Saturday, November 18, 2006
holiday season...
Really? Thanksgiving? Next week? You have to be kidding me! Then...that means...tomorrow...have to go to the store...tomorrow big day...come back for a post tomorrow...
Friday, November 10, 2006
football...
We're a football family. We're not hard core...not chest painting, can't really be glued to the tv with toddlers. But we enjoy watching football and Sundays we don't turn on Wiggles until football is done...it's football day.
Izak has picked up on that. He's asking every day now if it's football day. And he doesn't want to just watch it, either...he's all about playing it. And by playing it, he means carrying a football while I chase him and tackle him. And in his version of football, there's definately tickling.
Something tells me that Brian Urlacker isn't much into tickling when he sacks the QB...
Izak has picked up on that. He's asking every day now if it's football day. And he doesn't want to just watch it, either...he's all about playing it. And by playing it, he means carrying a football while I chase him and tackle him. And in his version of football, there's definately tickling.
Something tells me that Brian Urlacker isn't much into tickling when he sacks the QB...
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Ted Haggard
I've been watching as the events unfold around the secret life of Ted Haggard. I have some thoughts on it. But as I read this on the blog called Out of Ur, I thought these reflections are as good as could be written. Gordon MacDonald is a man who has lived in places that Ted and his family are about to travel. He speaks from a profound and person experience of failure and grace. Here's what he wrote:
The Haggard Truth: Gordon MacDonald on the lies all-too-easily believed
What are Christian leaders to make of the spectacularly painful experience of watching Ted Haggard this past week? The president of the National Association of Evangelicals and pastor of giga-church New Life Community in Colorado Springs, Colorado, gradually admitted to purchasing methamphetamines and the services of a male prostitute. We asked Leadership editor-at-large Gordon MacDonald to reflect on what we should learn from this episode.
It is difficult beyond description to watch Ted Haggard’s name and face dragged across the TV screen every hour on the news shows. But as my friend, Tony Campolo said in an interview last week, when we spend our lives seizing the microphone to speak to the world of our opinions and judgments, we should not surprised when the system redirects its spotlight to us, justly or unjustly, in our bad moments.
We are still in the process of learning what has actually transpired over the past many months on the secret side of Ted’s life. In just the last few hours the leadership of New Life Church has announced that he has been asked to resign. His ministry at New Life Church and as leader of the NAE is over.
I’ve spent more than a little time trying to understand how and why some men/women in all kinds of leadership get themselves into trouble whether the issues be moral, financial, or the abuse of power and ego. I am no stranger to failure and public humiliation. From those terrible moments of twenty years ago in my own life I have come to believe that there is a deeper person in many of us who is not unlike an assassin.
This deeper person (like a contentious board member) can be the source of attitudes and behaviors we normally stand against in our conscious being. But it seeks to destroy us and masses energies that—unrestrained—tempt us to do the very things we “believe against.” If you have been burned as deeply as I (and my loved ones) have, you never live a day without remembering that there is something within that, left unguarded, will go on the rampage. Wallace Hamilton once wrote, “Within each of us there is a herd of wild horses all wanting to run loose.”
It seems to me that when people become leaders of outsized organizations and movements, when they become famous and their opinions are constantly sought by the media, we ought to begin to become cautious. The very drive that propels some leaders toward extraordinary levels of achievement is a drive that often keeps expanding even after reasonable goals and objectives have been achieved. Like a river that breaks its levy, that drive often strays into areas of excitement and risk that can be dangerous and destructive. Sometimes the drive appears to be unstoppable. This seems to have been the experience of the Older Testament David and his wandering eyes, Uzziah in his boredom, and Solomon with his insatiable hunger for wealth, wives and horses. They seem to have been questing—addictively?—for more thrills or trying to meet deeper personal needs, and the normal ways that satisfy most people became inadequate for them.
When I see a leader who becomes stubborn and rigid, who becomes increasingly less compassionate toward his adversaries, increasingly tyrannical in his own organization, who rouses anger and arrogance in others, I wonder if he is not generating all of this heat because he is trying so hard to say “no” to something surging deep within his own soul. Are his words and deeds not so much directed against an enemy “out there” as they are against a much more cunning enemy within his own soul. More than once I have visited with pastors who have spent hours immersed in pornography and then gone on to preach their most “spirit-filled” sermons against immorality a day or two later. It’s a disconnect that boggles the rational mind.
No amount of accountability seems to be adequate to contain a person living with such inner conflict. Neither can it contain a person who needs continuous adrenalin highs to trump the highs of yesterday. Maybe this is one of the geniuses of Jesus: he knew when to stop, how to refuse the cocktail of privilege, fame and applause that distorts one’s ability to think wisely and to master self.
More than once we’ve seen the truth of a person’s life come out, not all at once, but in a series of disclosures, each an admission of further culpability which had been denied just a day or two before. Perhaps inability to tell the full truth is a sign that one is actually lying to himself and cannot face the full truth of the behavior in his own soul.
But then all sin begins with lies told to oneself. The cardinal lies of a failed leader? I give and give and give in this position; I deserve special privileges—perhaps even the privilege of living above the rules. Or, I have enough charm and enough smooth words that I can talk anything (even my innocence) into reality. Or, so much of my life is lived above the line of holiness that I can be excused this one little faux pas. Or, I have done so much for these people; now it’s their time to do something for me—like forgiving me and giving a second chance.
I am heart-broken for Ted Haggard and his wife and family. I cannot imagine the torture they are living through at this very moment. Toppled from national esteem and regard in a matter of hours, they must adjust to wondering who their real friends are now. They have to be asking how these events—known by the world—will affect their children. Mrs. Haggard will not be able to go the local WalMart without wondering who she may bump into when she turns into Aisle 3 (A reporter? A church member? A critic?). Both Haggards will face cameras every time they emerge from their home in the next few days until the media finds another person with whom to have its sport.
The travel, the connections, the interviews, the applause of the congregation, the organizational power, the perks and privileges, the honor: gone! The introit to people of position/power: gone! The opportunity to say an influential word each day into the lives of teachable younger people: gone! The certainty that God has anointed one for such a time as this: gone? And what will grow each day is the numbing realization of regret and loss. In time they will be approached by people who will say in one way or another, “I used to trust you, but what you’ve done has made me very angry….you’ve turned my son away from the gospel….I thought I knew you, but I guess I didn’t.” It will be a long time before either of the Haggards feel safe again. Suffering over this will last most of a lifetime even after some sort of restoration is rendered. How I wish this could all be lifted from them.
Perhaps there will come a day down the pathway when there will be some kind of return to influence. But right now it is—or should be—a long way in the distance.
Among my prayers is that the leadership of New Life Church will not assume that “restoration” means getting Ted back into the pulpit as soon as possible. The worst thing in the world would be to raise his hopes that just because he models a contrite spirit he can return to public life in the near future. He, for his own sake, must take a long time to work through the causative factors in this situation. He will not resolve whatever is wrong in his own soul by going back to work. He and his wife must set aside a long, long time to allow their personal relationship to heal. Forgiveness is a long healing, not a momentary one. And there are those five children. Thinking of them makes me want to weep. And then there are countless people in and beyond their church who must take a long time to figure out what all of this means. No, the worst things Ted’s friends and overseers can do is to try and bring him back from this prematurely. The best thing they can do is ask him to retreat into silence with those he loves the most and listen—to God, to trusted elders.
The statement issued by the NAE Executive Committee late Friday afternoon seems flat to me. It appears to have been written by savvy PR people who wanted to say all the nice and appropriate things which might mollify the media and cause no heartburn for the lawyers. The burden of the statement seems to be that the NAE is already on to the question of who the next leader will be. The fact is that, all too often, we have seen the President of NAE on the news and talk shows speaking as the leader of so-called 33 million evangelicals. I’m not sure that most of us were polled as to whether or not we wanted Ted Haggard (or anyone) speaking for us. I know that last time I felt safe about anyone speaking for evangelicals as a whole was when Billy Graham talked on our behalf. But, as of late, an illusion was permitted to grow: that the NAE was a well-organized, highly networked movement of American evangelicals headed by Ted Haggard who, when he spoke, spoke for all of us. Now, unfortunately, that voice has misspoken, and our movement has to live with the consequences.
