Joshua Case

August 07, 2008

The New Conspirators & Tom Sine

Today I did a podcast interview for an upcoming release on the Nick & Josh Podcast. I am continuing my duties with the fellas even as the transition continues. And to be honest, I love the gig as much as anything!

Today I had the privilege of talking to Tom Sine of Mustard Seed Associates and The New Conspirators (US-web). Over the course of about 3 hours, Tom and I got to talk several times while both trying to connect with the other. Just when it seemed as though all hope was lost, hope prevailed and the interview happened. No Barack Obama didn't jump in a save the planet, but it sure felt like it;) Tom really is a great guy.

I just wanted to put out the info that this podcast is coming soon. As much as anything, I urge you like Andrew Jones, 'If you cant make the conference, at least buy the book.'

Kester also has pretty impressive plug on the book. He writes, 'When the great book of life is opened, some would see it that it’ll be the stellar Christians like McLaren, Baker, Rollins and Wallis who should get all the plaudits. I wouldn’t want to take anything away from any of them, but quietly, ‘one mustard seed at a time’ Tom has been actually inspiring people to do the stuff. It’s a quiet, background role, perhaps, but I think if you could trace the significance of his words and actions through all the things that have happened because of them, you’d have quite an amazing list. Vaux certainly owes him its existence in many ways.'

So yeah, it was an honor to speak to Tom. And watch out, there will be another postcast after this one on life in community during major economic recession...with Tom. Yeah, the man has some great ideas for emerging, missional, mosaic, and monastic community in the global era.

Wait for interview...but check out the book!
joshua c

Posted by joshuacase at 08:49 PM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2008

Staying Alive & The Fidelity of Betrayal

Well, I am still alive after the majority of my time here with Laura's family. It has been a rich time of not merely getting to know family better, but of celebrating the life of our return with Laura. I do love my wife!

In other news, on Wednesday, Pete will hold a book launch for his newest book The Fidelity of Betrayal in Belfast.

If you haven't already ordered your copy, please please please get out there and check out the book. It is another fine piece of work!

Also, in case you didn't catch the taster on the podcast, you can check out our interview with Pete here. Its good fun, and a great interview. Make sure you listen.

I fly tomorrow to Tuscaloosa where I will finish preparations for a golf tournament this weekend with my grand father. We're playing together as a team and, well, I'm excited to get to spend this time with him!

Stay tuned...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 02:18 PM | Comments (0)

July 01, 2008

Newest N&J Podacast Interview is Available

Make sure to check out the latest podcast with me and Josh, plus an interview with my good friend Pete Rollins.

You can also check out some other fine folks that we support such as The Church Basement Road Show and The Homebrewed Christianity Podcast. The Homebrewed guys are recording some nice interviews so be sure to check out their podcast and subscribe to it. And check out the calendar for the Church Basement Road Show so that you can swing by and have a rip roaring good time with some crazy holy ghost revialists. They also have some good videos up on YouTube.

Enjoy watching and listening...
joshua c

Posted by joshuacase at 09:38 AM | Comments (0)

February 09, 2008

Bono, Brian McLaren and the Archbishop of Canterbury

Recently at the God Politics Blog, Brian McLaren posted some thoughts on his time at Davos in conversation with a few Muslim friends. While the thoughts are quite refreshing and the kind I have come to respect and admire from Brian, they strike me as deeply curious today as the Archbishop's thoughts on Sharia law in the UK seem to have created such a fuss. He is quite frankly be accused of everything by the lawyers, clergy, politicians, and by the the media. But the man is, more than just rambling here...he is protestifying to a greater reality with even bigger questions about who God is and where God comes into politics within the diversified unity of nations.

Now, I am no Englishman (Sting's song in my head), but I really can not get what all the fuss is about. As one of the Spiritual leaders in the kingdom, he is merely reflecting back 'facts' to a country about itself and, quite possibly, about 'how' it can continue to exist as a whole nation, under God or, maybe even a different reality, under Gods. Though he doesn't say this, it seems to be implied not merely by his role in the life of the Church and the nation, but by his mystical understanding of Christian unity.

I feel like these conversations are just the beginning of what is going to prove to be a long debate among countries where there have been long held religious and cultural values, which begin to need to flex or die. As a mystic, I feel that Rowan is trying to lead the way on a discussion that has sensitivities which are beyond the body politik and which, as a spiritual leader, he understands. For this, it feels he is very much on the leading edge of the dialogue. Maybe, almost shockingly so, the church is there for the first time in a while?

I hate to say it, but in many ways, I fear that this is the same reason why Brian and others get such criticism. Why? Because they too are asking questions as spiritual leaders who professionally have thought about certain issues in certain ways that others might not have. With Brian and others, of course, the even greater challenge lay in the realities of the landscape of America's existing democracy. Not to mention the fact that most Americans, probably more than admit it, have some sense of fear about anyone who is Muslim because of the way in which the media has been used for the last 8 years to portray them. A portrayal which has unfortunately been reinforced by a politic and policy.

And Bono, what of him? Where does he come into this equation or conversation? One word: COEXIST.

Now what we should not hear in the words of the Archbishop are we need to all become a weird a-typical sort of religious body which is neither Christian nor Muslim. But, what Bono and other continually call us to, is to asking the question of how in a multi-religious society, we must be able to live and habitate together. Not as inferior or greaters, but as equals. This is the essence of coexistence. We hold in tension not merely our disagreements, but the autonomy of our similarities.

There are lots of others who have thoughts on this discussion now. But just you wait. The discussion is really, only beginning.

i am an alien...
joshua

Posted by joshuacase at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)

December 01, 2007

World AIDS Day 2007

(HT: IUSY)

International statistics

Last Updated: November 2007

People living with HIV
33.2 million people worldwide
30.8 million adults
15.4 million women
2.5 million children under 15

New HIV cases in 2007
2.5 million total new cases
2.1 million adults
420,000 children under 15

AIDS deaths in 2007
2.1 million total deaths
1.7 million adults
330,000 children under 15

HIV by Region 2007

Sub-Saharan Africa
22.5 million adults and children living with HIV
1.7 million adults and children newly infected with HIV
5 % adult prevalence
1.6 million adult and child deaths due to AIDS

South and South-East Asia
4 million adults and children living with HIV
340,000 million adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.3% adult prevalence
270,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

East Asia
800,000 adults and children living with HIV
92,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.1% adult prevalence
32,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

Eastern Europe and Central Asia
1.6 million adults and children living with HIV
150,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.9% adult prevalence
55,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

Caribbean
230,000 adults and children living with HIV
17,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
1.0% adult prevalence
11,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

Latin America
1.6 million adults and children living with HIV
100,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.5% adult prevalence
58,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

North America
1.3 million adults and children living with HIV
46,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.6% adult prevalence
21,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

Western and Central Europe
760,000 adults and children living with HIV
31,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.3% adult prevalence
12,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

Middle East and North Africa
380,000 adults and children living with HIV
35,000 adults and children newly infected
0.3% adult prevalence
25,000 adult and child deaths due to AIDS

Oceania
75,000 adults and children living with HIV
14,000 adults and children newly infected with HIV
0.4% adult prevalence
1,200 adult and child deaths due to AIDS
-------------------

You don't have to be or know a person who is HIV positive for these facts to make you sick. AIDS is a global pandemic and as people of this age we must do something about it.

Yesterday I suggested a couple of things we could do to get our heads around AIDS in our communities. In hindsight, maybe our heads are the problem. Maybe, less than knowing the issues, we need to know the people. Maybe, less than facts, we need hearts of compassion. Maybe, more than the out of giving, we need to discover the art of caring.

AIDS hasn't happened emerged in a vaccum. Societies, people, global economies, health structures, and religions have all aided and encouraged its spread through the last century. No one is innocent.

Watch this story about a group in Kenya working within a community of AIDS victims. Combining care, practical health, and important medicine, this group is seeing change happen. It's not the only story out there, but it is one.

commit to care and be changed!
joshua

Geneva, Switzerland
1 December 2007

Posted by joshuacase at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

November 30, 2007

World AIDS Day ACTION!!!!

