I reading a lot of blogs lately but haven't done much posting myself.
Yep, I'm yet again using the "having blogged in a while" clíche opening.
Anyway, reading a great post earlier by Philip on Nexus4Change (check my reading list) based off his reading of Don Miller's Blue Like Jazz, a book that I reccomend. He raised a concern that I have feeling myself, not so much with Miller's writing specifically but with a lot of modern Christian books.
Before I talk about the concern, let me share what I like about the recent works of Don Miller, Rob Bell and a load of other authors I've yet to read: Christian faith is being shared in a manner that is relevant, honest (in terms of the human condition), attractive and intelligent. These men have moved with the times and acknowledge that times have changed and text book theology isn't going to go down with the Web 2.0 generation.
But my concern is this: that as postmodernism, relationalism (if that's a word), and the centrality of the human condition have been embraced, that their grasp of truth has been lost. It's is not culturally sensitive to call people sinful or declare that a large group of people will suffer for eternity because they don't believe the right thing. So, its not said. Scripture is re-examined or deconstructed in light of our modern context. As Brian McLaren's book states: Everything Must Change.
I'm not going to outright reject the thinking of leaders like that and I'm trying to broaden by own understanding but let me offer my own belief as far as sharing the Gospel in our current culture.
In one hand, we hold our methodology, our ways of communicating, our structures of meetings, etc. This hand is open. This things can change. In fact, they should. We have to engage people where they actually are, not expect them to fit into a cookie cutter before we give the hope that exists in Christ.
In the other hand, we hold the Gospel, the Words of God, the centrality of God's truth and the challenge to understand what we believe without unnesscarily reinventing the wheel. We take the truths and ideas of the Bible in the context of when they were written with the understanding that it's not relative and that there is intention behind the writing. This hand is closed. By that, I don't mean that we arrogantly shout off what we believe but we avoid the blind leading the blind. There is actual truth that we are moving closer to.
I think that maybe the length of this post will make up for the post drought. If you made it through, well done.
Relevant Truth (or something like that)
Reflection on Time
I was just thinking about my schedule for tomorrow.
Let me give you the background.
I was originally scheduled to work in my job (in Zumo) tomorrow from 2.30pm to 7.30pm tomorrow. That's five hours.
Earlier today, I got a phone call from my manager asking me to work instead from 8.30am to 2.30pm instead.
Six hours.
The strange thing was that despite the longer work hours, I got excited about the opportunity to have a productive afternoon after work.
Now, my manager has switched me back to the afternoon shift, I'm kinda disappointed.
The prospect of having a productive day (aside from my job) seems gone.
It's strange that although I'm working less hours, I feel like I have less free time.
Why is that?
Probably, it's that I find it easier to get stuff done in the afternoon or evening then the morning.
Maybe, it's that it hard to focus in the morning also know that I'll soon have to get ready for work.
On some level, I wonder if its because by forced to get up early in the morning, I feel less lazy then I would sleeping in a bit. (I should mention here that I slept in very late and frequently over Summer.)
Also, it disjoints my day by having to be somewhere in the middle of it.
My challenge tomorrow is whether I can overcome a schedule that defies my personal body clock and make use of the time I do have. I feel like through a combination of appreciating the time I do have and taking time to reflect and worship (God, Jesus specifically) that the time will be well used.
I travelled to Dundalk this weekend with 3Rock for a leadership training day with Rev. Tom Wilson during he reflected on solitude. Think I need to practice some of that. More of my thoughts on it tomorrow.
Au revoir.
(I like foreign versions of "you see later")
Au Revoir, Irish Bible Institute
I'm slap down in the middle now of a what I'm sure could be considered a big week.
Last Sunday, I officially graduated the Certificate of Applied Theology from IBI. Here's a picture of me and my new certificate in what appears to be a Hogwarts dress uniform.
I'm going to miss college life this year but have found the odd random excuse to give it a visit. With my certificate, I got membership to the alumni society, Cairde (apparently, friends in Irish) and with that, conintued membership of the library which should prove useful. Two of my friends, Paul and Paddy have started in the college recently and I couldn't be more excited for them. They stand to gain a lot including an increased understanding and appreciation of their faith, a great opportunity to develop in their own walk with Jesus and an invitation to a great community of believers.
Goodbye for now, IBI. See you when I continue on to the diploma.
