More than once on Sunday mornings and at Thursday evening Bible study the question has arisen: "what does it mean that we are created in the image of God" ?
The Bible states that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). The implication of Genesis one is that in order to know how we are created in the image of God we must first know ourselves in relation to God. Our "godliness" then lies in right relationship to God and not in ourselves. Moreover, the Scriptures say that God breathed the Spirit into us - an action that draws us beyond our "creatureliness" into the very relationship that makes us bearers of God's image.
The heritage of our faith affirms that even though our life is short when compared to the generations of the universe, we have nonetheless been created FOR God. Although we are made from dust ( a symbol of our insignificance in the universe rather than a literal creation from dust) we are clearly objects of God's love. This reality doesn't give us "dominion" over all things, on the contrary, all things have been created for God and God is the God of all creatures. The goal for humanity then is to "steward" creation and care for it in the way that God cares for creation (thus exhibiting our nature as divine image bearers) with the knowledge that we have been created FOR God and will one day share full fellowship with God.
To be authentically human then is to have knowledge of our smallness (dust) and our destiny (fellowship with God).
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Mainstream Dilemma?
If we take time to look at Statistics Canada's information with respect to religious identity we will see that there is an uncomfortable and alarming trend emerging with respect to main stream Protestantism. (By mainstream I mean, the United Church, the Lutheran Church, Anglican and Presbyterian Churches.) A quick read of the numbers tell us that less than 30% of Canadians now identify themselves as members of main stream Protestant denominations and a growing 31% now do not self identify with any Christian denomination. Since Catholicism and Evangelicalism have remained somewhat stable, this rise in the number of people who do not self identify with a Church would appear to be coming from the declining numbers we mainstream Protestant denominations are experiencing.
What is it about our mainstream protestant denominations that have given rise to this trend?
I am sure there are many reasons why we are losing people but it would seem to me that one of the most obvious reasons lies in the liberal evolution of mainstream Protestantism over the last 40-50 years. It's not that liberalism is a bad thing - in fact its quite good, particularly as it applies to social policy as well as respect for the inherent dignity of all people. The difficulty, I think, is that we often forget to ground ourselves in sound theology. Many of the mainstream Protestant denominations have abandoned or at least softened many of the classical doctrines of Christianity - Trinity, Incarnation, Divinity of Jesus, Redemption and Salvation. In doing this we've generated a kind of "no-name" spirituality. In other words, society hears from the Church nothing distinctly Christian. The good and gospel social justice work we undertake becomes no different than the justice work of any other organization or non-profit charity. The result is that the Church simply becomes an ECHO of the culture. We hear from the Church pretty much what we hear from anywhere else in the secular world. The consequence - people say "why bother". There is nothing distincitive to our identity as a Church.
I'm not sure that dilemma is even the correct word to use - since dillemma implies that the difficulty experienced has two possible answers. Challenge isn't even a good word to describe the current situation since challenge is a defiant call to engage.
Whatever the correct word might be, it would appear that the Canadian statistics are sending a warning sound to the Church. Will we stand as something with a distinct identity or will we simply allow our environment to continue to consume us until we lack identity and spirit and have become nothing more than another agency of "good will".
What is it about our mainstream protestant denominations that have given rise to this trend?
I am sure there are many reasons why we are losing people but it would seem to me that one of the most obvious reasons lies in the liberal evolution of mainstream Protestantism over the last 40-50 years. It's not that liberalism is a bad thing - in fact its quite good, particularly as it applies to social policy as well as respect for the inherent dignity of all people. The difficulty, I think, is that we often forget to ground ourselves in sound theology. Many of the mainstream Protestant denominations have abandoned or at least softened many of the classical doctrines of Christianity - Trinity, Incarnation, Divinity of Jesus, Redemption and Salvation. In doing this we've generated a kind of "no-name" spirituality. In other words, society hears from the Church nothing distinctly Christian. The good and gospel social justice work we undertake becomes no different than the justice work of any other organization or non-profit charity. The result is that the Church simply becomes an ECHO of the culture. We hear from the Church pretty much what we hear from anywhere else in the secular world. The consequence - people say "why bother". There is nothing distincitive to our identity as a Church.