My friends in Geneva at the Anglican UN Office Geneva have just released a report entitled, "Working Together!? The Anglican Response to HIV & AIDS in Africa". It is a good comprehensive read. If you click on the title, you can down load the pdf. Here is the article about the article.

The report took quite a bit of work and was complemented by not only CAPA, but UNAIDS as well. My friends Mike, Paul, and Ruth (among countless others) will have invested deeply in this report!

As we approach World AIDS day tomorrow, it is very important that we as a fragile humanity continue to keep this pandemic squarely in front of us. After the first 40 million people died, AIDS surpassed the Black plague in deaths. This isn't a disease that plays around, and it will not be eradicated through passe answers or shouting to people infected with the disease from the couch to change their lifestyles. No, this disease needs the attention and affection of us all.

So tomorrow, on World AIDS day do something. Take 30 minutes and do some research on how you can help people who are being effected and infected by this disease. Sure, Africa is great place to start, but why not ask how many people in your local community are affected by the disease? What's being done in your neighborhood, city, province, state, canton, or country ? Do people feel free to tell others they have the disease? Do people who have it have to live in shame or is there a place of sanctuary and care for them? Has the outbreak of AIDS been on the rise in your community or on the decrease? Why? Who is caring for those infected and their loved ones...really?

All of these are just questions that are on the tip of the iceberg. Regardless of where or how you live, AIDS is effecting the world in which you live. We can make it such that this disease does not become, as Bono suggests, 'the crisis by which we will all be judged by God and history'. We must act now.

Here are a few organizations to look into:
UNAIDS
AIDS Alliance
International Coucil of AIDS Service Organizations

Take a breath. Take an action. Care.
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)

November 22, 2007

Brian McLaren & Domesticated Jesus...WAKE UP!

I've put these two videos together for a reason. What Brian and Bono have to say ought to go together. In this case, the idea, that we just need some help..that things must change, that there is hope is prevelant.

Both revolutionaries. Both passionaries. Both hoping for what is good! Both to be thankful for!

U2's Peace on Earth

God has showed you, oh mankind, what is good. And what does the one true God require of you? That you would act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8

do good...
joshua

Posted by joshuacase at 08:14 AM | Comments (1)

October 01, 2007

Brian McLaren's New Book: A (Positive) Review

Tomorrow, Brian McLaren's new book gets released. Over the course of the last few weeks I have been working through it, or rather, devouring it and being challenged by the way it is forming the way i see the world.

Here are my thoughts, my plug, my endorsement:

In Brian McLaren's newest book, Everything Must Change, Brian connects the dots of the days' largest global crisis and shifts in global thinking with the heart of the message of Christianity. Brian's careful weaving of story and reality happens in such a way that it will make everyone from his friends to his greatest critics pause and reflect.

In what maybe his most accessibly comprehensive work yet, Brian tells his story of wrestling with the nature Christianity as we have it today, and why it must not merely change, but learn to confront the 'suicidal framing stories of our day.'

Whether you are new to Brian, read every one of his works, or a staunch critic...READ THIS BOOK!

Theologically, politically, spiritually, and economically this book might just be the straw that breaks the back of the camel of colonial, modern, daulistic thinking in every religion. Many who have left the church will read this book and again experience a revolution of hope welling up inside of them.

The message of Jesus as explored in Everything Must Change is good news for all who have the capacity to read and who choose to understand it. But maybe more importantly, it is GREAT NEWS for those who will experience this compassionate, loving, truth-telling, non-violent shift in their communities, in their families, and in their nations.

In the end, its simple: if what Brian puts forth is true, not only can everything change, but everything must change because of Jesus!

buy it, read it, share it!!
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 05:53 PM | Comments (1)

August 26, 2007

Boyd and Cizik: Jesus' friends

Here is a video of Greg Boyd much like the one i posted the other day with the extention of Richard Cizik. Cizik is a vice-president for the National Association of Evangelicals (USA) and one of belief.net's nominee's for 'Most Inspiring Person of the Year'.

See both video's here:
Greg and Richard

Cizik's nomination

Lammert and I are both reading a book which Cizik wrote the forward for. It's written by Matthew Sleeth and is entitled, 'Serve God Save the Planet'. One word: WOW.

check it out...read it...be changed...be challenged...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 09:46 PM | Comments (3)

August 17, 2007

Suicide and 'Reactivity and Iraq'

Yesterday the US military released a report stating that suicide among servicewomen and men was the highest in 26 years. Today, the number of coalition force deaths reaches 4000 with over 3600 US casualties. These numbers apparently do not reflect the deaths of Iraqi government or police forces.

Wednesday, Brian McLaren also posted these blogged thoughts at Sojourners/God's Politics. I thought the two are interesting side by side. Frighteningly so.

'In his July 20 commentary, James W. Skillen of the Center for Public Justice struck a non-partisan note of honesty and balance that I wish I heard more often.

He summarized the basic narrative of the Iraq War that both our president and his party and many Democrats seem to share:

... first, America liberated Iraq from Saddam Hussein; second, we returned sovereignty to the Iraqi people; third, sectarian violence tragically increased; and now, in the fourth phase, we are "deploying reinforcements and launching new operations to help Iraqis bring security to their people."
The elegant word Skillen chooses to describe this narrative is "delusional."

He counters:

U.S. forces did not liberate Iraq; they wiped out its government, and the Bush administration then failed to exercise American responsibility to govern the country so it could be rebuilt and eventually governed by Iraqis themselves. We opened the floodgates to chaos, civil war, the death or flight of tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians, and a continuing influx of terrorists whom our 'war' was supposed to destroy. That is not liberation.
He follows with a withering critique of both the "stay the course" proposal of the executive branch and the quick withdrawal plans increasingly popular in Congress. Both lines of reasoning, he says, lay the blame for our dilemma on "the nearly powerless Iraqi government for not climbing out fast enough from the hole we dug for it." We may well criticize the Iraqi government for taking a long summer vacation in the midst of its crisis, but that doesn't negate our culpability for them being in this particular crisis in the first place.

He chooses another elegant word to describe a nation that creates a crisis and then blames the victims for it: "immoral."

Delusional and immoral are strong words. Whether you believe the invasion was an ill-conceived and badly-planned mistake or you believe that the invasion was justifiable but the problems have been in the execution, either way, we're in a mess. We need a way out.

A friend of mine says that we're only as sick as our reactivity. If our reactivity to Sept. 11 played a part in getting us into this terrible situation, we will not be well served by reacting to the status quo with still more reactive behavior.

For those of us who supported the war, and for those of us who opposed it but failed to stand up and speak up strongly enough, this is not a time for reactive behavior. It's an opportunity, as Senator Obama recently said, to be as careful in planning our next steps as we were careless in planning our steps in the past. With more foresight and forethought, with less blame-gaming and partisanship and more deliberate collaboration, we can take the next steps—whatever they will be—with more honor, intelligence, sanity, and responsibility, and less reactivity than we have employed so far. Voices like Skillens' can slow us down to indulge in second and third thoughts, perhaps breaking the cycle of unwise and destructive reactivity into which we have plunged the Iraqis and ourselves.'

be less reactive...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 09:54 AM

August 14, 2007

Tuesday is for Thomas

Merton writes:

'I have finished reading the proofs of the Divine Milieu by Pere Teilhard de Chardin which were sent by Harpers.

Certainly, the world is to be loved. For God loved the world and sent His Son into the world to save it. Here the world means the cosmos, and all is centered on God. All seek HIm.

Christianity should make us "more visibly human"-passionately cocerned with all the good, that is, that wants to grown in the world and that cannot grow without our concern.

The stoic indifference cultivated by a certain type of Christian spirituality is then a diabolical temptation and an emptying of pity, of charity, of interest. A hardening of the heart, a regression and an isolation.

His concern is admirable. And his indignationation that "Christians no longer expect anything." It is true. Nothing great. But we expect everything trivial.

Our indifference to the real values in the world justifies our petty attraction to its false values. When we forget the Parousia and the Kingdom of God in the world, we can, we think, safely be businessmen and make money.

