MINISTRY FROM TWO POLES

Archive Page 10

Mar

Risking Transformation

Categories: Sermons & Studies
Tags: biblical authority, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Equity, Ethics, Faith, God, initiatives, Kingdom of God, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, Theology

Readings: 2 Kings 2:1-14 Mark 9:2-9

Here we have two passages about transformation. There are, obviously, links between the two. Both talk about Elijah, and each deals with a person being transformed by God in the presence of witnesses. And it’s those witnesses I am most interested in.

Each of these principle characters had disciples. Jesus, of course, had several but only three were present – Peter, James and John. Elijah had one, Elisha. Both sets of disciples had just been told that their mentor – their master, if you will – was approaching the end of their ministries, and would soon be taken away. The reactions to these events are interestingly different, despite the similarities that exist. Continue reading ‘Risking Transformation’

Mar

I Will Be Your God, and You My People

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Liberation theology and Sermons & Studies
Tags: biblical authority, Christ, Christian, Church, Faith, God, Jesus, Kingdom of God, PC(USA), Progressive, reconciliation, Theology

Following an oracle about a new ethic of personal responsibility, we find in Jeremiah 31 the announcement of a new covenant: a new picture of the relationship between God and God’s people. Something ‘new’ is not a frequent theme in the Hebrew Bible until it emerges with the prophets. Parallel to the new covenant of Jeremiah, two other significant references are the ‘new thing’ and ‘the new creation’ in Isaiah 43 and 65, and the ‘new heart’ and ‘new spirit’ of Ezekiel 18.

The style of Jeremiah varies – sometimes it reads like poetry, sometimes like prose. Jeremiah was a prophet – a preacher – and he had a scribe, Baruch, who took notes for posterity. We don’t know if they intended their work to end up being part of a timeless international best-seller, but that’s what happened. Continue reading ‘I Will Be Your God, and You My People’

Mar

The Scandal of Jesus Christ – Three Perspectives

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Feminist theology and Liberation theology
Tags: biblical authority, Christ, Christian, Church, Faith, Feminist theology, God, history, IMAGE OF GOD, inclusive, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Liberation theology, Progressive, Theology, writing

For much of the last two thousand years there have been scandals associated with, or hindrances to, belief in Jesus Christ as savior. What is so outrageous about the claim of salvation in Jesus that offends the moral or rational sensibilities of at least certain segments of society? In examining this question, three authors – Jan Milic Lochman, Elizabeth A. Johnson and Justo L. González – discussed the traditional orthodox views of salvation through faith in Christ in light of modern interests. The authors had particular agendas, openly declared in each of their works, around which they developed their arguments. These various arguments were in close agreement at some points and in discord at others but, when viewed collectively, created an interesting sampling of some of the opinions that make up modern Christian thought. Continue reading ‘The Scandal of Jesus Christ – Three Perspectives’

Mar

Right (Re)Defining “Bashing”

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Ethics and GLBT & Queer Theology
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, homophobia, inclusive, initiatives, oppression, reconciliation, society

“BASHING” – a word that has long been used by minorities to describe the actions of mobs and people motivated by hate. Some on the religious-right, because of the attention on gay bashing, have started to appropriate this word to talk about how they are being discriminated against. This video is potentially troubling because of some fo the images, but is a must see for those who wish to understand how the word “bashing” in being co-opted and watered down. Continue reading ‘Right (Re)Defining “Bashing”’

Mar

Doth Thou Protesteth Too Much?

By Rev Andy Little 4 Comments

Categories: Ethics and GLBT & Queer Theology
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, group dynamics, history, homophobia, oppression, Progressive, reconciliation, society, Theology

There was an interesting study recently released that measures the appetite for pornography based on scales of religious and social conservatism. The results of this survey are not surprising when compared to other results released years ago.

In the old report, arousal was measured in men, who self-identified from very anti-LGBT to liberal, when they watched “gay porn.” Not surprisingly, those who had the most negative attitude about GLBT had more erectile arousal than those who had less. The results of the survey showed that homophobia is as or more likely to be caused by shame and suppression of innate homosexual tendencies as any other cause.

This recent survey, and the summary article in New Scientist, seems to show a similar pattern Continue reading ‘Doth Thou Protesteth Too Much?’

Mar

What Must Our Children Think

By Rev Andy Little 5 Comments

Categories: Ethics and Justice & Mercy
Tags: Economy, Equity, Ethics, group dynamics, history, oppression, poverty, reconciliation, society

I’ll think about the following the next time I hear someone say something about the “younger generation.”

There are some interesting statistics – nay, absolutely awful ones – from a CNN article this morning. According to the Pew Center on the States, there were 7.3 million adults incarcerated in this country during 2007. A synopsis of the statistical findings should raise a lot of questions:

That is over 3 out of every 100 people in the country.