I'm not sure that dilemma is even the correct word to use - since dillemma implies that the difficulty experienced has two possible answers. Challenge isn't even a good word to describe the current situation since challenge is a defiant call to engage.
Whatever the correct word might be, it would appear that the Canadian statistics are sending a warning sound to the Church. Will we stand as something with a distinct identity or will we simply allow our environment to continue to consume us until we lack identity and spirit and have become nothing more than another agency of "good will".
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
LIVING FRUITFULLY/LIVING FAITHFULLY
While I am not a very big Chuck (Charles) Swindoll follower, I caught a piece on the radio this morning that gave me pause for further reflection. It was entittled "Come Home...To Your Heart". In this insight for living was 4 pillars of wisdom to help us keep family and friends first while building a happy life rooted in our values and principles. I would like to share those gems including my further reflections on them as wisdom for us all:
1. THINK FAMILY and FRIENDS
All of our thougts, activities and endeavors should be followed by the questions: How will this enrich the lives of those I love and care about? Will this activity strengthen family bonds or put further stress on them? How will my friendships become more meaningfull and faithful through this endeavor?
2. SAY NO
Our lives are busy in this post-modern world. We have work obligations, volunteer obligations, family obligations, and the list goes on. If we're faith filled people this characteristic will show and act as a magnet to other groups and organizations that see us as a good "fit". With family and friends in mind, consider if these new committments, however valuable, are really a good use of our time. Will it add to family life or take us away for yet one more thing? Learn to say no. Take on only those things that brings life to you, your family and your friends.
3. TAKE TIME
Make sure that "time" is factored into your daily living. Take an opportunity to go for a walk and hold hands with your significant other; give your kids a hug; take your dog for a walk; meet your friend for a coffee. You will find that this is time well spent!
4. BE PATIENT
Rome wasn't built in a day - neither will a healthy, happy life be built in a day. Perservere in prayer, be faithful and vigilant in your relationships, give generously to your faith community, and know that God will work through you to bring all things to completion and provide a sense of meaning for your life.
I think that these 4 pillars of "wisdom" for daily living will undoubtedly be a way of living faithfully in the midst of our ordinary living.
Peace.
1. THINK FAMILY and FRIENDS
All of our thougts, activities and endeavors should be followed by the questions: How will this enrich the lives of those I love and care about? Will this activity strengthen family bonds or put further stress on them? How will my friendships become more meaningfull and faithful through this endeavor?
2. SAY NO
Our lives are busy in this post-modern world. We have work obligations, volunteer obligations, family obligations, and the list goes on. If we're faith filled people this characteristic will show and act as a magnet to other groups and organizations that see us as a good "fit". With family and friends in mind, consider if these new committments, however valuable, are really a good use of our time. Will it add to family life or take us away for yet one more thing? Learn to say no. Take on only those things that brings life to you, your family and your friends.
3. TAKE TIME
Make sure that "time" is factored into your daily living. Take an opportunity to go for a walk and hold hands with your significant other; give your kids a hug; take your dog for a walk; meet your friend for a coffee. You will find that this is time well spent!
4. BE PATIENT
Rome wasn't built in a day - neither will a healthy, happy life be built in a day. Perservere in prayer, be faithful and vigilant in your relationships, give generously to your faith community, and know that God will work through you to bring all things to completion and provide a sense of meaning for your life.
I think that these 4 pillars of "wisdom" for daily living will undoubtedly be a way of living faithfully in the midst of our ordinary living.
Peace.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
HE IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!
Beginning with Ash Wednesday, we began a journey together that brought us, ultimatly, to the cross and then the empty tomb. For forty days our churches were sparsely decorated and focused upon penitence. No alleluias were sung and the general tone was reflective rather than exuberant. But now....for the next 50 days we joyfully sing "alleluia! Christ is risen".
The history of Easter has its origins at the beginning of Christianity with the remembrance of Jesus' saving actions upon the cross and then his glorious resurrection. St. Paul says: "O death, where is your sting?"
