So Who's a "Real Christian"?

John Armstrong of Act III Ministries is a guy I'd love to meet with to discuss theology and postmodernism and the Catholic Church and the present evangelical church and ....

Here's his latest op-ed piece, one discussing the "real Christian" label that evangelicals slap on certain candidates and reserve from others. An intriguing and thought-provoking piece, indeed:

http://www.act3online.com/ArticlesDetail.asp?id=331

I also noticed that he's been in a bit of a debate regarding AWANA and apparently for the same reasons that I've been hesitant in my support for the group, well-meaning as it is. I'm going to dig around on his site and find the entire article; I've so far discovered a "conversation" of sorts between the current national leader and Armstrong regarding an article written by the latter. I'll post a link when I find the whole enchilada; I assume it's worth chewing on (pardon the pun).

Simple Pleasures: My Brain on Paper

Okay, this one isn't the cheapest item around, but it's worth its weight in solid gold. The New Yorker Desk Diary lays open on my desk all year to the current week. Each two-page spread has long columns for the weekdays, and Saturday and Sunday share a column. Each hour is covered from 8 AM to 6 PM on the weekday spaces, with a space in between to mark events occurring on the half-hour and a space of three lines after 6 PM marked "Evening." Plus each week contains a witty New Yorker cartoon, something I've missed dreadfully since not subscribing to the magazine. This desk diary is perfect in every way.

I mark piano lessons, chiropractor and doctor appointments, E's tutoring and babysitting gigs, Bible study times, parties and fun stuff, Creative Arts meetings -- everything! It's so linear and orderly -- just how I wish my mind could be. The way it used to be, anyway.

Then it has a large space (4" X 5") for each week for NOTES. I can apply little sticky note reminders in this area, or I can write myself reminders, such as "Call Dr. Burns and move Tuesday's appt." or "Buy cards for Lianna and Kevin."

I don't think I could function without this desk diary, or the B&N one I usually get but was defective this year and pulled from the shelves. $25 is cheap for this kind of organization -- less than 50 cents per week. And that's a simple and absolutely necessary pleasure.

Friday's Anglican Moment: The Nicene Creed

One element of Anglican worship that I appreciate is the use of the historic creeds. Last year I taught our four homeschooled children the Nicene Creed from the Book of Common Prayer, and I was thrilled that today when J accompanied us, he remembered almost all of it. We learned it simply by reading it together each morning as we started school, and I'm really glad we did so.

The word "creed" comes from the Latin "creo," which means "I believe." So the creeds affirm the beliefs of basic Christianity. On their own, they are tremendous works of theology, but when stated aloud in a worship setting by a community of believers, these words sing of the strength of Christianity, which has come down intact through the centuries since the Nicene Creed of 325 AD. When Christians affirm these words of nearly 1700 years ago together, the Church is strengthened and Christ as fully human and fully divine is proclaimed for all to hear, and more than that, God is glorified, praised, and honored.

(The extra capitalizations are for the purpose of signaling a pause for breath as the congregation reads the Creed aloud together.)

I believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; Begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried: And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets: And I believe one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the Resurrection of the dead: And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

People in Glass Houses....

I first posted this link on Lamp Post, then Carrie posted it on her blog, so I thought I'd post it here as well.

Personally I didn't believe this e-mail when I received it. I always check out everthing suspicious e-mail (which is most of them) and was somewhat surprised to see it was true.

I can't express how upset I get when people espouse a certain belief and then don't "walk the walk." Grrrrr.....

http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/house.asp

Which Theologian Are You?

You scored as Anselm, Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we owe him, so God becomes man in Christ and gives God what he is due. You should read 'Cur Deus Homo?' Anselm 93% Karl Barth 87% Martin Luther 73% Jonathan Edwards 60% Augustine 60% Friedrich Schleiermacher 60% Jürgen Moltmann 53% John Calvin 53% Charles Finney 40% Paul Tillich 27% Which theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

I thought I'd end up as Anselm, whom I haven't read since college but really liked. Besides, he resided in Canterbury, one of my favorite British towns. He was a cool guy, so I'm okay with hanging with him and his theology.

I've always been a medievalist anyway, so that explains part of my attraction to him. And the eleventh century was a very good year, right?

So which theologian are YOU?

Another Summer Plan Is a Go-Ahead!

