- When you think you know what absolute truth is.
- When you think being spiritual is about making professions, having "quiet time", and keeping your house clean.
- When you tell someone in need that you will be praying for them.
- When you think that righteousness is pointing out someone else's faults.
- When you think that G-d can only reveal G-d's self in one faith tradition.
- When you think that gender prescribes a particular lifestyle.
- When you think that when Jesus said to care for the poor, the orphans, and the widows he meant to occaisonally send money.
- When you think that you can have a "personal" relationship with G-d; a relationship apart from community.
- When you preach that life on earth is "practice" for an afterlife.
- When you think that being ecologically responsible is not your problem.
- When you think G-d should bless America without consideration for the rest of the planet.
- When you think that people who make mistakes are unworthy of your love and respect.
- When you tell someone they need Jesus because you disapprove of their lifestyle choices.
- When you think that Jesus' statements, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me", were to be used to bash other faith traditions.
- When you value buildings and other material things over people.
- When you think that the "Church" is a building.
- When you think that you do not need to say you're sorry to someone that you have hurt or offended.
- When you think that Christianity as a practiced religion is not a works based faith.
- When you think that one's existence is predetermined.
- When you think that Jesus was not a Jew who celebrated all the Jewish holidays and festivals.
- When you use biblical narratives to prove your point.
- When you neglect to recognize the deeply embedded anti-Jewish sentiment found in Christianity, found in the writings of the early Church, found in the creeds and cannons, found in the common interpretations of scripture, and found in the preaching of most Fundamentalist and Evangelical sermons.
- When you think that worship of G-d is just about singing; and when you think that singing as a form of worship should be a performance.
- When you think that discipleship is can take place in one hour per week.
Renee's journal on life, G-d and everything in between.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Theological Incorrectness
Theological Incorrectness...
Friday, January 21, 2005
Reading Reflections: "Sexism and God-Talk" by Rosemary Radford Ruether
"Feminist theology that draws on Biblical principles is possible only if the prophetic principles, more fully understood, imply a rejection of every elevation of one social group against others as image and agent of God, every use of God to justify social domination and subjugation. Patriarchy itself must fall under the Biblical denunciations of idolatry and blasphemy, the idolizing of the male as representative of divinity. It is idolatrous to make males more 'like God' than females. It is blasphemous to use the image and name of the Holy to justify patriarchal domination and law. Feminist readings of the Bible can discern a norm within Biblical faith by which the Biblical texts themselves can be criticized. To the extent to which Biblical texts reflect this normative principle, they are regarded as authoritative. On this basis many aspects of the Bible are to be frankly set aside and rejected." (Ruether, 23)
My reflections:
There are many questions that one comes to immediately upon reading this excerpt from Ruether...1. How much authority does/should the Bible have, which leads to questions like: What is scripture, what does it mean to say "the Word of G-d", and what does it mean to say that scripture is "inspired by G-d". 2. Does the metaphor, "Father, Son, and H-ly Sp-rit", serve as a reasonable means to give some understanding to G-d as a community of oneness? 3. Does viewing G-d as a male encompass the whole of G-d as "being" iself? 4. Is G-d in the Hebrew text viewed as solely male, and therefore responsible for the concept of "patriarchy"? 5. Would a G-d who created all of humanity in G-d's own image want distinctions made between the social order of males and females? 6. Can feminists readings of the biblical texts be indiscriminatatory?
My intent is to provide constructive criticism for Ruether's claims. I must begin, though, by saying, "Amen"! I have really been awakened by Ruether's feminist theology; I have found the reading to be refreshing and exhilarating. Ruether does a fantastic job addressing some key biblical texts that have haunted me, as a woman, for many years. Still, I am forced to keep myself in check...Ruether's claims, at times, push the wagon over slippery slopes.
The questions I stated above come from notes in the margins of Ruether's book that I made along my reading path. The following is a response to my own questions...I would enjoy receiving constructive comments.
