I am published!

I have had my first book review published in Journey   the Uniting Church Queensland Synod magazine.  The article appears in the November 2008 issue.

The editors deleted a sentence, I suppose to make it fit the space, so I include the review here in its entirety.

What Have They Done With Jesus? Beyond Strange Theories and Bad History

By Ben Witherington III

Monarch Books

RRP $24.95

This is a book for anyone who has been confused by or is interested in all the theories of Jesus’ life and relationships.  Ben Witherington sifts through many theories, rumors, historical documents and the Bible to determine what they reveal about Jesus.  

I found this book not only easy to read but delightfully insightful and compelling.  Ben does not adopt a view that extra-Biblical material should be rejected outright but reads the documents in their historical context to extract what they contribute to our understanding of who Jesus was.  He not only discusses issues around Jesus identity but also delves into his relationships. 

Ben is clear about where each idea comes from.  He presents each idea from its own context and allows the reader to make up his own mind.  He is also clear about when he is offering his interpretation and assumptions.  

The introduction of the book has a description of American culture in relation to his reason for writing the book.  I found for the most part that his explanation sits with the Australian culture but it still leaves the reader to make his own determination which is probably a good thing.  The book however quickly sets aside our culture and looks to answer the question, “What have they done with Jesus?”  

Caught out by compassion

My own.  I have a tendency to be a heart person, though over the years I have learned to balance head and heart and operate in a reasonable manner.  But last night the heart took over.  I was tired and have had a serious cold for two weeks and had the head operated at all, there would have been a different outcome.  That is not to say that this outcome is bad and the other better just that it would have been different.

I was at the airport in Guam ready to board my plane to Australia.  When they announced that the plane was overbooked and are there any volunteers to stay back.  I did not respond and noticed no one else did either.  As I was pacing, as is my custom before getting on a plane to sit for the next 4 hours, I happened by the counter and one agent ask the senior agent, “What happens if no one volunteers?”  The senior responded, “I have already arbitrarily picked people to stay back.”  

My heart was in action; how would I feel if I were one of the people arbitrarily picked?  I have witnessed this scenario.  People at the desk, upset, saying, “What do you mean I can’t board, I have a boarding pass.  I paid for my seat....”   I knew that is what I would say. 

My next thought was, how can I get on board knowing that my inaction put someone in that position?  I, of course, would feel bad.  The only pressure, I had was that my husband who I hadn’t seen in a week would be waiting.  And so driven by compassion for a person that didn’t even exist yet, I stepped up to the desk and asked if I volunteered what would happen and could I call my husband before I commit.  

I found very supportive and efficient staff.  They were on the phone immediately to work out connections.  After they were sure, I had good connections home they told me what would happen.  Then handed me a cell phone (not a mobile phone remember I am in Guam) so that I could call Mal.  I explained and although he was disappoint he agreed.  He too is compassionate. 

So, I stayed over in Guam and will later catch a flight through Japan to Brisbane.  It is longer but better because I will not be disrupted by getting gear off the plane at midnight and making my way to a hotel.  I can settle on the plane and sleep through.  Plus, I will start the trip not so tired.  

But had the head worked at all, I would have told the agent that I would volunteer, if the people he had selected really needed to get to Australia (more than I did).  As it turned out the people he chose were on a connecting flight with a tight connection.  And one of them was happy to stay back and his sense of adventure pressured the other to not complain.  The person who took my seat was like me, I want to get there but guess I could stay back.    So there was no upset person demanding to board.  I would not have had to feel guilty for getting on and leaving people behind.  

But this outcome was not all bad.  I called a friend here who joined me for breakfast and we had some good laughs.  I only get home 19 hours behind my original flight and I may be more comfortable in the end.  Plus, this beautiful view God made for me.

Also, I learned that when sick and tired and alone, I am a heart.  Much different when I am sick and tired and with my husband; because then it is about me and not others (including Mal).  I need a bit of balance in this area maybe.?! 

Why God won't let me take myself too seriously - Part 3

Well, Mal and I walked to church on Sunday.  It was a glorious morning.  After worship, we walked home.  We are maybe a kilometer from the church, following a bike/pedestrian walk that follows the creek.  

