Armed Looters Rampage Nursing Home
Directions for use: Insert bullet A into looter B. Repeat as needed.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Biting the Hand that Saves Your Butt
From Tidewater Musings, a Coast Guard blogger:
My sources tell me that the Coast Guard facility on Lake Pontchartrain has been looted. Evidently, the facility, recently commissioned, was evacuated -- check out the picture above and you'll see why. Anyway, they evacuated... and local citizens decided to go in and loot and ransack the station.
My sources tell me that the Coast Guard facility on Lake Pontchartrain has been looted. Evidently, the facility, recently commissioned, was evacuated -- check out the picture above and you'll see why. Anyway, they evacuated... and local citizens decided to go in and loot and ransack the station.
Mark Tooley on Himself
Mr. Tooley of UM Action e-mailed a brief autobiography:
How did I become involved in United Methodist controversies?
I grew up in a mid-size United Methodist church in Arlington, Virginia. My maternal grandmother, who lived with my parents, my brother and myself, took my brother and me to church from a very early age. My mother's family had been Methodist since her ancestor of 200 years ago was converted under the influence of Francis Asbury in southwest Virginia.
The church was typically Methodist. Mostly older people my grandmother'sage. It was friendly, traditional, characterized by the usual personality disputes common to all churches, and hosted a wide spectrum of pastors over the nearly 3 decades I attended there, from pretty liberal to pretty conservative. The congregation was mostly but not uniformly conservative.
Since a small child, I have been a believer in Jesus Christ. My faith grew under several Sunday school teachers, the preaching at my church, and the old hymns that we sang every Sunday. During much of my childhood and adolescence, these experiences often seemed perfunctory or even dreary. Now I reflect and see how God used even the dull moments to reveal Himself and direct my path. For all the complaints about United Methodism, I personally know how the Lord has and is using our church for tremendous good.
While a college student I began serving as the lay delegate to theVirginia Annual Conference and also became the missions chairperson. In the first role, I was often surprised by controversial political resolutions brought forward by the conference church and society committtee. In the latter role, I began to study the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM).
What I learned about GBGM was highly distressing. The dramatic decline in overseas missionaries. The enormous spending on headquarters expenses. The grants to controversial, non-church related political advocacy groups, all of them liberal to far-left, and a few even Marxist in orientation. I wrote a 15 page report about GBGM, which I shared with my church's administrative board and mailed to all other UM churches in our district. Like me, the people of my church were surprised and in some cases angry. We contacted our bishop and also hosted meetings at our church, one of which featured a GBGM director, the other of which featured United Methodist evangelist Ed Robb, the then chairman of the IRD.
The resulting controversy persuaded our bishop of Virginia to organize avisit by a group of us from the Arlington District to GBGM. About two dozen of us, mostly lay people, met with GBGM executives for several hourson Veterans Day 1989. We were received cordially, but as we got into the details of our grievance, the conversation became somewhat heated. When one of us asked the GBGM treasurer if he realized that the vast majority of United Methodists would disagree with their grants to groups then involved in armed revolution, he responded that he did. But he said most United Methodists had also opposed the civil rights movement. GBGM's spending policies could not be governed by popular opinion in the church.
We left that meeting convince that GBGM, although it executives were clearly sincere, was not attuned to the beliefs of most United Methodists. We formed a group called United Methodists for More Faithful Ministry to advocate reform of GBGM. Several of us also entered into a formal dialogue with our bishop and several other conference officers. That two year dialogue resulted in two petitions that were approved by the Virginia Annual Conference and submitted to the 1992 General Conference. One would have restricted GBGM's ability to fund non-church groups. The other would have mandated priority for direct support of missionaries.
I attended the 1992 General Conference in Louisville, Kentucky as part ofGood News' legislative team. I sat in on the Global Ministries legislative committee and watched Virginia's petitions be defeated, along with other proposals for reform at GBGM. Almost invariably, after a debate, a GBGM executive was invited to speak to the committee about the petitions. The committee always accepted his reassurances that the petitions were unneeded.
After Louisville, I was convinced that only a nationwide education and advocacy effort could achieve any substantive reform of GBGM. In 1994, then IRD President Diane Knippers asked if I would be interested infilling a newly created position at IRD that would focus on reform work within the United Methodist Church. I had frequently hosted Diane and other IRD staffers at events in the Virginia Conference. At this time I was a "reports officer" or analyst covering issues in southeast Africa for the Central Intelligence Agency in McLean, Virginia. But my true passion was for reviving the United Methodist Church. Without hesitation, I joined the IRD's staff.
What has happened at the IRD and within the mainline churches since 1994? I will address that in my next blog entry.
As a postscript, I will add that my grandmother, so influential in theformation of my Methodist faith, died four years ago. She and I attended church together from my earliest childhood, until a few months before her death. She had lived with us during my childhood because both her husband and son had been killed in terrible accidents. But God used those tragedies to strengthen her faith and, ultimately, to transmit faith to me.
How did I become involved in United Methodist controversies?
I grew up in a mid-size United Methodist church in Arlington, Virginia. My maternal grandmother, who lived with my parents, my brother and myself, took my brother and me to church from a very early age. My mother's family had been Methodist since her ancestor of 200 years ago was converted under the influence of Francis Asbury in southwest Virginia.
The church was typically Methodist. Mostly older people my grandmother'sage. It was friendly, traditional, characterized by the usual personality disputes common to all churches, and hosted a wide spectrum of pastors over the nearly 3 decades I attended there, from pretty liberal to pretty conservative. The congregation was mostly but not uniformly conservative.
Since a small child, I have been a believer in Jesus Christ. My faith grew under several Sunday school teachers, the preaching at my church, and the old hymns that we sang every Sunday. During much of my childhood and adolescence, these experiences often seemed perfunctory or even dreary. Now I reflect and see how God used even the dull moments to reveal Himself and direct my path. For all the complaints about United Methodism, I personally know how the Lord has and is using our church for tremendous good.
While a college student I began serving as the lay delegate to theVirginia Annual Conference and also became the missions chairperson. In the first role, I was often surprised by controversial political resolutions brought forward by the conference church and society committtee. In the latter role, I began to study the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM).
What I learned about GBGM was highly distressing. The dramatic decline in overseas missionaries. The enormous spending on headquarters expenses. The grants to controversial, non-church related political advocacy groups, all of them liberal to far-left, and a few even Marxist in orientation. I wrote a 15 page report about GBGM, which I shared with my church's administrative board and mailed to all other UM churches in our district. Like me, the people of my church were surprised and in some cases angry. We contacted our bishop and also hosted meetings at our church, one of which featured a GBGM director, the other of which featured United Methodist evangelist Ed Robb, the then chairman of the IRD.
The resulting controversy persuaded our bishop of Virginia to organize avisit by a group of us from the Arlington District to GBGM. About two dozen of us, mostly lay people, met with GBGM executives for several hourson Veterans Day 1989. We were received cordially, but as we got into the details of our grievance, the conversation became somewhat heated. When one of us asked the GBGM treasurer if he realized that the vast majority of United Methodists would disagree with their grants to groups then involved in armed revolution, he responded that he did. But he said most United Methodists had also opposed the civil rights movement. GBGM's spending policies could not be governed by popular opinion in the church.
We left that meeting convince that GBGM, although it executives were clearly sincere, was not attuned to the beliefs of most United Methodists. We formed a group called United Methodists for More Faithful Ministry to advocate reform of GBGM. Several of us also entered into a formal dialogue with our bishop and several other conference officers. That two year dialogue resulted in two petitions that were approved by the Virginia Annual Conference and submitted to the 1992 General Conference. One would have restricted GBGM's ability to fund non-church groups. The other would have mandated priority for direct support of missionaries.
I attended the 1992 General Conference in Louisville, Kentucky as part ofGood News' legislative team. I sat in on the Global Ministries legislative committee and watched Virginia's petitions be defeated, along with other proposals for reform at GBGM. Almost invariably, after a debate, a GBGM executive was invited to speak to the committee about the petitions. The committee always accepted his reassurances that the petitions were unneeded.
After Louisville, I was convinced that only a nationwide education and advocacy effort could achieve any substantive reform of GBGM. In 1994, then IRD President Diane Knippers asked if I would be interested infilling a newly created position at IRD that would focus on reform work within the United Methodist Church. I had frequently hosted Diane and other IRD staffers at events in the Virginia Conference. At this time I was a "reports officer" or analyst covering issues in southeast Africa for the Central Intelligence Agency in McLean, Virginia. But my true passion was for reviving the United Methodist Church. Without hesitation, I joined the IRD's staff.
What has happened at the IRD and within the mainline churches since 1994? I will address that in my next blog entry.
As a postscript, I will add that my grandmother, so influential in theformation of my Methodist faith, died four years ago. She and I attended church together from my earliest childhood, until a few months before her death. She had lived with us during my childhood because both her husband and son had been killed in terrible accidents. But God used those tragedies to strengthen her faith and, ultimately, to transmit faith to me.
How America Can Benefit by the Destruction of New Orleans
It may seem crass, but we can learn valuable information by this disaster. It is only a matter of time before a terrorist nuke destroys an American city. This is an opportunity to evaluate our nation's ability to react to catastrophic urban damage on a large scale, which will prove valuable when the inevitable occurs.
We should seize the day.
We should seize the day.
Why Isn't the International Community Helping Us?
That's what a lot of conservatives are whining about in regards to hurricane relief efforts. Frank J. smacks them down:
I'm sorry, but this is nothing but a cheap shot.
There are some culture differences between America and other countries in regard to charity (when the government provides everything, you get used to waiting for the government to help your neighbor), but, come on! We're the richest nation in the world by far and perfectly capable of helping our own. If a fire breaks out in Bill Gates house, you wouldn't expect a fund raiser to be started for him in the ghetto. Some charitable gestures from other nations would be nice (and I'm sure some will come), but, as bad as a disaster hits us here, there are many other countries much more in need of charity than us.
I'm sorry, but this is nothing but a cheap shot.
There are some culture differences between America and other countries in regard to charity (when the government provides everything, you get used to waiting for the government to help your neighbor), but, come on! We're the richest nation in the world by far and perfectly capable of helping our own. If a fire breaks out in Bill Gates house, you wouldn't expect a fund raiser to be started for him in the ghetto. Some charitable gestures from other nations would be nice (and I'm sure some will come), but, as bad as a disaster hits us here, there are many other countries much more in need of charity than us.
It's That Time of Year Again!
This morning, the sun rose on August 31st. You know what that means!
Once again, it's International Blame Everything that Goes Wrong on Cole Wakefield Day!
That's right. On this one day of the year, the world blames all of its woes on Cole Wakefield -- wars, natural disasters, Paris Hilton -- everything, no exceptions.
Here's what I'm blaming Cole for today:
Once again, it's International Blame Everything that Goes Wrong on Cole Wakefield Day!
That's right. On this one day of the year, the world blames all of its woes on Cole Wakefield -- wars, natural disasters, Paris Hilton -- everything, no exceptions.
Here's what I'm blaming Cole for today:
- my bad fashion sense.
- the shooting of Suge Knight.
- Fear Factor getting renewed for yet another deplorable season.
- okra
What are you blaming on Cole today? Leave a note in the comments.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Message from Mark Tooley of the IRD
Well, Blogger is being a real pain in the Gavin. I'm trying to get Locusts & Honey set up to let Mark Tooley of UM Action, the Methodist arm of the Institute on Religion and Democracy guest-blog for a while so that he can communicate with the Methodist blogosphere directly. But Blogger is being troublesome in this endeavor.
Anyway, Mr. Tooley e-mailed me and said that this is what he wanted to post:
What is IRD? Well, it is an ecumenical "watchdog" that works for reform in mainline Protestant churches, while also advocating for a constructive Christian social witness, and urging more attention for the plight of persecuted religious believers around the world.
IRD was founded in 1981. David Jessup, then an official with the AFL-CIO was concerned when one of his children returned home with a dime box, collecting money for projects of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). He was motivated to research to whom GBGM was making grants, and was greatly distressed to learn that many recipients were anti-democratic and even Marxist. Jessup's AFL-CIO work included liaison with overseas trade unions and helping them to avoid collusion with Marxist front groups.