1. How much authority does/should the Bible have? I view scripture as an assortment of many different genres...there are histories, etiologies, parables, wisdom literature, prophecies, allegories, and testimonials. Scripture as "inspired by G-d" means that those who were writers and authors invoked the pen with all the passion, experience, and thoughtfulness one could have for G-d. This does not mean these authors were G-d manifested, but instead were faithful and sometimes not so faithful human beings attempting to convey a message about their own theology. This means scripture is not flawless (considering a whole slew of literary and scribal biases); there are mistakes. In addition, I do not hold to a "sola scriptura" (scripture alone) theology. In light of tradition, reason, and experience I evaluate scripture as authoritative. So, I would have to agree with Ruether on this point..."many aspects to the Bible are to frankly be set aside and rejected". I would like to make note of the fact that I value the words, instructions, experiences, and commands of J-sus Chr-st over any other portions of scripture.
2. Does the metaphor, "Father, Son, and H-ly Sp-rit", serve as a reasonable means to give some understanding to G-d as a community of oneness? Yes and No. There can be no true metaphor for G-d; as Paul Tillich and Joe Jones would say, "a symbol must always point beyond itself". There can really be no metaphor or symbol for G-d that would completely satisfy, but the "father/son" metaphor is as close to understanding G-d as we can get. The problem is that for women this is an exclusive metaphor. What do we say to the woman who is oppressed (mistreated, abused, disrespected) by a man all her life...namely her father...how do we explain to her that G-d is her father and that he wants the best for her? How do we explain to women that G-d came in the flesh as a male to redeem humanity when in history the full humanity of women had never been known (Ruether, 19)? Can a male savior redeem women? I am constantly disturbed by the Church's inability to recognize woman as fully human...there has been an interpretation of the scriptures that man reigns over woman because the scriptures support this theory...there is patriarchy, slavery of women, discrimination of women as a constant thorn that penetrates the heart of the humanity of women. Can a male savior redeem a dehumanized woman?
3. Does viewing G-d as male encompass the whole of G-d as "being" itself? First, we must not view G-d as "a" being, but as "being" itself (another thought from Paul Tillich). If we can see that G-d is being, then we can see that we cannot compare G-d to mere "beings". G-d transcends all of humanities concepts of G-d. G-d transcends gender. G-d transcends race. G-d transcends time and space. We cannot equate G-d to being just male; but from a G-d who created all of humanity in G-d's image...both male and female we are made.
4. Is G-d in the Hebrew text viewed solely as male, and therefore responsible for the concept of "patriarchy"? We must admit that the Hebrew text mostly explores G-d as male, though there are remote attempts to explore feminine qualities of G-d (passages that use the Hebrew, El Shaddai, for instance). The writers of the Hebrew text, mostly writing long after the events of history taking place and as reflections of oral tradition, paint a clear picture of the dominate male roles...namely found in patriarchial tales. A critical analysis does reveal that there are many strong biblical women...Esther and Ruth certainly come to mind. But, even these strong woman are dominated men, as expressed in their stories. The patriarchy of the Hebrew text leaves a lasting impression of male dominance and inequality.
5. Would a G-d who created all humanity in G-d's own image want distinctions made between the social order of males and females? Simply...no! J-sus' teachings and example answer this question. So, some questions come to mind...Were there female disciples in the time of Chr-st? Were there female writers of biblical and extra-biblical texts? Why were these texts dismissed from the Canon? How is the text from Galatians, "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians--you are one in Chr-st J-sus" (Galatians 4:28, NLT) read and interpreted in light of the whole of scripture?
6. Can feminists readings of the text be indiscriminatory? Realistically, no. We all view scripture through the lens we are given, but in light of the fact that scripture is so drastically masculine a feminist reading of the texts should be a very valuable commodity to those who strive to bring equality and to remove oppression from faith communities.
This is just a brief overview of some of my thoughts. I encourage others to pick up a copy of Ruether's book. I think it will challenge your embedded theology and promote a sensitivity toward women that even women need to grasp.
