Musings: Notes From My Daybook

Recently I had a paper published in a little work that I think expresses the hope and possibility of our heritage continuing to have a voice in the future.  Published by Ketch Publishing,  and edited by Kent Ellett, the collection comes from a  special weekend of worship, papers, and fellowship hosted by the Speedway Church in Speedway, Indiana in August 2007. 

Each presenter represents a different stream within our tradition.  Phil Kenneson has a background within Christian Churches.  Joe Jones has a long history as a theologian among Disciples of Christ.  Kent Ellett and David Langford come from a particular branch of Churches of Christ that have historically eschewed Bible Classes, but have practices a gracious ecumenicity.  I was asked to represent Churches of Christ (I declined to try to do that, but gladly participated!).

My paper focused on baptism with a particular challenge to revision conversion from a mere moment in time to the deeper action that brings change in belief, behavior, and belonging.  I reviewed the practices of the early church, noted some of the practices of 19th century Stone-Campbellites, and suggested a more robust practice of formation for our churches.

It was a great experience to be with Kent and with Christians from the various streams within Stone-Campbell churches and I hope that book will spur other conversations about our shared past and our present call to be participants in God's kingdom work!

The third Sunday of Advent approaches and as I think about Mary's remarkable response to God's news I started ruminating on the questions of identity.  Mary's response, full of praise and anticipation, stands as a contrast to my own wonderings at God's actions in my life, much less in the world.

That sober thought reminded me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's profound meditation written one month before his execution at the hands of the Gestapo in April 1945.  After several years in prison for his part in an attempt to take Hitler's life, his own life was taken.  This meditation, or poem, comes from a collection of writings called Letters and Papers from Prison.

Who am I? They often tell me
I stepped from my cell’s confinement
Calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
Like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I used to speak to my warders
Freely and friendly and clearly,
As though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I bore the days of misfortune
Equally, smilingly, proudly,
Like one accustomed to win.
 
Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I myself know of myself?
Restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
Struggling for breath, as though hands were
compressing my throat,
Yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
Thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
Tossing in expectation of great events,
Powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
Weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
Faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?
 
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
And before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
Fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, 0 God, I am Thine!
 
March 4, 1945

Of course, women are welcome to view this video, but they already have a keen appreciation for the situation presented.  For men, however, I would suggest that this is required viewing, especially at this time of the year--with Christmas around the corner.  In fact, before you go off to buy that gift for someone special, you should watch and ponder the meaning of this film!  Thanks to Brent for sending this along!

How does a first time church attender perceive what Christians are doing when they walk into a service? This video may be a little over the top but it clearly brings questions about language, hospitality, and care to the forefront.

After years of wrangling and wrestling over the ordination of gay clergy, a group of bishops in the Episcopal Church have announced their intent to form a new communion.  What is so intriguing here is that this move is, in reality an alignment with much of the world-wide Anglican communion.  Interestingly enough, these conservatives, though a clear minority in the American Episcopal church, have found much common ground with African and Latin American leaders.

The NY Times carries an article.