Those who love the world in the wrong sense love it for themselves, exploit it for themselves. Those who truly love it develop it, work in it for God, that God may reveal Himself in it.'

enjoy. reflect. act.
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 10:42 AM

June 15, 2007

Obama and A Prayer for America (Voters & Policies)

If you are not an american, its still worth a watch. And by the way, I believe your voice matters!

As one friend pointed out in a recent discussion, 'the presidental election matters to the world because the election has the capacity to influence lives that have no say in who gets elected'. Oh the beautiful tragedy of global politics and policies.

A Prayer for America, American Voters, and American Policies
Dear God- Let the American people understand the importance of their policies and politicians. Let them come to understand how to vote responsibly in Presidential and local elections. Let all who can vote, act justly in voting even if it means going against long held family convictions about 'party'. Let America once again understand how to bless the world even if it means not being the best, most talented, largest, most economically rich country in the world. May America humbly empower through policies of selflessness and sacrifical acts of globalized empowerment.-Joshua Case, Geneva, Switzerland 2007

peace, grace, and justice for all...
joshua c

Posted by joshuacase at 03:45 PM | Comments (1)

June 01, 2007

Shema Community's EngaGE

This Sunday at Shema, we are looking at our passion to 'Inspire'. We'll be looking at the story of Daniel, taking a 'inspired walk' around the city, and thinking about how we can inspire people with an ancient way of life in Christ.

We're definately looking forward to it. It's been good to process it together as a team the last week.

Watch for more here.

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 10:48 AM | Comments (2)

May 30, 2007

Become aware and take action!

Here is a video advert I saw online this morning. Quite touching if you really think about it. Quite horrible if you think about it longer. Quite maddening. Quite wrong. Quite evil.

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 12:01 PM | Comments (1)

May 25, 2007

Shema Community's EngaGE

Lammert has put together a great teaser video on the Shema engaGE week. Similar to a Serve the City project, engaGE will provide people from all over, and of all types, to plug into the city of Geneva through practical service.

Make sure to check out this website to register in the next few days (or early next week). If you would like to bring a group, or just come to Geneva to engaGE as an individual please email me here.

We look forward to engaging with you!

Watch this video...

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 11:15 PM

May 20, 2007

Shema tonight...

Tonight at shema was special. We've really been exploring a lot with story lately and the way that story can form community! Tonight we retold the story of Esther in the spirit of Purim as part of our engaGE series.

As part of the evening, with 'hilighting' being the theme, we joined with lots of other people to highlight the issue of slavery that still exits today. As Mike Morrel puts it, we sought to join with other abolitionist communities to stand against today's slave trade. Morrel has highlighted the book 'Not for Sale' as a rallying point.

Also during the evening we watched this video...it was our call to community...our call to worship...our music for the evening...

stay tuned on the shema page for more!

peace...jc

Posted by joshuacase at 11:06 PM | Comments (0)

May 19, 2007

Seriously good conversations...

Here are this week's conversations. There is a bit of a variety here, but i am increasingly amazed at the way we can discover threads all across the web that form and give real shape to practice locally. Good stuff here this week. Some hard stuff. But some really really good stuff here!

Gregory Boyd on 'Is the Kingdom Invisible?'

Prodigal Kiwi's 'Spiritual Direction, Being Church, Being Mission-Shaped'

Armand Frasco's at moleskinerie on the 'Anatomy of a System for Getting Things Done'

Leslie Treece's RFK

Nicholas Fiedler's Good new/Gospel/or Links that give Hope

Mike Clawson's 'American Exceptionalism or Imperialism?'

Posted by joshuacase at 10:00 AM

May 07, 2007

'Christian' in all sorts, colors, and practices

I've been thinking lately about what it means to be a christian and maybe even more so what it means to see the world as Christian. And while this blog isn't about to be an exhaustive, i hope it stirs up some conversation about the diversity in what it might look like to be a christian in the world, or maybe even, how we can see people and activity in the world as Christian.

I must admit, I far too often hear people say, 'to be a christian, you need x" and yet, when i look around the sorts and colors and practices of Christ in the world, they seems to be made incarnate in all kinds of people and activities. And isn't it the spirit of God working in and through people for the redemption of all things that defines 'Christian in the world' and/or even the world as Christ's cosmos?

Three (potential) ways of seeing 'Christian' in the world as I've been thinking:
1. Sacremental- Those communities or persons or activities who would say they practice and participate in regular community that is shaped by the distinct practice of ritual and sacrement springing from the tradition of the church throughout history. These kinds of christians or christian activity mayb e 'high' church (catholic, orthodox, anglican, episcopal) or 'low' church (baptist, methodists, vineyard, etc) but the disticntiveness lay in the practice of sacrement at the center of the community.

2. Sociological- These are newer forms and practioners of the church who would by and large say their primary desire is to be christian in the world 'relevantly'. Many of the shapes that these forms of christian in the world might take will be very different. Theologically and philosophically they may be quite varied on the place of sacrements in community or even the place and appearance of worship in community. However, the activites and beliefs of these people and activites still have the proverbial 'christian flag' waving about them. And while they may not say it, these activites still struggle with how God is working to 'redeem all things'? Is it enough to give bread in Christ's name? Or should we not also make sure they get Jesus too? Or is the even a false dichotomy?

3. Ethical- These would be people who for the most part would not want to be affilitated with Christianity, or are not affiliated with it, and yet find themselves living out the Good News of the Kingdom of God in their culture and context. The Spirit of God in the world compels them forward working for issues of justice, goodness, and change. They practice a different-but-similar value set with those things at the heart of christian goodness; however, this message of hope, justice and peace for all mankind is rooted firmly in the heart of their lives.

It was interesting for me to think about this topic and then read one of Ryan Dueck's posts on 'The Ethical Imagination'. Similiar kinds of processing here in some ways; not to mention he was one of my Seriously Good Conversations from two weeks ago.

What do you think? Does this kind of seeing the world as 'Christian' make sense? Or is it rather about seeing who in the world is not 'Christian'?

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 10:13 AM | Comments (8)

May 05, 2007

Seriously good conversations...

Conversation at Obama.com's The Gospel is a message of Hope. This is one of the conversations that demonstrate many people are pro-Obama, and you should be too!

Tallskinny Kiwi's Mark Driscol and Paris Hilton and Banned Video Rumors.For a funny and yet sad view of the skinny. There was another article i found on this too, but lost it. It was pretty seriously good too. Sorry.

Brian T Murphy's steve malone.A great honest reflection on life in ministry, transition, and 'church' as job.

John Smulo's Not Against For. and Rethinking Education

Jason Smith's Consequentialism.

Posted by joshuacase at 12:07 PM | Comments (245)

May 02, 2007

Tuesday was for Thomas, Fr. Antony, and Philip

Yesterday our team (as well as Nicholas and Leslie) had the opportunity to spend some time with a couple of the Pastors/Priests in Geneva. As you may remember from my blog here on Lusmarina, it is a opportunity for people in the YFC Geneva office to get a little bit better glimpse of some of the streams of within Christianity as they are practiced/experienced in Geneva.

Fr. Antony is one of the priests at Pope John XXIII Centre. It was amazing to listen to him talk about "The Sacremental Life'. As a person who before coming to Geneva spent 32 years in East Africa, he has some real amazing stories. He has also done a significant amount of thinking and work on spiritual direction and the Ignatian Way.

The other person who came to talk to us about "The Spirit-filled Life' was Philip Kuruvilla, pastor Church for the Nations in Geneva. Coming from a completely different stream, that of the pentacostalism, Phillip shared some of the amazing stories of healing, of release from demonic oppression, of worship, and of freeing the captives of addiction that takes place in his community here in Geneva. Combined with his own personal stories of healing and deliverance, it as a really special time for many on our team who had never hear such stories.

To sum up the experience, I thought I might quote from Merton:
Man, the microcosm, the heart of of the universe, is the one who is called to bring about the fusion of cosmic and historic processes in the final invocation of God's wisdom and love. In the name of Christ and by his power, Man has a work to accomplish-to offer the cosmos to the Father, by the power of the Spirit, in the Glory of the Word. Our life is a powerful Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit, ever active in us, seeks to reach through our inspired hands and tongues into the very heart of of the material world created to be spiritualized through the work of the Church, the Mystical Body of the Incarnate Word of God.