Jessup took his report about GBGM to the 1980 General Conference and passed it out to the delegates. This led to his working with Good News and with United Methodist evangelist Ed Robb. Both Robb and Jessup decided a new organization needed to be created to challenge the political stances of U.S. mainline churches, which were too often uncritical towards the Soviet Union and Marxism, to the point of ignoring the plight of persecuted religious believers. Both Jessup and Robb thought there was strong connection between Christian faith and human rights, religious liberty above all.
With help from Roman Catholic ethicist Michael Novak, then Lutheran pastor (later Catholic priest) and writer Richard Neuahaus, Christianity Today founding editor Carl Henry, and others, Robb and Jessup founded IRD. Neuhaus, now the head of the Institute on Religion and Public Life and publisher of First Things magazine, wrote IRD's founding statement,"Christianity and Democracy." Its opening words are "Jesus Christ is Lord." Neuhaus wrote that Christianity, as it approaches political issues, insists upon the dignity of all people while also realizing humanity's fallen nature. Christians should not inextricably align their faith with any political agenda nor with any specific form of government. Yet, in the earthly political options so far available, democracy has shown itself the system of government best able to defend basic human rights.
For IRD's first dozen years, it was focused almost exclusively on the churches and foreign policy issues, above all the Cold War. Religious liberty was and remains a major theme. IRD regularly gave religious liberty awards to heroes of the faith who stood against tyranny. These included dissidents from communist countries and also the Roman Catholiccardinal under General Pinochet's regime who urged a transition towards democratic Chile. More recently, we have honored a Sudanese Anglicanbishop who has withstood the persecution of that country's Islamist regime.
From the start, IRD was highly controversial. It aggressively challenged the National Council of Churches and other mainline church groups for failing to critique communist oppression while frequently aligning themselves with Third World Marxist liberation movements, especially in Latin America, often under the aegis of Liberation Theology. IRD played some role in the exposes of mainline church support for Marxist movements done by Sixty Minutes on CBS and by Reader's Digest.
With the collapse of the Soviet empire and the global discrediting ofMarxist movements, IRD's focus shifted somewhat. A key shift was IRD's role in reporting about the 1993 ecumenical Re-Imagining conference, which was endorsed by the women's ministries of most mainline denominations and which embraced extreme forms of feminist theology, including the advocacy of goddess worship and the acceptance of lesbian practice.
Re-Imagining thrust IRD into the theological and sexuality debates that have been engulfing the mainline churches. IRD is not as specifically theological as many of the renewal groups in mainline churches, such as Good News within United Methodism. Our focus remains on the churches' witness to public policy issues. But we do believe there is a strong connection between bad theology and an erroneous political witness. Theological utopianism led to mainline Protestantism's uncritical stancetowards Soviet communism for its last several decades. Similarly, theologies divorced from the historic ecumenical mainstream continue to lead mainline churches astray, often making their agencies indistinguishable from secular liberal or left-wing advocacy groups.
IRD calls for denominations to be faithful to their historic teachings while shunning the temptation to align the institutional church routinely with specific political and legislative proposals. Ideally, the institutional church will evangelize, disciple, conduct ministries ofcompassion, and instill in its members a biblicaly-grounded worldview that will help them make informed political decisions. Ideally, the institutional church will not align itself with political parties or function as direct political lobbies. These vocations, we believe, belong to Christian lay people.
The Religious Left, of which mainline church agencies are apart, differs from the Religious Right significantly in its organization. The latter is comprised primarily of parachurch groups, like Focus on the Family, or direct political action groups, like the Christian Coalition. The former is comprised of official agencies of church denominations. The latter claims to speak for conservative Christians and other traditionalists. It relies on direct mail for its funding. The former claims to speak for"The Church" and for millions of church members, most of whom are unaware of their churches political involvements, and most of whom, as expressed in voting patterns, differ strongly with the political conclusions oftheir churches' officials. The Religious Left relies on church collectionplate money for its funding.
IRD has three denominational programs: United Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian/Anglican. We also have a religious liberty program, which in recent years has focused on the plight of Sudan and more recently has been looking at North Korea. How did I come to be involved in the politics of the United Methodist Church and with IRD? I will write about that in my next blog.
Wow! That's quite a heritage. Few activities are more redeeming that fighting the moral abomination that is communism, and few are more dispicable than coddling or appeasing it. I wonder if the NCC and the GBCS have ever apologized for their involvement in Marxism?
Anyway, Mr. Tooley e-mailed me and said that this is what he wanted to post:
What is IRD? Well, it is an ecumenical "watchdog" that works for reform in mainline Protestant churches, while also advocating for a constructive Christian social witness, and urging more attention for the plight of persecuted religious believers around the world.
IRD was founded in 1981. David Jessup, then an official with the AFL-CIO was concerned when one of his children returned home with a dime box, collecting money for projects of the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM). He was motivated to research to whom GBGM was making grants, and was greatly distressed to learn that many recipients were anti-democratic and even Marxist. Jessup's AFL-CIO work included liaison with overseas trade unions and helping them to avoid collusion with Marxist front groups.
Jessup took his report about GBGM to the 1980 General Conference and passed it out to the delegates. This led to his working with Good News and with United Methodist evangelist Ed Robb. Both Robb and Jessup decided a new organization needed to be created to challenge the political stances of U.S. mainline churches, which were too often uncritical towards the Soviet Union and Marxism, to the point of ignoring the plight of persecuted religious believers. Both Jessup and Robb thought there was strong connection between Christian faith and human rights, religious liberty above all.
With help from Roman Catholic ethicist Michael Novak, then Lutheran pastor (later Catholic priest) and writer Richard Neuahaus, Christianity Today founding editor Carl Henry, and others, Robb and Jessup founded IRD. Neuhaus, now the head of the Institute on Religion and Public Life and publisher of First Things magazine, wrote IRD's founding statement,"Christianity and Democracy." Its opening words are "Jesus Christ is Lord." Neuhaus wrote that Christianity, as it approaches political issues, insists upon the dignity of all people while also realizing humanity's fallen nature. Christians should not inextricably align their faith with any political agenda nor with any specific form of government. Yet, in the earthly political options so far available, democracy has shown itself the system of government best able to defend basic human rights.
For IRD's first dozen years, it was focused almost exclusively on the churches and foreign policy issues, above all the Cold War. Religious liberty was and remains a major theme. IRD regularly gave religious liberty awards to heroes of the faith who stood against tyranny. These included dissidents from communist countries and also the Roman Catholiccardinal under General Pinochet's regime who urged a transition towards democratic Chile. More recently, we have honored a Sudanese Anglicanbishop who has withstood the persecution of that country's Islamist regime.
From the start, IRD was highly controversial. It aggressively challenged the National Council of Churches and other mainline church groups for failing to critique communist oppression while frequently aligning themselves with Third World Marxist liberation movements, especially in Latin America, often under the aegis of Liberation Theology. IRD played some role in the exposes of mainline church support for Marxist movements done by Sixty Minutes on CBS and by Reader's Digest.
With the collapse of the Soviet empire and the global discrediting ofMarxist movements, IRD's focus shifted somewhat. A key shift was IRD's role in reporting about the 1993 ecumenical Re-Imagining conference, which was endorsed by the women's ministries of most mainline denominations and which embraced extreme forms of feminist theology, including the advocacy of goddess worship and the acceptance of lesbian practice.
Re-Imagining thrust IRD into the theological and sexuality debates that have been engulfing the mainline churches. IRD is not as specifically theological as many of the renewal groups in mainline churches, such as Good News within United Methodism. Our focus remains on the churches' witness to public policy issues. But we do believe there is a strong connection between bad theology and an erroneous political witness. Theological utopianism led to mainline Protestantism's uncritical stancetowards Soviet communism for its last several decades. Similarly, theologies divorced from the historic ecumenical mainstream continue to lead mainline churches astray, often making their agencies indistinguishable from secular liberal or left-wing advocacy groups.
IRD calls for denominations to be faithful to their historic teachings while shunning the temptation to align the institutional church routinely with specific political and legislative proposals. Ideally, the institutional church will evangelize, disciple, conduct ministries ofcompassion, and instill in its members a biblicaly-grounded worldview that will help them make informed political decisions. Ideally, the institutional church will not align itself with political parties or function as direct political lobbies. These vocations, we believe, belong to Christian lay people.
The Religious Left, of which mainline church agencies are apart, differs from the Religious Right significantly in its organization. The latter is comprised primarily of parachurch groups, like Focus on the Family, or direct political action groups, like the Christian Coalition. The former is comprised of official agencies of church denominations. The latter claims to speak for conservative Christians and other traditionalists. It relies on direct mail for its funding. The former claims to speak for"The Church" and for millions of church members, most of whom are unaware of their churches political involvements, and most of whom, as expressed in voting patterns, differ strongly with the political conclusions oftheir churches' officials. The Religious Left relies on church collectionplate money for its funding.
IRD has three denominational programs: United Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian/Anglican. We also have a religious liberty program, which in recent years has focused on the plight of Sudan and more recently has been looking at North Korea. How did I come to be involved in the politics of the United Methodist Church and with IRD? I will write about that in my next blog.
Wow! That's quite a heritage. Few activities are more redeeming that fighting the moral abomination that is communism, and few are more dispicable than coddling or appeasing it. I wonder if the NCC and the GBCS have ever apologized for their involvement in Marxism?
Responses to the Hurricane
Katherine and I have used various fora to make our home available to refugees from the hurricane. Laurence Simon, however, is a rather disinterested in their plight:
Let me know when the refugees from New Orleans start blowing themselves up on buses, hijacking airplanes, and demanding their own state.
I'm getting a soda pop.
Let me know when the refugees from New Orleans start blowing themselves up on buses, hijacking airplanes, and demanding their own state.
I'm getting a soda pop.
Monday, August 29, 2005
A Conservative Response to the UMC Ad Campaign
From Agape Press:
(AgapePress) - A conservative United Methodist activist is skeptical about the impact of the latest installments in a series of television advertisements the United Methodist Church (UMC) is running, which tout its slogan "Open hearts, Open minds, Open Doors." A new two million-dollar extension of the church's ad campaign will begin airing today (August 29) and will run through September 18.
According to the United Methodist Communications office, the new series of ads called "The Journey" features various "people following different paths until, ultimately, they join together with an invitation to visit a United Methodist Church." But Mark Tooley, who heads the United Methodist Action Committee at the Institute on Religion and Democracy, feels many UMC "elites" are overly preoccupied with diversity, and this latest church public relations campaign may be a rather disingenuous example of that preoccupation.
"In some sense you could argue the ads have been a little bit deceptive in that they tend to emphasize racial diversity," Tooley points out, "but the United Methodist Church, unfortunately, in the U.S. is over 90 percent white. We are not very racially diverse, and we have not been successful in reaching out, especially to the growing Hispanic population."
According to the UMC conservative, it is simply false advertising to portray the denomination as being "racially diverse," as he feels the "Journey" promotions do. Even so, he questions the effectiveness of the church's media campaign and has doubts as to whether this latest string of inoffensive but "languid" ads will make have the effect UMC leaders are hoping to create.
I saw one of the ads today. It was hard to describe, but I found it creepy -- or better expressed, it flipped all of my ideological switches. The wrong way. One person on the ad said (quoting from memory) "Once you have embraced diversity, you have embraced God." Well, it's true that our racial monolithic makeup simply sucks. Ditto for ethnic diversity. It's just...the ad gave me the impression that the UMC was very ideologically flexible. One woman in the ad said (again, quoting from memory) "United Methodists disagree about a lot of different things." Well, that's true -- we fight all the time like a giant disfunctional family. I just don't think that it's a selling point.
Responses to advertizing are emotive as well as intellectual, and this one really turned me off. If I were not in the UMC but some other evangelical denomination or non-denominational church, this ad would make me less inclined to visit a UMC church.
Maybe if they had talked about Jesus and stuff....
(AgapePress) - A conservative United Methodist activist is skeptical about the impact of the latest installments in a series of television advertisements the United Methodist Church (UMC) is running, which tout its slogan "Open hearts, Open minds, Open Doors." A new two million-dollar extension of the church's ad campaign will begin airing today (August 29) and will run through September 18.