I chatted with my friend Kitty tonight, and I think we've hammered out the details for starting a literary group at Lake Murray, something I've been wanting to do for a few years now. We now have a list of books to discuss for the first year, with the plan of having everyone chip in ideas after that.

And we have chosen a name: Logos, which is Greek for word or study. In the Gospel of St. John, the word "Logos" is used repeatedly to refer to Jesus: "In the beginning the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word (Logos) was God...." So we'll be studying (logos) these works to see Jesus (Logos) in them.

Our preliminary list of works to read:

Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott
Measure for Measure by Shakespeare
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Pilgrim at Tinker's Creek by Annie Dillard
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
Great Expectations by Charles Dicken
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

So I'll pass this list by Pastor Steve and then write up a blurb for the church bulletin, and we'll meet on the last Friday of each month, starting in July. I', praying that it will be a wonderful group with deep discussions and wonderful revelations of God's working through the writings of these talented authors.

Another BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is becoming a reality -- woo-hoo!

Another Book Recommendation...

Looking for God in Harry Potter simply confirmed for me all the reasons why my daughter and I adore the series.

John Granger, a father of seven homeschooled kids, was as resistant to the series as I was at first. But when a copy of the first Harry Potter book was given to his daughter and he read it, he was as hooked on the books as I found myself. Granger has taught Harry Potter classes on B&N.com and has lectured widely around the country as a Harry Potter expert. All the exciting plot developments and excellent character development of the HP series aside, these books called to me on a spiritual level that I simply couldn't articulate. But John Granger does, and does it exceedingly well.

He explores the Christian imagery, the Christian symbols, the Christian significance of the characters' names, the connection with alchemy, and the difference between incantational (magic used in Harry Potter) and the kind of magic the Scriptures warn us about. But most of all, Granger lays out the true themes in Harry Potter: love for others, eternal life, and most important of all, good vs. evil. Granger claims that the Harry Potter books help us in our own spiritual battles against evil and deftly arms our children for battle with the true Voldemort (Satan). I've felt all along that the theme of the books is the Scriptural command to "cling to what is good." And Granger supports the worth of these books valiantly, stating that ALL Christian children should read them for edification, just as they read the Narnia or the Lord of the Rings books. He also believes that the Harry Potter series will bring unbelieving children closer to believing the Gospel because the books appeal to the "God-shaped void" Pascal asserts is within us all.

I found this book absolutely fascinating and plan to read it over again. A friend from my Bible study lent it to me, and I think we'll definitely have to invest in our own copy. I can't recomment this book highly enough, whether one is a Harry fan or believes that these books are evil. Either way, you owe it to yourself and to your children to read this excellent book.

Doing What I Love Best....

I got an idea about the introduction for my book while I was watering the garden today. As soon as I could, I took my laptop out onto the front porch and while I watched the boys do yard work, I hammered out a good chunk of the intro.

Today at church I also asked Nathan, our newly-elected associate pastor, if he would read over my introduction and outline, and he said he'd be happy to do so. He's had a bit on his plate lately, what with the birth of his and Wendy's first son on Monday and his graduation from seminary yesterday. But before he takes on the associate pastoral duties in late July, I hope he'll have time to give me a little feedback. He's one of the many people I want to look at my ideas and see if they're helpful.

Getting my book started today felt wonderful. It's always difficult to start writing for me, but once I get going, I like to do nothing better. It's a relief to get words actually into my computer ... my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is now starting to be a reality!

I'm excited!

Another Simple Pleasure....

For at least the last twelve years, Bath and Body Works Honeysuckle Body Splash has been my signature scent. It's lighter than perfume, not too sweet and clingy, and can be purchased for half price ($5!) immediately after Christmas. And that $5 bottle of spray lasts me over a year.

I get many comments on it -- "You always smell SO good!" -- from hugging friends at church. (And are we ever a church of huggers!)

One can't beat the results for the price. I always feel very feminine and all "put together," no matter how I actually feel, if I'm wearing my favorite scent, Honeysuckle Spray from Bath and Body Works. It's another simple pleasure that makes a simple life feel GRAND!

Friday's Anglican Moment: Proper Preface

In the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, after the confession and "comfortable words" yet before Communion is served, a Proper Preface is prayed by the priest. Following is the Proper Preface for Whitsuntide (Pentecost and the seven days following):

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them, and to lead them into all truth; giving them boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ

Then the service proceeds as usual:

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name, evermore praising thee, and saying,

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of thy glory; Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord: Hosanna in the Highest.

Now, that's WORSHIP!