If I can unite in myself, in my own spiritual life, the thought of the East and the West, of the Greek and Latin Fathers, I will create in myself a reunion of the divided Church, and from that unity in myself can come the exterior and visible unity of the Church. For if we want to bring together East and West, we cannot do it by imposing one upon the other. We must contain both in ourselves and transcend both in Christ.

Posted by joshuacase at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)

March 29, 2007

Missing Video Blog...and preparation for Kosova

Well, I missed a video blog yesterday (Wednesday)...ahhhhhhhhh.

Yeah, yeah I know i heard it from here. But things have been slammed lately. With our preparations for Kosova well under way, and our departure date a mere three days away...time has been in rather short supply.

And while i am not really feeling antsy about the trip, these things do build up. Think about it: 50+ young people, on a bus, for 28+ hours, en route to Kosova...yeah if you are not a youth worker..you are probably at this point thinking..what the he+)(*&&()_ are you thinking.

Well, we're thinking it matters and it will change things. Time will tell how much, but these trips always change things: leaders, students, the place where we go, their leaders, their students. Yep, change happens.

Make sure to subscribe to the rss feed for the SP07 blog. I'll be keeping it updated once we depart with videos, photos, and stories from each day!

Thanks for tuning in here...and do tune in there!

This is a little Ben Harper..and the theme song if you will for SP07.

Posted by joshuacase at 06:17 PM

March 21, 2007

Collision Course Theologians?- A Video Blog

Please feel free to respond with video blogs and/or written ones. Looking forward to hearing from all!

Also, sorry if it is a bit jumpy at times. You can close your eyes if the out of time nature messes with you;)

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 02:37 PM | Comments (6)

March 19, 2007

The Conversation Over There..

As you may have seen, or not, I have been a part of discussion over at Jason Clark's blog on "Ethical Good News'. It has been a good conversation with several different voices involved. I would highly recommend you take the time to read through some of the things being said there..and respond when/if you are able.

In a similar vein I wanted to take the time to highlight a story i came across via a friend. It is an article about some churches in Sydney that posted the below sign outside. It turns out, it has caused quite a conflict among some of the press and parishioners of the area.

My friend, Ian, when telling me about this article made a comment to the effect, that this upheaval was just further evidence of how the message of Jesus isn't always the messsage Christians want to hear. For years it has been..for years the itching ears were given what they wanted to hear...but not so much any longer.

I know it sounds scary to some people, but i think this is great news!! Jesus really was about upseting the privileged, the religious...the normal!

Posted by joshuacase at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)

March 15, 2007

A Video Blog debut..

This evening I have had the opportunity to serve as a guest blogger over at Jason Clark's blog. I have had the privilege of getting to know Jason over the last couple years. He is great guy and truly seeking to humbly understand what it means to be the church in culture. A definate RSS subscription! You will not not want to miss all that happnes there!

It is a real honor to be a guest blogger there along with several other guest bloggers. Cheers to Paul as well for his work in making it possible. Check it out and leave your comments there. Would love to see some video or audio responses.

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 11:42 PM

March 02, 2007

The Tomb of Jesus' clan..and body?

Soon, there will be a new documentary for people to scream about, laugh at, call into question, and say all kinds of nasty things about. It will be the Da Vinci code on history. The bones and tombs put to film like the Titanic. History brought to life or fictiomentary of epic proportions. It will be, I believe, a further opportunity for people who have often wondered about Christianity to ask, can i follow this Jesus?

There is a pretty good conversation on Jesus Creed going on (or was) and there is also a good article in this week's Newsweek magazine.

There is this article on the BBC, this one on CNN, and this feed from Trailrank to help with finding other articles.

Whether or not these are in fact the bones of Jesus or the tomb of Jesus' 'clan' as is being called is interesting to think about. It doesn't for me effect my choice to try to do life in the Way or community of Jesus. For others it might.

For years and years Christianity has sought to stand by its claims and evidence (that demands a verdict) of not finding the tomb of Jesus (or bones) that he had in fact resurrected (reductionistic, i know). The challenge for Christian community today is as real as ever when it comes to the things that science, archeological findings, and new information can give to us; namely, the challenge is: is the way of Jesus still the Way worth following, still a means to new life, and still worth giving yourself (and family) to no matter what comes to new light. Is that Jesus who communities of faith have followed and that gave shape to what Rodney Stark calls, "The Victory of Reason" still the rabbi worth following?

I pray for those whose fear makes them want to justify their beliefs with facts and exact science of all kinds. Whether these are merely religious or merely scientific beliefs. As Ken Wilber, points out in his book "A Brief History of Everything" (a paraphrase) the real challenge in the world today is to infuse the practice of science with a deep practice of religion, to infuse the practice of religion with a deep practice/appreciation of science.

At some point, we must get beyond the merely literalistic approach to 'word' and allow the Spirit of the Word to be more mysterious and even more worthy of following than we ever imagined. After all, even if..it turns out to be false, is it still worth following?

The comment feature will return this weekend..so plan out your reply, check back this Sunday!

Posted by joshuacase at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)

February 17, 2007

Shema Community- Prayer, Rioting, and Mission

Over the course of the last several months Shema has been growing. Growing in our understanding of community, in our formation of team and vision, and in our understanding of blessing others as we've been blessed. Indeed as we have found that we can not help as we grow in our understanding of life in community and in following Jesus, that we must (imperative) grow out. The message and mission of Christ to love God can not and must not be separated from loving others. And, as Rob Bell has said before, if the good news of Christianity is not good news for everyone, its not good news at all.

This weekend we have the opportinity to finish our series on 'How to Start A Good Riot'. We'll be looking at "Upsetting the Privileged'. One of the things which has come about this week which has upset some of us within the community (as privileged people) is that Conny Vrieling has answered a call for the need for doctors in Sudan. You can see more of the story on Lammert's blog.

As a core community (photo above: few people are absent) we spent much of our team gathering on Thursday night praying for and processing with Conny and Lammert. The decision is not to be taken lightly. There have been 11 deaths in the village where she will be going to help over the last couple of days. Please pray for her. And if you can help, email she and Lammert after checking out his site. The irony, the organization that she will be going with, (Make Way Partners) is based in Birmingham Alabama. We asked for prayer in our recent prayer newletter, and had responses from people who worked with/for the organization! Small world! Small world!

Posted by joshuacase at 10:30 AM

February 16, 2007

Another article pro-Bono and pro-leadership

A Humanitarian Leader on the World Stage

by Jim Citrin

People all over the world recognize Bono. The Irish musician turned diplomat and philanthropist has transcended his rock-music roots to become a driving force in global economic policymaking, and a world leader in the war against AIDS in Africa.

How did he transform himself from musician to humanitarian leader? And what relevance does his experience have for you?

A Musician's Calling
Bono is a powerful role model due, in large part, of course, to the impact he makes through his dedicated efforts around the world. But Bono's influence extends beyond the causes he embraces and the work he does.

While many people would like to help solve the world's most important and intractable problems, such as curing a raging epidemic or eliminating poverty, it's not immediately obvious how exactly to do that. So what's the relevant lesson from Bono's example? Simply put, he sets an example for making the utmost of the hand he's been dealt.

We all wonder how, given the context of our work and lives, we can most creatively, energetically, and effectively apply our natural talents to make a positive impact on others. I don't think I've ever met anyone who so thoroughly addresses this question and utilizes his skills and station in life as Bono (or, to use his given name, Paul Hewson) does. "All of us want our lives to count," he told me in a private conversation recently. "Music for me was always about changing the world."

Taking a Different Path
From the start, Bono's band, U2, has been committed to addressing important issues facing the world. Starting in the early 1980s, the group's tours had cause-related sponsors -- Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Nelson Mandela to name a few.

In 1985, U2 played in the Live Aid concert to raise money for famine-stricken Ethiopia. While that wasn't unique -- just about every other major band played the concert -- Bono actually wanted to understand the real problem around which they were rallying. So later that year, he and his wife, Ali, traveled to the African country and spent several months living and working in a refugee camp.