I have a fairly poor batting average when it comes to predicting the future. But my own sense is that the NAE (as we know it) will probably not recover from this awful moment. Should it? Leaders of various NAE constituencies are likely to believe that their fortunes are better served by new and fresher alliances.
Ever since the beginning of the Bush administration, I have worried over the tendency of certain Evangelical personalities to go public every time they visited the White House or had a phone conference with an administration official. I know it has wonderful fund-raising capabilities. And I know the temptation to ego-expansion when one feels that he has the ear of the President. But the result is that we are now part of an evangelical movement that is greatly compromised….identified in the eyes of the public as deep in the hip pockets of the Republican party and administration. My own belief? Our movement has been used. There are hints that the movement—once cobbled together by Billy Graham and Harold Ockenga—is beginning to fragment because it is more identified by a political agenda that seems to be failing and less identified by a commitment to Jesus and his kingdom. Like it or not, we are pictured as those who support war, torture, and a go-it-alone (bullying) posture in international relationships. Any of us who travel internationally have tasted the global hostility toward our government and the suspicion that our President’s policies reflect the real tenants of Evangelical faith. And I might add that there is considerable disillusionment on the part of many of our Christian brothers/sisters in other countries who are mystified as to where American evangelicals are in all of this. Our movement may have its Supreme Court appointments, but it may also have compromised its historic center of Biblical faith. Is it time to let the larger public know that some larger-than-life evangelical personalities with radio and TV shows do not speak for all of us?
And so I pray: Lord and Father, how sad you must be when you see the most powerful and the weakest of your children fall prey to the energy of sin and evil. There is nothing any one has ever done that we –each of us—is not capable of doing. So when we pray for our brother, Ted Haggard, we pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross. Father, give this man and his wife the gift of your grace. Protect them from the constant accusations of the evil one who will seek to deny them sleep, tempt them to talk too much to the public, arouse conflict between them as a couple and with their children. Send the right people into their lives who can provide the correct mixture of hope and healing love. Deliver them from people who will curry their favor by telling them things they should not hear. Restrain them from making poor judgments in their most fearful moments.
Lord, be present to the leaders and people of the New Life Church. And to the NAE leadership which has to live with the side-effects of this tragedy. And to people in the evangelical tradition who are wondering today who they can trust. What more can we pray for? You know all things. We so very little. Amen.
The Haggard Truth: Gordon MacDonald on the lies all-too-easily believed
What are Christian leaders to make of the spectacularly painful experience of watching Ted Haggard this past week? The president of the National Association of Evangelicals and pastor of giga-church New Life Community in Colorado Springs, Colorado, gradually admitted to purchasing methamphetamines and the services of a male prostitute. We asked Leadership editor-at-large Gordon MacDonald to reflect on what we should learn from this episode.
It is difficult beyond description to watch Ted Haggard’s name and face dragged across the TV screen every hour on the news shows. But as my friend, Tony Campolo said in an interview last week, when we spend our lives seizing the microphone to speak to the world of our opinions and judgments, we should not surprised when the system redirects its spotlight to us, justly or unjustly, in our bad moments.
We are still in the process of learning what has actually transpired over the past many months on the secret side of Ted’s life. In just the last few hours the leadership of New Life Church has announced that he has been asked to resign. His ministry at New Life Church and as leader of the NAE is over.
I’ve spent more than a little time trying to understand how and why some men/women in all kinds of leadership get themselves into trouble whether the issues be moral, financial, or the abuse of power and ego. I am no stranger to failure and public humiliation. From those terrible moments of twenty years ago in my own life I have come to believe that there is a deeper person in many of us who is not unlike an assassin.
This deeper person (like a contentious board member) can be the source of attitudes and behaviors we normally stand against in our conscious being. But it seeks to destroy us and masses energies that—unrestrained—tempt us to do the very things we “believe against.” If you have been burned as deeply as I (and my loved ones) have, you never live a day without remembering that there is something within that, left unguarded, will go on the rampage. Wallace Hamilton once wrote, “Within each of us there is a herd of wild horses all wanting to run loose.”
It seems to me that when people become leaders of outsized organizations and movements, when they become famous and their opinions are constantly sought by the media, we ought to begin to become cautious. The very drive that propels some leaders toward extraordinary levels of achievement is a drive that often keeps expanding even after reasonable goals and objectives have been achieved. Like a river that breaks its levy, that drive often strays into areas of excitement and risk that can be dangerous and destructive. Sometimes the drive appears to be unstoppable. This seems to have been the experience of the Older Testament David and his wandering eyes, Uzziah in his boredom, and Solomon with his insatiable hunger for wealth, wives and horses. They seem to have been questing—addictively?—for more thrills or trying to meet deeper personal needs, and the normal ways that satisfy most people became inadequate for them.
When I see a leader who becomes stubborn and rigid, who becomes increasingly less compassionate toward his adversaries, increasingly tyrannical in his own organization, who rouses anger and arrogance in others, I wonder if he is not generating all of this heat because he is trying so hard to say “no” to something surging deep within his own soul. Are his words and deeds not so much directed against an enemy “out there” as they are against a much more cunning enemy within his own soul. More than once I have visited with pastors who have spent hours immersed in pornography and then gone on to preach their most “spirit-filled” sermons against immorality a day or two later. It’s a disconnect that boggles the rational mind.
No amount of accountability seems to be adequate to contain a person living with such inner conflict. Neither can it contain a person who needs continuous adrenalin highs to trump the highs of yesterday. Maybe this is one of the geniuses of Jesus: he knew when to stop, how to refuse the cocktail of privilege, fame and applause that distorts one’s ability to think wisely and to master self.
More than once we’ve seen the truth of a person’s life come out, not all at once, but in a series of disclosures, each an admission of further culpability which had been denied just a day or two before. Perhaps inability to tell the full truth is a sign that one is actually lying to himself and cannot face the full truth of the behavior in his own soul.
But then all sin begins with lies told to oneself. The cardinal lies of a failed leader? I give and give and give in this position; I deserve special privileges—perhaps even the privilege of living above the rules. Or, I have enough charm and enough smooth words that I can talk anything (even my innocence) into reality. Or, so much of my life is lived above the line of holiness that I can be excused this one little faux pas. Or, I have done so much for these people; now it’s their time to do something for me—like forgiving me and giving a second chance.
I am heart-broken for Ted Haggard and his wife and family. I cannot imagine the torture they are living through at this very moment. Toppled from national esteem and regard in a matter of hours, they must adjust to wondering who their real friends are now. They have to be asking how these events—known by the world—will affect their children. Mrs. Haggard will not be able to go the local WalMart without wondering who she may bump into when she turns into Aisle 3 (A reporter? A church member? A critic?). Both Haggards will face cameras every time they emerge from their home in the next few days until the media finds another person with whom to have its sport.
The travel, the connections, the interviews, the applause of the congregation, the organizational power, the perks and privileges, the honor: gone! The introit to people of position/power: gone! The opportunity to say an influential word each day into the lives of teachable younger people: gone! The certainty that God has anointed one for such a time as this: gone? And what will grow each day is the numbing realization of regret and loss. In time they will be approached by people who will say in one way or another, “I used to trust you, but what you’ve done has made me very angry….you’ve turned my son away from the gospel….I thought I knew you, but I guess I didn’t.” It will be a long time before either of the Haggards feel safe again. Suffering over this will last most of a lifetime even after some sort of restoration is rendered. How I wish this could all be lifted from them.
Perhaps there will come a day down the pathway when there will be some kind of return to influence. But right now it is—or should be—a long way in the distance.
Among my prayers is that the leadership of New Life Church will not assume that “restoration” means getting Ted back into the pulpit as soon as possible. The worst thing in the world would be to raise his hopes that just because he models a contrite spirit he can return to public life in the near future. He, for his own sake, must take a long time to work through the causative factors in this situation. He will not resolve whatever is wrong in his own soul by going back to work. He and his wife must set aside a long, long time to allow their personal relationship to heal. Forgiveness is a long healing, not a momentary one. And there are those five children. Thinking of them makes me want to weep. And then there are countless people in and beyond their church who must take a long time to figure out what all of this means. No, the worst things Ted’s friends and overseers can do is to try and bring him back from this prematurely. The best thing they can do is ask him to retreat into silence with those he loves the most and listen—to God, to trusted elders.