According to the United Methodist Communications office, the new series of ads called "The Journey" features various "people following different paths until, ultimately, they join together with an invitation to visit a United Methodist Church." But Mark Tooley, who heads the United Methodist Action Committee at the Institute on Religion and Democracy, feels many UMC "elites" are overly preoccupied with diversity, and this latest church public relations campaign may be a rather disingenuous example of that preoccupation.
"In some sense you could argue the ads have been a little bit deceptive in that they tend to emphasize racial diversity," Tooley points out, "but the United Methodist Church, unfortunately, in the U.S. is over 90 percent white. We are not very racially diverse, and we have not been successful in reaching out, especially to the growing Hispanic population."
According to the UMC conservative, it is simply false advertising to portray the denomination as being "racially diverse," as he feels the "Journey" promotions do. Even so, he questions the effectiveness of the church's media campaign and has doubts as to whether this latest string of inoffensive but "languid" ads will make have the effect UMC leaders are hoping to create.
I saw one of the ads today. It was hard to describe, but I found it creepy -- or better expressed, it flipped all of my ideological switches. The wrong way. One person on the ad said (quoting from memory) "Once you have embraced diversity, you have embraced God." Well, it's true that our racial monolithic makeup simply sucks. Ditto for ethnic diversity. It's just...the ad gave me the impression that the UMC was very ideologically flexible. One woman in the ad said (again, quoting from memory) "United Methodists disagree about a lot of different things." Well, that's true -- we fight all the time like a giant disfunctional family. I just don't think that it's a selling point.
Responses to advertizing are emotive as well as intellectual, and this one really turned me off. If I were not in the UMC but some other evangelical denomination or non-denominational church, this ad would make me less inclined to visit a UMC church.
Maybe if they had talked about Jesus and stuff....
Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup # 28
Here's the week in review in the Methodist blogosphere:
James Gibson wrote about the differences between United Methodism and genuine Methodism, the need for trained apologists within mainline denominations, and his completion of the ordination process in the Anglican church.
Andy Bryan blogged about Pat Robertson.
Gerry Charlotte Phelps wrote about Arminian and Calvinist views of evangelism.
Chris Morgan blogged about gas prices and his salvation story.
At Bandits No More, Richard wrote about liberal bias in universities and seminaries and welcoming unrepentant sinners into church membership.
Ben Witherington blogged about the negative consequences of Christian communication by computers.
Beth Quick wrote about a vegetarians' convention and sacred spaces.
James Swanson wrote about how people can prevent you from helping them.
William Willamon blogged about a Biblical view of co-dependency (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!).
Brian Russell wrote that every Christian needs to confront the central problem in the world: his own sin.
Cole Wakefield blogged about people threatening to leave the UMC.
At Connexions, Richard Hall wrote about US energy consumption and American obesity. Joel Thomas wrote about Native American tribal government organization and a Christian view of alcohol.
Dave Warnock blogged about the future of the British Methodist Church.
Dean Snyder wrote about a UMC mission for day laborers, the difference between churches and sects, emotional tolls from the Lake Junaluska debate, and interviewing Troy Plummer.
Donald Sensing wrote about a plan to release the Strategic Oil Reserve, the hurricane's anticipated impact on gas prices, the hurricane's projected path, the peace of Fallujah, military base closures in Tennessee, the Iraqi constitution, and Fred Phelps.
Gavin Richardson blogged about a Christian view of marketing and his appreciation for professional wrestling.
Greg Hazelrig wrote about confronting people who sin against you and his thoughts on the hurricane.
Gregory Lee blogged about seeing the Kingdom of God expressed through its citizens, seeing manifestations of the Holy Spirit in prison, and the hurricane.
Growing Up wrote about seeing prevenient grace in children's literature.
Inside Mike's Head blogged about loving the most detestable people, the modern church and the fine arts, and having the willingness to be used by Christ as a building block for his church.
James Spring wrote that pop culture is a major deciding factor in the popularity of conservative churches.
Jay Voorhees wrote about the hurricane and his church's disaster management program.
John Wilks blogged about a proper approach to the End Times, a Christian view of marriage, Pat Robertson, and the love that God has for sinners.
Jonathan Mills wrote about Pat Robertson.
Jonathon Norman blogged about the teachings of Hauerwas, his decidedly violent nature and its consequences, and a morally unified pro-life position.
Jordon Cooper wrote about sports doping and Pat Robertson.
Josh Tinley blogged about the sacrifice of Jephthah, a bloggers' lunch that he attended with a U.S. Senate candidate, reactions to natural disasters, the Tennessee Titans, male attitudes about rape, and the 'corna' hand gesture.
Ken Carter has a fascinating story about a divine appointment.
Larry Hollon wrote about the history of American spirituality, the culture of debt, a Christian view of personal finance, financial hoarding, embracing the consumer culture, a Christian use of marketing media, and Christian community building.
Maobi blogged about ethnicity definitions in Malaysia, the Israeli departure from Gaza, Malaysia automobile manufacturing, Muslim hypocricy in religious freedom, fetal pain, Palestinian terrorism, Spanish appeasement, Pat Robertson, the conviction of a Malaysian girl of apostasy, and the quality of reporting on water quality.
Matthew Collins wrote about Cindy Sheehan.
Matthew Johnson blogged about his dislike of subject headings in Bibles.
Craig Moore wrote about the tension between liberal and conservative Methodists.
Dan Gates blogged about power structures within the UMC, the future of UMC church discipline in the light of the Beth Stroud case, the response of UMC church leaders to the Lake Junaluska controversy, and his thoughts about the Hearts of Fire convocation.
Michael Daniel wrote about abortion and the Roberts SCOTUS nomination.
Nate Louks blogged about hair loss.
Octomusings wrote about psychological recovery from 9/11.
Pastor Blue Jeans blogged about being arrogant for Christian knowledge.
Phil Smith listed some good emergent newsgroups.
Random Thoughts wrote about seizing pastoral moments.
Theresa Coleman prayed for rest.
See Through Faith wrote about God as a father figure, respect for parents and the inheritance they leave us, that we are the fruits of the spirit, the difference between repentence and regret, and personal spiritual responsibility.
Stephen Fife blogged about Brother Roger.
Tim Sisk wrote about Pat Robertson and the problem of mixing politics and faith and the hurricane.
Jim McKay blogged about life advice from a dog.
Shane Raynor wrote about the Cole Wakefield media empire, UMC advertising, and Lake Junaluska.
Rev Rad blogged about Pat Robertson.
Corrections? Additions? Do you know of a blog that should be in the Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup? Leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com!
UPDATE:
Wes the Wesleyan wrote about a group of Mormons renting a UMC retreat facility.
James Gibson wrote about the differences between United Methodism and genuine Methodism, the need for trained apologists within mainline denominations, and his completion of the ordination process in the Anglican church.
Andy Bryan blogged about Pat Robertson.
Gerry Charlotte Phelps wrote about Arminian and Calvinist views of evangelism.
Chris Morgan blogged about gas prices and his salvation story.
At Bandits No More, Richard wrote about liberal bias in universities and seminaries and welcoming unrepentant sinners into church membership.
Ben Witherington blogged about the negative consequences of Christian communication by computers.
Beth Quick wrote about a vegetarians' convention and sacred spaces.
James Swanson wrote about how people can prevent you from helping them.
William Willamon blogged about a Biblical view of co-dependency (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!).
Brian Russell wrote that every Christian needs to confront the central problem in the world: his own sin.
Cole Wakefield blogged about people threatening to leave the UMC.
At Connexions, Richard Hall wrote about US energy consumption and American obesity. Joel Thomas wrote about Native American tribal government organization and a Christian view of alcohol.
Dave Warnock blogged about the future of the British Methodist Church.
Dean Snyder wrote about a UMC mission for day laborers, the difference between churches and sects, emotional tolls from the Lake Junaluska debate, and interviewing Troy Plummer.
Donald Sensing wrote about a plan to release the Strategic Oil Reserve, the hurricane's anticipated impact on gas prices, the hurricane's projected path, the peace of Fallujah, military base closures in Tennessee, the Iraqi constitution, and Fred Phelps.
Gavin Richardson blogged about a Christian view of marketing and his appreciation for professional wrestling.
Greg Hazelrig wrote about confronting people who sin against you and his thoughts on the hurricane.
Gregory Lee blogged about seeing the Kingdom of God expressed through its citizens, seeing manifestations of the Holy Spirit in prison, and the hurricane.
Growing Up wrote about seeing prevenient grace in children's literature.
Inside Mike's Head blogged about loving the most detestable people, the modern church and the fine arts, and having the willingness to be used by Christ as a building block for his church.
James Spring wrote that pop culture is a major deciding factor in the popularity of conservative churches.
Jay Voorhees wrote about the hurricane and his church's disaster management program.
John Wilks blogged about a proper approach to the End Times, a Christian view of marriage, Pat Robertson, and the love that God has for sinners.
Jonathan Mills wrote about Pat Robertson.
Jonathon Norman blogged about the teachings of Hauerwas, his decidedly violent nature and its consequences, and a morally unified pro-life position.
Jordon Cooper wrote about sports doping and Pat Robertson.
Josh Tinley blogged about the sacrifice of Jephthah, a bloggers' lunch that he attended with a U.S. Senate candidate, reactions to natural disasters, the Tennessee Titans, male attitudes about rape, and the 'corna' hand gesture.
Ken Carter has a fascinating story about a divine appointment.
Larry Hollon wrote about the history of American spirituality, the culture of debt, a Christian view of personal finance, financial hoarding, embracing the consumer culture, a Christian use of marketing media, and Christian community building.
Maobi blogged about ethnicity definitions in Malaysia, the Israeli departure from Gaza, Malaysia automobile manufacturing, Muslim hypocricy in religious freedom, fetal pain, Palestinian terrorism, Spanish appeasement, Pat Robertson, the conviction of a Malaysian girl of apostasy, and the quality of reporting on water quality.
Matthew Collins wrote about Cindy Sheehan.
Matthew Johnson blogged about his dislike of subject headings in Bibles.
Craig Moore wrote about the tension between liberal and conservative Methodists.
Dan Gates blogged about power structures within the UMC, the future of UMC church discipline in the light of the Beth Stroud case, the response of UMC church leaders to the Lake Junaluska controversy, and his thoughts about the Hearts of Fire convocation.
Michael Daniel wrote about abortion and the Roberts SCOTUS nomination.
Nate Louks blogged about hair loss.
Octomusings wrote about psychological recovery from 9/11.
Pastor Blue Jeans blogged about being arrogant for Christian knowledge.
Phil Smith listed some good emergent newsgroups.
Random Thoughts wrote about seizing pastoral moments.
Theresa Coleman prayed for rest.
See Through Faith wrote about God as a father figure, respect for parents and the inheritance they leave us, that we are the fruits of the spirit, the difference between repentence and regret, and personal spiritual responsibility.
Stephen Fife blogged about Brother Roger.
Tim Sisk wrote about Pat Robertson and the problem of mixing politics and faith and the hurricane.
Jim McKay blogged about life advice from a dog.
Shane Raynor wrote about the Cole Wakefield media empire, UMC advertising, and Lake Junaluska.
Rev Rad blogged about Pat Robertson.
Corrections? Additions? Do you know of a blog that should be in the Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup? Leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com!
UPDATE:
Wes the Wesleyan wrote about a group of Mormons renting a UMC retreat facility.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Klingon Fairy Tales
A few titles:
"Snow White and the Six Dwarves She Killed With Her Bare Hands and the Seventh Dwarf She Let Get Away as a Warning to Others"
"Old Mother Hubbard, Lacking the Means to Support Herself With Honor, Sets Her Disruptor on Self-Destruct and Waits for the Inevitable"
"The Hare Foolishly Lowers His Guard and Is Devastated by the Tortoise, Whose Prowess in Battle Attracts Many Desirable Mates"
"Snow White and the Six Dwarves She Killed With Her Bare Hands and the Seventh Dwarf She Let Get Away as a Warning to Others"
"Old Mother Hubbard, Lacking the Means to Support Herself With Honor, Sets Her Disruptor on Self-Destruct and Waits for the Inevitable"
"The Hare Foolishly Lowers His Guard and Is Devastated by the Tortoise, Whose Prowess in Battle Attracts Many Desirable Mates"
And You Thought That You Had it Rough
The UMC ministry candidacy process is quite a struggle. But I won't complain anymore. I met a guy at Asbury orientation today who has been through three mentors.
