Musings: Notes From My Daybook

Reading Mark Noll's America's God. Since I am a long way from the end I really can't offer a complete response or review of his thesis. Published by Oxford in 2002, Noll's work is probing and exploring the intricate way in which traditional Christian theology became infused with republican ideology that gave rise to America. When Christians in Europe and in Canada were recoiling from republican ideas because of their faith, American Christians were often appropriating republican ideas into their faith.

As I said, I'm not even half way through Noll's book, so I don't have a complete picture. However, it does give cause to think about our present day attempts to accept or reject current political ideas based on our particular theology. And I think, with Noll's help, I hope to have a better handle on such ideas as the separation of church and state--even when we declared our independence we did so on ideals that were at least partially rooted in Christian theology.

One thing is for certain. We all are very much a product on not merely our identified theological frameworks, but we also bring to the table a whole basket load of social, political, and ideological experiences and beliefs that inform (directly or indirectly) our faith and lives.

It gives cause for humility.

Later this evening I have been asked to speak to our student group on prayer--particularly the way in which Scripture informs our prayers. So, to get the conversation going I plan to introduce the practice of lectio divina or divine reading. This ancient practice still finds broad practice today. In fact, in preparing for tonight's "practice" with our teens I ran across a book called Read, Think, Pray, Live (great english words to describe the fourfold movement of lectio divina!) by Tony Jones. Tony's book is directly focused on lectio divina for teens. How about that!

I'm excited about the conversation we will have. Northlake youth are a good group of kids who are hungry to be in the Word and to be in relationship with God. Yes, I realize the idea of reading and meditating doesn't sound all that hip and contemporary in a busy, media-saturated culture. However, that is why I think that the simplicity and power of allowing Scripture to ruminate and rest within us is so powerful.

Being still is becoming a luxury and meditating on the word is all too often seen as disconnected to life. Maybe we will look to another generation to rediscover the power of Scripture on our hearts!

Back in Atlanta. . . . and in the middle of week filled with meetings and events.

Wonderful to see so many people in Texas and Oklahoma, not the least of which was family in Stillwater and in OKC!

Lunch today with Jo Anne who is the chairman of the board of Decatur Cooperative Ministries. With Joe P's coordination, Lori and I had the chance to learn about the cooperative work that goes on in Decatur. Battered women's shelter, transistional housing, food pantry, and aid to help person not be homeless are all apart of their work. The big takeaway: People of faith working together can make a difference in other people's lives!