The statement issued by the NAE Executive Committee late Friday afternoon seems flat to me. It appears to have been written by savvy PR people who wanted to say all the nice and appropriate things which might mollify the media and cause no heartburn for the lawyers. The burden of the statement seems to be that the NAE is already on to the question of who the next leader will be. The fact is that, all too often, we have seen the President of NAE on the news and talk shows speaking as the leader of so-called 33 million evangelicals. I’m not sure that most of us were polled as to whether or not we wanted Ted Haggard (or anyone) speaking for us. I know that last time I felt safe about anyone speaking for evangelicals as a whole was when Billy Graham talked on our behalf. But, as of late, an illusion was permitted to grow: that the NAE was a well-organized, highly networked movement of American evangelicals headed by Ted Haggard who, when he spoke, spoke for all of us. Now, unfortunately, that voice has misspoken, and our movement has to live with the consequences.
I have a fairly poor batting average when it comes to predicting the future. But my own sense is that the NAE (as we know it) will probably not recover from this awful moment. Should it? Leaders of various NAE constituencies are likely to believe that their fortunes are better served by new and fresher alliances.
Ever since the beginning of the Bush administration, I have worried over the tendency of certain Evangelical personalities to go public every time they visited the White House or had a phone conference with an administration official. I know it has wonderful fund-raising capabilities. And I know the temptation to ego-expansion when one feels that he has the ear of the President. But the result is that we are now part of an evangelical movement that is greatly compromised….identified in the eyes of the public as deep in the hip pockets of the Republican party and administration. My own belief? Our movement has been used. There are hints that the movement—once cobbled together by Billy Graham and Harold Ockenga—is beginning to fragment because it is more identified by a political agenda that seems to be failing and less identified by a commitment to Jesus and his kingdom. Like it or not, we are pictured as those who support war, torture, and a go-it-alone (bullying) posture in international relationships. Any of us who travel internationally have tasted the global hostility toward our government and the suspicion that our President’s policies reflect the real tenants of Evangelical faith. And I might add that there is considerable disillusionment on the part of many of our Christian brothers/sisters in other countries who are mystified as to where American evangelicals are in all of this. Our movement may have its Supreme Court appointments, but it may also have compromised its historic center of Biblical faith. Is it time to let the larger public know that some larger-than-life evangelical personalities with radio and TV shows do not speak for all of us?
And so I pray: Lord and Father, how sad you must be when you see the most powerful and the weakest of your children fall prey to the energy of sin and evil. There is nothing any one has ever done that we –each of us—is not capable of doing. So when we pray for our brother, Ted Haggard, we pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross. Father, give this man and his wife the gift of your grace. Protect them from the constant accusations of the evil one who will seek to deny them sleep, tempt them to talk too much to the public, arouse conflict between them as a couple and with their children. Send the right people into their lives who can provide the correct mixture of hope and healing love. Deliver them from people who will curry their favor by telling them things they should not hear. Restrain them from making poor judgments in their most fearful moments.
Lord, be present to the leaders and people of the New Life Church. And to the NAE leadership which has to live with the side-effects of this tragedy. And to people in the evangelical tradition who are wondering today who they can trust. What more can we pray for? You know all things. We so very little. Amen.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
go, Tigers...and more...
or it might be less...
I've stopped drinking Diet Coke for a little while. Doing something with a friend. Don't know when I'll pick it up again, but for now, I'm dry. Sure, I can drink other drinks...but there's nothing like a cold diet coke on a cold fall day...ahhh...
There are times when I get Diet Coke "saturated"...I start to feel it in terms of being tired more than I should and it just doesn't taste as good. So with this little hiatus, I think I've got a good energy level back and I'm sure it will taste good when I drink it again.
I may stay off caffein altogether. I'm not making any pledges or anything, but we'll see;-)
Heidi and I have been watching season 2 of Scrubs...perhaps the best show on tv. It is totally under-rated. I love the writing and the characters are well-developed. Rent it at the library and give it a try.
Levi is about to enter the world of the walking. He's taking a few steps at a time now. Life is about to get busy for us! The problem is, he's not much for taking a bonk on the noggen. So...when he falls, it usually involves crying. Oh, well...he'll toughen up one way or another.
My sister and her family are coming for a visit this weekend. Just a quickie, but it will be great to see them. I love seeing the boys...and Izak idolizes his cousins. Very fun to see.
I don't feel good about any of my choices for governor of IL. I'm usually right in there when it comes to voting and politics...this is the first time my stomache has turned to the point I don't feel good about making a choice. Not even sure who to write in...Here's to Mickey Mouse!
Well...there's a little brain dump for the morning. Back to work...
Peace,
M@
I've stopped drinking Diet Coke for a little while. Doing something with a friend. Don't know when I'll pick it up again, but for now, I'm dry. Sure, I can drink other drinks...but there's nothing like a cold diet coke on a cold fall day...ahhh...
There are times when I get Diet Coke "saturated"...I start to feel it in terms of being tired more than I should and it just doesn't taste as good. So with this little hiatus, I think I've got a good energy level back and I'm sure it will taste good when I drink it again.
I may stay off caffein altogether. I'm not making any pledges or anything, but we'll see;-)
Heidi and I have been watching season 2 of Scrubs...perhaps the best show on tv. It is totally under-rated. I love the writing and the characters are well-developed. Rent it at the library and give it a try.
Levi is about to enter the world of the walking. He's taking a few steps at a time now. Life is about to get busy for us! The problem is, he's not much for taking a bonk on the noggen. So...when he falls, it usually involves crying. Oh, well...he'll toughen up one way or another.
My sister and her family are coming for a visit this weekend. Just a quickie, but it will be great to see them. I love seeing the boys...and Izak idolizes his cousins. Very fun to see.
I don't feel good about any of my choices for governor of IL. I'm usually right in there when it comes to voting and politics...this is the first time my stomache has turned to the point I don't feel good about making a choice. Not even sure who to write in...Here's to Mickey Mouse!
Well...there's a little brain dump for the morning. Back to work...
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
can't keep up...
Just keeping up with life these days is keeping me busy...thus not much by way of posting.
As of today, all of our children have an age...no one is "zero" any more -- that's how Izak described Levi. But today, our youngest turns one...incredible!
A couple days ago, our oldest, Izak, turned 4. He's such a little boy, now...past toddler, that's for sure. I love interacting with him, laughing with him, and talking with him. He's a gift.
We had a party on Sunday. Both of the boys were celebrated by friends and family. What a gift to have a growing community here who will share life and party with us.
I stayed up late Monday to watch the Bears. Though I'm dead tired now, it was worth it to see that game. Fun to be in Chicago this year...so far.
There's a quick update.
Peace,
M@
As of today, all of our children have an age...no one is "zero" any more -- that's how Izak described Levi. But today, our youngest turns one...incredible!
A couple days ago, our oldest, Izak, turned 4. He's such a little boy, now...past toddler, that's for sure. I love interacting with him, laughing with him, and talking with him. He's a gift.
We had a party on Sunday. Both of the boys were celebrated by friends and family. What a gift to have a growing community here who will share life and party with us.
I stayed up late Monday to watch the Bears. Though I'm dead tired now, it was worth it to see that game. Fun to be in Chicago this year...so far.
There's a quick update.
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
breaks=good
Yeah...was driving home from the store this morning when I sensed a lot of play in the breaks of my car. Play...as in they didn't work...you should have seen the face of the lady in the minivan on the corner...
couple hours late, I'm back on the road...driving AND breaking!
couple hours late, I'm back on the road...driving AND breaking!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Being The Church
Catalytic Conversations: A beautiful and messy kingdom.
By Marshall Shelley on Mission
Leadership editor Marshall Shelley is in Atlanta this week for the Catalyst Conference, where 9,000 mostly younger leaders of churches are meeting to discuss ministry in today’s culture. Here’s his first report.
Right now I’m sitting in the balcony of the Performing Arts Center, where in a few minutes an informal “unplugged” session will feature a conversation between neo-church pastors Chris Seay of Ecclesia in Houston and Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Community Church in Portland, Oregon, and a Rwandan pastor whose name I don’t know.
To the crowd of 300 or so, he [McKinley] offered a concise and provocative discussion of the relationship of the church to the Kingdom of God. This was theology, imminently practical theology.