The Feast of Easter was well established by the second century. But there had been dispute over the exact date of the Easter observance between the Eastern and Western Churches. The East wanted to have it on a weekday because early Christians observed Passover every year on the 14th of Nisan, the month based on the lunar calendar. But, the West wanted that Easter should always be a Sunday regardless of the date.To solve this problem the emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea in 325. The question of the date of Easter was one of its main concerns. The council decided that Easter should fall on Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. But fixing up the date of the Equinox was still a problem. The Alexandrians, noted for their rich knowledge in astronomical calculations were given the task. And March 21 was made out to be the perfect date for spring equinox.The dating of Easter today follows the same. Accordingly, churches in the West observe it on the first day of the full moon that occurs on or following the Spring equinox on March 21., it became a movable feast between March 21 and April 25.Still some churches in the East observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival.
So, for the next 50 days let your faith be exuberant like the faith of those first disciples who ran from the tomb to tell one another: Alleluia...he is risen just as he said.
The history of Easter has its origins at the beginning of Christianity with the remembrance of Jesus' saving actions upon the cross and then his glorious resurrection. St. Paul says: "O death, where is your sting?"
The Feast of Easter was well established by the second century. But there had been dispute over the exact date of the Easter observance between the Eastern and Western Churches. The East wanted to have it on a weekday because early Christians observed Passover every year on the 14th of Nisan, the month based on the lunar calendar. But, the West wanted that Easter should always be a Sunday regardless of the date.To solve this problem the emperor Constantine called the Council of Nicaea in 325. The question of the date of Easter was one of its main concerns. The council decided that Easter should fall on Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. But fixing up the date of the Equinox was still a problem. The Alexandrians, noted for their rich knowledge in astronomical calculations were given the task. And March 21 was made out to be the perfect date for spring equinox.The dating of Easter today follows the same. Accordingly, churches in the West observe it on the first day of the full moon that occurs on or following the Spring equinox on March 21., it became a movable feast between March 21 and April 25.Still some churches in the East observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival.
So, for the next 50 days let your faith be exuberant like the faith of those first disciples who ran from the tomb to tell one another: Alleluia...he is risen just as he said.
Monday, April 6, 2009
THE GRACE OF HOLY WEEK
The tradition of marking the week before Easter (Holy Week) as a special time of reflection and devotion in the Church dates back to the 3rd or 4th century. It was a time where special attention was given to prayer, fasting and worship. The week comes to a climax with the celebration of the Triduum or "three days" which recall the institution of the Eucharist (Holy Thursday), death of Christ (Good Friday) and the passage from death to life (Holy Saturday). Easter Sunday, then marks the first day of the new season and is celebrated for 50 days.
The spiritual benefit of observing Holy Week is the lesson that new beginnings come from endings. And so as we prepare our hearts and minds throughout this week I invite you to truly experience the mystery of this week. Holy Week, and in particular the Triduum, are a time to leave our intellectual thinking mind at the door and enter into the experience of life from death.
As we mark the final days of Jesus' earthly life see within this story your own journey of faith. What have you suffered? What are your pains? What is your way of the cross? Take some time to create your own "way of the cross'" through reflection on one of the Gospel Passion narratives. See within your own way of the cross the unity it holds with the way of Jesus' cross. Understand that all our earthly experiences are united with the way of Jesus and that as God brought about a new beginning in the resurrection, so too God will bring a new beginning out of our experiences of death - real or metaphorical.
May the peace and holiness of this week prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection!
The spiritual benefit of observing Holy Week is the lesson that new beginnings come from endings. And so as we prepare our hearts and minds throughout this week I invite you to truly experience the mystery of this week. Holy Week, and in particular the Triduum, are a time to leave our intellectual thinking mind at the door and enter into the experience of life from death.
As we mark the final days of Jesus' earthly life see within this story your own journey of faith. What have you suffered? What are your pains? What is your way of the cross? Take some time to create your own "way of the cross'" through reflection on one of the Gospel Passion narratives. See within your own way of the cross the unity it holds with the way of Jesus' cross. Understand that all our earthly experiences are united with the way of Jesus and that as God brought about a new beginning in the resurrection, so too God will bring a new beginning out of our experiences of death - real or metaphorical.
May the peace and holiness of this week prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection!
Monday, March 30, 2009
SPIRITUAL REST
There is an ancient tradition in Christianity, as well as other faith communities, to take time out of our routines for resting in the Spirit. These have become known as "retreats". As the name suggests, it is a time to retreat temporarily from the business of the world and allow ourselves to reconnect with the holy one without the distractions of everyday living.
