or THE Way? What then of our relationships and life together?
I believe the worst of conversants have the opportunity to become the best of collaborators. Its only when we truly understand those that are most critical of us that we are able to be who we were uniquely created to be. But what are the rules of this dialogue? How can we go from "enemy to friend"?
Here are what i think are four guiding principles towards positive joint venture among people of divergent views or..reconstructive connectivity:
1. Respect- The heart of joining together as converants must begin with mutual respect. The possibility of collision is immanent. You are going to disagree and you are more than likely not going to agree. But if you both parties enter into conversation with respect, then you at least have that. More often than not, people come together for debate more than dialogue. They are more concerned about proving their side than they are about respecting the other human(s) sitting across from them. Respect simply can not be over looked; especially, if action and collaboration is desired.
2. More-than-closed mind- I had friend who once said, "Never forget Joshua, its in the nature of a closed mind to remain closed." I've become increasingly convinced, that dialogue which leads to reconstructive connectivity must be approached with "more-than-closed minds". In his book, Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg argues for a "more than literal" reading of the bible. A reading which is about being "more than literal" in our approach, interpretation, and experiences of the subjects and stories of the Bible. Often, when we enter in to dialgue with others, everyone on every side of a debate becomes even more deeply defensive about their side. And while healthly dialogue is not about being consumed or being changed to resemble the other, it is inevitably about being more-than-closed in our conversation. We need to hold closely to what we "really" believe for the sake of the action being undertaken. We need to recognize that things which are the closest to us, are often the things which we can harm the most if we strangle the life out of them. An inability to hold closely, without holding closedly, will only lead to a conversation by which one party feels like they've laid it all out, and the other like they may have won a few points for their side. This isn't dialogue, this is dictation.
3. Recontruct together, for another- After much debate and dialogue, most people coming from different places have to admit that they are much better at joining together on projects that are outside of themselves. They have to admit that while they have certain preferences about the way things ought to be done, it will only be when they find an "alternative other" that they can really get past themselves. In many places around the world, there are groups who are chossing to partner together for the sake of "the other" despite thier personal interests needing to be put on hold. In these cases, individuals and groups have to keep their eyes, not on what they want or desire, but on the bigger and more important venture that they've headed off on. If this trend continues, one will eventually be forced to ask, are we really doing this because we care, or because it looks good to be doing it with "you".
Increasingly in our world, we're going to have to work with people that we do not see eye-to-eye with. Beyond religion, beyond economic policy, beyond job posting. Our motives and our interests are not going to align automatically. We've spent too long making sure we were unique for that to happen. The world needs people willing to reconstruct a future beyond individual or micro-communal preferences, and towards the kind of place that reflects real constructive interconnectedness. Interconnectedness that says, "we've tried long enough to things as individuals and micro-communities, if we don't start caring, together nothing is going to change!"
My only question becomes...does that mean there is one way of doing it???
Posted by joshuacase at 03:23 PM | Comments (1)
Dialogue through and through- An Intro
I was responding the other day on Jason Clark's blog and began to realize that there is something about the culture of Geneva that has deeply influenced the way that I am approaching conversation and dialogue with people who are different, deeper, and more diverse than I. As I reflected on this more, I've decided to do a ? Part series on the subject of "dialogue".
Particularly, I know i want to look at: Dialogue through Monolgue, Dialogue Within Christianity, Dialogue and the WWW, and Dialgoue without Motive. In each of these I will look specifically at how I feel dialogue is necessary and how our dialogues can be best practiced (from my perspective) in each of these settings.
All in all, I believe that dialogue which leads to reconstructive connectivity is key. Whether in relationships with friends, foes, critics, or family. At the end of the day, what comes of our world, comes from our collaboration (or not).
Posted by joshuacase at 01:51 PM | Comments (1)
August 22, 2006
Shape or Substance Podcast- Part 1
Well, for better and for worse, the conversation that took place in Tuscaloosa Alabama at the Pour Cafe between Lammert Vrieling , myself, and a room of about 35-40 people is now live. Click on the above flier, and it should take you to a place to down load it. Enjoy, and subcribe to the Nick & Josh podcast to be kept up-to-date on lots of great stuff, excluding parts 2 & 3 of Shape or Substance discussion.
Posted by joshuacase at 04:20 PM | Comments (2)
Return of the wife...
After about a week apart, Laura has returned today to Geneva. I find it funny how one begins to grow accustomed to having the other intricately built into the rhythms of one's life. It is as if when the other is not there, things are...well...different.
As time passes I can only imagine the way that the ryhtms of life with partner grow increasingly formed. Waking, sleeping, and eating are already patterns that have been formed for me, even after a mere 3 years. No wonder older couples find life changes with death and sickness so monumental.
It's good to have her back.
Posted by joshuacase at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)
August 16, 2006
A great read!
I have to confirm the suspicions of my friend Lammert Vrieling about Shane Hipps book. It is a must read!! Shane Hipps' book, "The Hidden Power of Electronic Media" is an amazing read. It does an amazing job at addressing not just how media impacts people with the content it channels, but also how the channels themselves become a subtle, even more dangerous message. The book challenges us to reflect on the words of Marshall McLuhan, one of the ancient voices ever referenced in this work, that "the medium is the message".
I can highly, and will continue to highly recommend this book. Though for many of you, I'm at least a year behind!
Posted by joshuacase at 10:15 PM | Comments (0)
Back in Geneva
Well, I made it. It was quite uneventful, apart from technical difficulties in Amsterdam...but with those dutch...i mean...jeez.
It was refreshing to arrive back though. I had a good five weeks of The Economist to catch up on, and had to get a jumper (sweater) out to go to dinner. Seems the weather has been a bit chilly lately! Gotta love it!