Why three? His first two were defrocked.
Why three? His first two were defrocked.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Interview: Karen Booth of Transforming Congregations
Rev. Karen Booth is the spokesperson for Transforming Congregations, a network of churches across the country that encourages and assists homosexuals in exiting their lifestyles. As their website states "Believing that homophobic (fearful, hateful and rejecting) and accommodationist (uncritically accepting and affirming) responses were both contrary to Scripture, the group sought instead a compassionate approach that would offer the hope of transformational healing to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and behavior."
Transforming Congregations consists mostly of United Methodist churches, but includes Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, and other denominations within its ecumenical reach.
Preceding the upcoming Hearts of Fire convocation at Lake Junaluska by the Reconciling Ministries Network is a prayer breakfast by Transforming Congregations. Rev. Booth graciously agreed to answer questions about that event and Christian responses to homosexuality.
1. In a recent press release, you described a prayer breakfast that Transforming Congregations is holding on the eve of the Hearts on Fire convocation at Lake Junaluska. What actions will your ministry take to directly communicate your views with those attending Hearts on Fire?
Our purpose in holding the prayer breakfast is twofold. Primarily, it's to connect with like-minded people who believe as we do that same-sex attraction/behavior and gender confusion are not God's will for human sexual _expression, and to offer them an alternative response to the "Hearts on Fire" event besides protest. Secondarily, we also hope to gain broader exposure for our message and ministry through denominational, other religious and secular media. Voices of ex-gays tend to get drowned out in this particular controversy, and we hope our breakfast will help to remedy that.
So we will probably not have much direct interaction with the "Hearts on Fire" attendees. RMN Director Troy Plummer has been informed about what we're doing and any of their media reps are welcome to come and hear the program portion of our breakfast, to submit questions or interview our speakers. One of our Board members has registered for the convocation and will be attending as an observer/participant. He is willing to share his personal testimony if there is any call to do so. But otherwise, we intend to honor their time and space by not interfering or disrupting.
2. In an interview this week, Rev. Troy Plummer of Reconciling Ministries Network insisted that gay marriage is faithful to the Biblical standards of that institution. He said: "People ask me why we make a "fuss" about gay marriage. I say: The fuss is about living in honesty and loving in honesty. The fuss is about the fidelity and faithfulness of persons of same-sex orientation to their spouse and also to their family of faith. We not only advocate for and celebrate these values, we are asking our church to support their GLBT members in these values." How do you respond?
GLBT Christians living in committed relationships is far better than their living promiscuously. Troy would get no argument from me on that. But it doesn't logically follow that committed GLBT relationships are therefore OK. I believe they're sinful, meaning that they're not the perfect will of God for sexual _expression. So, as their sister in faith I cannot and will not support them in their desire for church approval. For my opinions on marriage, see several articles in the newsletter archives section of our website - www.transformingcong.org
3. Last month, a pastor in Virginia was placed on involuntary leave for refusing to admit a homosexual into membership of his congregation. Were his actions in compliance with the Bible and the Book of Discipline?
I can neither affirm nor criticize this pastor's actions because I don't know all the details of how he came to his final decision. I can only express what I would do if I were still serving as a local pastor. I would welcome GLBT persons into fellowship; I would faithfully and lovingly serve them, just as I have others in the past. But if they were unrepentant, I would not admit them to membership, since our membership vows require a turning away from sin.
4. What empirical evidence is available to prove that homosexuals can be changed into heterosexuals?
When I hear the word "empirical" I think of scientific studies or experiments that measure physically verifiable results. Someone on another blog mentioned "penile erectile studies" as one example, which I suppose is a way to measure sexual attraction and response. To my knowledge, nothing like that has ever been done with either gays or ex-gays. But I wonder what the value would be in doing so. What would it prove/disprove? I've been set free from heterosexual sin. Would I still get aroused if I were made to look at or read sexually explicit material? Probably. Does that mean I'm the same person I was twenty years ago? No.
If instead, "empirical" means psychological or behavioral studies, then for both gays and ex-gays we move into the realm of self-report and self-identification. Both are entirely subjective. But numerous psychological/behavioral studies indicate that sexual behavior and even sexual self-identity (orientation) is fluid and can change over time. Dr. Robert Spitzer's work is the most recent, but it has been subject to criticism, controversy and misrepresentation from many different perspectives. Bloggers can read more about his work and about a variety of other studies at http://www.freetobeme.com/ and http://www.drthrockmorton.com/.
Which leads finally to the whole question of what constitutes "change," An article in our first archived newsletter reports an interesting discussion about that topic among Exodus leaders. My favorite quote is this one:
"Healing from homosexuality is the process that occurs when an adult, whose primary or exclusive sexual and/or romantic attractions have been towards persons of the same sex, experiences a significant decrease in same-sex attractions and an increase in opposite-sex attractions to the extent that a heterosexual life that is emotionally, sexually and psychologically fulfilling is made possible. Accompanying these erotic and emotional changes is a change in self-perception in which the individual no longer identifies him or herself as homosexual."
Clinical perhaps, but the quote nonetheless shows it's far more complex than simply saying "homosexuals can be changed to heterosexuals." That's a media sound-bite, not the understanding of most of us who currently work in ex-gay ministry. Instead, we prefer to speak and write about freedom from homosexuality. For some that means functioning happily as a self-identified heterosexual. For some it means living a fulfilling chaste life. For some it means occasional temptation that teaches submission, obedience and trust. For all it's a process of sanctification. Mainly because it's not about science or psychology; it's about faith.
If folk want some further reading on the subject, I'd recommend Mark Yarhouse's book Sexual Identity: A Guide to Living in the Times Between the Times
Transforming Congregations consists mostly of United Methodist churches, but includes Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God, and other denominations within its ecumenical reach.
Preceding the upcoming Hearts of Fire convocation at Lake Junaluska by the Reconciling Ministries Network is a prayer breakfast by Transforming Congregations. Rev. Booth graciously agreed to answer questions about that event and Christian responses to homosexuality.
1. In a recent press release, you described a prayer breakfast that Transforming Congregations is holding on the eve of the Hearts on Fire convocation at Lake Junaluska. What actions will your ministry take to directly communicate your views with those attending Hearts on Fire?
Our purpose in holding the prayer breakfast is twofold. Primarily, it's to connect with like-minded people who believe as we do that same-sex attraction/behavior and gender confusion are not God's will for human sexual _expression, and to offer them an alternative response to the "Hearts on Fire" event besides protest. Secondarily, we also hope to gain broader exposure for our message and ministry through denominational, other religious and secular media. Voices of ex-gays tend to get drowned out in this particular controversy, and we hope our breakfast will help to remedy that.
So we will probably not have much direct interaction with the "Hearts on Fire" attendees. RMN Director Troy Plummer has been informed about what we're doing and any of their media reps are welcome to come and hear the program portion of our breakfast, to submit questions or interview our speakers. One of our Board members has registered for the convocation and will be attending as an observer/participant. He is willing to share his personal testimony if there is any call to do so. But otherwise, we intend to honor their time and space by not interfering or disrupting.
2. In an interview this week, Rev. Troy Plummer of Reconciling Ministries Network insisted that gay marriage is faithful to the Biblical standards of that institution. He said: "People ask me why we make a "fuss" about gay marriage. I say: The fuss is about living in honesty and loving in honesty. The fuss is about the fidelity and faithfulness of persons of same-sex orientation to their spouse and also to their family of faith. We not only advocate for and celebrate these values, we are asking our church to support their GLBT members in these values." How do you respond?
GLBT Christians living in committed relationships is far better than their living promiscuously. Troy would get no argument from me on that. But it doesn't logically follow that committed GLBT relationships are therefore OK. I believe they're sinful, meaning that they're not the perfect will of God for sexual _expression. So, as their sister in faith I cannot and will not support them in their desire for church approval. For my opinions on marriage, see several articles in the newsletter archives section of our website - www.transformingcong.org
3. Last month, a pastor in Virginia was placed on involuntary leave for refusing to admit a homosexual into membership of his congregation. Were his actions in compliance with the Bible and the Book of Discipline?
I can neither affirm nor criticize this pastor's actions because I don't know all the details of how he came to his final decision. I can only express what I would do if I were still serving as a local pastor. I would welcome GLBT persons into fellowship; I would faithfully and lovingly serve them, just as I have others in the past. But if they were unrepentant, I would not admit them to membership, since our membership vows require a turning away from sin.
4. What empirical evidence is available to prove that homosexuals can be changed into heterosexuals?
When I hear the word "empirical" I think of scientific studies or experiments that measure physically verifiable results. Someone on another blog mentioned "penile erectile studies" as one example, which I suppose is a way to measure sexual attraction and response. To my knowledge, nothing like that has ever been done with either gays or ex-gays. But I wonder what the value would be in doing so. What would it prove/disprove? I've been set free from heterosexual sin. Would I still get aroused if I were made to look at or read sexually explicit material? Probably. Does that mean I'm the same person I was twenty years ago? No.
If instead, "empirical" means psychological or behavioral studies, then for both gays and ex-gays we move into the realm of self-report and self-identification. Both are entirely subjective. But numerous psychological/behavioral studies indicate that sexual behavior and even sexual self-identity (orientation) is fluid and can change over time. Dr. Robert Spitzer's work is the most recent, but it has been subject to criticism, controversy and misrepresentation from many different perspectives. Bloggers can read more about his work and about a variety of other studies at http://www.freetobeme.com/ and http://www.drthrockmorton.com/.
Which leads finally to the whole question of what constitutes "change," An article in our first archived newsletter reports an interesting discussion about that topic among Exodus leaders. My favorite quote is this one:
"Healing from homosexuality is the process that occurs when an adult, whose primary or exclusive sexual and/or romantic attractions have been towards persons of the same sex, experiences a significant decrease in same-sex attractions and an increase in opposite-sex attractions to the extent that a heterosexual life that is emotionally, sexually and psychologically fulfilling is made possible. Accompanying these erotic and emotional changes is a change in self-perception in which the individual no longer identifies him or herself as homosexual."
Clinical perhaps, but the quote nonetheless shows it's far more complex than simply saying "homosexuals can be changed to heterosexuals." That's a media sound-bite, not the understanding of most of us who currently work in ex-gay ministry. Instead, we prefer to speak and write about freedom from homosexuality. For some that means functioning happily as a self-identified heterosexual. For some it means living a fulfilling chaste life. For some it means occasional temptation that teaches submission, obedience and trust. For all it's a process of sanctification. Mainly because it's not about science or psychology; it's about faith.
If folk want some further reading on the subject, I'd recommend Mark Yarhouse's book Sexual Identity: A Guide to Living in the Times Between the Times
Secrets of the Methodist Blogosphere
Gavin has revealed his secret vice: professional wrestling. I think that he revealed this fact at this time so that he wouldn't have to pay me fifty bucks every week not to expose it to the world.
But I feel somewhat convicted of being the blackmailer of the Methodist blogosphere and I think that it's time that I turn over all of my cards so that I don't hold that power over anyone else.
Beth Quick is a vegan, so as long as you don't count kittens.
Shane Raynor still sleeps with a teddy bear.
Jonathon Norman and John Wilks are the same person.
Dean Snyder was responsible for the invention of Hello Kitty.
Gerry Charlotte Phelps was the responsible for the invention of Dean Snyder.
Methotaku prefers Disney.
Jay Voorhees doesn't wear anything underneath his ministerial robe.
What's my secret vice? Leave a note in the comments.
But I feel somewhat convicted of being the blackmailer of the Methodist blogosphere and I think that it's time that I turn over all of my cards so that I don't hold that power over anyone else.
Beth Quick is a vegan, so as long as you don't count kittens.
Shane Raynor still sleeps with a teddy bear.
Jonathon Norman and John Wilks are the same person.
Dean Snyder was responsible for the invention of Hello Kitty.
Gerry Charlotte Phelps was the responsible for the invention of Dean Snyder.
Methotaku prefers Disney.
Jay Voorhees doesn't wear anything underneath his ministerial robe.
What's my secret vice? Leave a note in the comments.