Peace be with you, Renee
"Feminist theology that draws on Biblical principles is possible only if the prophetic principles, more fully understood, imply a rejection of every elevation of one social group against others as image and agent of God, every use of God to justify social domination and subjugation. Patriarchy itself must fall under the Biblical denunciations of idolatry and blasphemy, the idolizing of the male as representative of divinity. It is idolatrous to make males more 'like God' than females. It is blasphemous to use the image and name of the Holy to justify patriarchal domination and law. Feminist readings of the Bible can discern a norm within Biblical faith by which the Biblical texts themselves can be criticized. To the extent to which Biblical texts reflect this normative principle, they are regarded as authoritative. On this basis many aspects of the Bible are to be frankly set aside and rejected." (Ruether, 23)
My reflections:
There are many questions that one comes to immediately upon reading this excerpt from Ruether...1. How much authority does/should the Bible have, which leads to questions like: What is scripture, what does it mean to say "the Word of G-d", and what does it mean to say that scripture is "inspired by G-d". 2. Does the metaphor, "Father, Son, and H-ly Sp-rit", serve as a reasonable means to give some understanding to G-d as a community of oneness? 3. Does viewing G-d as a male encompass the whole of G-d as "being" iself? 4. Is G-d in the Hebrew text viewed as solely male, and therefore responsible for the concept of "patriarchy"? 5. Would a G-d who created all of humanity in G-d's own image want distinctions made between the social order of males and females? 6. Can feminists readings of the biblical texts be indiscriminatatory?
My intent is to provide constructive criticism for Ruether's claims. I must begin, though, by saying, "Amen"! I have really been awakened by Ruether's feminist theology; I have found the reading to be refreshing and exhilarating. Ruether does a fantastic job addressing some key biblical texts that have haunted me, as a woman, for many years. Still, I am forced to keep myself in check...Ruether's claims, at times, push the wagon over slippery slopes.
The questions I stated above come from notes in the margins of Ruether's book that I made along my reading path. The following is a response to my own questions...I would enjoy receiving constructive comments.
1. How much authority does/should the Bible have? I view scripture as an assortment of many different genres...there are histories, etiologies, parables, wisdom literature, prophecies, allegories, and testimonials. Scripture as "inspired by G-d" means that those who were writers and authors invoked the pen with all the passion, experience, and thoughtfulness one could have for G-d. This does not mean these authors were G-d manifested, but instead were faithful and sometimes not so faithful human beings attempting to convey a message about their own theology. This means scripture is not flawless (considering a whole slew of literary and scribal biases); there are mistakes. In addition, I do not hold to a "sola scriptura" (scripture alone) theology. In light of tradition, reason, and experience I evaluate scripture as authoritative. So, I would have to agree with Ruether on this point..."many aspects to the Bible are to frankly be set aside and rejected". I would like to make note of the fact that I value the words, instructions, experiences, and commands of J-sus Chr-st over any other portions of scripture.
2. Does the metaphor, "Father, Son, and H-ly Sp-rit", serve as a reasonable means to give some understanding to G-d as a community of oneness? Yes and No. There can be no true metaphor for G-d; as Paul Tillich and Joe Jones would say, "a symbol must always point beyond itself". There can really be no metaphor or symbol for G-d that would completely satisfy, but the "father/son" metaphor is as close to understanding G-d as we can get. The problem is that for women this is an exclusive metaphor. What do we say to the woman who is oppressed (mistreated, abused, disrespected) by a man all her life...namely her father...how do we explain to her that G-d is her father and that he wants the best for her? How do we explain to women that G-d came in the flesh as a male to redeem humanity when in history the full humanity of women had never been known (Ruether, 19)? Can a male savior redeem women? I am constantly disturbed by the Church's inability to recognize woman as fully human...there has been an interpretation of the scriptures that man reigns over woman because the scriptures support this theory...there is patriarchy, slavery of women, discrimination of women as a constant thorn that penetrates the heart of the humanity of women. Can a male savior redeem a dehumanized woman?
3. Does viewing G-d as male encompass the whole of G-d as "being" itself? First, we must not view G-d as "a" being, but as "being" itself (another thought from Paul Tillich). If we can see that G-d is being, then we can see that we cannot compare G-d to mere "beings". G-d transcends all of humanities concepts of G-d. G-d transcends gender. G-d transcends race. G-d transcends time and space. We cannot equate G-d to being just male; but from a G-d who created all of humanity in G-d's image...both male and female we are made.