I was going to write something else in this post, but since this is getting long, that can get its own post.
Most Famous Stan McConnell
If you're anything like me, when you get bored you look up random things on Google. In the course of doing this, I discovered that this site is THE no.1 result for "stan mcconnell" (with my Bebo page in third place). Ok, I don't know if Google results are the ultimate measure of fame, but I reckon its the closest thing we have. So, with that in mind, I hereby declare myself the most famous Stan McConnell in the world. Unfortunately, I do less well in the results for "stephen mcconnell", my real (official,non-nickname) name. but I'm ok with that since there are significantly less results.
I am shocked, unhumbled and in awe at this random achievement and welcome any challenges on my claim.
If you're another Stan McConnell, who like me, is vain enough to google your name and you stumble across my site, drop me a line. If I find you to be more famous then me, you can win the above plaquetificate.
My plans
HI guys,
I was holding off writing about my plans for this year until I was more certain of them. I've finally gotten to the stage where I'm sure, so I'll blab.
I'm not returning to IBI this year. So, for the first time in 18 years, I'm not a student. I've finished my certificate in May and plan on finishing the diploma in the next couple of years. In the meantime, I want to get more hands-on learning and experience in youthwork.
What I'm doing instead of Bible college is working with 3Rock Youth in a leadership training program. I'm ecstatic about the year ahead. The more I hear about 3Rock and what I'll be doing the more excited I get. In the program, I'll be helping create resource for youth and leaders, working in school and more in the broad Dublin area. The role seems like the perfect fit for what I'm seeking to do. I'll be continuing to work with Gap alongside this.
I'm also considering a change in my part-time job. I've got one in mind which lets me pick my own hours and gets good money but may prove unpopular - door to door market research. What do you think?
Hymn in Internet Cafe
Yo, I'm in town right now in a internet cafe and the music being played by the staff here is the worship song, Days of Elijah, I think in Spanish.
I'm enjoying it.
Blue Like Jazz
My review
rating: 4 of 5 stars
Debated between giving this the three stars or four stars. I sided with the higher rating because it definitely has a few very poignant moments which makes the rest worthwhile.
The book is enjoyable but the wavey, stream of thought style can make it hard to coherently follow and remember. That said, I think Don walks very well the tightrope between relevance and error that can be found in a lot of Christian books lately. He manages to convey a faith thats honest, emotional and rooted in daily reality but also grounded and bordered by what we know to be true.
Recommended.
View all my reviews.
Here to Make Friends?
Found this video on ThinkChristian. IIt's demonstrates a common cliche in reality tv: the "I ain't here to make friends".
What it makes wonder though is whether this isn't just a reality TV thing. One of the girls above says that she already has enough friends and doesn't need anymore. I wonder if there are times when I'm just civil to people but deliberately avoid anything deeper then an acquaintance. If I am, which I'm sure I am in at least some situations, how am I missing out?
100 Books.
My friend Sheggi posted this list in her blog. So I'm taking the challenge."The Big Read was a 2003 survey carried out by the BBC, with the goal of finding the “Nation’s Best-loved Book” by way of a viewer vote via the Web, SMS, and telephone.
Bradley Hathaway
A while ago, I came upon this guy on the X3Church podcast.
Why I'm Not Emergent (by a guy who should be)
I have a big passion for being involved in anything new or revolutionary. My lifelong goal is be some one who starts ministries, spread ideas and makes people think in a constructive way. With this composure, I was naturally drawn to one such new and revolutionary movement in the Christian body.
This was a movement which like the puritans, of times past, seemed to desire to strip Christianity to the bare bones; to ask the question, "is the way we do church really the only or even the best way?". It engaged with culture actively and produced books and video resource which didn't smack of the typical Christian cheesiness.
I entered this world through the eyes of hip, bespectabled pastor, Rob Bell and his book, Velvet Elvis. Rob, the cool geek, used interesting metaphors and introduced new information from rabbinic teachings which made him sound smart (and me sound smart when I quoted him). He offered a simple reading of the scriptures with an air of enthusiasm and hope: we can make this world better.
Next came the videos, a library of not just one, not just a few, but an ever growing library of short teachings which could serve as discussion starters or just get one thinking. They looked brilliant. (I for one love the cute voice that says "noo-ma" at the beginning.)They were shorter then the usual 50min sermon at only 9-15 minutes (although they didn't hold my attention for the whole time, I remembered tidbits). Each one handled a topic and while not quite answering the questions, they inspired you to think and consider a possibility. They were a wonderful half-way house between Jesus, Dr. Phil and the social-networking generation.