Pulling the Strings Behind the Scenes
Glenn Reynolds links to a fascinating ABC News investigation into the public relations firm directing the Cindy Sheehan protest in Crawford, Texas. In the same post, Reynolds copies an e-mail that he received, suggesting (tongue-in-cheek, certainly) that Karl Rove is behind Sheehan. It's worth a read if for no other reason than it has a Star Trek reference:
Second, liberal interest groups are getting their hopes up once again, as they have after every so-called Bush implosion. Hardcore Democrats feel liberated and are actively supporting Sheehan, who contemporaneously says things like "AFGHANISTAN was a mistake" and "Get Israel out of Palestine." It's as if the hardcore leftists are so emboldened that even Howard Dean isn't enough for them!
But most of all, he's set an awful sweet trap for some bigger catch. I am sure that he was hoping that some potential Democrat presidential candidates showed up in Crawford. Well, at least someone besides Sharpton. Alas, it looks like he's going to have to wait until her entourage gets to Washington.
It's as if Rove has set the Democrats up with a Kobayashi Maru. If a major Dem goes to Cindy's side, they're doomed as a national candidate. No one in Tennessee or Indiana is going to support someone who agrees with the policy that Afghanistan was a mistake. But if they don't, as Kaus points out, they'll never get nominated by the emboldened left-wing base.
The outcome of the 2008 elections will be determined by which party can do the most damage to itself in the remaining three years. If Cindy Sheehan (or Kos) has her way, it'll be the Democrats.
Star Trek reference explained here. In short: a "Kobayashi Maru" is a no-win senario.
Second, liberal interest groups are getting their hopes up once again, as they have after every so-called Bush implosion. Hardcore Democrats feel liberated and are actively supporting Sheehan, who contemporaneously says things like "AFGHANISTAN was a mistake" and "Get Israel out of Palestine." It's as if the hardcore leftists are so emboldened that even Howard Dean isn't enough for them!
But most of all, he's set an awful sweet trap for some bigger catch. I am sure that he was hoping that some potential Democrat presidential candidates showed up in Crawford. Well, at least someone besides Sharpton. Alas, it looks like he's going to have to wait until her entourage gets to Washington.
It's as if Rove has set the Democrats up with a Kobayashi Maru. If a major Dem goes to Cindy's side, they're doomed as a national candidate. No one in Tennessee or Indiana is going to support someone who agrees with the policy that Afghanistan was a mistake. But if they don't, as Kaus points out, they'll never get nominated by the emboldened left-wing base.
The outcome of the 2008 elections will be determined by which party can do the most damage to itself in the remaining three years. If Cindy Sheehan (or Kos) has her way, it'll be the Democrats.
Star Trek reference explained here. In short: a "Kobayashi Maru" is a no-win senario.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Cindy Sheehan: Who Was Behind 9/11?
There's a blogswarm forming about Cindy Sheehan saying that she wasn't sure if Osama Bin Laden was behind 9/11.
Well...no.
If you look at the actual source of this blogswarm, you'll see a deeply parsed quotation which features the word 'allegedly'. But the National Review has not provided the full quotation in context.
So we don't really know what Sheehan said.
So, before we crucify Sheehan on this issue, let's make sure that our facts are straight.
UPDATE: More blogs are piling on. Woah, guys -- let's wait until the quote is verified.
Well...no.
If you look at the actual source of this blogswarm, you'll see a deeply parsed quotation which features the word 'allegedly'. But the National Review has not provided the full quotation in context.
So we don't really know what Sheehan said.
So, before we crucify Sheehan on this issue, let's make sure that our facts are straight.
UPDATE: More blogs are piling on. Woah, guys -- let's wait until the quote is verified.
Guest Blogging Next Week: Mark Tooley
Mark Tooley of UM Action will be guest blogging next week on Locusts & Honey.
Pat Robertson Urges U.S. to Covet Chavez' Wife
Televangelist Breaks Second Commandment in Two Days
One day after Pat Robertson called for the U.S. to assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the televangelist raised the ante again today, urging the U.S. to covet President Chavez’ wife.
In so doing, Mr. Robertson appeared to contradict two of The Ten Commandments in as many days, having flouted “Thou shat not kill” on Monday.
Speaking on the television program he hosts, “The 700 Club,” Mr. Robertson lashed out at the Venezuelan strongman once more, telling his audience, “It’s high time that the United States coveted Hugo Chavez’ wife.”
Warming to his topic, the opinionated preacher added, “And while we’re at it, we should covet his house, his manservant, his maidservant, his ox and his ass, for that matter.”
From the Borowitz Report
One day after Pat Robertson called for the U.S. to assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the televangelist raised the ante again today, urging the U.S. to covet President Chavez’ wife.
In so doing, Mr. Robertson appeared to contradict two of The Ten Commandments in as many days, having flouted “Thou shat not kill” on Monday.
Speaking on the television program he hosts, “The 700 Club,” Mr. Robertson lashed out at the Venezuelan strongman once more, telling his audience, “It’s high time that the United States coveted Hugo Chavez’ wife.”
Warming to his topic, the opinionated preacher added, “And while we’re at it, we should covet his house, his manservant, his maidservant, his ox and his ass, for that matter.”
From the Borowitz Report
Beer Prayer
Dear God, Maker of the heavens and the earth: We know you are the creator of all good things. For that reason we come now before you to ask for a better beer. We request it have a taste like unto the sweet nectars of the Garden of Eden. May the blend of its flavor pour gently over our tongues and satisfy not only the thirst of our mouths, but the longings of our souls.
Make this beer so good all who drink it will no longer drink the present beers which often lead people to bring injury to children, other drivers or themselves. Make it a beer that multiplies wisdom, instead of killing brain cells. Lord, you know we human beings really cannot afford to sacrifice many brain cells anyway.
Finally, Lord we ask this beer would be so good its consumption would never cause us to jeopardize or sacrifice our relationship with others or you. May the camaraderie generated by this beer make the celebrations and special occasions of our lives even more special by helping us to fully appreciate one of the most sacred dimensions of life-fellowship with our friends, loved ones and you.
Hear our prayer, oh Lord. Improve our lives with a better beer such as we have described and if you can think of any further improvements, by all means please act on our behalf.
From Marine Corps Moms, via Donald Sensing.
Make this beer so good all who drink it will no longer drink the present beers which often lead people to bring injury to children, other drivers or themselves. Make it a beer that multiplies wisdom, instead of killing brain cells. Lord, you know we human beings really cannot afford to sacrifice many brain cells anyway.
Finally, Lord we ask this beer would be so good its consumption would never cause us to jeopardize or sacrifice our relationship with others or you. May the camaraderie generated by this beer make the celebrations and special occasions of our lives even more special by helping us to fully appreciate one of the most sacred dimensions of life-fellowship with our friends, loved ones and you.
Hear our prayer, oh Lord. Improve our lives with a better beer such as we have described and if you can think of any further improvements, by all means please act on our behalf.
From Marine Corps Moms, via Donald Sensing.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Interview: Mark Tooley of the IRD
Mark Tooley has graciously agreed to answer questions about the work of UM Action and his views on the upcoming "Hearts of Fire" conference at Lake Junaluska. Yesterday, he was interviewed by Dean Snyder at Untied Methodist.
1. Here, UMC blogger and GBCS member Beth Quick accuses you of dishonest reporting. How do you respond?
You can find my article about Church and Society’s boycott aimed at Kraft foods at http://www.goodnewsmag.org/news/Accountability_04_03_01.htm. Readers can judge for themselves. I quoted several evangelical members of the Board of Church and Society who opposed the boycott and who, as a minority on the board, often are ignored by official church reporting sources. Though they are a minority on that church agency board, their concerns are often those of a majority of United Methodists.
2. In your recent letter to supporters (copied here), you describe Reconciling Ministries Network as an advocate for transgenderism. Could you describe in detail RMN's involvement in advocating this lifestyle?
Here is a description of one event from the upcoming “Hearts on Fire.” Swenson is a Presbyterian minister who had a sex change operation, going from male to female. The concept that gender is an artificial social construct that can be changed at will is the latest fad in these circles. “Omnigender” by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott outlines this mode of thought.
Deconstructing Stereotypes, Constructing Identities: Transgender Spirituality in the 21st Century
Friday, Sept 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
F acilitated by Erin Swenson and Ann Thompson Cook.In this forum we will explore the development of transgender and gender queer spirituality through the use of stories, both our own and from our heritage. Participants should come with a robust interest in all things gender, whether or not they themselves are gender non-normative. We will explore the sources of gendering from ancient times to our own, looking for the development of new themes of gendered experience that will help us move hopefully into our future. Register with Sue Laurie at sue@rmnetwork.org
3. In a recent interview with Untied Methodist, you said, "I have attended RMN-endorsed events and read RMN-endorsed publications that endorsed polyamory." Could you describe in greater detail the unusual sexual practicies advocated by RMN?
Two examples of advocacy of polyamory by RMN-endorsed events come to mind. The 2003 WOW conference, organized by the RMN and other similar groups from mainline churches, featured a workshop by Debra Kolodny on bisexuality. She spoke quite favorably about polyamory, or sexual relationships among many different consenting partners. Here is a link to my article about that: http://www.layman.org/layman/news/2003-news-articles/some-gay-activists.htm. The second example is an article from Open Hands magazine, the then official magazine of RMN and other similar caucus groups. This article of 7 years ago told of the pleasures of swapping sexual partners. A more recent, shorter article in Open Hands magazine from 2003 also cites the growing popularity of polyamory. Here is a link to that: www.rmnetwork.org/ohlast/Vol17_No4.pdf .
4. Should all groups that oppose a part of our Discipline be denied use of Lake Junaluska or is sexual orientation a special case? How should Lake Junaluska decide what is a serious enough disagreement to bar use?
I think Lake Junaluska’s current standard of renting to groups that uphold the mission of the United Methodist Church is a good one, if they chose to abide by it. Preferably, Lake Junaluska would rent to Christian groups that uphold historic Christian beliefs. If the facility is going to rent to groups that advocate homosexual practice, then it should simply be willing to rent to any group that can pay the rent and set aside any pretense of being a Christian conference center.
5. Is it true IRD has taken Coors money? If so, does UMAction have any concern about being funded by money made selling alcohol?
Yes, IRD has received several grants from a foundation founded by members of the Coors family. One of United Methodism’s great universities and seminaries, Duke, was created with tobacco money. No, I have no objection to that, but I wish the church would emphasize more strongly once again its historic teachings about alcohol and tobacco use. The Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic components of IRD tend to have a different stance towards alcohol than we Methodists do!
1. Here, UMC blogger and GBCS member Beth Quick accuses you of dishonest reporting. How do you respond?
You can find my article about Church and Society’s boycott aimed at Kraft foods at http://www.goodnewsmag.org/news/Accountability_04_03_01.htm. Readers can judge for themselves. I quoted several evangelical members of the Board of Church and Society who opposed the boycott and who, as a minority on the board, often are ignored by official church reporting sources. Though they are a minority on that church agency board, their concerns are often those of a majority of United Methodists.
2. In your recent letter to supporters (copied here), you describe Reconciling Ministries Network as an advocate for transgenderism. Could you describe in detail RMN's involvement in advocating this lifestyle?
Here is a description of one event from the upcoming “Hearts on Fire.” Swenson is a Presbyterian minister who had a sex change operation, going from male to female. The concept that gender is an artificial social construct that can be changed at will is the latest fad in these circles. “Omnigender” by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott outlines this mode of thought.
Deconstructing Stereotypes, Constructing Identities: Transgender Spirituality in the 21st Century
Friday, Sept 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
F acilitated by Erin Swenson and Ann Thompson Cook.In this forum we will explore the development of transgender and gender queer spirituality through the use of stories, both our own and from our heritage. Participants should come with a robust interest in all things gender, whether or not they themselves are gender non-normative. We will explore the sources of gendering from ancient times to our own, looking for the development of new themes of gendered experience that will help us move hopefully into our future. Register with Sue Laurie at sue@rmnetwork.org
3. In a recent interview with Untied Methodist, you said, "I have attended RMN-endorsed events and read RMN-endorsed publications that endorsed polyamory." Could you describe in greater detail the unusual sexual practicies advocated by RMN?