On the walk home, Mal and I are chatting and enjoying the time together, when suddenly, there was a sound a few feet behind me.  This noise I can best describe as a crunch of dry leaves.  At the sound of this unidentified, possibly life threatening noise, I instantly grabbed Mal's wrist, death grip, might be an appropriate description and I moved with lightening speed to a place in front of him where in the next instant, I would be able to thrust him between me and danger as some sort of human shield.  In that same instant, in my hyper awareness, I spotted the source of the unexpected noise.  You guessed it.  A bike.

Why, you ask is a cyclist not expected on a bike path?  Well, I can only imagine that I was so enthralled with the beauty of the day and time with my husband that I had no realization that the rest of the world was there.  Maybe not.  Anyway,  I started to howl with laughter.  Mal, then, asked if I would release his hand, he said something about blood needing to circulate.   I complied and continued to laugh.  

Later, when relating the story to my daughter and her husband, John asked, what kind of training have I had that would elicit such an immediate and perhaps, unthinkably, an important response.  Was it the military?  I don't think so.  I blame living on the ranch with my brothers who had nothing better to do than to scare (frighten silly, actually)  their sister at any opportunity.   I think now it is a response that would buy the precious time needed to decide, "Fly or Fight".

Mal and I grinned the rest of the day, as we recalled, how I was so willing to sacrifice him to protect me.  Funny, huh?

Last night I watched a movie

Last night a friend came over with a movie that we are going to show at church.  Our intention was to watch it and put together discussion questions.  The movie is As it is in Heaven .  A film from 2004 from Sweden.  What a fantastic film.!  After I wiped away tears at the end, I could only think of one question.  My friend was better off as this was the third time she watched it.  I don't like watching movies that will make me cry, my kids know this and I guess I didn't know that it was a tear jerker before I started.  

So what's this movie about you ask?  Well, you will just have to watch but I will tell you there are strong points of connection with real life throughout the whole movie.  And how does it end, well, As it is in Heaven, I guess.

I am really looking forward to watching this with my family. 

2002

Most people can remember where they were at particular moments in the past.  Mal and I were just musing about where we were in 2002.  Since I am not good at keeping a journal, I thought that I would put those memories here.  

At the beginning of '02 Mal and I were both living in Guam.  We were married on May 15th.  Then, immediately proceeded to process the immigration paperwork for our entry into Australia.  I was projected to attend an USAF training school at the end of June until August.  So I resigned from work, my girls and I scaled down all our belonging into I think 11 suitcases or boxes.  Basically, we shed most everything and travelled to Australia on a visitors visa.  Just days before typhoon Chataan (will check the spelling) hit Guam.  Note here people in Guam mark time by typhoon names.  

We spent a few days in our new home then traveled to the US.  Deb and Mia went to Grampa's in South Dakota and I went on to school in Texas.  Mal joined me there after a few weeks.  At then end of the school, Mal and I travelled to South Dakota on different airlines because the travel agent messed up but we both got there.  The girls and I had to wait until our visas were processed before we could return to Australia.  Mal went off to Western Samoa for work.  Mal had faith in the visa process and purchased the girls' and my tickets to Australia for mid-Sept.  Mal did email the consulate and tell them that we would just happen to be in LA mid-Sept could we get our visa.  The answer came a couple of weeks later, yes.  We were off.  

Before, I left South Dakota, my grandmother age 94 was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  She said, "Well you have to die of something."  My Dad's sister was very tired and crabby and suffering from pain in her shoulder.  We thought it stress from Gramma's impending death.  

While in Samoa, Mal broke his wrist, playing a friendly game of soccer.  Mal, they were younger and probably bigger than you! He came back to Australia a week later had his wrist re-broken and cast properly and all has been well.

Not long after getting to Australia, my Aunt was also diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Bummer, I was never to see her again and she had done a lot to raise me because my mother was sick.

Then in November, my Gramma past away.  I was in Cairns and started planning to come home for the funeral.  My Dad asked if I wanted to come to Gramma's funeral or my Aunt's.  He said she will die soon.  After an agonizing few hours, I called Dad and said I would wait.  Two weeks later my Aunt died and I made flights home.  