“As pastors, we are tempted to build the church,” he said. “So we send out postcards to targeted Zip codes and we promote church programs.” But that misses the point, he argued. “Our job isn’t to build the church. We’re supposed to BE the church, and build the kingdom.” He emphasized that the kingdom is to be experienced NOW, on earth, as Christians exemplify godly living, but he also pointed out, as the recent school shootings demonstrate, that the kingdom is also “not yet.” God’s kingdom won’t be realized in its fullness as long as such sin characterizes our world.
He identified why many U.S. churches don’t “get” the kingdom. The first reason is our individualistic culture. Ours is a “me and Jesus” spiritual life, disconnected from Creation, environment, relationships, and our surrounding community. Another reason is our tendency toward dualism: church vs. culture; sacred vs. secular; spiritual vs. physical. And ignoring the integration of those elements.
McKinley acknowledges the importance of Christ’s atonement for the forgiveness of individuals, but as he emphasized, “The best expression of the church is NOT what happens on Sunday morning. It’s what happens in the world during the week. And that’s not something you can market.”
His most provocative statements focused on the Christian’s calling to love their neighbors, even if those neighbors don’t respond to Christ or clean up their act. He told of his church’s messy efforts to love those with addictions, mental illnesses, and other conditions that aren’t easily cleaned up.
“We’re not called to change people’s behavior; we’re called to love them whether they change or not. It’s up to God to change them.”
After the lab, hallway conversations were discussing how you can “love the addicted” without “enabling” their dysfunction and thus perpetuating their addiction.
If this is indicative of the level of conversation, this year’s Catalyst is embracing both theology and practice, and getting to the heart of the Christian calling.
*************
What do you think?
By Marshall Shelley on Mission
Leadership editor Marshall Shelley is in Atlanta this week for the Catalyst Conference, where 9,000 mostly younger leaders of churches are meeting to discuss ministry in today’s culture. Here’s his first report.
Right now I’m sitting in the balcony of the Performing Arts Center, where in a few minutes an informal “unplugged” session will feature a conversation between neo-church pastors Chris Seay of Ecclesia in Houston and Rick McKinley of Imago Dei Community Church in Portland, Oregon, and a Rwandan pastor whose name I don’t know.
To the crowd of 300 or so, he [McKinley] offered a concise and provocative discussion of the relationship of the church to the Kingdom of God. This was theology, imminently practical theology.
“As pastors, we are tempted to build the church,” he said. “So we send out postcards to targeted Zip codes and we promote church programs.” But that misses the point, he argued. “Our job isn’t to build the church. We’re supposed to BE the church, and build the kingdom.” He emphasized that the kingdom is to be experienced NOW, on earth, as Christians exemplify godly living, but he also pointed out, as the recent school shootings demonstrate, that the kingdom is also “not yet.” God’s kingdom won’t be realized in its fullness as long as such sin characterizes our world.
He identified why many U.S. churches don’t “get” the kingdom. The first reason is our individualistic culture. Ours is a “me and Jesus” spiritual life, disconnected from Creation, environment, relationships, and our surrounding community. Another reason is our tendency toward dualism: church vs. culture; sacred vs. secular; spiritual vs. physical. And ignoring the integration of those elements.
McKinley acknowledges the importance of Christ’s atonement for the forgiveness of individuals, but as he emphasized, “The best expression of the church is NOT what happens on Sunday morning. It’s what happens in the world during the week. And that’s not something you can market.”
His most provocative statements focused on the Christian’s calling to love their neighbors, even if those neighbors don’t respond to Christ or clean up their act. He told of his church’s messy efforts to love those with addictions, mental illnesses, and other conditions that aren’t easily cleaned up.
“We’re not called to change people’s behavior; we’re called to love them whether they change or not. It’s up to God to change them.”
After the lab, hallway conversations were discussing how you can “love the addicted” without “enabling” their dysfunction and thus perpetuating their addiction.
If this is indicative of the level of conversation, this year’s Catalyst is embracing both theology and practice, and getting to the heart of the Christian calling.
*************
What do you think?
Friday, September 29, 2006
new member of the family...
For the past many years, we've been having trouble with our minivan. We've thought that this repair will be the one that fixes the problems. Then two months later, it's another thing that's taking money from the bank account.
It's just been too much. So yesterday, we got rid of the trouble and took advantage of 0% financing on a new Dodge Caravan. It's red and has the basics we were looking for.
We haven't always done car-buying well for one reason or another. But this time, I think we did it right...we sought godly counsel, prayed, researched, walked away a few times, and made a good decision. We've learned from past mistakes and applied them in this situation. I'm pleased with the process, as long as it was.
I wanted to just get it done earlier so we could move on. I also thought about getting a very upgraded one...with all the bells and whistles. But you know what? Those bells and whistles don't make it any more than just a van to drive around in. And they cost us a lot more...the ability to enjoy a few dates a month, the flexibility for Heidi to not work if she needs to call off, saving, and giving. Those costs just aren't worth it so us. So we made a good choice.
Maybe I'll get a picture up sometime here...
M@
It's just been too much. So yesterday, we got rid of the trouble and took advantage of 0% financing on a new Dodge Caravan. It's red and has the basics we were looking for.
We haven't always done car-buying well for one reason or another. But this time, I think we did it right...we sought godly counsel, prayed, researched, walked away a few times, and made a good decision. We've learned from past mistakes and applied them in this situation. I'm pleased with the process, as long as it was.
I wanted to just get it done earlier so we could move on. I also thought about getting a very upgraded one...with all the bells and whistles. But you know what? Those bells and whistles don't make it any more than just a van to drive around in. And they cost us a lot more...the ability to enjoy a few dates a month, the flexibility for Heidi to not work if she needs to call off, saving, and giving. Those costs just aren't worth it so us. So we made a good choice.
Maybe I'll get a picture up sometime here...
M@
Thursday, September 28, 2006
catching up...
mostly...It's been a crazy week or so. Here's a rundown with potential commentatry...
- I can't stand the Yankees...but the multiple post is more of a reflection of my own impatience in not waiting for blogger to download before I tell it to try again;-) Though, in case I didn't make my point clearly...I can't stand the Yankees!
- Heidi, the kids, and I traveled to Michigan last Thursday to be with her family and for the the memorial service to honor Grandma Bennett. It went well. The kids did great in the van (with dvd players!).
- The service on Saturday went well. Grandma was honored. The family was comforted. And God was lifted up as the giver of life. I was glad to be a part of it.
- On the drive to Michigan, I got a call that Mrs. Nguyen (pronounced 'win') died. She has been a part of Northwest for several years and has been living with her daughter and son-in-law, who are Northwesters, too. Her funeral would be Sunday afternoon.
- Mrs. Nguyen's and the Doan's small group stepped up during this time. Even though I was not there, they were well cared for. That's community, baby! I love to see that at work.
- After the memorial service in Michigan, I hopped in my mil's yellow VW Beetle and drove to Chicago (hey, it gets great mileage as a diesel 5-speed) in time for the viewing. It was a neat time to connect with the family and plan for the service on Sunday.
- Sunday morning was special, too. Northwest is helping a new Korean church by letting them use our space Sunday afternoons. The congregation was introduced to Pastor Choi and his family during the 1030 worship gathering. People were excited. Rev. Choi and his family gave us a gift in song...they played and sang Nearer My God To Thee. Even though the words were in Korean, the Spirit of unity was present and was a gift to us. Very cool.
- The afternoon funeral went well. Another cultural experience as Mrs. Nguyen and her family are Vietnamese. It was very special.
- After that service and a brief stop at the dinner prepared, I went hopped back into the VW and drove back to Michigan to get my family. I laid down to sleep by 2am and got to sleep until about 7 when I woke up to kiss on the cheek by my oldest son...what a great way to wake up...
- We were on the road by 10am and heading back to Chicago. We beat rush-hour traffic in the city and where playing in our own back yard by 3.
- Since that time, we've been examining the options of getting a new van. Ours has had regular trouble and we're done dealing with it. I think we found something that will work...but we're still praying for wisdom and God's leadership in this process.
So...that's the scoop. It's been a whirlwind for sure...but very good, too. I'm excited about the cross-cultural implications of supporting Good News Church (the Korean congregation) as they reach a group of people in our community that Northwest never will. I love that. We/I will learn much, no doubt.