Two examples of advocacy of polyamory by RMN-endorsed events come to mind. The 2003 WOW conference, organized by the RMN and other similar groups from mainline churches, featured a workshop by Debra Kolodny on bisexuality. She spoke quite favorably about polyamory, or sexual relationships among many different consenting partners. Here is a link to my article about that: http://www.layman.org/layman/news/2003-news-articles/some-gay-activists.htm. The second example is an article from Open Hands magazine, the then official magazine of RMN and other similar caucus groups. This article of 7 years ago told of the pleasures of swapping sexual partners. A more recent, shorter article in Open Hands magazine from 2003 also cites the growing popularity of polyamory. Here is a link to that: www.rmnetwork.org/ohlast/Vol17_No4.pdf .
4. Should all groups that oppose a part of our Discipline be denied use of Lake Junaluska or is sexual orientation a special case? How should Lake Junaluska decide what is a serious enough disagreement to bar use?
I think Lake Junaluska’s current standard of renting to groups that uphold the mission of the United Methodist Church is a good one, if they chose to abide by it. Preferably, Lake Junaluska would rent to Christian groups that uphold historic Christian beliefs. If the facility is going to rent to groups that advocate homosexual practice, then it should simply be willing to rent to any group that can pay the rent and set aside any pretense of being a Christian conference center.
5. Is it true IRD has taken Coors money? If so, does UMAction have any concern about being funded by money made selling alcohol?
Yes, IRD has received several grants from a foundation founded by members of the Coors family. One of United Methodism’s great universities and seminaries, Duke, was created with tobacco money. No, I have no objection to that, but I wish the church would emphasize more strongly once again its historic teachings about alcohol and tobacco use. The Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic components of IRD tend to have a different stance towards alcohol than we Methodists do!
Pat Robertson in Perspective
As a supporter of individual liberty, I have little in common with Pat Robertson, but I can't help but conclude that the recent hubbub about him is overblown.
Pat Robertson has called for the assassination of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.
The story has been framed by the media as "Christian leader calls for assassination." As such, it looks really bad. Christians shouldn't be, you know, killing people. Or advocating thereof.
But except for true pacifists, such as Jonathon or Pen, who among us hasn't advocated the use of violent force to defeat an intractable foe?
I don't know much about the situation in Venezuela, but I do recall that in the months leading up to the Iraq War that various anti-war voices said that we should simply assassinate Saddam Hussein instead of going through a costly and destructive invasion and occupation. Now that would have been a foolish course of action because it would not have achieved its intended consequence, but I don't recall anyone saying at the time that it would have been immoral to kill Saddam Hussein.
Really, if someone bumped of Chavez and the result was a democratic government for Venezuela, would that be a 'bad thing'? If so, why?
WWJD? Well, I think that he's hardly likely to go off invading countries. We could get into the whole pacifism vs. Just War Christian debate. But if you accept Just War as morally legitimate, how would the assassination of a brutal dictator (Chavez or anyone else) constitute an immoral act?
Pat Robertson has called for the assassination of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez.
The story has been framed by the media as "Christian leader calls for assassination." As such, it looks really bad. Christians shouldn't be, you know, killing people. Or advocating thereof.
But except for true pacifists, such as Jonathon or Pen, who among us hasn't advocated the use of violent force to defeat an intractable foe?
I don't know much about the situation in Venezuela, but I do recall that in the months leading up to the Iraq War that various anti-war voices said that we should simply assassinate Saddam Hussein instead of going through a costly and destructive invasion and occupation. Now that would have been a foolish course of action because it would not have achieved its intended consequence, but I don't recall anyone saying at the time that it would have been immoral to kill Saddam Hussein.
Really, if someone bumped of Chavez and the result was a democratic government for Venezuela, would that be a 'bad thing'? If so, why?
WWJD? Well, I think that he's hardly likely to go off invading countries. We could get into the whole pacifism vs. Just War Christian debate. But if you accept Just War as morally legitimate, how would the assassination of a brutal dictator (Chavez or anyone else) constitute an immoral act?
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Reconciling Ministries Blog
I've just discovered that Reconciling Ministries Network (a pro-gay Methodist group) has a blog.
The Problem With Juries
Megan McArdle (Hat tip: Balko) is greatly displeased by the recent verdict against Merck for $259 million for its drug Vioxx. She says that the juries of laymen cannot be trusted to understand complex scientific issues, and that from her perspective, it was pretty clear that Vioxx could not have been the cause of death:
According to the Wall Street Journal, jurors were swayed by things that simply shouldn't have been a factor--an irrational belief that the CEO should attend the case (Merck is sued hundreds of times a year; should the CEO stop running the company so the jurors can feel special?), and even more disturbingly, a desire to get on Oprah. You only get on Oprah if you find for the plaintiff.
Every successful big lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company reduces the capital available to the industry, and the willingness of the industry to spend capital on developing new drugs, rather than novel ways to package things already on the market that they haven't been sued for. As Richard Epstein says, it's no good saying you only want to target the bad companies; investors have no way of telling, in advance, which companies jurors will decide are "bad". This case was widely viewed as a slam dunk for Merck, given that the plaintiff's deceased husband had neither the use profile, nor the cause of death, associated with Vioxx's problems. In the case of companies that are misbehaving, that is a cost we have to bear. But there seems to have been little evidence that Merck was misbehaving, and no scientific evidence that the drug caused the death the plaintiff was suing over.
This points up a larger problem, which is that even under the Daubert standard of scientific evidence, lay jurors are disastrously ill-equipped to cope with complex technical arguments. An acquaintance who is a securities litigator told me shortly before 9/11 that they try their damndest to keep cases out of court, because the issues are so complex that even the lawyers have a hard time getting a handle on them, and "if you explain it to the jury, it takes six weeks, and they hate you more with every minute--and at the end, they still don't understand it."
I don't know anything about this case, but my only experience as a juror comes to mind. It was a wrongful death lawsuit against a subsidiary of UPS. A teenage girl had driven 16 hours straight from New York to northern Florida when she suddenly realized that she had slipped onto I-10 in the wrong direction. So she slammed on her brakes and attempted a U-turn on the Interstate. A truck driver behind her clipped her back corner, causing her to lose control of the car and careen into a logging truck on the other side of the freeway.
Sarah Isom died instantly. The asking price, if I remember correctly, was for about $25 million.
I was surprised that extensive jury deliberations were even necessary. The girl had done something profoundly stupid and gotten herself killed. I'm sorry that she died, but that doesn't make it the responsibility of UPS or its subsidiaries.
The rest of the jury disagreed with me. The most advocated arguments were that (1) the defendants were rich and could afford it and (2) the Isom family had suffered so much they needed some money to help them out -- and therefore the defendants should pay. Among the jurors advancing these ridiculous arguments was a state prosecutor! She, if anyone, should have known better.
So I don't know if the science confused the jurors in this Merck case or not. But I would not be surprised to learn if plaintiffs played upon the juror's emotions and illogic in order to win.
Additional commentary on this case from Sean Lynch.
According to the Wall Street Journal, jurors were swayed by things that simply shouldn't have been a factor--an irrational belief that the CEO should attend the case (Merck is sued hundreds of times a year; should the CEO stop running the company so the jurors can feel special?), and even more disturbingly, a desire to get on Oprah. You only get on Oprah if you find for the plaintiff.
Every successful big lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company reduces the capital available to the industry, and the willingness of the industry to spend capital on developing new drugs, rather than novel ways to package things already on the market that they haven't been sued for. As Richard Epstein says, it's no good saying you only want to target the bad companies; investors have no way of telling, in advance, which companies jurors will decide are "bad". This case was widely viewed as a slam dunk for Merck, given that the plaintiff's deceased husband had neither the use profile, nor the cause of death, associated with Vioxx's problems. In the case of companies that are misbehaving, that is a cost we have to bear. But there seems to have been little evidence that Merck was misbehaving, and no scientific evidence that the drug caused the death the plaintiff was suing over.
This points up a larger problem, which is that even under the Daubert standard of scientific evidence, lay jurors are disastrously ill-equipped to cope with complex technical arguments. An acquaintance who is a securities litigator told me shortly before 9/11 that they try their damndest to keep cases out of court, because the issues are so complex that even the lawyers have a hard time getting a handle on them, and "if you explain it to the jury, it takes six weeks, and they hate you more with every minute--and at the end, they still don't understand it."
I don't know anything about this case, but my only experience as a juror comes to mind. It was a wrongful death lawsuit against a subsidiary of UPS. A teenage girl had driven 16 hours straight from New York to northern Florida when she suddenly realized that she had slipped onto I-10 in the wrong direction. So she slammed on her brakes and attempted a U-turn on the Interstate. A truck driver behind her clipped her back corner, causing her to lose control of the car and careen into a logging truck on the other side of the freeway.
Sarah Isom died instantly. The asking price, if I remember correctly, was for about $25 million.
I was surprised that extensive jury deliberations were even necessary. The girl had done something profoundly stupid and gotten herself killed. I'm sorry that she died, but that doesn't make it the responsibility of UPS or its subsidiaries.
The rest of the jury disagreed with me. The most advocated arguments were that (1) the defendants were rich and could afford it and (2) the Isom family had suffered so much they needed some money to help them out -- and therefore the defendants should pay. Among the jurors advancing these ridiculous arguments was a state prosecutor! She, if anyone, should have known better.
So I don't know if the science confused the jurors in this Merck case or not. But I would not be surprised to learn if plaintiffs played upon the juror's emotions and illogic in order to win.
Additional commentary on this case from Sean Lynch.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup # 27
Here's the week in review in the Methodist blogosphere:
Andy Bryan wrote about the murder of Brother Roger, the DaVinci Code movie, and Cindy Sheehan.
Gerry Charlotte Phelps blogged about balancing evangelism and helping the poor, emphasizing repentence in evangelism, and the movie The Great Raid.
Chris Morgan wrote about admitting when you need help.
At Bandits No More, Richard asked for prayers for Gaza and wrote about how to be perceptive to other people's needs, being the apprentice of Jesus, and understanding evangelism through the story of Ruth.
Ben Thomas wrote about how pastors can often be the most effective by being absent.
Ben Witherington blogged about what humans can learn from penguins and Paul's understanding of wealth.
Beth Quick wrote about the theology of summer camp and observing the different ways that people take communion.
Cole Wakefield noted that John Wesley is dead and blogged about attacks on the Christian Alliance for Progress.
At Connexions, Joel Thomas blogged about manners displayed by liberal and conservative bloggers. Richard Hall wrote about the shooting of a Brazilian man by London police.
Dave Warnock wrote about his first service at a church on his circuit.
David Camphouse noted the disappearance of the Western Jurisdiction from the Book of Discipline and wrote about the incident in which Jesus called Peter 'Satan'.
Dean Snyder blogged about how Mark Tooley is responding to the upcoming Lake Junaluska conference, how the Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference is responding to the same, a Biblical right to work, what churches can do to create full national employment, what the government can do to create full employment, and why the Red Bird Missionary Conference is growing.
Steve Heyduck wrote about discerning a thirst for God and being a contagious Christian.
Gavin Richardson blogged about responses to his thoughts on homosexuality and the death of Brother Roger.
Greg Hazelrig noted that change in a church can be scary.
Growing Up wrote about what she's learned about the impact of Jesus on the lives on individuals by watching CSI.
Guy Williams just became a father.
Inside Mike's Head said that artists are the prophets of modern times. He also wrote about trusting the Bible as a guide.
James Spring blogged about why John Wesley hates you.
Jay Voorhees wrote about Pat Roberton's call for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, conflict resolution within the UMC (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!), and that the decline of UMC membership is due to its success.
Joel Furhmann blogged about finding God's calling to faith through tragedy.
Jonathon Norman wrote about the necessity of confronting our own sin, the failure of the church to address poverty, the death of Brother Roger, and what he's learned from monasticism.
Josh Tinley blogged about women's rights in Iraq, financial compensation for college athletes, declining talk radio ratings, Sen. Frist on Intelligent Design, and conservative attacks on the Christian Alliance for Progress.
Ken Carter wrote about what you can learn about salvation through Passover.
Maobi blogged about how corporate management can slow business progress, affirmative action in Malaysia, the traditional Chinese festival for the dead, looking back at 48 years of Malaysian independence, how to reform the UN, credit card fraud in Malaysia, and how he know's that he's saying sensible things considering how he's infuriating commentors.
Matthew Johnson wrote about the life of an evangelical pacifist.