This is where Bono's path diverged from that of other well-intentioned celebrities across the entertainment landscape. While they made cameo appearances and public-service announcements, Bono immersed himself in the economics and policymaking apparatus of debt relief.

Bono's never been shy about leveraging his fame for access to the world's most influential people, including James Wolfensohn, a former head of the World Bank; Paul Volcker, onetime leader of the Federal Reserve; and Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economics professor and director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. What impresses these leaders most is how deeply Bono understands capital markets, debt instruments, and who the key decision-makers are.

A Red-Hot Initiative
The latest product of Bono's creative energies is Product (RED), an innovative approach to fighting AIDS in Africa developed with activist Bobby Shriver in 2006.

Designed to find a new approach outside of traditional philanthropic channels to engage the private sector and consumers and raise cause-related funds, the project has resulted in a proliferation of products sharing a deep crimson hue. These include the Red Apple iPod, Red Motorola Razr, Red Gap Jeans, and American Express Red Card.

Just as he did with debt relief, Bono schooled himself on the science and pharmacology of HIV and the AIDS epidemic for Product (RED). Medical and health-care experts comment that he knows as much on the subject as any scientific journal editor, and when Bono talks about Product (RED) his insights about marketing budgets, consumer demand, and the business model are as sound as any chief executive or venture capitalist.

Bridging a Divide
When asked how such a project could possibly work, Bono explains that it's a function of where the science has progressed regarding AIDS treatment and the power of the marketplace to channel resources. "AIDS is no longer a death sentence," he says. "Just two pills a day will bring someone who is at death's door back to a full life. These pills, which are available at the corner drugstore, cost less than a dollar a day."

But since the poorest people in Africa earn less than a dollar a day, they can't afford to buy the medicine and they die, at the alarming rate of 6,500 people a day. "It's unnecessary," Bono says. "It's insane."

A key part of the motivation for picking the issue of AIDS in Africa is that it's an entirely winnable "war" -- the medicine is inexpensive and readily available. But while people want to help, they aren't necessarily prepared to go out of their way or spend extra money to do so.

On the flip side, companies would like to wrap their brands into the conscientious consumerism that's driving billions of dollars of purchasing power, but competition and shareholder activism are so acute that they can't afford meaningful corporate contributions to even the most important causes.

Bono's leadership genius is in devising a way for consumers to go about their normal lives and make purchasing choices that meet their needs while appealing to their desire to help, and for companies to win more business thereby funding the dollars they direct to pay for inexpensive medicine to solve Africa's AIDS crisis.

Indisputably Inspiring
Both times I met with Bono, I mused that if he weren't a rock star and diplomatic world-changer, he could easily be a great corporate chief executive officer.

He leads by example. No one works harder or delves as deeply into issues and data as he does. He surrounds himself with the best people, is an extraordinary listener, and takes advice extremely well. He understands economics, markets, consumers, media, and regulation. And he has a dynamism that attracts and inspires just about everyone he meets.

Some may question the efficacy of Product (RED). Can a for-profit enterprise really do good? How much money will ultimately be generated to pay for medicine for the people in need?

Others may question Bono's motives. After all, he's already been a Time magazine Person of the Year -- maybe he's simply interested in winning a Nobel Peace Prize. While that may be, it's indisputable that his passion for curing AIDS in Africa is genuine. One only has to spend time with him to appreciate how devoted he is to this cause.

The key lesson to take away from Bono's example is this: If an individual with a sharp mind, a dynamic personality, amazing musical skills, and a desire to make the world a better place can have such a far-reaching positive impact, it makes you wonder what else you can do.

Posted by joshuacase at 09:12 AM

February 13, 2007

McLaren to Obama

Brian McLaren has posted a little advice for Barak Obama on the Sojourners blog. Since i greatly appreciate both, here is the article:

Thanks for entering the 2008 presidential race. I know a lot of people feel as I do: After several elections where we felt we were left to choose between tired and uninspiring candidates with little fresh to offer except new twists on old electioneering techniques, it seems that in the upcoming primary elections, at least, we will have several exciting options. In both parties, in fact, we may get to choose between a number of fresh, creative, and substantial candidates instead of settling for the lesser of famliar disappointments. I hope that we will feel the same way when it comes down to two candidates in the 2008 presidential elections as well.

No doubt you'll be getting a lot of advice and requests from a lot of people in the coming weeks, and the only reason I think mine deserves to be heard is that I know I'm expressing what a lot of people feel. So I would like to make this request at the beginning of your campaign.

Please don't lie to us. Please forego both the repulsive, deceptive, and twisted lies and also the flattering lies we like to hear. For example, I heard a fellow candidate recently trot out the tired old line, "America is the greatest country in the history of the world." This makes Americans feel good and gets applause. Maybe it wins votes. But it is a lie.

Yes, we are the richest country. Yes, we have the most weapons. Yes, we dominate in many fields, from sports to pop music to movies to pornographic websites to resource consumption and waste production. But the seductive lie of superiority is bad for any nation, including ours. Any nation that keeps telling itself that it is the greatest will become a proud nation (if it isn't already), and pride, I have it on good authority, comes before a fall. Pride makes nations, as
individuals, unpleasant and ugly neighbors, and so candidates make a bad long-term decision when they seek to coddle pride in exchange for votes. If they win, they will preside over a country that their rhetoric has made more ugly and more likely to fall.

Instead of telling us this lie of American superiority, please tell us the truths that we need to hear. Tell us, as you just did in your campaign-launch speech, inconvenient truths – that we and our leaders have a habit of making mistakes and blaming others – whether it's in New Orleans or Baghdad. Tell us the truth about our past – from our own original genocide and ongoing apartheid regarding the Native peoples of this land, to our profoundly unacknowledged and unhealed legacy of slavery and racism, to our failure to care properly for this beautiful part of God's green earth, to our desperate and shameful violations of our own principles and ideals around the world, from Congo to Chile, and from Central America to the Middle East.

Those who say, "Those things are in the past, we should just move on," would never say that about, say, September 11, 2001. Tell us the truth that we have unfinished business, recalling the old proverb that says the one who hides his transgressions will not prosper, but the one who confesses and forsakes them will find mercy. South Africa discovered how a different future is possible when a nation tells the truth about its past, and you could help us have our own time of truth and reconciliation.

And of course, please tell us the truth about the hope that comes through truth-telling. You and John Edwards and several other candidates have already begun inspiring many of us with your hope – audacious hope regarding poverty, environmental healing, and peace. Because, as you say, another world is possible. Many of us dare to hope that, and if you don't tell us the old political lies and instead tell us the inconvenient truth, then our shared emerging hopes
can become a dynamic new reality.

All of us are cynical at times, but in the launch of your campaign, I feel more hopeful and inspired than I have in a long time. Thank you.

Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, Red Letter Christian, and serves as board chair for Sojourners/Call to Renewal. His most recent book is The Secret Message of Jesus, and his next book, Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crises, and a Revolution of Hope, will be released later this year.

Posted by joshuacase at 04:36 PM

February 08, 2007

A tribute to bono...

While many people out there acknowlege that Bono is out to save the world as a rock star, or at least to try to make it a better place. A few people are really trying immortalize him..for better and worse.

Here is a tribute video that someone did. I put this on here because a few of the images really moved me. There is one in particular....it will move you. No question. It's powerful. I am not sure exactly what all this knowledge does for us. What it does for me. But i do know with knowledge comes responsibility and somehow, each of us who gain knowledge of various things in the world are ultimately responsible with what we do with this knowledge. We must do something. We must work towards reversing the wrongs we know of, towards working for justice..we must..

Thanks Bono. And by the way...i know you don't read this blog...but i am still going to drown you out!

Posted by joshuacase at 08:51 AM | Comments (0)

February 01, 2007

Report on Global Climate Change

So tomorrow it happens. A new report on global climate change will be released. In Paris, the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower will go out for 5 minutes to highlight the effects of energy consumption.

While there is much speculation on what will or will not be said during the day, the good news is, more and more people are concerned with the state of the environment than ever before. Thanks to real changes in weather patterns and the dramatic experience of the more than poor, people are choosing to listen to mother nature at last! Of course, Al Gore's movie An Inconvenient Truth didn't hurt matters. Thanks Al!

