Closing thoughts on Robert Capon

Well I just finished The Mystery of Christ by Robert Capon and must say it has been a delight. Part of the reason is that he writes one chapter as a pastoral counselling session and the following chapter is a discussion with him and a couple of people that question why he did what he did. 

For the most part I am drawn to the mystical understanding of God. What I mean by that is that God cannot be explain away/proven by the rational people. To often in certain Christian circles they feel if certain things can be known without a doubt more people would have faith in Jesus. This is a very modern view on how people know (ie epistemology).  The other matter is that I believe in Grace and do not understand how the sinner's prayer became the way a conversion begins(or maybe that too often the sinner's prayer is seen as the end of a conversion and not the beginning).

The book in essence is about faith and what does it mean when the Bible talks of faith. I think one of the problem is that the Bible talks about faith in a drastically different manner than it is expressed in the Western world. Or faith is used so commonly by people that its meaning has been eroded to the degree that faith in a Christian context needs to be re-understood as much in post-modern context.

I am drawn to Capon's interpreting of the parables that make Grace all about what God has been doing from the creation of the world through Jesus. Too often the parables are turned into what people need to be doing to gain God's favor. The problem is if one believes Sin is a problem then their is nothing we can do, but have faith(trust) in Jesus. This faith does not alter what Jesus did with the sins of the world. It does alter how we live in the world. Do we believe that their is no reason to have guilt, do we forgive others, do we seek punishment for wrongs done to use. The list could go on and on.

Faith is important is that even if scholars could prove that Jesus was resurrected from the dead beyond a shadow of a doubt it still requires an act of faith.  

Thoughts on "Who's Afraid of Post-Modernism?"

I'm not going to summarize the entire book, but rather point to why James K. Smith's Who's Afraid of Post-Modernism is the most accessible  and helpful book on the post-modernism for the Church. Smith is a professor of philosophy and the three major french philosophers he engages (Derrida, Lyotard and Foucault) are part of his world. He recognizes when they are falsely represented by other it is the same when people outside the Church attempt to explain theology and Church history  they miss the point. 

Each of the philosophers have ideas that are useful for the church to reclaim it's vision for this new world. Naturally each philosophers have ideas that Christian need to disagree with, Smith at  no point hails the three as saviours for the church and tongue in cheek calls them "an unholy trinity of postmodern thinkers." To write them off as having nothing to say would be a grave error and could give a glimpse into why the church is thriving in all areas of the world except in the West.

The answer Smith gives is Radical Orthodoxy, which in of itself is hard to understand. My only direct interaction with Radical Orthodoxy is John Milbank's "The Other City" found in Theology and Social Theory. While the chapter was hard to grasp, because of its utterly unique language. That is inaccessible to a degree, but I believe it is done purposefully. Is the Church the same as the rest of the world do we have the same values and ideas of the world. Naturally the answer needs to be an emphatic NO.

The three ideas that Smith puts forth are Redeeming Dogma, Recovering Tradition and Renewing the Body. The first emphasises a need for renewal of Dogma in the sense that we live in a world where certainty is met with skepticism on all side. This is problematic for forms of Christianity in the West. This idea of certainty is a problem and as Smith asserts that Derrida once said " I don't know..I must believe." In other words, the postmodern theologian says, "We can't know that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. The best we can do is believe." The second is similar in the sense we need to be Historical Christians. Many have been advocated this idea particular the late Robert Weber in his Ancient-Future series. This fact struck me during my time studying Historical Theology at Providence College how I am a Christan, but do not know the Christian Tradition very well. While Tradition is always superseded by Holy Scriptures at times we need to heed Tradition as the on going interpreting of these Holy Scriptures. The last point is that the place of the world that God deemed good in Genesis need to be taken serious by the Church. Too often in my former experience in the Evangelical world the only thing that mattered was the soul. The stuff of the world matter as well(and equally) and this requires a renewal of the arts, the neighborhood and all the other areas of life.

