Here is a link to today’s activities.

Here is a link to my former posts.

Though I have only been aware of and engaged with this case over the last few years, there really is too much doubt.

Pray for Troy, Pray for the State, Pray for Justice.

Joshua

I think you may know the tune…

Open the eyes of my ipad,
Open the eyes of my phone,
I want to see you,
I want to see you.
(repeat)
See you tweeted and retweeted,
Ustreamed live in all of your glory.
App out your power and love,
And we’ll tell facebook your whole story!

Let me know if you use it! I’ve got gifts if you can prove it;)

And make sure to check out Knapp’s upcoming album here. My household has already pre-ordered!

In watching the interview I was reminded of how important a conversation this is to keep having. There is a huge diversity of views on this in Christian culture and inevitably, the process of talking about it may be the most important thing to engage in.

Peace…JC

As always here is a great interview with a great intro. This is definitely one of Brian’s ‘great works’, we would recommend picking up a copy. But don’t take our word for it, listen to the interview and here some links:

Nick’s review, Scot McKnights interesting review for Christianity Today

Purchase A New Kind of Christianity here

Purchase The Hopeful Skeptic here

[Download Episode]

Peace…

JC

Today, rather than reflect too much on MLK, or the dreams that remain to be completed for civil rights in America, I’d much rather just share a couple of hopes that I have for the people and situation in Haiti. Honestly, its too tragic not too, and frankly, I believe if he were still alive, its what he would be talking about as well!

1. A Hope for Sustainability: I hope that when the cameras turn off in Haiti, those who find giving time and money now will be inspired to stay the course. I sincerely hope that in the efforts to participate in the rebuilding, the people of the country have the first and last words and that the 384,000+ orphans (before the earthquake) will have what they need for survival!

2. A Hope for Unity: I hope that any looting, rioting, violence and anger will be squelched by the increase of compassionate aid and support. I hope that those who are tasked with enforcing the laws in a time of genuine lawlessness will be safe and not quick to anger. I hope supplies increase and with it unity as well.

3. A Hope for Life: I hope that tonight, those who no longer have the strength to fight for life, will pass peacefully, from darkness into light. I hope that those who remain able to fight for life, will endure and seek the light of morning.

I’m sure everyone has seen these links already, but here are a few ways to give:

Yéle
Singer Wyclef Jean’s Earthquake fund is donating money and sending volunteers. Visit Yele.org to donate money or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5 from your cell phone bill.

Doctors Without Borders
Give a one-time online donation to help provide medical care, or enroll in their monthly giving program to provide sustained support for worldwide crises.

UNICEF
With children as their priority, UNICEF is requesting donations to meet the immediate needs of Haitian youth. Contact them at 1-800-4UNICEF or UNICEF.org

Red Cross
Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti to be taken out of your cell phone bill. Proceeds will go to providing food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support.

On a day to remember an icon of hope, may the hopes we all share endure, grow, and give life to others.

Joshua

How about you? Do you find choosing to be green important? Necessary? Something that you have to make an extra effort at doing? What are some of your tips or thoughts on seeking to be green for the new year?

Just wondering. I’ll share some of mine soon!

Joshua

Sallie McFague: God’s Body, Humanity’s Home and Responsibility

Sallie McFague’s account of God’s relationship to the world presents a more effective stimulus to ecologically responsible behavior than that of Kathryn Tanner. McFague’s argument is more stimulating because it not only locates the impetus for this human behavior in an understanding of “the world as God’s body,” but also because Tanner fails to demonstrate the necessity for such activity in her understanding of God’s plan for the world.

In the first, McFague’s response comes as more stimulating because she locates the impetus for such ecological responsibility in the shared experience of the “world as God’s body” (110). Specifically, McFague’s understanding challenges and calls disciples of Jesus to re-imagine the doctrine of creation not as merely God’s acting upon the world, but as God “sharing” divine power that all creation may flourish (114). In McFague’s articulation, not only does God meet with humanity in the “intrinsic and intimate” details of life, but in this mess is where we are at home and where humanity can be most active (102). In this way, with this vision of home, a rooted humanity is able to bear witness to the goodness and sustainability of creation in God.

On other hand, Tanner seems to leave the question of ecological responsibility somewhat untouched; rather, she places the question of sustainability and ultimate justice on God. Although one might consider her brief discussion of human agency as providing some stimulus towards action by humans, her conclusion that, “God [does not] need creatures of any particular sort to achieve God’s ends within the world,” seems to paint the picture of a plan that will be inacted without human involvement(129). This image of God not only fails to stimulate readers to engage with matters of ecological responsibility, but also adds fuel to the fires of ideologies which already fail to recognize the responsibility and interconnectedness of humans in caring for creation.

While both McFague and Tanner are concerned with God’s relationship to the world, McFague’s understanding of the “world as God’s body” provides a more stimulating call to ecological responsibility. This stimuli is most experienced when an empowered humanity wake up to their shared responsibility for creation as where they are most authentically at home.

Thoughts? Is McFague’s metaphor as helpful for you?

Joshua

My sense is that it is the latter for two reasons: 1. as the world moves into the post-American context the less Americans pulling for things (even the President) will actually make them happen; 2. Obama’s bid implicitly linked the economic success and development of an event in the future (2016) to the US.

So, my next set of questions are: would Obama have been more successful (or right) by encouraging the committee to choose a country whose people and economy neeed the boost more? Is this the new role for America? in the ‘post-American/Colonial’ world? If so, what does this mean?

Just thinking…

Joshua