The church we attended every year about this time held a beach camp for young adults.  Mal and I were to lead one of the sessions during the week.  A lesson called "Hanging tough with change", do ya think we were qualified?!

My trip to the US meant that I would miss the first day of camp but I got my girl's to pack for me.  Mal then too missed most of the camp, because while I was in the US typhoon Pongsonga (I will check spelling) hit Guam and caused a major fire.  Mal was flown as part of the response team.  Deb also packed his bag as he left 2 hours after the call and was at the doctor.

I flew home only to realize that I was locked out of my house.  After a good cry. I remembered Mal had a hidden key and got in.  Threw some things together and got picked up to go to camp.  Mal returned on the last day of the camp. I knew very few people so it was an experience.  Probably good in retrospect because people got to know me as me not as Mal's wife.  

We then returned home for a couple of weeks and the four of us Mal and girls and I, left for 4 weeks in Samoa.  I was ready for this because life for an American in Australia was very tough at the time.  Australians were blaming Americans for sending their troops to Iraq.  I didn't mind catching flack most of the time but when people started pointing on my daughters, too young to vote, and abuse them for send troops and being war mongers.  I had enough.  Thank God for work in Samoa.  

Mal and I chatted about these memories last night because, he has sent in a resume for more work in Samoa.  I was remembering walking down the street almost every evening for ice cream, swimming (really, watching Mal and the girls swim as I was only just learning). a New Year's eve dance at the hotel, and scrapbooking withe the girls.  It was good.  Mal reminded me that we had a big fight while there.  It was our first, his nationalism took on mine and neither of us came out much better for it.  

I may also note that between the end of the camp and the trip to Samoa, I got drunk.  I didn't mean to I was having a wine with Mal's daughter and next thing I remember, I was, well sick.  Not a fine moment but I remember telling Mal's daughter about my Aunt and Gramma and well.  I guess, I was mourning.  

There was more and Mal may comment with his memories but it was a "full on" year.  

Motivation

I am motivated to lead a study on spiritual types at our church.  I am motivated to work on my Gospel of Mark assignment.  I am motivated to work on my Mission of the Church assignment. I am motivated to do my yard work and house keeping.  Sounds good doesn't it.  The problem is the next assignment due is Humanity, Sin and Grace and I am not motivated to work on that.  Procrastination has set in and I would rather work on all those other things.  I am happy that other things are getting done but soon, very soon, I am going to have to come up with about 3000 words assessing an academic's arguments on humanity and God for coherence.  They were coherent, now where to the other words come from?  Why am I happy to engage in the lectures, reading and topic but not the assignment?  Why is this the only subject, that I am not motivated to finish? Motivation seems to be as slippery topic as say, well, grace (update) that is understanding grace.

Water

Water is hugely important to life.  Because drought has been long-lasting in our part of the world Mal and I have installed rainwater tanks at our townhouse.  10,000 litres worth to be exact.  These tanks will be used to water the garden, wash the car, clean house and flush toilets.  The whole house can be connected to the tanks and Mal estimates at our present usage would last us 80 days.  Then, we would be out of water.  

Water theft has already begun to happen here.  I was told by a friend there that water was stolen from the tanks and swimming pool at the Australian Catholic University.  Right now greed, I imagine was the motivation but are we moving toward days when need will drive such actions? 

I wonder.....

What you mean to me

Again, this place has been neglected.  I had a two week trip away and even though I had the technology to continue to post reflections here I didn't.  Time just seemed to slip away and when there was a bit of time, I was simply too tired.  

I realize that this is how I treat probably a lot of my relationships.  I usually call my Dad every week but while I was gone, did not.  Many friends, I only catch up with once in a blue moon.  I am not totally to blame for this because they are busy too.  But I don't think relationships should be catch as catch can.  They are far too important.

From the notes of today's "Humanity, Sin and Grace" lecture, "Human beings who are created in the image of the triune God will find that image realized - proleptically - in the unity and diversity of the life of the church.  It is in that community that the desire for unity and completeness is expressed with respect to both other humans and to God. "(Summary of Stanley Grenz, The Social God and Relational Self) 

I have always place an emphasis on relationships.  Partly because I am an extrovert but also because I believe them to be priority.  I may not have had a theological reason years ago but intuitively knew it to be so.  You might say over the years, I had been formed that way.  And now find that others read the Bible that way too.