The Mystery of Christ..& why we don't get it..

I have just started reading The Mystery of Christ. Jaime Howison, the priest at St. Ben's, quotes this book and other references from Robert Capon on a fairly regular basis so I figure it would be a worthwhile endeavor.  I am only two chapters into the book and am intrigued at his idea that a lot of theology(by this I mean very broadly a persons understanding of God, which every person has) is based on what he calls transactional. This idea creates a bad model to understand God, because it is based on the idea that salvation or forgiveness of sins is enacted by something we do.

This will appear to be similar to a works based system that to a degree Martin Luther reacted against. I imagine that that many in the protestant/evangelical circles would applaud, but the problem is that the idea of our actions are the basis of the forgiveness of sins is a very evangelical. That is why protestant emphasis the sinners pray(not an idea found in the bible) as important. What is at the core of this question is does our pray change the fact that Jesus died for all the sins of the world on the cross. Capon, with whom I agree, says that our sins have been forgiven and our works (ie. a prayer) does not change that fact. Dallas Willard in his excellent book The Divine Conspiracy talks about how many in the evangelical world are simply involved in "Sin Management" that at its root has guilt as a  motivating factor.

Naturally the obvious question then if our sins have already been forgiven what does it matter. Capon explains the situation as such what if you are told that a million dollars have been put under your house. "One one level, I have given you a piece of sensationally good news: you are the possessor of a million bucks, no conditions attached, no danger of my reneging on the gift. And if you trust me--That is, if you go to your property and start turning over flat rocks--  you will sooner or later actually be able to relate to the millions I so kindly gave you. But note something crucial. Your faith (your trust) does not earn you the money, nor does it con me into giving it to you: the money was your s all along just because I was crazy enough to bury it in your backyard. Your faith, you see , is in  no way the cause of the gift; the only thing it can possible have any causal connection with is your own enjoyment of the gift."

The Great Emergence.

The idea behind The Great Emergence is that the Church has a rummage sale every 500 years. At first this idea appears flimsy. We can not simply say that a certain point things utterly change in the world and church. However, that is definitely a simplistic way of describing the book and at no times does Tickle assert that the Reformation or any period begin after a specific event, but it is helpful to listen to what is happening in the world and a lot of events do culminate in an event where everyone can say that the world is different.  

The implication of this is immense. All facets of life need to re-evaluated including the Church. In the past couple or even closing on a decade this has been debated how the Church needs to engage these changes all around us. 

Tickle strength is how she shows the various parts of society have led to what she calls the Great Emergence. Clearly whether you will enjoy the book or grind your teeth at what she says and other 'emergent' type books is if you agree with her assessment of The Rose, which is her assessment of church right now(http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8201186130545666528). Not wanting to regurgitate the rose, but in essence I agree with her analyse. My one issue with the entire book is that she lumps North America. I live in Canada and certain elements that are true for the US will never be the case in Canada.

The one aspect I want to touch on as being different is denominational loyalty. I was visiting with a couple and they have a passion to be church planters in a small country in Africa. They are currently attending a fairly large church in Winnipeg. I admire them for their passion and willingness to raise money as missionaries. They approached the church board about getting more involved in the church and gaining membership. The problem is one of my friends grew up in the Mennonite tradition and was baptised with sprinkling of water, not immersion as is the churches view. My friend actually believes that immersion is proper biblically, but does not feel his baptism is invalid. The problem continues as church attempt to maintain these denominational expectations will eventually leave their church for another that does not have a rigid expectation.

Shane Claiborne & Jesus for President

I have been intrigued by Shane Claiborne ever since I read The Irresistible Revolution a couple years back. The book engrossed me while I should have been studying for exams I couldn't help finish it within a couple days. While in Canada the polarization between political parties is less than in the states and the religious connections between a particular party is less obvious. However, in recent weeks I heard the pastor at my former church made the comment he would be content with reading an editorial from the National Post as a sermon. The problem is not that I disagree with the pastor position, because in conversion with those who disagree with us we develop a greater understanding of complex problems in our society. The problem is when we as Christians aligning ourselves completely with the rest of society we cease to be a Peculiar People as Rodney Clapp asserts. Claiborne's reading of Jesus, which I believes he rightly reads, as one who always resisted all groups and all preconceived notions of what the Messiah will do on earth.