Throughout the ages, Christians have played an important role when it comes to effecting social change. While often they have been late in waking up to the issues at hand, they have still none the less chosen to engage. And while over the last century evangelical Christian theology has had little good to say about how to promote sustainability or clean energy, at last, more and more Christians are caring, acting, and calling others to be play a role in caring for the environment.

As we enter into tomorrow, i leave you with this reflection by Thomas Merton entitled, The Climate of My Prayer:
Our mentioning of the weather-our perfunctory observations on what kind of day it is-are perhaps not idle. Perhaps we have a deep and legitimate need to know in our entire being what the day is like, to see it, and feel it, to know how the sky is grey, paler in south....I have a real need to know these things because I myself am part of the weather and part of the climate and part of the place, and a day in which I have not shared truly in all of this is no day at all. It is certainly part of my life of prayer

Have you thought today about your part in the climate? Why not ake a couple of minutes now...

Posted by joshuacase at 02:34 PM

Why I Like UNICEF...

UNICEF really appeals to me. I have board member here at YFC Geneva that works for them. They work hard at empowering young people, and overall...they seem to just be about good things.

I found this article about how UNICEF is working to use Second Life in innovative ways to bring education and empowerment to adolescents (something they do well) about issues that really matter.

If you have some time, look around their site. If you have extra money, consider them as a place to give!

peace...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 07:01 AM

January 26, 2007

Today, Australia became an interesting place...thanks to globalization

So lets see how many Australians, Americans, or English laugh...

Did you know on this day in history in the year 1788, the first convicts arrived in Australia from the UK? It's true.

Speaking of globalization, did you also know that the Zimbabwe dollar has an expiration date and that McDonalds now serves over 54 million customers each day? Yep, its true.

Did you also know that in the time it took you to read this blog alone, at least 10-15 people have died of starvation?

Man, we've got to do something. God, please help!! Yahweh, help those who can make a difference to really make a difference! Allah, bring peace!

Do something!

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 08:00 AM | Comments (0)

December 30, 2006

The Evangelical Universalist

I've been able to get some good reading time in the last few weeks. I've been getting something of a broad spectrum of theological, political, and practical reflection. Out of the 10-15 books i received for Christmas as gifts (thanks to all) I am currently reading through one called, "The Evangelical Universalist". Written under the pseudonym Gregory MacDonald the book has been a much deeper attempt at forming a "bible-centered theology of evangelical universalism". So far, the book has lived up to its hype and has truly seemed to remain to be a consistent exegete of scripture and especially of the book of Colossians.

I'm only about half way through; however, I'd recommend the book to anyone who is struggling with problem of evil, the traditional doctrine of hell, or the way Church plays a role in living out a realized eschatology that demonstrates that Grace is True.

As with all books i read, I'm not sso sure i reach all the same conclusions as the authors. But it is worth the rea for all learners. Pick it up, let your defenses down, and read to learn not to deconstruct. You might be surprised.

Posted by joshuacase at 06:37 PM | Comments (2)

"Drown me out...drown me out"

Over the course of the last three days I have been doing recruitment at the Urbana conference in Illinois. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the amount of justice and enviromental talk that has been going on. And while I came into the conference excited about recruitment, but not sure what to expect about the conference, I have been pleasantly surprised to the real prophetic voice many have had in front of this crowd of 22'250 people. CRAZY!!

Just a couple of minutes ago, we were greeted with a special message to Urbana from Bono about HIV/AIDS. At the end of his talk he said, "i am not much of a preacher, thanks for listening to me. You know, I'm just a rock star, its my job to make a bunch of noise. But if you hear me, and if this emergency (HIV/AIDS) calls you to action....then drown me out....drown me out."

Bono made several other very prophetic calls to the crowd about our reaction towards this emergency. Saying other things like, "this is our abolitionist moment; this is our civil rights moment".

Ajith Fernando of YFC in Sri Lanka has been the morning speaker. Tonight we heard from Ray Bakke about urban ministry; that is ministry in the city. It was great. But the most amazing talk i have heard so far was by Oscar Muriu. If you are able to get some of his talk from the evening of 28th, DO IT!!! I'm trying to get it so i can use bits of it. Amazing talk about the shoft of the centers of the church to the global south and what that means for the mission of the church in the west. AMAZING!!

A new goal: to drown him out. Bono...I'm coming for you...I'm coming for you!

Posted by joshuacase at 05:13 AM

December 04, 2006

More access than expected

A photo i took of two fences on the site of the City of Refuge. Really makes you ask, who is keeping who out...or in.

My colleague and I have made it. Well at least to Kishkumajsa Hungary.

We spent today looking around at the City of Refuge; a shelter for young women and children from all over Hungary who have been displaced or effected by abusive relationships. The amazing thing about this shelter is it is actually on the property of old Soviet military barracks. The place, like many other like it, is abandoned, run down, and owned by the government. In many ways, these run down, good for nothing buildings serve as something of a rememberance of the occupiers who were there; occupiers who in many ways were eventually forced out.

Our guide, Gabor, is the national director for YFC Hungary. He is an economist by trade. We've already had a couple of really great conversations on life in Hungary post-communism. In fact, even as we talked tonight, it was very interesting to discuss the places he felt communism had fialed the people and yet, the places where he felt some of the good of it was not necessarily bad for the people; particularly the church.

Paul and I will travel tomorrow to another part of Hungary to see another potential project.

In other news, we had a really great Shema gathering last night. Lammert facilitated the evening via input fromRodney Stark's book entitled The Rise Of Christianity. It was a great time of exploring Christian community that really is good news for our context and age.

Posted by joshuacase at 09:22 PM

To David Taylor

David Taylor taught me everything i need to know about Service Porject finding.

Today, my colleague and I will travel to Hungary and to Kosovo looking for development projects to join with in April with between 80-120 students from Geneva.

I may be blog slient till Saturday. We'll see..

jc

Posted by joshuacase at 08:23 AM | Comments (0)

November 30, 2006

The Rick I Never Knew

So, I am not hiding that I like Barack Obama. I've got the copy of Time with him on the cover, I've got his two books on my amazon Wish List, and I like that fact that his grandmother is Kenyan.

But one connection i never expected to make, was the one I am about to: Rick Warren and Barak Obama. According to Scot McKnight's blog, Warren has invited Obama to a AIDS summit. And while i know that Rick's tone and posture towards missional practice in the world has changed in recent years, this really is a Rick Warren i've never known.

Yes I know, I shouldn't be such a skeptic; however, from time to time it still comes out in me. My only hope is that Warren is really inviting Obama to participate with him in life and real conversation. I know he is gfetting some flack for it, but we get that when we are interacting with the right people. I guess my real hope is that as Warren chooses to participate with him, America may too wake up to the new kind of politics that Obama represents. A politics that some are calling...PURPLE?

Posted by joshuacase at 07:20 PM | Comments (1)

November 28, 2006

This is (Not) Church

Just the other day I came across this website called Small Ritual. For many i am sure it is old news; however, for me it is quite fresh.

As i have thought about it more and more, I have come to think it is a great explaination of how urban communities of faith commune. As we have been exploring Shema community, many of the spaces that Steve seems to suggest I'm actually finding as accurately portrayed in our community here in Geneva.

I'm not sure what will come of this connection; however, I am sure of this: it's good stuff.

Posted by joshuacase at 07:56 AM | Comments (2)

November 03, 2006

Biologist Goes the Extra Mile

In order to help these frogs have a sustainable future, Edgardo Giffith rented out two hotel rooms to make sure they could survive. I'm not making it up! It's true!

Good on you Edgardo, I think?!

Read rest of article here: Save the Frogs!!

peace....jc

Posted by joshuacase at 11:06 PM

Back home and more!

Well I've made it back home to Switzerland where I have rejoined my wife in the habit of day to day living. It's interesting what two weeks away can do. Developing different rhythms, eating habits, and so much more. Yet, it is great to be home where I am able to be in the company of my bride, in the proximity of good friends, and am able to reflect on the journey to the US for a short period.