Ooooh, thunder now! Very rare in this part of the world...at least to my ears!
Posted by joshuacase at 10:12 PM | Comments (0)
August 15, 2006
A couple of quotes on truth
Over the last few months, there have been different quotes on truth that I have been thinking about. I am not sure where these are going to land, but here are a couple of them. For some reason, only two of the three come to my mind right now. When i find the other one, i'll blog it.
1. Truth takes time.
2. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
Have these been true for you? They certainly have been for me. Particularly in concern to relationships with people around me.
Posted by joshuacase at 10:08 PM
Homeward...
I am now in the airport in Kansas City waiting to board my flight home...to Geneva. It has been a great bit of time here in the USA, and once again, I'm thankful to be headed back to Geneve.
Three distinctive thinks I'll remember about this trip back to the USA:
1. Time with family(ies)- In both Alabama and Kansas, it was great to get time with family. I'm always reminded when I come back to the USA where it is that I come from. For both Laura and I, remembering where, and with whom, we've come has become an important aspect of where we see ourselves going. And while the movie Talladega Nights isn't necessarily the best example of what growing up in the South is all about, there are flares of the homeland in the flavor of the accents!
2. Time with friends- One of the best experiences of the trip home for me was a visit with some friends in the middle of Kansas. They a re a great family called the Goertzen's. While we only visited with them for a lunch en route to Nebraska, their support, encouragement and spirit really blessed me. Now, this doesn't discredit any of the other times we had, this one just sticks out as a very special time...mostly because it was so unexpected!
3. Conversations on Christianity and the world today- There were many chances over teh last month to meet with friends and conversants about Christianity in the world today. From those gathered at the Pour Cafe in Tuscaloosa, to those who were present at 20 Something, the time was rich. As i reflect back on the last month or so, I am reminded again how very different our cultures, contexts, and expressions of Christianity remain. I point you back to my blog on "The Next Christendom" for more reflection on this. And i still highly recommend it as a read!
As i return to Geneva, it is with a fresh excitement for work and life in that culture and context. With a new and fresh team joining up there in the next few weeks, it should be the beginning to an amazing season. And for some reason, it does feel like the beginning of something new...something different...something rich.
Posted by joshuacase at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)
August 10, 2006
Proud husband
Here are a few more photos from the deck of the boat we fished in in July named, "My Way". Here is a photo of my dad, my brother with his Wahoo catch, and my wife Laura reeling in one of her many Mahi Mahi. I am not sure if I mentioned it or not, but on the day of our trip, we limited out on Mahi Mahi and caught "60"
Laura fishing
My dad
My brother, the one without glasses
Posted by joshuacase at 10:04 PM | Comments (3)
For all you theologians...
As i was passing through the Birmingham (Alabama) airport I saw the following image on the wall and had to take a picture. It just raised all kinds of questions for me. And who do we think the BMW people were targeting with this advert? I'm confused!
Thoughts?? Help??
Posted by joshuacase at 09:55 PM
The Next Christendom
And to follow on from the last blog entry, I offer the following suggestion.
I've recently been reading a copy of Philip Jenkins' "The Next Christendom". It has been quite an interesting read not only concerning the rise of Christianity in the global south (Latin America and Africa most highly featured). As a person of the global north, and particularly as person who has always been a part of the church in the global north, some of Jenkins' statements I've found quite eye-opening. Particularly, the way Jenkins brings to light the necessity to navigate carefully the Christian and Islam terrain we are now venturing into.
If you haven't read it, I highly suggest it. Thoughts if you have?
Posted by joshuacase at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)
Where to start??
So today another "plot" was spoiled. It seems as though the systems put in place to monitor and to look after the movements and actions of global "terrorists" is working. An most of you would have heard by now, this is going to effect movement in most airports worldwide. Oh what a tangled web we weave, when at first we try to deceive.
As i was entering into the Oak Park Mall in Kansas City, the thought passed through my mind that i really wonder who the voices will be that get through in this conversation among the religions. Who from the Jewish, Muslim and Christian leadership is capable, able of talking through these things and making the world a better place? Sure, on all sides there are radicals. Sure on all sides there are the voices who want to act out on what they feel is just. They feel there is no room to talk. Those days are over. But what of those in the middle lands of terror? What of those of us who are not on any side? What of the people who say, "I am not a damn Christian or a damn Muslim or a damn Jew, leave me and my family out of this?" What message of hope or restoration can be offered for them? Who is going to offer it? Clergy? Clerics? Rabbis? Lay people? How are the people who have no apparent affiliation feeling in the midst of this increasing "religious" battle ground called planet earth?
And what of those who would say I am Christian or Jew or Muslim. What of us? What's our role in denouncing the lunacy of the sides? It almost feels as though as the world becomes smaller and increasingly local, the need for a global system of governance is ever more needed. And believe me, that's the last thing most people i know want. I know this sounds weird, but indivualism and democracy seem to be leading people to believe that what they think, believe and feel is "more right" or better than what someelse believes. Yet, without a universal norm, there is no real system of governance to hold everyone to. Regardless of religion or culture or wealth. Surely what we've created isn't the answer we've been seeking. In the words of the immortal U2, i guess "i still haven't found what I'm looking for". Must keep searching, hoping, praying, acting....
Posted by joshuacase at 09:32 PM
August 01, 2006
Back in Kansas but off to Cali
Laura and I arrived back in Kansas yesterday after a good rest of the week in Florida and a couple of final days in Alabama. We arrived last night and are now back in the airport in Kansas city heading to Orange County California for one day. There we will be meeting with a few new friends from Yorba Linda Friends church. We are excited be going that way, and even more excited about meeting with the people there. More to come when I return!!
Posted by joshuacase at 09:01 PM | Comments (0)