People of color were disproportionately more represented than whites – over 9 per 100 of black adults and more than 5 per 100 of Hispanic or Latino adults.

Maybe that doesn’t sound too bad to you, Continue reading ‘What Must Our Children Think’

Feb

No, Please! Tell Us What You Really Think

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Marriage & Sexuality
Tags: bias, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Ethics, GLBT issues, inclusive, initiatives, marriage equality, reconciliation, writing

If you are looking for the perfect example from which to learn to write a “quirky, snide, and very thoughtless comment” to someone with whom you disagree – look no further. Sen Paul Koering’s aid seems to have the technique down to a fine science, and will gladly send you an example should you want to disagree with the senator on anything.

News from the Minnesota Independent: Gay Republican responds to criticism: Same-sex marriage is a ‘pointless issue’

The office of state Sen. Paul Koering, a gay Republican representing a district near Brainerd, Minn., is responding by e-mail to criticisms over his decision not to vote for the Marriage and Family Protection Act. The gist? Legislators can’t “waste their time” with “pointless legislation.”

The mass e-mail, penned by an impassioned Ken Swecker, Koering’s legislative assistant, concludes with a punchline that shows someone’s got their knickers in a wad over something. Swecker wrote: Continue reading ‘No, Please! Tell Us What You Really Think’

Feb

Is Hate a Mental Disorder?

By Rev Andy Little 2 Comments

Categories: Ethics and Justice & Mercy
Tags: bias, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Economy, Equity, Ethics, GLBT issues, group dynamics, history, homophobia, inclusive, marriage equality, Obama, oppression, PC(USA), poverty, reconciliation, society

We live in interesting times. Since the election of Barack Obama, hate groups have begun growing. Since the economy has tubed, hate groups have begun growing. Hate, it seems, flourishes whenever major change occurs or disaster strikes. According to a CNN article, “Growing Hate Groups Blame Obama, Economy“, hate proponents seem to think they have very rational grounds for their attitudes and actions. As a culture we seem to regard hate with varying degrees of disdain or apathy. Blatant racism is largely disdained, while blatant sexism is discouraged and heterosexism seemingly encouraged. All, however, are based on irrational fears and anti-social behavior. In what way are any to be considered normal responses? Continue reading ‘Is Hate a Mental Disorder?’

Feb

Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 4)

By Rev Andy Little 2 Comments

Categories: Personal Stories
Tags: Christian, Church, Ethics, Faith, initiatives, Kingdom of God, memories, PC(USA), poverty, reflections, remembrance, Theology, writing

Continued from LEARNING TO THRIVE. Or return to INDEX.

LEARNING TO SWIM – I was in the big pool now.

In the week prior to starting at seminary, I had moved into an apartment on campus – completely furnished and outfitted from the generosity of my Liberty Church supporters – and I had finished up a six-month, 10-hour per week consulting gig at Sterling Commerce, a division of the telecom giant, SBC. I had hated the thought of returning to the business world, but the opportunity had cropped up within hours of deciding to go back to school. Continue reading ‘Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 4)’

Feb

The Nature of Marriage

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Marriage & Sexuality
Tags: bias, Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Equity, Ethics, Faith, GLBT issues, group dynamics, homophobia, inclusive, marriage equality, oppression, reconciliation, society, Theology

I would like to direct your attention to a discussion on Soulforce forums. The discussion is not primarily about same-sex marriage, although it does enter into the discussion, but about the nature of marriage in it’s most basic form. What is it that makes a marriage?

The post was started by 17 year-old Jennifer – one of my favorite 17 year-olds because of the depth of her thoughts and her gentle spirit. The answers have ranged from the almost, but not quite, mundane to purely and simply eloquent. One of my favorites is post #6 from u-dog, one of the other ministers on the boards. Jennifer’s inquiry began:

What is marriage? Continue reading ‘The Nature of Marriage’

Feb

Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 3)

By Rev Andy Little 1 Comment

Categories: Personal Stories
Tags: Christian, Church, conflict resolution, cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, group dynamics, history, inclusive, memories, reconciliation, reflections, Theology, writing

“I remember picking up my sharpest tool, a drawknife, and resolutely deciding I wasn’t going into that hole. I was ready to die.” Continued from: Learning to Live. Or go to INDEX.

LEARNING TO THRIVE

The rest of the memory seems more like the recollection of a hallucination, except with much more clarity. I remember, with no sense of time, being aware of all of the times I had hurt others, even in the smallest way. I was fully aware of all my sins, a concept with which I was totally unfamiliar. I had an overwhelming sense of sorrow and remorse while, at the same time, experienced the peace, calm and security of knowing I was all right. I knew, for the first time in my life, the feeling that came with a sense of forgiveness. It seemed as though the thickest, softest comforter imaginable had swallowed me. Accepting that unconditional forgiveness has continued to be a difficulty. Continue reading ‘Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 3)’

Feb

Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 2)

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Personal Stories
Tags: cultural competence, Ethics, Faith, history, inclusive, initiatives, memories, Progressive, reconciliation, reflections, remembrance, writing

Continued from Part 1 – Learning to Learn. Or go to INDEX.