Methodist No Spin Zone wrote that the Bible clearly identifies homosexuality as a perversion, that he's tired of debating liberal Methodists on homosexuality, and Bob Edgar's statement that liberal stances are Christian stances.
Michael Daniel blogged about Cindy Sheehan and 'moral authority' and how people have responded to the BTK Killer's sentence.
Octomusing wrote about an anti-poverty rock concert in the UK and Methodist giving to world relief.
Phil Smith blogged about making a church 'leaver-sensitive'.
Wes Magruder wrote about the creation of a Cameroonian hymnal.
Theresa Coleman wrote about Christian compassion (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!)
See Through Faith blogged about getting tired of being compassionate, defining poverty, that Jesus gives individuals meaning in their lives, making worship meaningful for children, reading Wild at Heart, Methodist ordination in Finland, and spiritual adultery.
Stephen Fife contrasted Brother Roger and Pat Robertson and wrote about the death of Brother Roger.
Tim Sisk recommended reading the Patrick O'Brien novels and the spiritual impact of the act of confession.
Wabi Sabi blogged about his recent experiences getting kids involved in worship services.
Shane Raynor wrote about the Lake Junaluska controversy, the wisdom of Methodist scholar Albert Mohler, the God's Word Translation, the death of John Wesley, and Cindy Sheehan.
Hopefully this will be my last MBWR on dialup. Anyway, corrections or additions, as always, leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com. I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
Corrections:
John Wilks wrote about how God still loves sinners, even if he excludes the from the Kingdom. He also wrote about Pat Robertson's call to assassinate Hugo Chavez, the proper way to handle doctrinal disputes, Paul's views on sexual immorality in the church, how the apostles reacted to the leadership of Jesus, how certain churches and ministries can become a cult of personality, and the responsibility of being one of God's workers.
Donald Sensing blogged about Bush and public relations, a right to work, the Lake Junaluska controversy, cosmic particle impacts, re-evaluating multiculturalism, and sexual discrimination at Virginia Tech.
Andy Bryan wrote about the murder of Brother Roger, the DaVinci Code movie, and Cindy Sheehan.
Gerry Charlotte Phelps blogged about balancing evangelism and helping the poor, emphasizing repentence in evangelism, and the movie The Great Raid.
Chris Morgan wrote about admitting when you need help.
At Bandits No More, Richard asked for prayers for Gaza and wrote about how to be perceptive to other people's needs, being the apprentice of Jesus, and understanding evangelism through the story of Ruth.
Ben Thomas wrote about how pastors can often be the most effective by being absent.
Ben Witherington blogged about what humans can learn from penguins and Paul's understanding of wealth.
Beth Quick wrote about the theology of summer camp and observing the different ways that people take communion.
Cole Wakefield noted that John Wesley is dead and blogged about attacks on the Christian Alliance for Progress.
At Connexions, Joel Thomas blogged about manners displayed by liberal and conservative bloggers. Richard Hall wrote about the shooting of a Brazilian man by London police.
Dave Warnock wrote about his first service at a church on his circuit.
David Camphouse noted the disappearance of the Western Jurisdiction from the Book of Discipline and wrote about the incident in which Jesus called Peter 'Satan'.
Dean Snyder blogged about how Mark Tooley is responding to the upcoming Lake Junaluska conference, how the Bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference is responding to the same, a Biblical right to work, what churches can do to create full national employment, what the government can do to create full employment, and why the Red Bird Missionary Conference is growing.
Steve Heyduck wrote about discerning a thirst for God and being a contagious Christian.
Gavin Richardson blogged about responses to his thoughts on homosexuality and the death of Brother Roger.
Greg Hazelrig noted that change in a church can be scary.
Growing Up wrote about what she's learned about the impact of Jesus on the lives on individuals by watching CSI.
Guy Williams just became a father.
Inside Mike's Head said that artists are the prophets of modern times. He also wrote about trusting the Bible as a guide.
James Spring blogged about why John Wesley hates you.
Jay Voorhees wrote about Pat Roberton's call for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, conflict resolution within the UMC (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!), and that the decline of UMC membership is due to its success.
Joel Furhmann blogged about finding God's calling to faith through tragedy.
Jonathon Norman wrote about the necessity of confronting our own sin, the failure of the church to address poverty, the death of Brother Roger, and what he's learned from monasticism.
Josh Tinley blogged about women's rights in Iraq, financial compensation for college athletes, declining talk radio ratings, Sen. Frist on Intelligent Design, and conservative attacks on the Christian Alliance for Progress.
Ken Carter wrote about what you can learn about salvation through Passover.
Maobi blogged about how corporate management can slow business progress, affirmative action in Malaysia, the traditional Chinese festival for the dead, looking back at 48 years of Malaysian independence, how to reform the UN, credit card fraud in Malaysia, and how he know's that he's saying sensible things considering how he's infuriating commentors.
Matthew Johnson wrote about the life of an evangelical pacifist.
Methodist No Spin Zone wrote that the Bible clearly identifies homosexuality as a perversion, that he's tired of debating liberal Methodists on homosexuality, and Bob Edgar's statement that liberal stances are Christian stances.
Michael Daniel blogged about Cindy Sheehan and 'moral authority' and how people have responded to the BTK Killer's sentence.
Octomusing wrote about an anti-poverty rock concert in the UK and Methodist giving to world relief.
Phil Smith blogged about making a church 'leaver-sensitive'.
Wes Magruder wrote about the creation of a Cameroonian hymnal.
Theresa Coleman wrote about Christian compassion (Best of the Methodist blogosphere!)
See Through Faith blogged about getting tired of being compassionate, defining poverty, that Jesus gives individuals meaning in their lives, making worship meaningful for children, reading Wild at Heart, Methodist ordination in Finland, and spiritual adultery.
Stephen Fife contrasted Brother Roger and Pat Robertson and wrote about the death of Brother Roger.
Tim Sisk recommended reading the Patrick O'Brien novels and the spiritual impact of the act of confession.
Wabi Sabi blogged about his recent experiences getting kids involved in worship services.
Shane Raynor wrote about the Lake Junaluska controversy, the wisdom of Methodist scholar Albert Mohler, the God's Word Translation, the death of John Wesley, and Cindy Sheehan.
Hopefully this will be my last MBWR on dialup. Anyway, corrections or additions, as always, leave a note in the comments or e-mail locustsandhoney2005 at yahoo dot com. I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
Corrections:
John Wilks wrote about how God still loves sinners, even if he excludes the from the Kingdom. He also wrote about Pat Robertson's call to assassinate Hugo Chavez, the proper way to handle doctrinal disputes, Paul's views on sexual immorality in the church, how the apostles reacted to the leadership of Jesus, how certain churches and ministries can become a cult of personality, and the responsibility of being one of God's workers.
Donald Sensing blogged about Bush and public relations, a right to work, the Lake Junaluska controversy, cosmic particle impacts, re-evaluating multiculturalism, and sexual discrimination at Virginia Tech.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Church Shopping
Katherine and I have been church shopping in Orlando. The first church offered homemade strawberry/kiwi jam as their 'visitor gift'. The second offered a John Tesh album.
I think that the choice is pretty clear now.
I think that the choice is pretty clear now.
Torture Techniques at Guantanamo Bay
Human rights groups around the world cried foul today amid reports that the movie version of “The Dukes of Hazzard” is being used by interrogators at the U.S. detention center in Guantanamo, Cuba.
According to reports, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arranged for a private screening of the film at the Pentagon in mid-July and determined that it could be a powerful tool for extracting information from enemy combatants.
Over the weekend, when “Dukes” appeared on over three thousand screens nationwide, it also appeared in at least twelve interrogation rooms at Guantanamo, playing on a nonstop loop.
“We have never seen anything like it,” said one Guantanamo interrogator, speaking on condition of anonymity. “About ten minutes into the film, the prisoners are already willing to talk.”
Full story at the Borowitz Report.
According to reports, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arranged for a private screening of the film at the Pentagon in mid-July and determined that it could be a powerful tool for extracting information from enemy combatants.
Over the weekend, when “Dukes” appeared on over three thousand screens nationwide, it also appeared in at least twelve interrogation rooms at Guantanamo, playing on a nonstop loop.
“We have never seen anything like it,” said one Guantanamo interrogator, speaking on condition of anonymity. “About ten minutes into the film, the prisoners are already willing to talk.”
Full story at the Borowitz Report.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Why Are the Provisions on Divorce Missing from the Book of Discipline?
Josh Tinley noticed that the paragraphs condemning divorce in the Book of Discipline disappeared after the 2004 General Conference. It left the Methodist blogosphere perplexed about how this serious doctrinal change slipped by without anyone noticing.
Dean has the answer: it was a printing error.
Dean has the answer: it was a printing error.
Have I Got a Deal for You!
Rainbough Phillips wonders how you could sell Social Security to the American people today if it was just now being proposed:
That’s right kids we’re going to deduct a portion of every pay check to go towards funding your retirement. There won’t be any correlation between how much you put in now and how much you will later be able to get out, and in fact we will use the current funds to pay people who never paid into the system, but who just didn’t happen to bother saving for retirement. You don’t want your grandparents starving do you?
Also if you are particularly industrious and save up enough that you don’t need the money you’ve put into social security we will reward you by not allowing you to have any. Or if you get a job in your retirement after receiving your benefits we will promptly take your benefits away to give them to more needy individuals. Furthermore the money taken from your paycheck and put into the fund, may not necessarily be used for the fund. We reserve the right to borrow money from the fund to use for other purposes from time to time. If we should forget to put it back, don’t worry we’ll just reduce your overall benefits to make up for the short fall.
Another great benefit of the system is that we will assign every individual a number that will never ever be used for personal identification, unless you are getting a driver’s license, bank account, credit card, cell phone, going to college, getting a job, or financing anything ever. So who wants to sign up?!
Even with this sales pitch, I think that Social Security would pass again. I've encountered so many people who are totally convinced that civilization would collapse without government supervision over every sphere of life, and precious few who aren't.
That’s right kids we’re going to deduct a portion of every pay check to go towards funding your retirement. There won’t be any correlation between how much you put in now and how much you will later be able to get out, and in fact we will use the current funds to pay people who never paid into the system, but who just didn’t happen to bother saving for retirement. You don’t want your grandparents starving do you?
Also if you are particularly industrious and save up enough that you don’t need the money you’ve put into social security we will reward you by not allowing you to have any. Or if you get a job in your retirement after receiving your benefits we will promptly take your benefits away to give them to more needy individuals. Furthermore the money taken from your paycheck and put into the fund, may not necessarily be used for the fund. We reserve the right to borrow money from the fund to use for other purposes from time to time. If we should forget to put it back, don’t worry we’ll just reduce your overall benefits to make up for the short fall.
Another great benefit of the system is that we will assign every individual a number that will never ever be used for personal identification, unless you are getting a driver’s license, bank account, credit card, cell phone, going to college, getting a job, or financing anything ever. So who wants to sign up?!
Even with this sales pitch, I think that Social Security would pass again. I've encountered so many people who are totally convinced that civilization would collapse without government supervision over every sphere of life, and precious few who aren't.
Intelligent Design and Political Philosophy
Don Boudreaux has a fascinating post up in which he compares Intelligent Design and what he calls "Social Creationism" -- or in short form, statism. Intelligent Design hinges on the notion that the universe is so complex that natural forces could not have shaped it and hence an intelligent force is behind it. Statism, in a similar fashion, holds that undirected market forces cannot create a viable society and that government management is essential to this end:
A social deist assumes that sovereign power is necessary to design and maintain the foundation, but not the superstructure, of society. That is, a social deist regards conscious design and maintenance of the ‘constitutional’ level as necessary. Upon this foundation, social order grows unplanned.
Social deists are contrasted, on one hand, with "social creationists." Social creationists are members of that species of juvenile thinkers who regard conscious, central direction by a wise and caring higher human authority as necessary for all social order – not only for the foundation, but for all, or much, of what the foundation supports.
Economic central planners are prime examples of social creationists. In their view, government must not only create and enforce law (society’s foundation), it also must plan the course of the economy (society’s superstructure) – for example, which good and services to produce, and how to produce these.
Social creationists are not just socialists or the economic Left, but also authoritarian conservatives such as James Dobson, who hold that social collapse is inevitable without strict government regulation of personal behavior.