4. Is G-d in the Hebrew text viewed solely as male, and therefore responsible for the concept of "patriarchy"? We must admit that the Hebrew text mostly explores G-d as male, though there are remote attempts to explore feminine qualities of G-d (passages that use the Hebrew, El Shaddai, for instance). The writers of the Hebrew text, mostly writing long after the events of history taking place and as reflections of oral tradition, paint a clear picture of the dominate male roles...namely found in patriarchial tales. A critical analysis does reveal that there are many strong biblical women...Esther and Ruth certainly come to mind. But, even these strong woman are dominated men, as expressed in their stories. The patriarchy of the Hebrew text leaves a lasting impression of male dominance and inequality.
5. Would a G-d who created all humanity in G-d's own image want distinctions made between the social order of males and females? Simply...no! J-sus' teachings and example answer this question. So, some questions come to mind...Were there female disciples in the time of Chr-st? Were there female writers of biblical and extra-biblical texts? Why were these texts dismissed from the Canon? How is the text from Galatians, "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all Christians--you are one in Chr-st J-sus" (Galatians 4:28, NLT) read and interpreted in light of the whole of scripture?
6. Can feminists readings of the text be indiscriminatory? Realistically, no. We all view scripture through the lens we are given, but in light of the fact that scripture is so drastically masculine a feminist reading of the texts should be a very valuable commodity to those who strive to bring equality and to remove oppression from faith communities.
This is just a brief overview of some of my thoughts. I encourage others to pick up a copy of Ruether's book. I think it will challenge your embedded theology and promote a sensitivity toward women that even women need to grasp.
Peace be with you, Renee
Friday, December 17, 2004
"The Feast of Dedication, The Festival of Lights"
Hanukkah in history:
It is the Hellenistic period around 167 B.C.E. The Jewish people were living under oppression (as usual). Alexander the Great brought the Greeks to world power as he unified the ancient world into one common government and culture called Hellenism.
Alexander's untimely death brought about a political scramble between his four generals, which resulted in a division in the Hellenistic empire. The Ptolemies took the south (including Egypt), The Seleucids took the northern area around Syria. Judea was caught in the middle. Eventually the Seleucid/Syrians (Antiochus IV) took power and controled the provinces.
Antiochus, in an attempt to unify his holdings forced a policy of assimilation into the Hellenistic culture. And, of course, this was without regard for the culture or beliefs of captured peoples. The Seleucids required complete submission in all aspects of life...language, the arts, and certainly religion...all to uphold the Greek way of life.
The Greeks were actually very respected for their way of life and many had no problem submitting to it...even many Jews in Judea. However, there were a significant number of traditional Jews who refused to "convert" to the Hellenistic culture. Antiochus enforced his way of life by declaring that all Jews give up their distinctive customs (Shabbat, kosher laws, circumcision, etc.) or die! And, to prove his point, Antiochus, desecrated the Temple. The altars, the utensils, and the golden menorah (lampstand) were all defiled or torn down.
Worst yet, Antiochus ordered that a pig be slaughtered on the holy altar and he erected an image of the Greek god, Zeus as the new point of worship! Antiochus also insisited on being called "epiphanes" or "god manifest"....repulsive to devout Jews (Antiochus came to be known as "epimanes" or "crazyman" by the Jews).
A revolt was started by a godly priest, Mattathias, and his five sons. One of the sons, Judah became known as "Maccabee" (the hammer) when he emerged as the leader. The Maccabees turned to their knowledge of the hill country and drove out the Syrians and recaptured the Temple in Jerusalem.
When they returned to the Temple they did everything they could to restore it by cleansing the altar and repairing the holy furnishings. One of the most important items to them was the broken menorah, which symbolizes the light of G-d. There was a problem...it would not light and as they searched for oil they found that they had only enough to burn for one day. They needed eight days to travel to retrieve more oil. They lit the menorah anyway and felt that they should let G-d's light shine forth even if only for a day. But, a miracle happened! The menorah stayed lit for eight days until more oil was available!