Thanks for praying for us during the past week.
Peace,
Matt
- I can't stand the Yankees...but the multiple post is more of a reflection of my own impatience in not waiting for blogger to download before I tell it to try again;-) Though, in case I didn't make my point clearly...I can't stand the Yankees!
- Heidi, the kids, and I traveled to Michigan last Thursday to be with her family and for the the memorial service to honor Grandma Bennett. It went well. The kids did great in the van (with dvd players!).
- The service on Saturday went well. Grandma was honored. The family was comforted. And God was lifted up as the giver of life. I was glad to be a part of it.
- On the drive to Michigan, I got a call that Mrs. Nguyen (pronounced 'win') died. She has been a part of Northwest for several years and has been living with her daughter and son-in-law, who are Northwesters, too. Her funeral would be Sunday afternoon.
- Mrs. Nguyen's and the Doan's small group stepped up during this time. Even though I was not there, they were well cared for. That's community, baby! I love to see that at work.
- After the memorial service in Michigan, I hopped in my mil's yellow VW Beetle and drove to Chicago (hey, it gets great mileage as a diesel 5-speed) in time for the viewing. It was a neat time to connect with the family and plan for the service on Sunday.
- Sunday morning was special, too. Northwest is helping a new Korean church by letting them use our space Sunday afternoons. The congregation was introduced to Pastor Choi and his family during the 1030 worship gathering. People were excited. Rev. Choi and his family gave us a gift in song...they played and sang Nearer My God To Thee. Even though the words were in Korean, the Spirit of unity was present and was a gift to us. Very cool.
- The afternoon funeral went well. Another cultural experience as Mrs. Nguyen and her family are Vietnamese. It was very special.
- After that service and a brief stop at the dinner prepared, I went hopped back into the VW and drove back to Michigan to get my family. I laid down to sleep by 2am and got to sleep until about 7 when I woke up to kiss on the cheek by my oldest son...what a great way to wake up...
- We were on the road by 10am and heading back to Chicago. We beat rush-hour traffic in the city and where playing in our own back yard by 3.
- Since that time, we've been examining the options of getting a new van. Ours has had regular trouble and we're done dealing with it. I think we found something that will work...but we're still praying for wisdom and God's leadership in this process.
So...that's the scoop. It's been a whirlwind for sure...but very good, too. I'm excited about the cross-cultural implications of supporting Good News Church (the Korean congregation) as they reach a group of people in our community that Northwest never will. I love that. We/I will learn much, no doubt.
Thanks for praying for us during the past week.
Peace,
Matt
Thursday, September 21, 2006
I hate...
...the Yankees...not personally...but as a team. I hate that they can buy themselves out of a management crisis. I hate that it works just about every year.
I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?
So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!
M@
I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?
So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!
M@
I hate...
...the Yankees...not personally...but as a team. I hate that they can buy themselves out of a management crisis. I hate that it works just about every year.
I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?
So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!
M@
I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?
So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!
M@
I hate...
...the Yankees...not personally...but as a team. I hate that they can buy themselves out of a management crisis. I hate that it works just about every year.
I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?
So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!
M@
I also hate that the Red Sox rolled over and played dead since August. Come on, Theo...what will the costume be this year?
So this post-season, guess who I'm pulling for? Anyone playing those dang Yankees!!
M@
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
random thoughts...
I'm not even sure they qualify as thoughts, but here goes...
- what a great time this past weekend! What a gift for me to baptize Dennie during our worship gathering. She's a lady who is turned on in her faith and excited to follow Jesus. Right after she was baptized, her son, Sean, was, too. I love this stuff!!
- After worship, a bunch of Northwesters had a party. We grilled, played, jumped, ate, chased kids, got to know new friends and reconnected with old ones. It was a good day.
- Tomorrow Heidi, the kids, and I will head to Michigan for the memorial for Heidi's grandmother. It will be a special time with family, no doubt.
- Kevin's gone for a month on a sabbatical. It's about 2 years behind schedule for him, but it's well-deserved and (I hope) profitable for him. It will be strange not having him around for the month.
- one fantasy football team is doing quite well (2nd place) and other stinks (last place). I made some roster changes and we should be in good shape for this coming weekend.
After a late night elders' meeting, that's all I got...
Peace,
M@
- what a great time this past weekend! What a gift for me to baptize Dennie during our worship gathering. She's a lady who is turned on in her faith and excited to follow Jesus. Right after she was baptized, her son, Sean, was, too. I love this stuff!!
- After worship, a bunch of Northwesters had a party. We grilled, played, jumped, ate, chased kids, got to know new friends and reconnected with old ones. It was a good day.
- Tomorrow Heidi, the kids, and I will head to Michigan for the memorial for Heidi's grandmother. It will be a special time with family, no doubt.
- Kevin's gone for a month on a sabbatical. It's about 2 years behind schedule for him, but it's well-deserved and (I hope) profitable for him. It will be strange not having him around for the month.
- one fantasy football team is doing quite well (2nd place) and other stinks (last place). I made some roster changes and we should be in good shape for this coming weekend.
After a late night elders' meeting, that's all I got...
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
sacred moment
...and the little immigrant girl was ushered into the presence of the King. And for the first time, she saw His face clearly. She saw His smile. She knew His love without hinderance. And the little girl knew she was Home.
Good-bye, Grandma. It's been a long trip...but you're home.
Good-bye, Grandma. It's been a long trip...but you're home.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
quickie...
Several thoughts about several things...probably not much actually useful...we'll see...
- Heidi, the kids, and I will be driving to Bay City, MI tomorrow after worship. Grandma rallied a couple weeks ago, but seems to be making her final leg of the journey through this world. There are some things worth saying before that times comes. So we travel...
- Some great stuff is going on at Northwest. God's grace is showing up huge, which is always awesome! We'll be baptizing a couple people next weekend...I love that! There are some things that are a real challenge...but the dirty little secret is that I even love the hard stuff! I guess you'd say I found my niche...
- I've got two fantasy football teams. It happened sort of fast, but I like it and we're doing two. I plan on winning both...with one hand tied behind my back...just in case any of my oponents are check in on me here...be scared.
- I'm frustrated that the Red Sox have laid such a big turd on the end of their season. It was theirs to lose...and they are. And on top of that...I hate the Yankees...arghhh.
- Played nine holes this morning with a neighbor. It was good to get out and swing the club. I swung it a few too many times...but it was still fun. There's a cheap cow pasture down the road from us...good times.
- I'm listening to Levi jumping in his crib. He's nuts! Very charming, but nuts. He's standing...even a little without support. I keep trying to push him down, but he stands up anyway...punk.
- Heidi rocks as a wife. Just thought I'd put that in there. She really does.
- Kevin's a great partner in ministry. I'm glad he's here...and that I'm here, too. We work hard together...I think it's good. Props to you, Mr. Parido...
- I like ice cream. My kids like ice cream. Not sure if it's dna...or that ice cream is just good.
- I'm having a hard time getting over a little hump in my weight goals. Down 29 pounds for 2 weeks now...pushing...hard...for...30. But humps like this are a part of the process. I'm not discouraged, just addicted to meeting my goals! The running is going well. I'm running over 3 miles without passing out! I'm not breaking any land speed records, but hey...I'm still chubby and I'm out there tearing it up.
- I love that it's football season. Colder weather. fun games. My wife is an animal about football...I love that, too. Go Pats! Go State!
I've said my piece. Tomorrow as a part of worship, we will take some time to remember September 11, 2001. We will also pray for those who work hard to protect us daily. Should be a special time. It's not the whole service, but I think it's important for us to remember.
Peace,
M@
- Heidi, the kids, and I will be driving to Bay City, MI tomorrow after worship. Grandma rallied a couple weeks ago, but seems to be making her final leg of the journey through this world. There are some things worth saying before that times comes. So we travel...
- Some great stuff is going on at Northwest. God's grace is showing up huge, which is always awesome! We'll be baptizing a couple people next weekend...I love that! There are some things that are a real challenge...but the dirty little secret is that I even love the hard stuff! I guess you'd say I found my niche...
- I've got two fantasy football teams. It happened sort of fast, but I like it and we're doing two. I plan on winning both...with one hand tied behind my back...just in case any of my oponents are check in on me here...be scared.