None of the political parties can replace the Church and in spite of the hope that Obama can inspire in people his idea that America can once again be the hope of people and the world. Christians must continually resist this idea no matter how attractive it may appear. If a nation is the hope of the world this is completely at odds with the Christian believe in the resurrection or maybe we need a more robust understanding of hope. Clairborne passionately believes that Christians need to be more imaginative and being involved in living the Kingdom of God on earth.

Jesus for President is a good starting point for all Christians what it means to be socially involved in the world. Many may be turned off by 'too radical' of his ideas and examples he gives in the book. I would agree with this point to an extend, but that is not the point of Claiborne's push. It is to rethink what our actions and believe tell the world. For example I don't think we can all start making our own clothes and to an extent that would require us to leave our jobs, but he is calling us to rethink our vocation as Christians and how that effects all aspects of our life. To simply follow the status quo is what Claiborne is question and all Christians should do the same.

Come to the Table

Recently I finished reading Come to the Table it is a interesting to read a book about the community to which you belong. Ever since attending St. Benedict's Table I've been drawn to the openness and acceptance of everyone. The idea that Jesus welcomes us all is very powerful, especially when I think of my cruise ship days and hearing countless stories of people not feeling welcome into a church setting. In reading the Gospels Jesus appears to be inviting everyone to join him and God's kingdom. Maybe the part of open communion that scares people as the book mentions is that it does not require anything of an individual. I guess the idea that anyone can receive the blood and wine, maybe consider it cheap grace. The one thing with a 'cheap grace' view is if everyone can have communion nothing more is require, but that is definitely not the case at St. Benedicts as discipleship is at the forefront.

I guess the other side of open communion is what kind of role does baptism play in such a community. Obviously baptism plays a key role in the New Testament. I wonder if there is a difference between theological/doctrinal belief and practice. What role does baptism have in churches in 21st century is it simply that one can not take part in communion. I know that was the case when I was growing up that you couldn't have communion if you weren't baptised or the very least accepted Jesus as Lord. We have had a couple baptisms at St. Ben's the past two years and I must say it has been meaningful to the community and an emphasis has always been on the communities responsibility in a persons life. I guess it comes down to what role does baptism play in a community, is a thing we are expected as good Christians to do or is there something deeper.

What St. Ben's accomplishes by practicing open communion is inviting everyone to participate or belong. It is a mysterious thing that people can gather together on a Sunday evening and feel they belong. I know for a long time in my former Christian circles that has been a desire of mine and expressed by friends. So many people have said that they feel out of place and having to put on a mask. Not a mask of hiding behind something, but that the language and practice did not have a bearing on other parts of their life. That Sunday is the day not for escaping life, but informing and influencing your life that you can be this peculiar life that Jesus invites us to be.

Thoughts on 'A Community Called Atonement' or why not to have high expectations about a book

I am a pretty big fan of Scot McKnight. Needless to say when I heard about 'A Community Called Atonement' it went straight to the top of my list. The book was marketed as a explaining Atonement for the common folk. I must admit that I've read a bit on Atonement already reading The Divine Conspiracy and Exclusion & Embrace, which both engage the topic in larger denser manner. Part of my excitement over McKnight is how influential The Jesus Creed was for me it was simple and profound. I always felt that the theory of Atonement was important, but has always been a bit too academic and the book appeared to be going in a different direction to bring the community into the theory.