The Temple was restored and rededicated to the glory of the G-d of Israel and the eight day festival was established, which is called Hanukkah (Hebrew for Dedication). Every year, starting on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the Jewish community recalls the miracle.
Hanakkuh in the New Covenant:
"Then came Hanakkuh in Yerushalayim. It was winter, and Y-shua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo's Colonnade." (John 10:22-23)
The most clear mention of Hanakkuh is in the NC. The people who tend to not celebrate this holy time have the most profound biblical reference to it! Why should Christians celebrate this special time? Because J-sus celebrated it! Not only did he celebrate it, but he celebrated it in the very Temple that had been cleansed and rededicated! Hanakkuh is a celebration of deliverance, and with this understanding Christians can more fully appreciate...where Y-shua reveals himself as M-ssiah during his Hanukkah message (John 10:25-39)!
This time represents cleansing of idolatry and restoration of G-d as the L-rd of our lives...let us all commemorate this festival this year! Jews and Christians can unite as one and celebrate just as our L-rd, Y-shua did and we can remember G-d's reign and salvation!
Many blessings to all of you!
Shalom, Renee
*My thanks to Rabbi Kasdan for teaching me about the history of the Jews, some of the things I have shared are a paraphrase from his written testimonials.
Hanukkah in history:
It is the Hellenistic period around 167 B.C.E. The Jewish people were living under oppression (as usual). Alexander the Great brought the Greeks to world power as he unified the ancient world into one common government and culture called Hellenism.
Alexander's untimely death brought about a political scramble between his four generals, which resulted in a division in the Hellenistic empire. The Ptolemies took the south (including Egypt), The Seleucids took the northern area around Syria. Judea was caught in the middle. Eventually the Seleucid/Syrians (Antiochus IV) took power and controled the provinces.
Antiochus, in an attempt to unify his holdings forced a policy of assimilation into the Hellenistic culture. And, of course, this was without regard for the culture or beliefs of captured peoples. The Seleucids required complete submission in all aspects of life...language, the arts, and certainly religion...all to uphold the Greek way of life.
The Greeks were actually very respected for their way of life and many had no problem submitting to it...even many Jews in Judea. However, there were a significant number of traditional Jews who refused to "convert" to the Hellenistic culture. Antiochus enforced his way of life by declaring that all Jews give up their distinctive customs (Shabbat, kosher laws, circumcision, etc.) or die! And, to prove his point, Antiochus, desecrated the Temple. The altars, the utensils, and the golden menorah (lampstand) were all defiled or torn down.
Worst yet, Antiochus ordered that a pig be slaughtered on the holy altar and he erected an image of the Greek god, Zeus as the new point of worship! Antiochus also insisited on being called "epiphanes" or "god manifest"....repulsive to devout Jews (Antiochus came to be known as "epimanes" or "crazyman" by the Jews).
A revolt was started by a godly priest, Mattathias, and his five sons. One of the sons, Judah became known as "Maccabee" (the hammer) when he emerged as the leader. The Maccabees turned to their knowledge of the hill country and drove out the Syrians and recaptured the Temple in Jerusalem.
When they returned to the Temple they did everything they could to restore it by cleansing the altar and repairing the holy furnishings. One of the most important items to them was the broken menorah, which symbolizes the light of G-d. There was a problem...it would not light and as they searched for oil they found that they had only enough to burn for one day. They needed eight days to travel to retrieve more oil. They lit the menorah anyway and felt that they should let G-d's light shine forth even if only for a day. But, a miracle happened! The menorah stayed lit for eight days until more oil was available!
The Temple was restored and rededicated to the glory of the G-d of Israel and the eight day festival was established, which is called Hanukkah (Hebrew for Dedication). Every year, starting on the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the Jewish community recalls the miracle.
Hanakkuh in the New Covenant:
"Then came Hanakkuh in Yerushalayim. It was winter, and Y-shua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo's Colonnade." (John 10:22-23)
The most clear mention of Hanakkuh is in the NC. The people who tend to not celebrate this holy time have the most profound biblical reference to it! Why should Christians celebrate this special time? Because J-sus celebrated it! Not only did he celebrate it, but he celebrated it in the very Temple that had been cleansed and rededicated! Hanakkuh is a celebration of deliverance, and with this understanding Christians can more fully appreciate...where Y-shua reveals himself as M-ssiah during his Hanukkah message (John 10:25-39)!