I got more and more engrossed in the revolution through podcasts of Mr.Bell and Mr. McManus (Erwin Raphael). I loved the little gems of inspiration and scriptural self-help. I loved the rabbinic trivia and the "you thought it meant this, but it really means this" moments. I did for a while anyway.
All this time, I'd had to quiet the voice that noticed the illogicalness and borderline heresies and just tell myself that "that's OK, remember it's only a spring, not a wall; I'm sure the rest of his stuff is still good". Ironically, it was around the time that I saw Rob Bell live and even shook his hands that the mental house of cards fell for me. I did some research, read some stuff, reread some stuff, thought about stuff and finally saw that I just didn't need this revolution, which is generally know as the emerging or emergent church. I wish it could define more but it's after midnight and it's hard enough to explain even when I'm fully awake.
This week I've been reading this book.
Reinterpretation
I was listening yesterday to a podcast of a sermon from Rob Bell's church, Mars Hill in Michigan. I used to listen to these podcasts regularly but stopped after I made a conscious effort to move away from the emergent church movement, which I feel often misrepresents the Gospel.
However, after talking to one of the teens I work with and explaining that I didn't listen to them anymore (he does), he asked why. I honestly didn't have a good answer and so I decided to give them another chance.
The first podcast that came to wasn't by Rob Bell himself, which was refreshing. The sermon by Kent Dobson ,was on the "Naked Bloody Guy" of Mark 5:1-20. This is a familiar story of a man who had been possessed by a multitude of demons, the encounter he has with Jesus and his freedom from that.
What frustrated me constantly in the course of this sermon was that Dobson seemed to be overly concerned with suggesting new interpretations for every aspect of the story. Many of these were a stretch and seemed to be based on massive assumptions.
In a story of demon possession, Dobson completely underplays the supernatural aspect and tries to reinterpret the story as a statement about the colonial oppresion of Rome. Thus when the demon replies to the question, "what is your name?" with the phrase "My name is Legion for we are many", the man is making a political statement about the military might of Rome and his forced isolation.
Eventually, the application of the sermon, based on Jesus' command to this man, was that it is our responsibility to share the story of what Jesus has done for us and the mercy he has shown us. Good application. Good point. Why though, was it necessary to focus on the military oppression of Rome which you have to dig and and add to the story to even find there?
This reinterpretation seems to a common feature in the teaching of emergent preaching, particularly in my experience in the teaching of Rob Bell. Almost every sermon I hear from him has a moment of 'you may think it means this, but I know it really means this'. In fact, at least in my group, I think this added a lot to his appeal. However, I think this obsession with new understandings moves the sermon away from the truth of scripture. If someone interprets scripture based on whatever new information he chooses, he can make it say almost anything. I believe for the most part, the best guide for reading scripture is itself.
Definitely, it's more then beneficial to be culturally aware of the original setting but come on; first look at what the passage itself says.
Dustin is block-voted out.
Dustin, Ireland's best hope for Eurovision glory has tragically been knocked out before the final night.
In tribute to his efforts, here's Dustin in a more sombre tune: Fairytale of New York
Jazz
I was working on my Martin Luther essay and got distracted by a book on my table. It was Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I haven't read it yet but I just read the introduction and thought it was worth sharing. Here it goes:
Another Option
It's really late on Thursday night, I've made little progress on my essay. I'm really going to have to force myself to somehow do it in the next two days which is difficult with my schedule. I'm thinking that I'm probably going to miss church this weekend to finish it up. :(
Fork in the road.
It's been a while since I posted so I figured another one was in order.
Honestly, I'm current procrastinating from a college essay that's due on Wednesday. If anyone has any input about the Life, Teaching and Legacy of Martin Luther, let me know.
My head's been in a place lately thats making it hard to focus of study. I've been debating in my head about what I should be doing next year (as in after the Summer).
On one hand, I can follow the plan I've had for a while and continue in IBI and finish the diploma, while continuing to work with Gap.
On the other hand, I could train specifically for youth ministry, which would involve most likely a move overseas but would provide immense experience and opportunity to
grow.