The big disappointment was how the book was fairly basic and while it was a relatively short read(156 pages) it was not simple. Actually just as dense as any other book on Atonement, but instead of building the theory out over a lot of page it packed a lot of information in a little span. The biggest disappointment was how half through the book it still was just going over a lot of standard Atonement theory stuff and I found the best part of the book was when McKnight would quote N.T. Wright, which is never a good sign.

While McKnight did bring the community into the theory towards the end of the book overall it was a disappointment. Maybe if I had never read anything on Atonement it would be a food introduction and definitely worth reading for a community attempting to rediscover Atonement in a real way. I must admit the book did have sparks, but never the full enthralment and excitement of The Jesus Creed.

Thoughts on 'Gone Baby Gone'

I recently watched Gone Baby Gone a film directed by Ben Affleck, which got rave reviews from the critics. Some about anything Affleck makes me weary of being hugely disappointed. Needless to say Gone Baby Gone engrossed me in the tragic neighborhoods of Boston. An impressive cast consisting of Morgan Freeman, Casey Affleck, Ed Harris give their standard performances. What was most impressive is how Gone Baby Gone engaged a topic that's been a struggle of mine this past year.

What if a child is born into a situation that their almost doomed to enter into a cycle of substance abuse, family violence and crime. In meeting so many parents who are unfit to provide for these teens, it is hard to hear stories of ten year olds providing and supporting for a family. Gone Baby Gone does an incredible job of putting this struggle to film, what if you could give a child a new life and at the same time break the law. Who in our society decides when a mother should have her child taken away.

In reading so many social histories at The Behavioural Health Fondation one is left with the impression that anyone growing up in this environment would have ended up in a similar situation. This haunting struggle hit its head when A.J.,one of my 'Keykids' parents came for his graduation and did not appear to care about the him.

What Gone Baby Gone does so well is if given the chance to give one of these 'doomed kids' a real chance at life would you do or allow it to happen. Much of the movie tugged at my emotions, but at the same time showed both sides of the situation. Too often movies that tackle a touchy subject give a one-sided approach or answer to the situation. Affleck should be commended for the honest and fair approach in showing the honest fact when a person does what they fee is 'right' it still puts the child in jeopardy.

A quote on Pre-destination from St. Ben's

One Sunday night our Priest at St. Benedict's Table spoke briefly about predestination. He gave this quote from Paul Achtemeier on what Paul might have meant by 'predestine'.

"As Paul uses the words 'foreknow' or 'predestine,' they do not refer in the first instance to some limitation on our freedom, nor do they refer to some arbitrary decision by God that some creatures are to be denied all chances at salvation. They simply point to the fact that God knows the end which he will bring his creation, namely redemption, and that destiny is firmly set in his purposes. God has already set the destiny of creation: the destiny is redemption, as Paul has just told us(vs. 21). In that sense Paul can speak of 'pre-destination.' It means, just as the word says, that the destiny has already been set; and that destiny is the final redemptive transformation of reality

Thoughts on 'Lake of Fire'

This past week I watched Lake of Fire , a documentary about abortion by Tony Kaye of American History X fame. The film was stunning and honest in their unloading of information. What I most appreciated was that the film never took sides, which is rare for documentaries.

The entire film was shot in black and white in order to show that this subject has no grey or at least the media is unwilling to show the grey areas. Maybe more a statement of how we discuss complicated issues in western countries and our conversations about abortion, homosexuality, war, etc are more yelling our views than an attempt to grow in understanding and being open to that the other side has many valid points.

An unsettling part of the film was the anti-abortionists profiled and how different they viewed the Christian faith. I know many people will want to dismiss them as religious extremist, but I think that is dangerous and almost justifies their actions. Many of them made statements that people should be stoned for various behaviours and maybe most puzzling is that they don't believe in religious freedom. This one was a bit confusing or maybe I just don't understand America. In my conservative Christian upbringing there was always an understanding that one shows respect and dignity to those who disagree with you. However, the anti-abortionist did not feel that was important and as many of you know have killed many doctors performing abortions.