So my dear readers, I apologize for treating this different sort of relationship (blogging) casually and will endeavour to keep in contact.  Please forgive me when I fail.

Discernment

Discernment, divine insight or experiential guess-work?  Answer: Yes.  

Over the years, I have found that I catalogue peoples responses to particular situations by possible motivations.  My kids also know that I provide human commentary to animal antics that we observe in our yard but that is another story.  My library of experience, is not only full of Psych 101 type observations (people who respond with anger may be responding because of underlying fear or pain) but is primarily full of my reflections on my own responses, why did I say or do what I did?   I also have been privileged to walk with individuals in their difficult times and have been privy to their reflections.  All added to my library of possibilities, a library that I seem to draw on more these days.  While I thank God continually for these experiences and the gift of being able to catalogue the events for quick retrieval, I recognize that my library has significant limitations.  Its use can be based on the assumption that most people respond similarly thus the recognition of the library's name becomes important; it is just "guess-work". So many times my library lets me down, I am lost for a response.  It is at those humbling moments when God's glory shines.  God love for the individual I interact with stops me from saying something unhelpful and before I can think the most perfect words have come from my mouth.  Not words of idle commentary or of "guess-work" but words a gift from God for God's people, divine insight.  

I light of my conversation about ordination, I see this as another demonstration of God's faithfulness to his people.   The ordained are set apart because they have gifts that point to God; gifts the Church can recognize.  One of those gifts for me - discernment. Praise be to God.  

Ordination

What an awesome God.  Over the centuries he has faithfully provided leadership for his church. I think the fact that there is such continuity is overlooked by many.  Below is a bit of para 14 of the Basis of Union.  It says the Church bears witness to God’s faithfulness and declares the hope by which it lives; however, this is reflected through the participation of the ordained. 

In this act of ordination the Church praises the ascended Christ for conferring gifts upon men and women. It recognises Christ's call of the individual to be his minister; it prays for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to equip the minister for that service. By the participation in the act of ordination of those already ordained, the Church bears witness to God's faithfulness and declares the hope by which it lives.

The Basis goes on to say 

In company with other Christians the Uniting Church will seek for a renewed understanding of the way in which the congregation participates in ordination and of the significance of ordination in the life of the Church. 

The understanding of ordination to the life of the Church and the congregations  participation, well, it seems at the time of union (1977) was highlighted for more discussion. 

In my discussions with ordained about ordination, I find that they by in large are in awe of God’s faithfulness to the church.  But, in my last discussion, there was a comment along the lines that in ordination the Church recognizes gifts of leadership (and others).  But this bothered me, somehow so later in the conversation, I asked, “The Church recognizes leadership but do congregations?”  My friend commented that he found many congregations that think of the ordained as some sort of “Divine polyfiller” that comes in and fills up all the gaps and needs.

I recognize that a congregation is a place that many arrive at spiritually empty and perhaps, it may be a bit much to expect more from them but I hope that my ordination service will point to God’s faithfulness and bring hope to the congregation as well as all the things identified above.

Why Mal can't take himself too seriously either

Mal writes - Prior to leaving Bris there were some issues. 

• I forgot my belt – okay with these trousers but not sure about others – can buy a belt if I need it.
• I printed my boarding pass last night as you know.  It would not read this morning when I checked my bags in – so the lady said I will print you another in case this doesn’t read at the gate.
• She did, put it in a folder with the baggage check and off I went to Q club.
• At Qantas club I was greeted with “Oh would you prefer to go to the Captain’s lounge opposite gate 23 sir?”.  I looked at the time thinking, what entitles me to those lounges, “Oh maybe Silver status” but didn’t think any more of it.  Went into the Bus lounge (new and part of the original Q club lounge now but separated).
• Went off down to gate when called, was first in line.  Hostie greeted me with “Oh this is the Gladstone flight sir, not Darwin”.  She handed back the pass and it was for Mr (Another) Hamill in seat 23A going to Darwin..  When I said I was on the Gladstone flight she asked me to go to the other counter.
• I did, they explained the new computer system had some bugs and they were running the old and the new side-by-side.  Got my original 3A seat allocation back and went back to the line. Then thought, “I bet my port is on the way to Darwin!!”.  Got the folder with baggage tag attached and yup – Darwin bound.
• Pulled out of line and back to counter.  They called baggage to see if they could get my bag pulled and onto the Gladstone.  Line for Gladstone flight was now empty – they asked me to board and that if the bag didn’t arrive then they would get it on the 8.30am flight and deliver it to me in Gladstone.
• So got to Gladstone and my bag arrived – about the third one off.