Such times are opportunities for us to reflect on ourselves in light of our relationships with others and most importantly our relationship with God. A time of retreat gives us pause to search the soul and gain self knowledge, perserver in prayer, and seek the wisdom that God desires to give us in every moment. Usually they consist of quiet reflection, scriptural reading and some manner of study.
Over the next 5 days I will be attending a directed retreat at St. Benedict's Monastary which will focus on "Praying with the Mystics". Through silence, directed group sessions with a spiritual counsellor, and ample time for prayer and reflection we will be practicing prayer in the way of mystics like Julian of Norwich, Theresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, and Dorothy Day.
I won't be updating the Blog until this retreat is over, however, I will be texting "gems of wisdom" from the retreat to Sparling's Twitter page. If you'd like to know more about praying with the mystics - follow my retreat at www.twitter.com . You will need to sign in and follow sparlingonline@mts.net
Shalom
Such times are opportunities for us to reflect on ourselves in light of our relationships with others and most importantly our relationship with God. A time of retreat gives us pause to search the soul and gain self knowledge, perserver in prayer, and seek the wisdom that God desires to give us in every moment. Usually they consist of quiet reflection, scriptural reading and some manner of study.
Over the next 5 days I will be attending a directed retreat at St. Benedict's Monastary which will focus on "Praying with the Mystics". Through silence, directed group sessions with a spiritual counsellor, and ample time for prayer and reflection we will be practicing prayer in the way of mystics like Julian of Norwich, Theresa of Avila, Thomas Merton, and Dorothy Day.
I won't be updating the Blog until this retreat is over, however, I will be texting "gems of wisdom" from the retreat to Sparling's Twitter page. If you'd like to know more about praying with the mystics - follow my retreat at www.twitter.com . You will need to sign in and follow sparlingonline@mts.net
Shalom
Saturday, March 28, 2009
FAITH NEEDS INITIATIVE: Reflections on Blind Bartimaeus
The Gospel of Mark presents to us the story of Blind Bartimaeus - which we will read this upcoming Sunday to celebrate the 5th Sunday of Lent.
Here in the midst of a crowd following Jesus, Bartimaeus calls out "Son of David - Have mercy on me". He is immediately told by the crowds and the disciples to be "silent". Jesus is speaking with the crowds and he should not be disturbed by the likes of some blind beggar! This does not deter Bartimaeus one bit - he has heard of the Nazarene and by calling him "son of David" publicly recognizes him as Messiah.
The interesting piece of this Gospel story, however, is that it demonstrates quiet faith as not being enough. Bartimaeus has faith in Jesus - but it is his persistence that changes his life. His faith is not silenced into shyness by the crowds around him insisting he be quiet - rather, his faith is persistent. Blind Bartimaeus speaks up and acts up. As people persist in telling him to be silent the louder he gets. Finally Jesus heals him and we are told that he follows Jesus. This is the outcome of persistent active faith.
I wonder if we could place ourselves in this story today. How often is our faith silenced by the crowds around us? Do we take initiative with our faith? Do we act up and speak up? And when we move our faith out of shyness, do we actually follow Jesus as we are told Blind Bartimaeus did?
Here in the midst of a crowd following Jesus, Bartimaeus calls out "Son of David - Have mercy on me". He is immediately told by the crowds and the disciples to be "silent". Jesus is speaking with the crowds and he should not be disturbed by the likes of some blind beggar! This does not deter Bartimaeus one bit - he has heard of the Nazarene and by calling him "son of David" publicly recognizes him as Messiah.
The interesting piece of this Gospel story, however, is that it demonstrates quiet faith as not being enough. Bartimaeus has faith in Jesus - but it is his persistence that changes his life. His faith is not silenced into shyness by the crowds around him insisting he be quiet - rather, his faith is persistent. Blind Bartimaeus speaks up and acts up. As people persist in telling him to be silent the louder he gets. Finally Jesus heals him and we are told that he follows Jesus. This is the outcome of persistent active faith.
I wonder if we could place ourselves in this story today. How often is our faith silenced by the crowds around us? Do we take initiative with our faith? Do we act up and speak up? And when we move our faith out of shyness, do we actually follow Jesus as we are told Blind Bartimaeus did?
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