This time represents cleansing of idolatry and restoration of G-d as the L-rd of our lives...let us all commemorate this festival this year! Jews and Christians can unite as one and celebrate just as our L-rd, Y-shua did and we can remember G-d's reign and salvation!
Many blessings to all of you!
Shalom, Renee
*My thanks to Rabbi Kasdan for teaching me about the history of the Jews, some of the things I have shared are a paraphrase from his written testimonials.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Thoughts on War
Thoughts on war...
Joshua was given these instructions: "Be strong and resolute, for you shall apportion to this people the land that I swore to their fathers to assign them. But you must be very strong and resolute to observe faithfully all the Teaching that My servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Let not this Book of Teaching cease from your lips, but recite it day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in it. Only then will you prosper in your undertakings and only then will you be successful." (Joshua 1:6-8)
The L-rd never said go into the land and commit herem (complete destruction) against all the men, women, children, and livestock of Jericho. YHWH commanded Joshua to study Torah, and when he studied Torah he would, then, know what to do and what not to do. The entire "liturgical act" outside the walls of Jericho was just that...liturgical (led by the Priestly tribe of Levi and following the Ark of the Covenant...the very words, in which it held, "THOU SHALL NOT KILL"), this was not meant to be a military action. We know from Rahab's story to the spies that the people of Jericho were already terrified of the Israelites who were led by G-d out of Egypt! And, the trumpets and marching brought the city walls down...so, why the killing? Why the complete desecration of men, women and children? The L-rd promised the land....all Joshua had to do was study, meditate, recite Torah..."THOU SHALL NOT KILL"....he learned nothing from Moses (the man he so desperately wanted to follow). Joshua...a man of courage? Joshua...a man of faith? Joshua...a murderer?
Joshua was given these instructions: "Be strong and resolute, for you shall apportion to this people the land that I swore to their fathers to assign them. But you must be very strong and resolute to observe faithfully all the Teaching that My servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Let not this Book of Teaching cease from your lips, but recite it day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in it. Only then will you prosper in your undertakings and only then will you be successful." (Joshua 1:6-8)
The L-rd never said go into the land and commit herem (complete destruction) against all the men, women, children, and livestock of Jericho. YHWH commanded Joshua to study Torah, and when he studied Torah he would, then, know what to do and what not to do. The entire "liturgical act" outside the walls of Jericho was just that...liturgical (led by the Priestly tribe of Levi and following the Ark of the Covenant...the very words, in which it held, "THOU SHALL NOT KILL"), this was not meant to be a military action. We know from Rahab's story to the spies that the people of Jericho were already terrified of the Israelites who were led by G-d out of Egypt! And, the trumpets and marching brought the city walls down...so, why the killing? Why the complete desecration of men, women and children? The L-rd promised the land....all Joshua had to do was study, meditate, recite Torah..."THOU SHALL NOT KILL"....he learned nothing from Moses (the man he so desperately wanted to follow). Joshua...a man of courage? Joshua...a man of faith? Joshua...a murderer?
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Thoughts on justice
Just thought I would journal my thoughts publicly today...on justice!
After reading David's Psalm 72, I thought about the role of leaders today (and in David's time...they were kings). I wonder if Paul, when he wrote Romans 13, ever thought that governments would develop into what they have today? Israel's king was to be the "mirror image" of G-d's reign. The king was to be just and concerned for the poor, down-trotten, and oppressed peoples. Not exactly what we find in today's leaders.
Psalm 72
Of Solomon.
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 He will [1] judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 The mountains will bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 He will defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
he will crush the oppressor.
5 He will endure [2] as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 He will be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days the righteous will flourish;
prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.
8 He will rule from sea to sea
and from the River [3] to the ends of the earth. [4]
9 The desert tribes will bow before him
and his enemies will lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
will bring tribute to him;
the kings of Sheba and Seba
will present him gifts.