I guess my problem with the politically motivated pro-life agenda is that once the baby is born these people who so vehemently fight for the babies right don't seem to care what kind of environment they live in. I think for the pro-life stance to have merit they need to oppose all forms of war and persecution of all people.

Then again this is not an easy subject and both sides have valid point. It is interesting how so many people realize life is lived in the gray areas, but when it comes down to these political topics its all or nothing. At times I fear that Canada is becoming more like America and not willing to see the other's point of view with an open mind.

Thoughts on 'The End of Memory'

Our memory is funny thing. Why do we remember events in a certain way and does this memory do the events justice or injustice. Miroslav Volf tackles this subject in The End of Memory, a semi-biographical look at how to remember rightly.

We all have had wrongs committed against us. Whether these have been wrongs of the physical, emotional or countless ways people wrong each other. What we do with these wrongs will determine how healthy we live. Not that all wrongs are the same, but how does one integrate these wrongs to our larger story or identity. If these wrongs make or define our story will evidently have a negative effect on our lives.

One question do all our experiences or memory needed to be integrated into our life as being meaningful. Volf states that this is clearly an axiom during the 20th & 21st century, but is this possible. He goes on to state that not all experiences can be successfully integrated into having profound meaning and that we need to consciously forget events.

My thought was how often do we remember events dishonestly or unjustly. What I mean by that is do we demonize the other person's action and remember our actions innocently?

Volf's ideas are still floating around, but he does put forth a systematic and broad proposal of how to remember. In closing Volf attempts to integrate all our memory to the after life and how we will be reconciled to everyone. What role will our memory play in those mysterious and hopeful days.

It is refreshing to read as Volf attempts to struggle with this profound question and look to any and all discussion of the question in a distinctly christian manner.

Thoughts on Organic food

Well the world is in definitely in a 'Green stage.' Obviously this green and environmentally friendly movement can be co-opted by consumerism and greed like many other good and fruitful endeavors. However, the main thrust of the movement is live in harmony with the world and that is an endeavor I think we all can join.

Recently I checked out an organic market. Every since Trisha and I attempted the 100 mile diet last fall we have been looking for ways to live in a connected way with our food. The farmer's market in St. Norbert was a great way to connect with the producers of the food we eat. My thought was that the organic marker could be our permanent home for food during non-farmer's market season. Unfortunately this is not a financial reality due to the prices of all the produce. I know that money is part of the reason for the great divide between producers and consumers of food, but the prices were astronomical (ie $3.50 for a head of lettuce).

I got to thinking what does a producer needs to do to receive the 'certified organic' label and why were the prices so high. I can go to the Canadian Superstore and buy organic bananas that are only two cent/per pound more than non-organic. Recently I was at a local meat shop that only sells Manitoba grown meat, which to me seems like a good think to keep the money local and support local meat producers. When I inquired about if the meat was organic the owner explained that to get the 'organic label' the grandparents needed to be fully organic. This does make sense to a degree, but how much more are we as consumer's willing to pay for 'certified organic' product compared to those merely produced locally and the producer does not see the point of getting the 'certified organic' label.

Personally I think buying locally is a start and for those who can afford the 'certified organic' products be my guest. My last thought is where does this leave the millions of people living in poverty. Where the 'conscious citizens' are buying food at a premium to have the organic label and others can't afford any kind of food. I guess it all comes back to community and the effect our actions have on other. Well just a though

Minneapolis you have good coffee....

Well I love coffee. A lot of people here love their Tim Horton's Coffee, which can barely be counted as coffee in my opinion but to each their own. During our stay in Minneapolis Trisha and I discovered Caribou Coffee, a regional coffee shop that appears to be concerned about the environment. Caribou Coffee was our coffee of choice in Minneapolis, we stopped in three times on Sunday. I must admit Caribou puts a lot of espresso in their specialty coffee's, which I really enjoyed.