I'd like to just point you to a couple of interesting places for a moment:
1. Adventures in Mercy- I've been following Molleth for a while now and comment here from time to time. Generally great conversations are happening and I really enjoy Molleth's posture. Do check her and the conversations out. Particularly, she is hosting a conversation entitled: "Women: Beginnings and Endings". Check it out.

2. Scot McKnight- I've posted on Scot before, and think he's ever-posting very interesting things on his blog. In a recent post he asks the question to his friends: Is it a moral hypocrisy to believe in war and against abortion, or to be against war and for abortion? Yep, this is the kind of stuff Scot likes his friends to engage in. Good question!

However, the real reason I wanted to connect you to Scot is that he has just released a paper which i thnk holds some pretty good things in tension and, is pretty well written. If you are at all interested, find it here. Lammert pointed it my way.

By way of introduction, here is a snippet from the orignal pdf available via Wes at Sacred Journey:
There are at least four rivers flowing into Lake Emerging – postmodernity, praxis, postevangelicalism, and politics – and because some gravitate toward one or the other, emerging Christians are as diverse as the universal Church. Some are simply evangelicals with a missional slant, while others are postmodernists with a Christian hangover. To narrow them to an epistemological issue is as inaccurate as narrowing Calvinism to Calvin’s church reforms in Geneva.

Blessings to all....and welcome home...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 02:36 PM

October 12, 2006

Introducing Mike Todd

Mike Todd has been posting several things on his blog of which i have found of great interest as of late. His blog, entitled Waving or Drowning? frequently keeps me up to speed on issues of social justice, Christian community, and recently, the ways in which Newsweek magazine changes it communication priorities for each region. This isn't the first time Mike has pointed it out. Just the most recent.

The image below says it all. Thanks Mike, for your increased sensitivity and awareness of these things! They do make you wonder!

Posted by joshuacase at 03:41 PM

October 11, 2006

Thinking about things to come...and plotting goodness

Last night Laura and I went to a Geneva pre-screening of the movie An Inconvenient Truth. It was quite compelling. Over the course of an hour and forty-five minutes, sitting in a packed movie theatre, we watched as the story of climate change was unveiled before our eyes. Sure, I've been in conversations with others all over the world about how the myth of climate change really is a myth. And, well, i guess at times i've thought that it was ok to think about it, and to act if an opportunity was given. But this movie...this movie was good; especially if you are looking for a reason to get involved in making a difference in the world.

The facts themselves are compelling. And possibly, for many, the most difficult part of the movie and of the whole issue of climate change is that people will have to experience that this is a moral and scientic issue; not just as a scientific issue. That the numbers do add up. That we do, as Dr. Mark Smith suggests, have just one planet is critical to our efforts and actions on earth.

The other side of this story is that we can make a difference. Even if we do not buy the climate change "myth", people of every religion (Christianity especially in my case) must make sure that their worship of God includes an deep understanding of how the actions of our lives make us good stewards of the good creation. It's no longer just about whether we grew the right crop in the right field. It's no longer about whether we ought to spray for misquitos in our neighborhoods. Yes, these issues do matter; however, we live in a global village and local actions can have global consequences. We can make changes in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our parishes, in our cities, in our countries which will have lasting effects on the environment, and thus, every living creature. The decisions that we take, the actions that we choose, reflect our desire to be about the plotting of goodness (or of evil) for the next generation.

And this my friends, is the true challenge of plotting goodness: that we recognize that the smallest of decisions in our faith-centered lives give opportunity for greater goodness to come into being for the age to come. And, that we recognize we must begin to make changes in our personal lives which greater reflect the Good News of a good people, compelled by our deepest of convictions, to look after a Good Creation.

Again, the movie was quite compelling. If you haven't seen it, i recommend it. But don't go see it alone! Take one, two, five or fifteen of your friends with you and talk about it afterwards. Ask each other: "how is this information going to effect our daily and community lives? How might we as friends, reflect to our community, our city, our world, that we feel we need to be looking after our world in a more radical, and sustainable way?"

Let me know what you come up with....plotting goodness....
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)

October 06, 2006

Bono and (RED) Keep on Giving

UPDATE From the Kaiser Network

Product RED, a project created by Irish musician Bono and Bobby Shriver that aims to raise money for the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by donating a portion of profits from a range of branded products, plans to partner with five additional corporations in the next few weeks, Global Fund Executive Director Richard Feachem said on Thursday, Reuters UK reports (Hirschler, Reuters UK, 10/5). American Express, Converse, Giorgio Armani and Gap were the initial partners in the program -- which was launched in January -- and are distributing credit cards and selling tennis shoes, sunglasses and T-shirts, respectively, carrying the Product RED label. The four partner companies have committed to the brand for five years and have pledged to give an average of 40% of profits from the products to the Global Fund. London's Independent in May announced that it would become the first media outlet to sign on as a partner in the project. In addition, Motorola in May announced that it will partner with Product RED. According to Feachem, Product RED has raised more than $10 million in the United Kingdom from February through September. The funds generated from U.K. sales will be allocated to HIV testing and treatment services for HIV-positive women and children living in Rwanda and to supporting AIDS orphans in Swaziland, Feachem said (Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, 10/4). "There are five major corporations today -- I'm guessing there will be eight or nine by the end of the year" that will partner with Product RED, Feachem said. According to Reuters UK, Feachem declined to name the corporations, but said the list includes "iconic" consumer electronic businesses. Product RED products will be launched in U.S. stores and other markets this month and in November, Reuters UK reports (Reuters UK, 10/5).

Posted by joshuacase at 11:01 PM | Comments (1)

September 18, 2006

Working together in Africa

I follow the updates of this network. I have found it to keep me quite informed about the way things are being handled on the treatment, prevention, collaborative medicine front concerning HIV/AIDS. There are several networks out there which do this.

I wanted to highlight this article entitled, "USAID Issues $15M Grant to Ugandan Religious Coalition" because it demonstrates the way that groups are working together in Africa to make a difference. As you would see from reading the article, the Anglican church, the Muslim Supreme council, the Seventh Day Adventist church, the Catholic church, and the Ugandan Orthodox church are all involved in the initiative.

In a world marked by non-collaboration, I find it always healthy to celebrate the places where I see collaborative goodness plotting taking place. We need to celebrate it. Otherwise, we'll forget it happens...it does you know!

blessings...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 11:02 PM | Comments (0)

September 16, 2006

He's done it again...Pete that is...

Well, this is not my friend peter rollins. But it is one of my favorite images that appear when you google Peter Rollins in images. I'm pretty sure pete may not even know who this guy is; however, if you are from the USA and a guy...or a girl who liked to watch WCW wrestling, you'd know it was none other than....Rick Flair. go figure.

Pete however has done it again. I mean, i love to come up with catchy thoughts and phrases. But pete, pete is catchy thoughts and ideas that make one ponder. I mean really, he embodies them. His most recent blog entry title was: "Reflections On An Interventionist God".

If you are interested, and you've had at least two cups of coffee already...and are looking for a less-than-light meal of thoughts, visit Pete's website for more! And I promise,Pete's site will give you you a taste of something that will either make you love the guy, or be scared of the guy. But for me...I love the guy!

If you don't have a copy of his book, BUY IT NOW!!!

peace...
jc

Posted by joshuacase at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)

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)

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)

May 20, 2006

Now I remember..

I was reminded this morning just why i love U2 so much. As i was doing some work around the house, i slipped in the Vertigo Chicago dvd. When the band gets to their intro to the song Miracle drug, bono does one of his normal intros and woos the crowd a little bit closer in. One of the things he says in the monoglue is this: "We don't mind bringing the songs from our past with us, songs like: Pride, One, Where the streets have no name. We don't mind bringing our past with us where we are headed, because we are excited about the future! Yes, we are excited about the future!".

As the prophet that he is, i hope and pray that more people would hear that message. Not the message of escapism or we can't wait to get out this place called earth, but the message that he gives, set in the context of the intro to song where he repeatedly says, "i've had enough of romantic love/I'd give it up for a miracle drug". Bono you see is excited about our future, the one here, the one now, the one we can effect for people and creation. That's the kind of future i too am excited about. As Bill Clinton said, "if we can do something, we must do something".