11 All kings will bow down to him
and all nations will serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 Let grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon;
let it thrive like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
All nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
After reading David's Psalm 72, I thought about the role of leaders today (and in David's time...they were kings). I wonder if Paul, when he wrote Romans 13, ever thought that governments would develop into what they have today? Israel's king was to be the "mirror image" of G-d's reign. The king was to be just and concerned for the poor, down-trotten, and oppressed peoples. Not exactly what we find in today's leaders.
Psalm 72
Of Solomon.
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 He will [1] judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 The mountains will bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 He will defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
he will crush the oppressor.
5 He will endure [2] as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 He will be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days the righteous will flourish;
prosperity will abound till the moon is no more.
8 He will rule from sea to sea
and from the River [3] to the ends of the earth. [4]
9 The desert tribes will bow before him
and his enemies will lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
will bring tribute to him;
the kings of Sheba and Seba
will present him gifts.
11 All kings will bow down to him
and all nations will serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 Let grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
Let its fruit flourish like Lebanon;
let it thrive like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
All nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
"Perfection" ~ Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
According to Webster perfection means..."completeness in all parts or details, the highest excellence or skill, a quality or thing that cannot be improved, laking nothing, having no mistake, error or flaw".
Yeah, that's me! Not! Perfection is not a word to describe any of humanity; though there are many people we encounter daily who believe that perfection is not only achievable, but is a top ten word to describe themselves.
When I was young my step-father was a major influence in my life...he had designed for me the "plan of perfection" for my life. This plan included high performance academically and on "the team" (this would include basketball and tennis, my sports of choice), cleanliness in the denoted areas of the house according to his chore chart (this included the lawn and pool), attire and speech for the White House (especially when other adults may be present), a disdain for activities that involved pure relaxation (those who might participate in these activities would be considered "lazy", "unmotivated... to their own demise", "couch potatoes").
Have you ever heard of this plan for perfection? My step-father would often remind me (practically daily) that a life that included this kind of attention to detail would lead to the successful and rewarding existence that he had achieved ( He is now working on marriage number four).
My other parents modeled a similar approach to life. My father exemplified his strong Jewish heritage in his greatly measured worldly success. He traveled to many countries, living in a few of them for a couple years at a time while working for a large pharmaceutical company. He continues to "perform" at an even larger pharmaceutical company as its Vice President; he will retire some time next year (he is 57 years old). My mother is a successful, self-motivated small businesswoman (She is working on marriage number four also).
I live each day of my life in turmoil because of the early adolescence programing I received. I no longer measure success in how I "behave"; my parents' idea of a life of perfection has long since failed me, and I look to a new role model for understanding. I know that there is no human means for receiving love, acceptance, peace or joy (all of which I needed and desired from my parents). It is through a relationship with God that I now have the ability to see myself as the sinner that I am and always will be. This is not to say that being a sinner is a state of being where I find comfort, but it is to say that I realize I cannot be perfect.
In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul states, "All have sinned, all fall short of God's glorious standard" (Romans 3:23, NLT). Now that I have accepted the fact that I cannot be perfect, the part of this verse that is most troubling to me is the "God's glorious standard" part. I have found that we humans (including myself) have taken it upon ourselves to determine what God's standards are meant to be. We have decided who is guilty, why they are guilty, and how to condemn them for it. I'm not talking about the death penalty (although I completely reject it), I'm talking about every day life, I'm talking about the "Church".
The reason I continuously revert back to my old self (the one who thinks I can be perfect) is because I am made to believe by those around me that in order to even receive an ounce of respect and acceptance I must meet their expectations and more importantly...I must "behave". I think this is why the Apostle Paul writes about, in a post-conversion dialogue, his struggle with sin. He states, "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15, NLT). Paul's humilty about his own struggle with imperfection should be a more emphasized lesson to the Church.
If our expectation inside the Church is that those who dare to step foot inside its walls must do so prepared to "behave" we are completely dismissing the point of God's sacrifice at the cross. I see "God's glorious standard" as a standard we cannot and will not ever even come close to achieving. We, by human standards, cannot even define it. Yet, many withhold love, respect and acceptance to those around them for the very thing they themselves will never obtain...perfection.