Trisha and I were reading about Caribou Coffee in a coffee shop near Solomon's Porch and they have set a goal of being 50% 'fair trade' by 2009. It was refreshing to see that goal set in comparison to Starbucks that appears to only care about the bottom line. I guess it is the imagination of this 'small' coffee chain that is trying to make a difference that impressed me.

Some thoughts on Solomon's Porch

The only part of the weekend that was disappointing was that I didn't get to spend as much time at Solomon's Porch or get to hear Doug Pagitt speak. Trisha and I had a hard time following the direction I got off travelocity so we didn't go to the Mockingbirds Nest, which I was really excited about.

We did however go to Solomon's Porch on Sunday evening, but left early so we wouldn't be late for the concert. The set up for the gathering area is completely unique, you need to imagine a lot of old sofas(think about your grandparents sofas) arranged in a circle with the middle having two swivel chair. The feel was more like a friend's basement where you would meet to hang out. I wonder if that is how the first century church would be have done it, just hanging out in some one's house. In November at St. Benedict's we did a 'Going to the 1st century church' the feel was similar. The service started with a brief introduction by Bob who was sitting in for Doug and explained the why the palm tree branches were handed out.

While we only heard 3 songs they were very intense, even haunting. The lyrics, especially the song about not belonging to anyone were heart wrenching.

I am not sure if this was a standard week at Solomon's Porch, but a lot of the time was spent on being an abolitionist church(fighting against human trafficking). I thought the ideas were good, definitely nice to see a church in action and giving their community an outlet to share their passions. One of the speakers called human trafficking slavery, which I thought was very important, too often in our culture we have names for terrible things and the name is vague or do not convey what is happening.

I imagine a lot would have happened after we left maybe even the 'sermon' portion, as a guy on the other side of the room kept looking through his Bible. Anyways I thought it was interesting experience, one would need to spend a week at Solomon's Porch and involve yourself in the community to really grasp their journey and the beauty.

Springsteen was amazing!

The Springsteen show was amazing. I had to resign myself to the fact that I wasn't going to hear all my favorite songs, but knew I was going to love the show. When Bruce and the Gang entered the stage they set the crowd into a frenzy, as the antipicipation had been building the last hour for the show to start. I was in a constant state of bliss throughout the concert, needing to pinch myself that I was actually at the concert.

The concert had many personal highlights and the energy that Bruce and the band gave was contagious. As I write this I know any description of the concert does not compare to being at the show, it is amazing how much energy Bruce gives out at such an old age. I would say my favorite song was Waiting on a Sunny Day, The Rising, and Born to Run. During Waiting on a Sunny Day, Bruce was all over the stage and since it is one of Trisha's favorite songs I was happy that he played it. The Rising is filled with so many memories of what happened after 9/11 and how to be hopeful in a time of despair. I vividly remember listen to that song over and over again during my time working for Celebrity Cruises that time was a time of change in my life. Born to Run is definitely the quintessential Bruce Springsteen song and the song most people know so the arena was vibrating and all of us were sing along.

I am still feel the energy of going to see Bruce, definitely worth the many hours on the road.

The Politics of Minneapolis

One thing that kept popping out during our trip to Minneapolis was how political things were in the states. Trisha and I kept running across pro-life billboards on the highway. I thought the pro-life billboards were pretty tacky and unimaginative they had saying like 'God know their soul from inception.' Maybe it is how Americans use God or religious language to guilt or convince others to your point of view. I would say I am pro-choice, not to say that abortion is a good choice, but I think the pro-life choice is only concerned with a baby till it is born afterwards who cares.

In the city a lot of homes had peace, anti-war, and support our troops signs on their front lawn. Trisha and I found that interesting how political things were in the U.S.A compared to Canada. I wonder if Minneapolis has a broad political range of these ideas(pro-life, peace, anti-war, and supporting the troops) or if it is simple part of the complexity of life. That we can have a mosaic of view that appear to be in contradiction or live in a society where two views are colliding with each other.