Linda writes - the lesson.... look at the name on the boarding pass and take the offer to Captains club. :-) 

 

The questions are....

1.  The question for the semester is "What do you think ordination is/means?" 

I will spend the semester exploring this and hope to post periodically on this subject.  I will let you know what I come up with for me at the end of the semester.

2. The question for this week is "What does it mean for you to be a human person?"

Yup, only a week to figure this one out.

I would love to know that you think.

Ecumenical

As a young person, I recognized that I was formed by several denominational traditions.  I was baptized in the Presbyterian Church not that I remember much of that but throughout the years when we worship with my Gramma it was at the same church that I was baptized in so I imagine there was formation there.  My church memories begin in the Isabel United Church of Christ (UCC), however, we were a rural community and ministry among churches was shared so these early memories of the UCC were influenced by the Methodist minister serving there.  I was confirmed into the UCC by United Methodist minister.  As I became an adult, I found myself drawn to the Methodist church because it was most familiar; fancy that.  After the Methodist minister moved on the UCC was served by a Lutheran minister so much of my youth camp experience was Lutheran.  This does not include Vacation Bible School  (VBS) that we attended every year with my cousins.  VBS was run jointly by an Assembly of God and a Lutheran Church.  It was at the Assembly of God church that I made a commitment to Christ, whatever that meant to a 9-10 year old.

My ecumenical formation continues.  My supervisor, for a few months while I was in field placement at the Lutheran Church of Guam, was Brad Boydston.  He introduced me to lots of people (through blogs) from the Evangelical Covenant Church. 

I attended lectures on Old Testament Law by Terence Fretheim, Lutheran.

I had the opportunity to listen and speak to Bishop Nazir-Ali, Anglican (see post).

I recently attended lectures on the Spirituality of Mark by Bill Countryman, Episcopalian. 

As well as, formation from all my lectures by the local Uniting Church of Australia, Anglican and Catholic lecturers who are part of the Brisbane College of Theology.   

I am in formation with the Uniting Church of Australia and am committed to the Basis of Union.   There is no doubt in my mind that I am where God wants me to be.  Yet I find it extremely interesting that my formation has been and is still so ecumenical.  What a blessing!

Vacation

Dear Readers,

Thank you for sticking with my blog even though I haven't posted for a while.  I have been on vacation and just arrived home today.  The attached photo was one of the highlights.  The 4th of July fireworks (actually held on the 3rd) at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota were spectacular.  I told Mal that I would never need to see fireworks again.  I am not sure any will top it.  The day was glorious - good thing too because we got there about 9 am and the show was not until 9:15 pm.  We were early because the parking fills up by 10 am and the closest parking additional parking means a 2 mile jaunt up the mountain.  There were activities all day and we had a group of people.  Mal's daughter and family came from Florida, friends from Washington state, my brother and family from Florida and of course my family including my daughter's and their partners were amongst the gathered.  

The best part of the holiday though was all the people that we caught up with.  While there was fireworks of the spectacular kind; the trip really was about people who are very important to me.  I love them so and now that I am home in Brisbane, I wish the trip had been a bit longer (usually, I am ready to come home).  This trip was many people and too little time.  I pray that I will get to see them all soon again.   

But since the semester is starting again, I imagine I will blog more frequently.

Book Review

This is my first ever book review.  I have recently finished reading Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution - A History from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First by Alister McGrath.  While I enjoy history, I never seem to have much time to delve into church history much less any other history.  The books and articles that I read these days must apply to what I am doing.  