I love my parents very much, with God's help I have been able to extend to them the love and respect they deserve from me. It isn't always easy and often I mess things up; then, I have to start over...I am thankful that God gives me that opportunity. I challenge you to give someone in your life, maybe someone who has really messed things up, another chance! I challenge you to look at yourself before you condemn someone else. I challenge you to accept people as they are...broken and imperfect. I challenge you to accept your own brokenness and seek out the only one who can restore you...Jesus Christ.
Hoping for grace, Renee
Yeah, that's me! Not! Perfection is not a word to describe any of humanity; though there are many people we encounter daily who believe that perfection is not only achievable, but is a top ten word to describe themselves.
When I was young my step-father was a major influence in my life...he had designed for me the "plan of perfection" for my life. This plan included high performance academically and on "the team" (this would include basketball and tennis, my sports of choice), cleanliness in the denoted areas of the house according to his chore chart (this included the lawn and pool), attire and speech for the White House (especially when other adults may be present), a disdain for activities that involved pure relaxation (those who might participate in these activities would be considered "lazy", "unmotivated... to their own demise", "couch potatoes").
Have you ever heard of this plan for perfection? My step-father would often remind me (practically daily) that a life that included this kind of attention to detail would lead to the successful and rewarding existence that he had achieved ( He is now working on marriage number four).
My other parents modeled a similar approach to life. My father exemplified his strong Jewish heritage in his greatly measured worldly success. He traveled to many countries, living in a few of them for a couple years at a time while working for a large pharmaceutical company. He continues to "perform" at an even larger pharmaceutical company as its Vice President; he will retire some time next year (he is 57 years old). My mother is a successful, self-motivated small businesswoman (She is working on marriage number four also).
I live each day of my life in turmoil because of the early adolescence programing I received. I no longer measure success in how I "behave"; my parents' idea of a life of perfection has long since failed me, and I look to a new role model for understanding. I know that there is no human means for receiving love, acceptance, peace or joy (all of which I needed and desired from my parents). It is through a relationship with God that I now have the ability to see myself as the sinner that I am and always will be. This is not to say that being a sinner is a state of being where I find comfort, but it is to say that I realize I cannot be perfect.
In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul states, "All have sinned, all fall short of God's glorious standard" (Romans 3:23, NLT). Now that I have accepted the fact that I cannot be perfect, the part of this verse that is most troubling to me is the "God's glorious standard" part. I have found that we humans (including myself) have taken it upon ourselves to determine what God's standards are meant to be. We have decided who is guilty, why they are guilty, and how to condemn them for it. I'm not talking about the death penalty (although I completely reject it), I'm talking about every day life, I'm talking about the "Church".
The reason I continuously revert back to my old self (the one who thinks I can be perfect) is because I am made to believe by those around me that in order to even receive an ounce of respect and acceptance I must meet their expectations and more importantly...I must "behave". I think this is why the Apostle Paul writes about, in a post-conversion dialogue, his struggle with sin. He states, "I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate" (Romans 7:15, NLT). Paul's humilty about his own struggle with imperfection should be a more emphasized lesson to the Church.
If our expectation inside the Church is that those who dare to step foot inside its walls must do so prepared to "behave" we are completely dismissing the point of God's sacrifice at the cross. I see "God's glorious standard" as a standard we cannot and will not ever even come close to achieving. We, by human standards, cannot even define it. Yet, many withhold love, respect and acceptance to those around them for the very thing they themselves will never obtain...perfection.
I love my parents very much, with God's help I have been able to extend to them the love and respect they deserve from me. It isn't always easy and often I mess things up; then, I have to start over...I am thankful that God gives me that opportunity. I challenge you to give someone in your life, maybe someone who has really messed things up, another chance! I challenge you to look at yourself before you condemn someone else. I challenge you to accept people as they are...broken and imperfect. I challenge you to accept your own brokenness and seek out the only one who can restore you...Jesus Christ.
Hoping for grace, Renee
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