What I do know is that every week, I'm more sure about my calling in youth work and am figuring out more what that's supposed to look like for me in terms of how I work best and what I can do. I want to be as best prepared to do this work as I can but at the same time, I'm very excited about what the future has in store for Gap and the challenges that we will face and feel like I'm important in those plans.
I'm really stuck on this. I'm wondering whether God had one particular way he wants me to go or whether boths ways could be right in some way.
I'm wondering whether God is going to give me some kind of obvious sign or whether he want me to use wisdom.
:I
WordLive
I just starting trying out a new service that Scripture Union offer, WordLive. It's an online Bible study for the Web 2.0 generation (basically all the internet addicted people like myself).
It's offers a multipart, multimedia Bible teaching devotional everyday.
I was already pretty excited about the format before I started, and it's got the substance to back up the packaging. It takes you through the backround infomation, reflection and even offers a chance to hear the scripture read out loud.
Today, it was talking about Judas and what the difference is between his remorse for betraying Jesus and repentance.
It states it better then I could here in my fly-by blog post, so if you have the time check it out.
Stan Story: The Saga Begins.....
Tonight, in Gap, I had the opportunity to share a bit of my story about and how I got closer to God in time. The problem was I wasn't that well-prepared and I only had ten minutes. What I'd like to share in a series of post is the extended version. So, each post is going to be a part of my story and and an application of something I learned from or gained from that experience.
Keep in mind when I say stuff I learned, I don't mean learned as in just knowledge but more something I learned a deep heart level. I think the beliefs and experiences we have in our Christian walk make a bit part of who we are.
So I begin...
Born 22nd January 1986 in Dublin City, Ireland.
I was raised in at typical Irish Catholic family, so since the beginning of school, I knew a little bit of the Bible and about Jesus.
Since as long as I can remember, my family background has always been incredibly difficult. My mother since before I was born has suffered from Muliple Sceloris which is a paralysing disease. So, rather then the traditonal mother-look-after-child scenario, its always mean the opposite. I'm not saying this to look for sympathy but because through the difficulties of the this, I've learned one of the key points of the Gospel: this world that we now inhabit is not how it's supposed to be. It's broken on a deep level and the ideal is far from the reality.
Although, I didn't know the Gospel yet, I knew this in a deep way.
I think everyone feels this brokeness somewhere in their live and worlds. Walking throughs the streets of Dublin City, it's tangible.
I also believe that God can use the evil or dark things in the world and work His purposes through them, so I'll explain next time how God used my family situation to bring me to Him.
John Piper and the Prosperity Gospel
This is a video that I found on Benjamin Euler's blog. John Piper is talking about the Prosperity Gospel.
I have to say I can understand why he is so angry about this. I come from a background in a prosperity Gospel church and I've seen first-hand the damage that this false teaching does.
It raises expectations for God to deliver and when God doesn't give wealth, health and joy, people question their faith, their righteousness and eventually leave the faith. Prosperity Gospel IS NOT a good thing.
I think my experience with the prosperity gospel is what gave me the passion I have for confronting false teaching. That's about the only benefit that my dealing with it have had.
I'm a Ex-Rob Bell fanatic.
I've had a change of heart about Rob Bell in the last week or so.
I still think he's a great communicator and presents some Biblical truths and insights in his videos and sermons.
The problem thought isn't the transmission, it's the message. I wonder how many people are actually aware how controversal and shocking his messages are.
Firstly, he approaches Christianity from a post-modern view. Post-modernity is the idea that it's impossible for to know absolute truth. In the first chapter of Velvet Elvis, he essentially writes that Christian doctrine is not important, that if elements of the Gospel are false, it doesn't matter.
The fact is however: that it does.
Without the foundation of historical fact, we may as well believe a fairy tale. Without the coherent system of theology, Christianity becomes a sentimental, mish-mash of well-meaning but non-sensical ideas.
I'd encourage everyone to read up a bit about Rob Bell and the emerging/emergent church.
Back to Basics has an excellent sermon called "Emerging or Submerging" on mp3 that I recommend listening to.
Here, you can find a good, even-handed analysis of the Nooma DVDs by Greg Gilbert.
It's got three parts including a individual rundown of each of the Noomas.
Please check the background for yourself and don't get up in the fancy packaging. I know Rob has some good ideas but be discerning in what you absorb.
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