LEARNING TO LIVE

The first few years in Ohio were emotionally devastating for my mother. We lived in abject poverty even by our standards, my mother’s family proved to be more dysfunctional than our own, and work, except for the lowest paid positions, was tough for her to find. I began working before and after school to help out, lying about my age to avoid problems. I also found my missing childhood. My ‘toys’ were different than anyone had hoped, but they succeeded in dulling the pain. By sixteen I drank constantly, was addicted to speed, and had forced my mother to seek a community more conducive to a normal childhood. We moved to Newark, Ohio during my junior year. The school administrators were a little worried about my record, but seemed encouraged by my high grade point average. I graduated in possession of a full scholarship from OSU, twenty-five credits when seventeen were needed, damage from a heart attack I suffered during a speed overdose, and a new addiction to qualudes, which the doctor prescribed for “sleeping problems”. I also held the school record for drinking the most beers in a single sitting. Life was good. Continue reading ‘Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 2)’

Feb

Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 1)

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Personal Stories
Tags: Ethics, Faith, history, memories, reconciliation, reflections, remembrance, writing

I was tempted to call this “Nobody’s Autobiography”, but thought that may be just too self-deprecating. I love autobiographies – not of famous people – just of ordinary people with ordinary lives. They reveal details about the individual to which most people can relate – rather than the larger-than-life situations of the rich or famous that, if digested, lead to hero worship and fantasy. A good autobiography, it seems to me, is less concerned with fact and more concerned with perception. It is entirely plausible, then, that an autobiography may not be factual down to the last jot and tiddle, but reveals truly how an individual perceives themselves and the memories of their lives. In that respect, it is a more accurate portrayal of someone’s life than an encyclopedia entry would be.

There is an ego trip involved in posting an autobiography, I suppose. I mean, why would I think anyone would care? Well, I am supposing there are others out there like me, who find the famous boring and the mundane interesting. I also think that, while we are each individual, there are commonalities to people’s stories that give cause for community building and empathy. Anyway, as egomaniacal as it may or may not seem, the following portions are the snippets of my life thus far that I consider integral to who and what I am at this moment in time. Continue reading ‘Swimming Upstream – an Autobiography (Part 1)’

Feb

Brooding on Beatitudes

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Ethics and Sermons & Studies
Tags: biblical authority, Christ, Christian, Church, Ethics, Faith, initiatives, Kingdom of God, PC(USA), reflections, Theology

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The meaning of the word “poor” in Greek means one who has nothing and is completely empty. Was Jesus saying the economically poor are blessed? No, for there is no inherent spirituality in poverty. Poverty in itself is not blessed, because the poor can be as arrogant and as ungodly and as lost as the wealthy and powerful. So what does it mean to be poor in spirit? It means that the poor are those who realize that they can never achieve salvation on their own and instead put their complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

The poor in spirit are those who are not self-assertive, self-reliant, self-confident, self-centered, self-righteous or self-sufficient. The poor in spirit are not baptized in the waters of self-aggrandizement. Continue reading ‘Brooding on Beatitudes’

Feb

A Worthy Woman

By Rev Andy Little Leave a Comment

Categories: Feminist theology and Sermons & Studies
Tags: bias, biblical authority, Christian, Church, cultural competence, Equity, Ethics, Faith, Feminist theology, IMAGE OF GOD, inclusive, Kingdom of God, PC(USA), poverty, Progressive, reconciliation, Theology

Jesus didn’t invent the parable – he may have perfected it, but he didn’t invent it. The book of Ruth is, in its entirety, an Old Testament parable as critical of Jewish culture as Jesus was in his day. The Book of Ruth isn’t just a story with a nice moral, but is just as “in your face” to the Jewish culture as the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Ruth, as a Moabite, was unacceptable in Jewish society. Racism was alive and well back then, too. Deuteronomy, Ezra and Nehemiah all tell how Moabites were ostracized – barred from being part of Jewish society. And it all went back to the time of Moses, when the men of Israel blamed their promiscuity on the women of Moab. Sound familiar – well, if they weren’t here, we wouldn’t have sinned. They’re the problem.

How is this story critical of that attitude?

Continue reading ‘A Worthy Woman’

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That's too bad - I'm so sorry. Oh, well, just try to make the best of it. What you'll find here is a variety of essays and ramblings to do with things theological, social, whimsical and, sometimes, all three. I don't write to get famous - trust me, I've been told how futile that would be - but to express myself. I love to communicate and browbeat - ummm, I mean dialogue - about the things I find intriguing. Since you're here, and the door's locked, why don't you stay a while. There's a page bar under the header with links to information about us - I mean me. Don't forget to tell me what you think - in a nice way, I mean.