For those of you who didn't know, Bono is doing quite a bit of speaking around the USA these days trying to raise money to fight poverty, aids, and malaria. He deeply devoted to the One campaign. If you haven't already, get involved!

Posted by joshuacase at 03:52 PM | Comments (1)

May 19, 2006

Post-Emergent debate rolls on

Well, this is my first post after the long awaited Geneva Emergent conversation. While the conversation was great, from my perspective, it has brought forth a great amount of various discussions.

A few of the panelists, namely Jamie Smith have been hosting some follow up discussions. You can also find what these people have said as well: Jason Clark,Lammert Vrieling,Andrew Jones, and Matt Glock.

It was a treat to have all these people around. I also really enjoyed getting to spend some time talking and thinking out loud with Brian Mclaren and Andrew Perriman. Hopefully more to come soon on these conversations! Also, be sure to check out this website for the podcasts of the event in the next couple weeks!

Posted by joshuacase at 07:55 AM

April 26, 2006

I believe..

I belive in encouraging the contextual practice of mission in various places around the world. I believe that there is something to be said for local people understanding the questions of the local context. I believe also however, that in many places around the world those who have been sent out from their local contexts have a very different view on them (the contexts) as they do life from the outside looking in. Problems in one place have a very different twist than in another. People in different places have different solutions to the same conflicts. Working together or alone may be favored in one place and thought weak in another. And yet, the new perspective can not be changed. This isn't some higher view or even some better view, but is definitely a different view.

So what must one do? An aversion to colonial methodology would keep one from wanting to impose "new knowledge" or "new understanding" on any culture, and yet, when those discovered things are proven to be freeing and liberating, one wants to share the good news of them! But what of the clash? What of the mixed messages?

Recently I've come to see that in the West, its not so much about the baby and bath water being thrown out as it is a process of allowing the experiences of the global church abroad to give shape to the practice of mission locally. Maybe for me this is different than for others; however, I am learning that I must encourage the healthy practice of mission in various contexts using various languages and various tools provided in sucha way that very simply, the good kingdom of God is established! It is in the establishing that the real diversity comes out. In the practice of a glocally-minded missionary communities willing to be shaped by the free market of Christ-birthed ideas and experiences. These are not the ideas and expereinces that are laid out in some sort of a "super highway towards building a better church", but rather in the real "back road" lives of real people trying to love others in the Spirit of Christ.

This is the great challenge of Christianity today: not to build bigger churches filled with more people, but to connect real people with a real creator who love them and is calling them towards participation in planting the good seeds of the good creation they have alsways longed to be a part of. In these spaces, Christ is made known and lives are healed, loved, transformed, and given a purpose greater than what they can do or hope to be!!

Posted by joshuacase at 10:07 AM | Comments (1)

April 22, 2006

In Berlin and reflecting

As the service project 2006 comes to close, we've stopped in Berlin for the day. As expected, I've found myself sitting in the Starbucks at the Brandenburg gate updating the website for the trip and reflecting over a Kenyan bean. I may not have spelled "brandenburg right...my apologies.

As i begin to reflect back on the trip, I must confess it has been quite an amazing experience. A brief outline of the highlights might go something like this (at least for now): relational fusion changes all of us; those of us who grew up under capitalism can never begin to imagine the way that communism shaped the lives and values of people for ages (in the past and to come); neither can we ignore the fact that those who live closest to "the wall" when it fell benefited the most (those 2, 3, or 4 hours away, have less to celebrate even today); people long to be called towards the relational activities that enable the plotting of goodness in the world; people matter more than projects.

Once again, I've been struck by the way people in community truly can give shape to each others lives; especially when they are focused on the same mission. Our SP06 team, came on a mission, discovered a dream, and are returning to Geneva having experienced the defining simplicity of service.

Posted by joshuacase at 03:54 PM | Comments (0)

April 18, 2006

Wifi in Poland

Just to update those of you who are following, I have been able to get wifi in Poland which is making the updating of not only the SP06 site possible and faster, it is also allowing me to have greater access to internet than i expected.

Trips like this are always so refreshing. The stories, the connecting of experience with life lessons, and even the lack of sleep all create a unique experience for any youth (or otherwise) worker! Just this afternoon as I was transporting a group of students to their work site, it was so refreshing to hear them saying how this experience was just, "great as we've never had any experience like this before".

What fun! What an opportunity!

Community always brings out the best in people I find. Regardless of difference, or age, or experience...plotting goodness is a community effort and brings all involved together...in unity!

Posted by joshuacase at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)

April 13, 2006

The next 10 days

For the next ten days I'll be off to Koszalin Poland with our team from YFC Geneva. Us plus around 60 young people will be working with a local association on development projects in some of the most rural areas! If you want to keep up on the trip, you can check here for photos and bloggings.

Look forward to being back and leading in to the Emergent conversation in Geneva during the 9-10 May.

Talk to you then! jc

Posted by joshuacase at 02:16 PM | Comments (0)

April 08, 2006

Recent UK Visit

I just returned from a visit with my friends at the National office of British Youth For Christ. One of the most amazing things about the visit for me what the diversity of ministry that the have within their ministry programs. Specifically, the way the national ministry is capable of keeping thier eyes focused, as national director says, "on the mission of God". The diversity of ministry and particularly "evangelism" is quite interesting. There seems to be the gamet of evangelistic methodology within BYFC and they seem to be good with embracing that diversity.

All in all, it was a great trip. I stayed with some friends: Clive, Sylvia, and Alex. They are a great family! Very encouraging people to be with!

Posted by joshuacase at 10:55 PM | Comments (0)

March 20, 2006

Important Books

I was just thinking the other day how have yet to really take an inventory of the books that have been critical to the last season of my life. I truly feel like this has been a unique season for me in my understanding not merely of myself, but of the world around me, and of God.

The following is a list of some books that have been pretty critical to my shaping. Some of them i have agreed with in part, others have articulate who I know I am to be in ways i never dreamt could be articulated! If you read them, keep in mind that we are all in different places, learning different things, attempting to be sources of Good for the world!

In no particular order:
The Story We Find Ourselves In- Brian Mc Laren
The Next Reformation- Karl Rasche
If Grace is True- Gulley & Mulholland
Generous Orthodoxy- Brian McLaren
Reading the Bible Again- Marcus Borg
The Coming of the Son of Man- Andrew Perriman
The Heart of Christianity- Marcus Borg
What Saint Paul Really Said- NT Wright

Make no mistake, there are others; however, I can honestly say that this group, is quite an important group for anyone to read! Agree or disagree, they are good value! I hope you'll pick them up if you haven't already! I hope you'll enjoy a reshaping of sorts as I have.

Posted by joshuacase at 08:41 AM | Comments (2)

January 17, 2006

The memories and dreams of a new kind of Christianity

In his book, "The World is Flat", Thomas Friedman asks the question: "Does your society have more memories than dreams or more dreams and memories?" He later goes on to comment that, "when memories exceed dreams, the end is near."

It is truly amazing to me that no matter which space of life you choose to operate in, the critical roles of memory and dream can not be over looked. Memory, which so often serves the formative function of negative reinforcement in society is very critical to the way we practice life and conduct ourselves in the long haul. Yet memory alone will not allow us to function in a healthy manner in society, family, or individual relationships. It is the power of dreams and visions that allows us to imagine together where we are going and where we have really been. This dreamatic re-imagining allows us to take the now redemtive past and create a different future. A future towards the kind of synergistic celebration of belief and practice that is the way we live.

For me it has become very important to think about the ways in which people throughout the centuries have been about the business of re-creating the world into that which they interpret to be the dreams and ways of God. This important thought has enabled me to not only consider the ways in which people of yesterday dreamt of a new kind of Christianity, but to undersstand that my dreams, visions, hopes and fears are truly nothing all that new. The newness of the kind of Christianity we truly hope to practice is but ever, as my friend Peter Rollins puts it, "a rediscovery."

Cheers to all who have and will try to practice a fresh expression of the Church in the now for sake of the future, in light of the past.

Posted by joshuacase at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)