This book was tremendous.  It made history relevant.  It is not a dictionary of events or people of the reformation rather it tracks the ideas of the reformation through history to the present day.  

The book follows issues like images and music in worship through historical opinions.  It tackles the question of our multiplicity of Protestant denominations; how and why they occurred and traces many to their roots in the reformation.  

McGrath looks to the future and helps the reader get a sense of not only where we have been as church but also where we may go. 

If you are looking for a timeline of facts and dates, this is not it.  If you are looking for a book that reads like a novel tracing the changes, subtle and drastic, of reformation ideals like they were characters in real life, well then this is it.

Why God won't let me take myself too seriously Part 2

Okay, today, I got to college early so I stopped by the coffee shop for a coffee and a ticket for the lunch meal.  The cost was of course was not even dollars and I told the clerk that I had the change.  So he held out his hand for my coins.  I took them out of my coin purse, reached my hand directly over his and open my fingers for the coins to drop into his hand.  But no.  One coin stuck to my finger and flung itself into a cup of coffee with a splash.  No, not my coffee. The clerk stood there and kept giggling.  I could not have hit the coffee if I had tried.  I offered another coin the the clerk now in hardy laughter said "no worries" he would get it out later.  

The person standing behind me in line comments on how much coffee splash out and asked if I could do that again.  

Yes, this is the lifestyle of the not so rich or famous.

Movie Review

Mal and I and a few from our college went to see "The End of a Spear" on Monday night.  We really enjoyed the movie based on the true story of some missionary families.  I think for me it raised my awareness of the amazing love of God for all his creation.  I wonder at the conviction of men to risk their lives for a few unknown people.  I am in awe at the faith of the women to continue after such loss.  

I remember when I saw the documentary that this movie is based on I cried for my children.  I do not know what kind of unfriendly world they are entering.  And I prayed that no matter what they faced that they would be faithful.   This movie, I wondered where my convictions will take me.  Minister of the Word in Australia looks easy by comparison, doesn't it?

I thought wrong

I thought I would not like reading Calvin.  I was wrong.  There are bits I am uncomfortable with but there is so much good.  

For example Institutes 1.6.1

God therefore bestows a gift of singular value, when, for the instruction of the Church, he employs not dumb teachers merely, but opens his own sacred mouth; when he not only proclaims that some God must be worshipped, but at the same time declares that He is the God to whom worship is due; when he not only teaches his elect to have respect to God, but manifests himself as the God to whom this respect should be paid.

Interesting that since 1559 or something like that it hasn't changed God still informs people that they should worship God as opposed to everything else and that He is indeed God.  Deut 6:4 Hear O Israel: The LORD is our GOD, the LORD alone!

Will we ever get it.....

Don't look back

I was commuting home from university the other day.  I take the train from uni then transfer to a bus when I get into the city.  This particular day, I got off the train in rush hour and had made my way off the platform and through the terminal.  During rush hour there are young people handing out a news magazine.  They are at every platform and at the entrance to the station.  I had managed to get past the people at the platform, quite pleased with myself for not contributing to my recycle bin at home when halfway thru the terminal I spotted the young people at the front.  They were facing the street and handing out magazines to the people entering the station.  I was relieved.  Just then the young woman turned around and opening her mouth in a big yawn.  She was turning away from the throng entering but of course, without realizing it turned to face the throng leaving.  She blushed and looked down as I grinned. 

The moral of the story - don't look back.  Up, down, sideways are slightly more acceptable but never look back. 

Passion Fruit

Not to be out done by my friend Brad, I too have flowers in my garden.  Yes, it is nearing winter in Australia and I have a passion fruit plant that is a bit out of season but the blooms are beautiful.  The blooms are also very short lived.  There is a story about the name of the  passion fruit. 

The story goes, “When Spanish explored South America they discovered that passion fruit was used in native folk medicine as a sedative. When the Spanish brought the passion fruit to Europe the leaves were used as a sleep-inducing medicine. The name 'Passion' was given by Catholic missionaries in South America. The corona threads of the passion flower were seen as a symbol of the crown of thorns, the five stamens for wounds, the five petals and five sepals as the ten apostles (excluding Judas and Peter) and the three stigmas for the nails on the cross.”