- I'm frustrated that the Red Sox have laid such a big turd on the end of their season. It was theirs to lose...and they are. And on top of that...I hate the Yankees...arghhh.
- Played nine holes this morning with a neighbor. It was good to get out and swing the club. I swung it a few too many times...but it was still fun. There's a cheap cow pasture down the road from us...good times.
- I'm listening to Levi jumping in his crib. He's nuts! Very charming, but nuts. He's standing...even a little without support. I keep trying to push him down, but he stands up anyway...punk.
- Heidi rocks as a wife. Just thought I'd put that in there. She really does.
- Kevin's a great partner in ministry. I'm glad he's here...and that I'm here, too. We work hard together...I think it's good. Props to you, Mr. Parido...
- I like ice cream. My kids like ice cream. Not sure if it's dna...or that ice cream is just good.
- I'm having a hard time getting over a little hump in my weight goals. Down 29 pounds for 2 weeks now...pushing...hard...for...30. But humps like this are a part of the process. I'm not discouraged, just addicted to meeting my goals! The running is going well. I'm running over 3 miles without passing out! I'm not breaking any land speed records, but hey...I'm still chubby and I'm out there tearing it up.
- I love that it's football season. Colder weather. fun games. My wife is an animal about football...I love that, too. Go Pats! Go State!
I've said my piece. Tomorrow as a part of worship, we will take some time to remember September 11, 2001. We will also pray for those who work hard to protect us daily. Should be a special time. It's not the whole service, but I think it's important for us to remember.
Peace,
M@
Friday, September 01, 2006
...at what cost?
I'm an optimist. It's a disease (thanks, Patty) at times. And I tend to dream big. "Dream big" can mean any number of things depending on the situation, but it usually involved going for something that is "impossible." And on top of that, I believe one of the ways that God has gifted me through His Spirit is with eyes of faith -- I see Him at work even when others might miss it.
I started dreaming big about Northwest before we even hit the ground 19 months ago. I believe that God is desiring to use us to reach our community with the profound message of love, grace, and hope through Jesus. That's my assumption in moving forward.
Shortly after beginning work here, I would daydream (not necessarily Spirit-led) about a different building...something with more visibility (how many conversations I've had with people who had no idea a church was where we are), cooler look/feel, and more room to grow numerically. As I drive home each day, I pass by such a building. It's a big, sqare, brick, box of a building. Perfect. I've fantacized about that building for about 18 of the last 19 months. Someday, it would be great if that put that building up for sale...you know, in a few years when we'll be looking to move or build or something.
Then it happened. I was leaving the office one Saturday afternoon, allowing my fantasy to take hold in my mind. Turning the corner, I shouted outloud to no one in particular, "Oh, NO!!!" There is was. a real estate sign in the front of the building. No, not now...we're not ready. I'm not ready. It's too soon...
I thought more about it. I talked with God about it. My mind often wandered. I called the agent who said they were simply leasing the space...but try making an offer and see what happens. I fantacized some more. Tried to dismiss it. Couldn't.
The other day, I was driving by and the doors were open. It's a sing...go in, Matt. So I did. It was even more perfect than I thought it would be. So many of the ideas I had in my head would work perfectly in that building. Crap!! To the guy with me, I jokingly referred to it as "pastor porn" - something I would fantasize about but only to be distracted, never to be satisfied.
I thought. I prayed. I desired. I came up with a plan as to how we could actually make it work. And I honestly think we could. But then, as clear as day, the Spirit said this...you could do it, but then you'll have to care a lot about stuff that you don't have to care much about right now. Namely, I would have to care a lot about money -- who is giving, where we are tight, how much more we need. I'd start to think of new people in terms of giving. I'd start to cast vision, not to lead people, but to increase giving. I'd teach about money and finances in order to get more, not to lead the people into greater faithfulness and trust in God. I could do it...but at what cost?
Yeah...it's a great building. It would be great for us in many ways. But my dream is so much bigger than a building. It's not what a church looks like, my dreams are about what a church is becoming...who the people are. I care a lot about those things. those are the things I want keeping me up at night.
Doesn't mean we won't ever go for things like a bigger and more useful building. But that's probably a ways off. There's a way that I want us to do life together...and I'm not willing to give that up...that's too much of a cost for me.
Peace,
M@
I started dreaming big about Northwest before we even hit the ground 19 months ago. I believe that God is desiring to use us to reach our community with the profound message of love, grace, and hope through Jesus. That's my assumption in moving forward.
Shortly after beginning work here, I would daydream (not necessarily Spirit-led) about a different building...something with more visibility (how many conversations I've had with people who had no idea a church was where we are), cooler look/feel, and more room to grow numerically. As I drive home each day, I pass by such a building. It's a big, sqare, brick, box of a building. Perfect. I've fantacized about that building for about 18 of the last 19 months. Someday, it would be great if that put that building up for sale...you know, in a few years when we'll be looking to move or build or something.
Then it happened. I was leaving the office one Saturday afternoon, allowing my fantasy to take hold in my mind. Turning the corner, I shouted outloud to no one in particular, "Oh, NO!!!" There is was. a real estate sign in the front of the building. No, not now...we're not ready. I'm not ready. It's too soon...
I thought more about it. I talked with God about it. My mind often wandered. I called the agent who said they were simply leasing the space...but try making an offer and see what happens. I fantacized some more. Tried to dismiss it. Couldn't.
The other day, I was driving by and the doors were open. It's a sing...go in, Matt. So I did. It was even more perfect than I thought it would be. So many of the ideas I had in my head would work perfectly in that building. Crap!! To the guy with me, I jokingly referred to it as "pastor porn" - something I would fantasize about but only to be distracted, never to be satisfied.
I thought. I prayed. I desired. I came up with a plan as to how we could actually make it work. And I honestly think we could. But then, as clear as day, the Spirit said this...you could do it, but then you'll have to care a lot about stuff that you don't have to care much about right now. Namely, I would have to care a lot about money -- who is giving, where we are tight, how much more we need. I'd start to think of new people in terms of giving. I'd start to cast vision, not to lead people, but to increase giving. I'd teach about money and finances in order to get more, not to lead the people into greater faithfulness and trust in God. I could do it...but at what cost?
Yeah...it's a great building. It would be great for us in many ways. But my dream is so much bigger than a building. It's not what a church looks like, my dreams are about what a church is becoming...who the people are. I care a lot about those things. those are the things I want keeping me up at night.
Doesn't mean we won't ever go for things like a bigger and more useful building. But that's probably a ways off. There's a way that I want us to do life together...and I'm not willing to give that up...that's too much of a cost for me.
Peace,
M@
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
nonviolence
I read this on sojourners' web site. I thought it was an interesting article about nonviolence in an age of terrorism. What do you think?
*****************
Nonviolence and the strategy against terrorism
by David Cortright
In the months after 9/11, Jim Wallis challenged peace advocates to address the threat of terrorism. “If nonviolence is to have any credibility,” he wrote, “it must answer the questions violence purports to answer, but in a better way.” Gandhian principles of nonviolence provide a solid foundation for crafting an effective strategy against terrorism. Nonviolence is fundamentally a means of achieving justice and combating oppression. Gandhi demonstrated its effectiveness in resisting racial injustice in South Africa and winning independence for India. People-power movements have since spread throughout the world, helping to bring down communism in Eastern Europe and advancing democracy in Serbia, Ukraine, and beyond. The same principles - fighting injustice while avoiding harm - can be applied in the struggle against violent extremism.
Bush administration officials and many political leaders in Washington view terrorism primarily through the prism of war. Kill enough militants, they believe, and the threat will go away. The opposite approach is more effective and less costly in lives. Some limited use of force to apprehend militants and destroy training camps is legitimate, but unilateral war is not. In the three years since the invasion of Iraq, the number of major terrorist incidents in the world has increased sharply. War itself is a form of terrorism. Using military force to counter terrorism is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It ignites hatred and vengeance and creates a cycle of violence that can spin out of control. A better strategy is to take away the fuel that sustains the fire. Only nonviolent methods can do that, by attempting to resolve the underlying political and social factors that give rise to armed violence.
The most urgent priority for countering terrorism, experts agree, is multilateral law enforcement to apprehend perpetrators and prevent future attacks. Cooperative law enforcement and intelligence sharing among governments have proven effective in reducing the operational capacity of terrorist networks. Governments are also cooperating to block financing for terrorist networks and deny safe haven, travel, and arms for terrorist militants. These efforts are fully compatible with the principles of nonviolence.
