Anabaptist Time

Could you imagine being an Anabaptist in the time of the Reformation? Making a decision to be re-baptized could cost your life; ironically, the penalty for re-baptism was drowning. From water of life to water of death. What a way to go.
I have always been fascinated by Anabaptist theology, particularly that of Menno Simons. I once read some Simons; there is much in his writing that is valuable for contextual re-envisioning. There is also much that would leave one to suspect that more could be said on particular issues. Anyway, that is all I have for now.

More more Calvin and Chosen Nation Legacy

Today we talked about Calvin (just a little bit more, of course). We also moved to puritanism and covenantal theology, and discussed how it began to take shape in the early years of the continental United States. The Chosen Nation Legacy--also called "manifest destiny" by folks like the historian Turner--was a means by which folks legitimated their right to land, title, etc. simply by referring to its covenantal provision by God. This particular legacy, however, is certainly a powerful symbol in many different spheres of life--especially politics and culture.

A Little More Calvin

We spent a little more time on Calvin today. Although my own denominational tradition is Wesleyan in nature, I do appreciate Calvin's own approach to contextual issues; he certainly valued culture, and the necessity of the church to be a powerful force of change and renewal within it. More to come later.

Lutheranism and You

What was most interesting to me about today's class session was the discussion of how contemporary Lutherans are attempting to create faith communities that are not only contextual, but theologically imaginative and inviting. I particularly enjoyed House for All, Denver Lutheran church that attempts to be--along with many other things--both Christocentric and queer inclusive. As a member of the church of the Nazarene living here in Pasadena, I might be able to ask myself what kind of expressions of faith would make sense in my particular community?

New Monasticism/ Luther

Today's class discussion was very interesting. I appreciate the work that Shane Claiborne and the New Monastics (in general) are contributing to the body of Christ. They provide a picture of a particular way of living in the world as people who wait for the kingdom of God.

I also found it interesting that Luther's Reformation and the creation of the printing press coincided at nearly the same time. It is highly probable that one reason for the success of the Reformation was the new availability/interpretive possibilities brought about by an abundance of the printed Scriptures.

The Catholics

Today in class, we discussed Graham Cray. We also moved back to our conversation about Catholocism. It is interesting to see how many Catholic priests/missionaries reached out to distant lands (India, China, for example), biding their time and perfecting new cultural practices, only to find themselves limited by authoritarian structures of the Church and Euro-centric regulations. How frustrating it must have been! One was not allowed to offer the Scriptures in Chinese, for example, simply because the accepted language for reading the text was Latin! More to come later.

Graham Cray

Graham Cray is certainly a presence--he is arguably the leading voice in the missiological conversation in Great Britain. Many of his ideas are becoming a reality today, and the theological reflection that lies behind them are powerful influences upon members of fresh expressions and participants in the emergent conversation. How might we begin to reflect faithfully upon the ideas the Spirit has given him? How do we participate faithfully in the midst of cultures that are apathetic to the Christian faith? Important questions; I'm excited to hear the answers...

Missional Church

Today in class we spoke about a number of interesting things: space vs. time, contextual forms of church, and the like. I appreciate the heightened creativity that is giving momentum to fresh expressions of faith in the UK; perhaps there are ways by which folks in the States might be able to learn some of their insights and create contextually relevant expressions in a similar way. That is all I have for now. 

Conversion within Conversion

What interested me about our discussion today was the issue of conversion within conversion--a decision to move from one particular expression of faith (in this instance, evangelical) to one more deeply connected to the history of the tradition (in this case, Antiochian Orthodox). Perhaps this type of conversion within conversion will continue to take place, as Christians who hunger a more tangible expression of faith move to historic Christian practices with long traditions. 

The Church After Constantine

In the past class session, we began our examination of the church after Constantine. The empire--by edict of the emperor--had become "Christian." However, because of the large influx of new "believers" who were not part of the earlier communities with their particular dispositions and practices, the church and its framework changed drastically. I look forward to hearing more.

The Emergence of the Bishop

In class today, we wrapped up our section on the church before Constantine. What struck me about this period of the church was the powerful emergence of the bishop--a distinctive task for a particular person, discernible from the laity--who shaped theology and practice in light of emerging conflicts (schism, heresy, persecution, etc.). An interesting study would be one that compares the bishop of the pre-Constantine church of the bishop of the early 21st century--would there be discernible differences? Would there be discernible commonalities? This is just something to think about. 

The Church before Constantine

I found Wednesday's class discussion to be most interesting, particularly in light of the early church's transformation toward something more concrete. As the Didache may attest, the church was developing a teaching and a form, an identity pre-Constantine that was honed and sharpened in the crucible of martyrdom. More to come later. 

The Early Church Revisited

Today in class, we revisited the material we have covered regarding the early church. One thing that impresses me about the early church is their plurality. Coming from multiple contexts, the early church took shape as a network of many different communions. Despite this multiphrenicity, however, the early church maintained common bonds of grace and practice, knowing themselves as the body of Christ, the people of God, the temple of God, and the like. They were a people from every tribe and tongue, fashioned together as an instrument of God's work upon the world. That, I think, is a cool thing.

The Early Church

Today we discussed the multiplicity of church expressions that categorized the early church. These early groups were formed in the midst of particular cultural expressions, though knitted together through the common experience of the Lord's presence. I wonder how folks in the midst of a multiplicity of cultures (the contemporary setting) might learn to be sensitive to the sociological realities around them, while at the same time honoring the bond of universal faith? After our brief encounter with the early church, I began to think about the importance of an ecumenical sharing--a gathering of gifts and abilities that could function together toward allegiance to the kingdom of God. 

Looking toward Paul

In this class session, we summarized our discussion concerning Jesus and the church. It is amazing how we often look at the framework Jesus provides for his people and almost glamorize those early followers who took up his mission. I think it is very easy to forget how the early church struggled with issues very similar to our own--they were people dependent upon the grace of Christ, just as much as we are. I look forward to discussing more about Peter and Paul, particularly within their socio-political context. See you next time.

Jesus and the Church Re-visited

In class on Wednesday, we watched a video that attempted to portray Jesus in light of the socio-historical context of the early first century. Jesus' message, re-contextualized, was illuminated for its political and religious potency, and re-cast as a highly subversive message. 

What was also interesting (to me) about this class session was Ryan's description of a prayer practice he has undertaken with his children. Each day, Ryan prays that his children will demonstrate a particular practice of Jesus' kingdom--from peacemaking, to sharing, and the like. I like this, and wonder if there are ways by which I might assume this practice with my family and friends.

Jesus and the Church

Today in class, we began the discussion about "Jesus and the Church." We began with a brief rundown of Jesus' counter-cultural focus: a re-definition of what it means to be the people of God. This new definition was encapsulated in Jesus' ultimate theme--the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus' theme has dramatic implications for what it means to be the church. In a sense, the church becomes a tangible representation of God at work in the world. This made sense to his Jewish audience, whose structures of church (temple, synagogue, home) made all space sacred. Today, folks who desire to re-create this sacred space attempt to utilize the practices of their predecessors in the same way--reconnecting to the tangible witness that the church and synagogue can be in new cultural settings.

Getting to know each other

This afternoon, some classmates and I sat down together and talked about the faith traditions and experiences that have shaped our lives. We attempted to cover the entire gamut--the nature of our different churches, their structures, liturgical expressions, etc. I find these kinds of discussions (those regarding different faith traditions) to be deeply enriching, and look forward to the ongoing conversation that this quarter will offer. More to come soon.