A weekend with Bruce and Doug

This weekend Trisha and I are going to Minneapolis this weekend, I am brimming with excitement. In November I bought tickets for the Bruce Springsteen show. Springsteen has been one of my favorite artist for a number of years now, while the tickets aren't the great I think simply being at the show will be a memorable experience. I am pretty giddy right now just thinking about the show.

Our other plans for our weekend in Minneapolis trip is to check out Solomon's Porch. An emergent church that appears to be doing some exciting things in the city. I first encountered Solomon's Porch through an assignment for my Pastoral Theology class at Providence College, where my assignment was to read Church Re-imagined. The book is a fascinating look at a group of people trying to make sense of the faith during changing times, one of the strengths of the book is that it is written by the entire community not only the pastor.

Up until now Trisha and I were at a loss about what to do on Saturday evening within our budget, but just today I was checking out Doug Pagitt's blog and Solomon's Porch will be host something called Mockingbirds Nest. It sort of looks like an open mic thing for expression of faith, the weekend just gets better. Well I should start packing for the weekend.

Work....

I've been writing a lot about work lately, I guess that is because lots of things have been going on. This week works was sort of odd, my first 'Key key' graduated, so that was really great to see. I had a great bond with him and good talks about getting away from small town Manitoba and how to drink in moderation. Team meetings, which are usually the worst part of the week, actually went fine--my incident with another staff wasn't brought up. I am still a bit torn if I should stay, I like the work..but I keep on thinking I can find similar work in Winnipeg.

So yesterday I got a call from a job I applied for last week, so I'll check it out. I think a lot of it depends on money and stuff as bad as that sounds its a reality of life. One benefit would be the proximity, it would be in Winnipeg..therefore I wouldn't be spending 150-200 on gas each month. I guess we will see, I know the work will not be as rewarding...I think...at BHF we have various educational seminars (Anger Management, Substance Abuse Awareness, Life Skills, Grief & Loss, etc), so I think it would have to be considerably more money. I also just got my benefits through work, which are free so Trisha and I can see the dentist for the first time in along time. I am a bit torn...I am planning to see my good friends Joey and Jen in Yellowknife in April, if I switched companies that would have to be put on hold. I guess there is just a lot of things to think about...I always come back to that I would leave BHF over a staff not the teens. I always thought that BHF and me are a great fit, the kind of place I can stay for along time. Oh well I am rambling, things will have played themselves out within a week.

Life at BHF

Well I must say working at BHF has been a roller coaster as of late. The bad is a co-worker who at time is very good, particularly as it relates to one on one counselling and organizing and helping new staff understand paper work. However, I think she gets stressed out very easily and reacts strongly in certain situation and uses words without thinking about the consequences. This past week she used the word blackmail in a situation, if that is the correct use of the word then blackmail happens everyday in schools around Canada. So anyways I laughed a her use of the word in front of teen, who took offense to my laughter. I am definitely at fault for that, which followed by me getting sick the next day due to stress at work. Thankfully we've had a couple of chats not related to that incident, but the conversations have been peaceful. I guess just part of working with peopel who have a different temperment than I do. The good is on Wednesday I will be graduating my first 'key kid', which is pretty exciting and stressful at the same time.

So I started looking for work elsewhere, but at my core I do not want to leave because I am skeptical that working with teens in a different setting will not compare to the healing and restoration that happens at BHF and at the same time if things continue I can't stay and with having to drive 45 min each way to work just adds to my motivations to leave.

I guess we will see how things work out....

A interesting chart on emergent...

I know we all hate labels in regard to emerging church stuff, but it is helpful at times to look at these, espeically when you hear people talk about emerging christians/church all beleive the same things. Scot McKnight has posted an interesting chart on his blog . I think depending on the day I would belong anywhere from emerging to emergent, but definitely to the right of Mark Driscoll. I wish that Driscoll would have been left out of the chart, because he is so easy to be made an example of because of his conservative side, he is basically John Pipper with an iPod.