Terrorism is fundamentally a political phenomenon, concluded the U.N. Working Group on Terrorism in 2002. To overcome the scourge, “it is necessary to understand its political nature as well as its basic criminality and psychology.” This means addressing legitimate political grievances that terrorist groups exploit - such as the Israel-Palestine dispute, repressive policies by Arab governments, and the continuing U.S. military occupation in Iraq. These deeply-held grievances generate widespread political frustration and bitterness in many Arab and Muslim countries, including among people who condemn terrorism and al Qaeda’s brutal methods. As these conditions fester and worsen, support rises for the groups that resist them. Finding solutions to these dilemmas can help to undercut support for jihadism. The strategy against terrorism requires undermining the social base of extremism by driving a wedge between militants and their potential sympathizers. The goal should be to separate militants from their support base by resolving the political injustices that terrorists exploit.
A nonviolent approach should not be confused with appeasement or a defeatist justification of terrorist crimes. The point is not to excuse criminal acts but to learn why they occur and use this knowledge to prevent future attacks. A nonviolent strategy seeks to reduce the appeal of militants’ extremist methods by addressing legitimate grievances and providing channels of political engagement for those who sympathize with the declared political aims. A two-step response is essential: determined law enforcement pressure against terrorist criminals, and active engagement with affected communities to resolve underlying injustices. Ethicist Michael Walzer wrote, counterterrorism “must be aimed systematically at the terrorists themselves, never at the people for whom the terrorists claim to be acting.” Military attacks against potential sympathizers are counterproductive and tend to drive third parties toward militancy. Lawful police action is by its nature more discriminating and is more effective politically because it minimizes predictable backlash effects.
Gandhi’s political genius was in understanding the power of third party opinion. He did not try to challenge the British militarily but instead organized mass resistance to weaken the political legitimacy of the Raj. The nonviolent method, Reinhold Niebuhr wrote, undermines the authority and “moral unction” of the adversary. Gandhi realized that political struggles are ultimately a battle for hearts and minds. In all his campaigns, he assiduously cultivated the support of third parties by avoiding harm to the innocent and addressing legitimate grievances. These are essential insights for the struggle against terrorism. The fight will not be won on the battlefield. The more it is waged on that front, the less likely it can be won. The goal of U.S. strategy, said the 9/11 Commission, must be “prevailing over the ideology that contributes to Islamic terrorism.” Nonviolent resistance is the opposite of and a necessary antidote to the ideology of extreme violence. Gandhi often said, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Better to keep our eyes open as we search for more effective means of eroding support for extremism, while protecting the innocent and bringing violent perpetrators to justice.
David Cortright is the author of Gandhi and Beyond: Nonviolence for an Age of Terrorism (Paradigm Publishers, 2006) and co-founder of the Center on Global Counter-Terrorism Cooperation.
*****************
Nonviolence and the strategy against terrorism
by David Cortright
In the months after 9/11, Jim Wallis challenged peace advocates to address the threat of terrorism. “If nonviolence is to have any credibility,” he wrote, “it must answer the questions violence purports to answer, but in a better way.” Gandhian principles of nonviolence provide a solid foundation for crafting an effective strategy against terrorism. Nonviolence is fundamentally a means of achieving justice and combating oppression. Gandhi demonstrated its effectiveness in resisting racial injustice in South Africa and winning independence for India. People-power movements have since spread throughout the world, helping to bring down communism in Eastern Europe and advancing democracy in Serbia, Ukraine, and beyond. The same principles - fighting injustice while avoiding harm - can be applied in the struggle against violent extremism.
Bush administration officials and many political leaders in Washington view terrorism primarily through the prism of war. Kill enough militants, they believe, and the threat will go away. The opposite approach is more effective and less costly in lives. Some limited use of force to apprehend militants and destroy training camps is legitimate, but unilateral war is not. In the three years since the invasion of Iraq, the number of major terrorist incidents in the world has increased sharply. War itself is a form of terrorism. Using military force to counter terrorism is like pouring gasoline on a fire. It ignites hatred and vengeance and creates a cycle of violence that can spin out of control. A better strategy is to take away the fuel that sustains the fire. Only nonviolent methods can do that, by attempting to resolve the underlying political and social factors that give rise to armed violence.
The most urgent priority for countering terrorism, experts agree, is multilateral law enforcement to apprehend perpetrators and prevent future attacks. Cooperative law enforcement and intelligence sharing among governments have proven effective in reducing the operational capacity of terrorist networks. Governments are also cooperating to block financing for terrorist networks and deny safe haven, travel, and arms for terrorist militants. These efforts are fully compatible with the principles of nonviolence.
Terrorism is fundamentally a political phenomenon, concluded the U.N. Working Group on Terrorism in 2002. To overcome the scourge, “it is necessary to understand its political nature as well as its basic criminality and psychology.” This means addressing legitimate political grievances that terrorist groups exploit - such as the Israel-Palestine dispute, repressive policies by Arab governments, and the continuing U.S. military occupation in Iraq. These deeply-held grievances generate widespread political frustration and bitterness in many Arab and Muslim countries, including among people who condemn terrorism and al Qaeda’s brutal methods. As these conditions fester and worsen, support rises for the groups that resist them. Finding solutions to these dilemmas can help to undercut support for jihadism. The strategy against terrorism requires undermining the social base of extremism by driving a wedge between militants and their potential sympathizers. The goal should be to separate militants from their support base by resolving the political injustices that terrorists exploit.
A nonviolent approach should not be confused with appeasement or a defeatist justification of terrorist crimes. The point is not to excuse criminal acts but to learn why they occur and use this knowledge to prevent future attacks. A nonviolent strategy seeks to reduce the appeal of militants’ extremist methods by addressing legitimate grievances and providing channels of political engagement for those who sympathize with the declared political aims. A two-step response is essential: determined law enforcement pressure against terrorist criminals, and active engagement with affected communities to resolve underlying injustices. Ethicist Michael Walzer wrote, counterterrorism “must be aimed systematically at the terrorists themselves, never at the people for whom the terrorists claim to be acting.” Military attacks against potential sympathizers are counterproductive and tend to drive third parties toward militancy. Lawful police action is by its nature more discriminating and is more effective politically because it minimizes predictable backlash effects.
Gandhi’s political genius was in understanding the power of third party opinion. He did not try to challenge the British militarily but instead organized mass resistance to weaken the political legitimacy of the Raj. The nonviolent method, Reinhold Niebuhr wrote, undermines the authority and “moral unction” of the adversary. Gandhi realized that political struggles are ultimately a battle for hearts and minds. In all his campaigns, he assiduously cultivated the support of third parties by avoiding harm to the innocent and addressing legitimate grievances. These are essential insights for the struggle against terrorism. The fight will not be won on the battlefield. The more it is waged on that front, the less likely it can be won. The goal of U.S. strategy, said the 9/11 Commission, must be “prevailing over the ideology that contributes to Islamic terrorism.” Nonviolent resistance is the opposite of and a necessary antidote to the ideology of extreme violence. Gandhi often said, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Better to keep our eyes open as we search for more effective means of eroding support for extremism, while protecting the innocent and bringing violent perpetrators to justice.
David Cortright is the author of Gandhi and Beyond: Nonviolence for an Age of Terrorism (Paradigm Publishers, 2006) and co-founder of the Center on Global Counter-Terrorism Cooperation.
updates...
I'm generally optimistic and encouraged these days. That doesn't mean there aren't challenging things on the radar, but I feel like I've come through a season in which God has been putting His finger on some heart issues in my life. As that season draws to a close, I sense that it's a "rest" period for that. This doesn't mean it's not important any more, but that I've seen what He wants me to see, made some adjustments to how I do life and think about life, and now is the time to assimilate those lessons into habits that help me move forward. I love to grow and learn. It's hard, but so worth it.
We're wrapping up a series on men at Northwest. I've had a great time doing this series and love seeing some of the impact of it in some others. Even women have commented to me how significant this has been for them. I've found encouragement in that -- mostly because the work being done is genuinely of the Spirit; my part has been to be faithful in presenting certain things and then let God do His work. That's fun to be a part of.