A social deist assumes that sovereign power is necessary to design and maintain the foundation, but not the superstructure, of society. That is, a social deist regards conscious design and maintenance of the ‘constitutional’ level as necessary. Upon this foundation, social order grows unplanned.
Social deists are contrasted, on one hand, with "social creationists." Social creationists are members of that species of juvenile thinkers who regard conscious, central direction by a wise and caring higher human authority as necessary for all social order – not only for the foundation, but for all, or much, of what the foundation supports.
Economic central planners are prime examples of social creationists. In their view, government must not only create and enforce law (society’s foundation), it also must plan the course of the economy (society’s superstructure) – for example, which good and services to produce, and how to produce these.
Social creationists are not just socialists or the economic Left, but also authoritarian conservatives such as James Dobson, who hold that social collapse is inevitable without strict government regulation of personal behavior.
Friday, August 19, 2005
William Adolphe Bouguereau, 1825-1905
One hundred years ago today, William Adolphe Bouguereau died. He was the last of the great Academic painters – a genius who took his subject matter from Greek and Roman mythology and his style from the photo-realistic idealism of the Neoclassicists. With his death, it has been said, came the death of painting as art form as tastes shifted toward Impressionism and its inevitable and unaesthetic successor – the abstract movement, in which paint randomly splattered on a canvas came to represent ‘skill’.
True skill, talent, and passion lay in the precise hands of Bouguereau, who painted haunting religious scenes, passionate sensuality, joyful innocence, and idealized lives. In Bouguereau’s world, even the beggars had clean feet. Such was not true, but what is art if not a quest for perfection?
Forgotten upon his death – swept under by the Impressionist/Abstract tide – Bouguereau’s work collected dust in attics, basements, and the living rooms of upper-class homes. His work was often sold for as little as $500.
So I had not heard of this man or his grasp of beauty until I turned a corner in the Birmingham Museum of Art and saw this:
True skill, talent, and passion lay in the precise hands of Bouguereau, who painted haunting religious scenes, passionate sensuality, joyful innocence, and idealized lives. In Bouguereau’s world, even the beggars had clean feet. Such was not true, but what is art if not a quest for perfection?
Forgotten upon his death – swept under by the Impressionist/Abstract tide – Bouguereau’s work collected dust in attics, basements, and the living rooms of upper-class homes. His work was often sold for as little as $500.
So I had not heard of this man or his grasp of beauty until I turned a corner in the Birmingham Museum of Art and saw this:
My jaw dropped.
It was perfect.
She was perfect.
The Greek goddess Dawn rises from night. Her middle toe just barely touches the surface of the water -- and points to the mirror image of her in the water. The morning breeze sweeps her diaphanous gown around her.
Flawless.
Could a mere mortal have executed such a feat? Yet a simple Frenchman had.
A century after his death, Bouguereau is beginning to receive the recognition that he deserves. His paintings are now celebrated and hang in the finest galleries of the world.
Godspeed William Adolphe Bouguereau, and thank you.
UPDATE: Content changes made to make it worthy of submission to the History Carnival.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
The PCUSA Decision to Divest from Israel
James Lileks on the decision of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to divest from Israel:
But they're not anti-Semites. Heavens, nay. Don't you dare question their philosemitism! No, they looked at the entire world, including countries that lop off your skull if you convert to Presbyterianism, and what did they choose as the object of their ire? A country the size of a potato chip hanging on the edge of a region noted for despotism and barbarity. By some peculiar coincidence, it happens to be full of Jews.
This is rather unfair. Israel would not be the target of divestment movements if it did not strap bombs onto the backs of its children and dispatch them into Palestinian markets, buses, and cafes to blow themselves up. And it's well known that the Israeli government trains its young from birth to yearn for the annihilation of all Palestinians, which is the clear objective of that state. Given these factors and the hate-spewing lies that Israeli media pour out on a daily basis (such as the myth that Palestinian imams bake pastries out of the blood of Jewish babies during Ramadam) make the possibility of an internal Israeli peace movement nil.
Let's face it -- compared to the democratic and peaceful nations of China, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Cuba, Israel is the most despotic nation on earth. Now they're getting what's coming to them.
Hat tip: Jeff the Baptist
But they're not anti-Semites. Heavens, nay. Don't you dare question their philosemitism! No, they looked at the entire world, including countries that lop off your skull if you convert to Presbyterianism, and what did they choose as the object of their ire? A country the size of a potato chip hanging on the edge of a region noted for despotism and barbarity. By some peculiar coincidence, it happens to be full of Jews.
This is rather unfair. Israel would not be the target of divestment movements if it did not strap bombs onto the backs of its children and dispatch them into Palestinian markets, buses, and cafes to blow themselves up. And it's well known that the Israeli government trains its young from birth to yearn for the annihilation of all Palestinians, which is the clear objective of that state. Given these factors and the hate-spewing lies that Israeli media pour out on a daily basis (such as the myth that Palestinian imams bake pastries out of the blood of Jewish babies during Ramadam) make the possibility of an internal Israeli peace movement nil.
Let's face it -- compared to the democratic and peaceful nations of China, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Cuba, Israel is the most despotic nation on earth. Now they're getting what's coming to them.
Hat tip: Jeff the Baptist
Two Japanese Holdouts from WWII Discovered in the Philippines
Fascinating! This story dates from May, but is new to me. Sixty years in the jungle!
Hat tip: Chicago Boyz
Hat tip: Chicago Boyz
Most Over-Rated Supreme Court Justice
According to Scott Scheule, it was James F. Byrnes (1941-1942), the first vampire to serve on the Court.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Terrorism is Totally Cool!
According to comedian Margaret Cho, who has named her new puppy after a terrorist:
Gudrun is named after the infamous Gudrun Ensslin who was the female leader of the Baader-Meinhof Gang, an art terrorist group from the 70s. Terrorism was different then. It had a chicness to it, which made it seem less like a dangerous menace and more like fashion.
Hat tip: Jeff Goldstein (warning: f-word, which I was tempted to use as well)
UPDATE: What is an 'art terrorist' anyway? My mind immediately thinks of Jackson Pollock's horrible work, but using the term terrorist even in a metaphorical sense seems tasteless.
For an introductory account into the totally rad and groovy murder and mayhem wreaked by the Baader-Meinhof terrorist organization, click here.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Some people on the Left are having difficulty understanding why Cho's decision was a bad one -- which says all you need to know about them.
Gudrun is named after the infamous Gudrun Ensslin who was the female leader of the Baader-Meinhof Gang, an art terrorist group from the 70s. Terrorism was different then. It had a chicness to it, which made it seem less like a dangerous menace and more like fashion.
Hat tip: Jeff Goldstein (warning: f-word, which I was tempted to use as well)
UPDATE: What is an 'art terrorist' anyway? My mind immediately thinks of Jackson Pollock's horrible work, but using the term terrorist even in a metaphorical sense seems tasteless.
For an introductory account into the totally rad and groovy murder and mayhem wreaked by the Baader-Meinhof terrorist organization, click here.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Some people on the Left are having difficulty understanding why Cho's decision was a bad one -- which says all you need to know about them.
Maybe There is Someting to Calvinism....
When translated into Chinese, and then back into English, "Jedi Council" comes out as "Presbyterian Church."
Hat tip: Jeff the Baptist
Hat tip: Jeff the Baptist
Overcoming Stereotypes
Rev. Ed has a great post up about how Christians must not get hung up on negative stereotypes (televangelists, Fred Phelps, etc.) but persevere to do the work of Christ:
The list of stereotypes are endless. Christians are stupid. Judgmental. They gather on Sunday to reassure each other to keep believing the myth. They only care about the people in their church. They send missionaries to make themselves feel better. They don't believe in science. They want to destroy the earth to hasten Christ's return. You've probably heard a bunch more. Some of them are so ridiculous that they are hard to disprove. Yet our Christian walk is supposed to focus the light of Jesus Christ in such a way that others will see the Truth and toss the stereotypes in the dumpster. Just as the Master proclaimed that the world would know us as His disciples by the way we love one another, it should also be apparent to the world that their stereotypes are wrong by the way we live our lives. Our faith isn't our own private affair. It's living proof that we're not the people the world thinks we are.
The list of stereotypes are endless. Christians are stupid. Judgmental. They gather on Sunday to reassure each other to keep believing the myth. They only care about the people in their church. They send missionaries to make themselves feel better. They don't believe in science. They want to destroy the earth to hasten Christ's return. You've probably heard a bunch more. Some of them are so ridiculous that they are hard to disprove. Yet our Christian walk is supposed to focus the light of Jesus Christ in such a way that others will see the Truth and toss the stereotypes in the dumpster. Just as the Master proclaimed that the world would know us as His disciples by the way we love one another, it should also be apparent to the world that their stereotypes are wrong by the way we live our lives. Our faith isn't our own private affair. It's living proof that we're not the people the world thinks we are.
Quality Reality TV
Reality TV bores me to tears. I can't imagine why anyone would want to watch screeching people get yelled at by abusive thugs. But apparently, it's popular. Grace says that there's good stuff, if you look for it:
One of the things I really like about the show is that the two "stylists", Stacey and Clinton, take the time to study the lifestyle of their chosen subject and then discuss it with them before making recommendations. There have been many shows featuring young mothers who spend more time on their children than themselves. Stacey and Clinton tell them that they are important, too, and help them change their style in realistic ways. They always consider the work requirements and the style preferences of their subjects and point out ways they can look better within that context.
They try to understand the individual first and then help them second. Stacey and Clinton don't try to make the mom into a high fashion model. They don't try to turn the casual clothes lover or a young punk rocker into a tailored preppy. Often they are psychologists, helping people accept the inevitable changes in life. That thirty year old woman still dressing like a pre-teen for example. The young man still wearing that collection of ragged college fraternity t-shirts several years later in an executive type business enviornment. Those who are overweight are urged to self-acceptance. One of their standard pep talks is that whether or not you lose weight in the future you deserve to look and feel your best right now, in the present moment.
We want to think that we can change our lives for the better--and isn't that the promise of the Christian faith? We often try to change others: our family members, our friends, and our co-workers. We want to make them over into something more pleasing to us without respecting their individuality and needs. Our "make over" impulse would be better directed in loving others more than loving our need to change them.
Good for them. As for me, I can't watch Reality TV shows of the makeover variety without gouging my eyes out with an icepick, but I'm glad that some of it is socially redeeming.
Anyway, here's my idea for a Reality TV show: get six of the ultra-thin, ultra-pretty sorority types that flock to these shows and tell them that they'll be competing as models against each other. On the first show, tell them that the person who weighs the heaviest in one month will be given $1,000,000.
One of the things I really like about the show is that the two "stylists", Stacey and Clinton, take the time to study the lifestyle of their chosen subject and then discuss it with them before making recommendations. There have been many shows featuring young mothers who spend more time on their children than themselves. Stacey and Clinton tell them that they are important, too, and help them change their style in realistic ways. They always consider the work requirements and the style preferences of their subjects and point out ways they can look better within that context.
They try to understand the individual first and then help them second. Stacey and Clinton don't try to make the mom into a high fashion model. They don't try to turn the casual clothes lover or a young punk rocker into a tailored preppy. Often they are psychologists, helping people accept the inevitable changes in life. That thirty year old woman still dressing like a pre-teen for example. The young man still wearing that collection of ragged college fraternity t-shirts several years later in an executive type business enviornment. Those who are overweight are urged to self-acceptance. One of their standard pep talks is that whether or not you lose weight in the future you deserve to look and feel your best right now, in the present moment.
We want to think that we can change our lives for the better--and isn't that the promise of the Christian faith? We often try to change others: our family members, our friends, and our co-workers. We want to make them over into something more pleasing to us without respecting their individuality and needs. Our "make over" impulse would be better directed in loving others more than loving our need to change them.
Good for them. As for me, I can't watch Reality TV shows of the makeover variety without gouging my eyes out with an icepick, but I'm glad that some of it is socially redeeming.
Anyway, here's my idea for a Reality TV show: get six of the ultra-thin, ultra-pretty sorority types that flock to these shows and tell them that they'll be competing as models against each other. On the first show, tell them that the person who weighs the heaviest in one month will be given $1,000,000.
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