I'm in a couple Fantasy Football leagues. Heidi and I didn't do that last year, but enjoyed it the year before. One team has already been drafted and seems to be pretty good. I'm pleased. Will probably post on that a bit more later.
Peace,
M@
We're wrapping up a series on men at Northwest. I've had a great time doing this series and love seeing some of the impact of it in some others. Even women have commented to me how significant this has been for them. I've found encouragement in that -- mostly because the work being done is genuinely of the Spirit; my part has been to be faithful in presenting certain things and then let God do His work. That's fun to be a part of.
I'm in a couple Fantasy Football leagues. Heidi and I didn't do that last year, but enjoyed it the year before. One team has already been drafted and seems to be pretty good. I'm pleased. Will probably post on that a bit more later.
Peace,
M@
Thursday, August 17, 2006
PGA Championship...
I find myself easily distracted today. Because of yesterday. I'll explain...
For Father's Day, Heidi (and the kids, no doubt) gave me a special gift - tickets to a practice round for the PGA Championship in Medina (sound of us about an hour). Yesterday was the day.
I had an amazing time with Heidi at my side, graciously walking from hole to hole, trying to catch glimpses of great golfers on a great course. The weather was perfect. The company was perfect. And it was fun to see these men (many we recognized from watching golf on TV) hone their craft.
The day ended following John Daly on a couple holes. Waiting for him at the 10th tee, which is a "grip-it-and-rip-it" kind of hole, I was excited to see him drive...he's a long-baller on the drive. He walked up to the tee...and then right past the tee...to the car waiting just on the other side of the fence. I guess he's had enough practice. My guess is that the weekend will prove that he could have used a few more holes of practice...we'll see.
That disappointment began our long journey back to the clubhouse to go home. The course was changed a bit to accomodate the PGA, so the 10th tee, normally very near the clubhouse, was actually at the furthese possible point away from it. We got our walking in, for sure.
Heidi was hit in the leg by a little-known guy (at least to us). Joey Sindelar...he's shooting plus-2 as I write this...the curse of hitting Heidi Furr in the leg!! She got his ball as a gift.
What a day...Thank you, family. You love me well!
So today I'm a bit distracted. I'm checking on the scores and remembering what I saw. And smiling...
Furr
For Father's Day, Heidi (and the kids, no doubt) gave me a special gift - tickets to a practice round for the PGA Championship in Medina (sound of us about an hour). Yesterday was the day.
I had an amazing time with Heidi at my side, graciously walking from hole to hole, trying to catch glimpses of great golfers on a great course. The weather was perfect. The company was perfect. And it was fun to see these men (many we recognized from watching golf on TV) hone their craft.
The day ended following John Daly on a couple holes. Waiting for him at the 10th tee, which is a "grip-it-and-rip-it" kind of hole, I was excited to see him drive...he's a long-baller on the drive. He walked up to the tee...and then right past the tee...to the car waiting just on the other side of the fence. I guess he's had enough practice. My guess is that the weekend will prove that he could have used a few more holes of practice...we'll see.
That disappointment began our long journey back to the clubhouse to go home. The course was changed a bit to accomodate the PGA, so the 10th tee, normally very near the clubhouse, was actually at the furthese possible point away from it. We got our walking in, for sure.
Heidi was hit in the leg by a little-known guy (at least to us). Joey Sindelar...he's shooting plus-2 as I write this...the curse of hitting Heidi Furr in the leg!! She got his ball as a gift.
What a day...Thank you, family. You love me well!
So today I'm a bit distracted. I'm checking on the scores and remembering what I saw. And smiling...
Furr
Thursday, August 10, 2006
amazing gift...
Heidi gave me an amazing gift today. She created the space for me to head to Grand Haven, MI to meet with some mentors of mine (and my family). These are people that I try to connect with in person at least one time per year (my mentors...my family has to put up with me more than that!).
The journey of discovery began about 415am, when I pulled out of the driveway. Surely this will be early enough to avoid much traffic in the city of Chicago. I discovered that there are way too many people on the road at 4am in Chicago. Go home, people! Sleep in a bit more. The work will be there at 6, too!! Wow!
Got to Grand Haven, which is right on Lake Michigan. I grew up in this town and have always loved going to the waterfront. After 3.5 hours in the car, my muscles were aching. So I pulled into a parking lot and enjoyed a little morning jog near the water. From one end of the boardwalk to the end of the pier and back -- about 3 miles altogether. It was fun!
Spent some time with my folks and used their shower. Thank, Mom and Dad!!
Had lunch with Denny. Denny has been one of my biggest encouragers since I was a little kid. He took me under his wing when my father died and has always made time for me in his busy schedule. Denny is an encourager. He is also someone who kicks my arse...I got a bit of both during lunch. What did he speak into my life? That's for me to know and you to find out! Seriously...some of the stuff is close enough to my heart to share here. But I left my time with him both encouraged and challenged. It was worth the drive. Thanks, Denny.
After some time with family in the afternoon and a little shopping for my wife (no, I won't tell you what it was until I get home), I spent the evening with Larry and Brenda. I have spend countless hours in their living room since I was in High School. They have been profound mouthpieces of God into my life. Tonight was no exception. With a few simple questions, I shared with them what was going on in my life and at Northwest. They offered encouragement, insight, challenge, and powerful words into my life. Again, the specifics can feel somewhat sacred, so I won't write them out. But it was an incredible time with them.
Right now, I'm sitting in Jumpin' Java downtown Grand Haven. Processing my stuff a little before the drive home. I'm sort of stalling since I don't want to drive through the city too early -- the Sox will be finished whipping the *&%$&*^ Yankees tonight and I want to miss the traffic if possible.
Thank you, Heidi, for offering me this space to feed my soul. It's an amazing gift. It wasn't the same as Cambridge...but totally affirmed it...
My body is a little weary right now. But my soul is nourished. I realize at moments like this how totally blessed I am to have people who will invest themselves in me the way these folks do. I work hard for their investment to pay off...by God's grace.
Well...about time to hit the road. Gas is cheaper in Michigan...
Go Sox (White and Red)!!!
M@
The journey of discovery began about 415am, when I pulled out of the driveway. Surely this will be early enough to avoid much traffic in the city of Chicago. I discovered that there are way too many people on the road at 4am in Chicago. Go home, people! Sleep in a bit more. The work will be there at 6, too!! Wow!
Got to Grand Haven, which is right on Lake Michigan. I grew up in this town and have always loved going to the waterfront. After 3.5 hours in the car, my muscles were aching. So I pulled into a parking lot and enjoyed a little morning jog near the water. From one end of the boardwalk to the end of the pier and back -- about 3 miles altogether. It was fun!
Spent some time with my folks and used their shower. Thank, Mom and Dad!!
Had lunch with Denny. Denny has been one of my biggest encouragers since I was a little kid. He took me under his wing when my father died and has always made time for me in his busy schedule. Denny is an encourager. He is also someone who kicks my arse...I got a bit of both during lunch. What did he speak into my life? That's for me to know and you to find out! Seriously...some of the stuff is close enough to my heart to share here. But I left my time with him both encouraged and challenged. It was worth the drive. Thanks, Denny.
After some time with family in the afternoon and a little shopping for my wife (no, I won't tell you what it was until I get home), I spent the evening with Larry and Brenda. I have spend countless hours in their living room since I was in High School. They have been profound mouthpieces of God into my life. Tonight was no exception. With a few simple questions, I shared with them what was going on in my life and at Northwest. They offered encouragement, insight, challenge, and powerful words into my life. Again, the specifics can feel somewhat sacred, so I won't write them out. But it was an incredible time with them.
Right now, I'm sitting in Jumpin' Java downtown Grand Haven. Processing my stuff a little before the drive home. I'm sort of stalling since I don't want to drive through the city too early -- the Sox will be finished whipping the *&%$&*^ Yankees tonight and I want to miss the traffic if possible.
Thank you, Heidi, for offering me this space to feed my soul. It's an amazing gift. It wasn't the same as Cambridge...but totally affirmed it...
My body is a little weary right now. But my soul is nourished. I realize at moments like this how totally blessed I am to have people who will invest themselves in me the way these folks do. I work hard for their investment to pay off...by God's grace.
Well...about time to hit the road. Gas is cheaper in Michigan...
Go Sox (White and Red)!!!
M@
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