The Heavenly Man.

Book Review.

Hattaway, Paul.  The Heavenly Man.  The remarkable story of Chinese Brother Yun.  Monarch Books. 2002.

Comment.  Henry.

Brother Yun’s name is Liu Zhenying.  He was born in 1958 in Henean Province in southern China.  It is a province of 100 million people.  Brother Yun’s family lived in a village of 600 farmers.  At age 16 the Lord called him as a follower.

Brother Yun’s story is filled with horrendous persecution, miraculous deliverances and amazing conversions.  As a leader of house churches he was targeted and prosecuted as a criminal.  His family suffered greatly because of Yun.  There is hardly a page where references are not made about miracles, signs, and wonders.  Eventually Brother Yun ended up in the West. He now lives in Germany and is giving leadership to the “Back to Jerusalem” movement coming out of China.

Brother Yun is not impressed with Western Christianity and its churches.  He considers them asleep (at best).  I (we) find it quite difficult to really wrap my head around the Christian, church, environment in China with all the opposition and risk for those who would declare to be Christian.  It seems to me that this is a two way challenge.  People like Brother Yun find it difficult to wrap their heads around our Christian environment.  The concerns and/or criticism are valid.  That should not in any way call into question the truth of our kinship in Christ.

Absence of Mind.

Book Review.

Robinson, Marilynne.  Absence of Mind.  Yale University Press.  2010.

Comment.  Henry.

I pulled this book off the library shelf because I had read Marilynne’s novel, “Gilead”, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It didn’t take much reading for me to realize that this would be a very different read from a novel.  This resource is part of “The Dwight Harrington Terry Foundation Lectures on Religion in the light of Science and Philosophy”.  This author’s lecture focuses on the topic of the mind and various opinions on what it is and how it functions.  She admits to be a religious (Christian?) person.  This position would make some of her opinions unacceptable by other writers.

I began my read with the attitude of a student that was auditing a course.  That approach didn’t work for me since I really had no comprehension of what I was reading.  Obviously this is not a book that works for me but it may be of interest to some of you who get these reviews.

Happy Reading!

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

In Search of Paul.

Book Review.

Croosan, John Dominic.  Reed, Jonathan L.  In Search of Paul.  How Jesus’, apostle opposed Rome’s empire with God’s Kingdom.  Harper, San Francisco.  2004.

JDC- professor emeritus of De Paul University, regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time.

JLR- teaches New Testament and Christian origins at University of La Verne, California.  He is a leading authority on first century archaeology.

Comment.  Henry.

In my reading(s) I can count on three expectations.  I can learn, I can be inspired, and I can be entertained.  This read was ‘heavy’ on the first expectation.  I never cease to be amazed at the ‘options’ of interpretations of Scripture.  I choose to accept them as such and thus avoid the frustration of what seem to be controversies.  I recommend this book as a stimulating read.

Rome’s imperial theology was diametrically opposed to Paul’s Christian theology.  Paul’s ministry focused on “pagans sympathetic to Judaism” (xi) e.g. Cornelius, who are referred to as God-fearers.  His teachings emphasized equality for all, Jew/Gentile, male/female, etc.

A ‘theme’ of the book is how the authors view the contrast between Luke’s presentations of Paul’s ministry in the book of Acts and how Paul presented his missionary work.  Luke did not acknowledge Paul as an apostle and he identified the religious leaders as Paul’s opponents.

“The entire book is about the clash between alternate visions of world peace.  One is Augustus’s vision- peace through victory (and) the other is Paul’s vision- peace through justice.” (74)

There are examples given of wrong information, e.g. the imminent return of Christ, which are not rejected but are rather a problem of interpretation.

“Epilogue”

“We are, at the start of the twenty-first century, what the Roman Empire was at the first century.” (412)   

As in the first century there are two themes being chanted by civilization:  “First victory, then peace, or Peace by victory (and/or) First justice, then peace, or Peace by justice.” (413)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

 

 

same kind of different as me.

Book Review.

Hall, Ron.  Moore, Denver.  With Lynn Vincent.   Same kind of different as me.  A modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together.  Thomas Nelson. 2006

Comment.  Henry

A fascinating true story written in novel form.  It is very unlikely that the lives of a modern-day slave, Denver Moore, and an international art dealer, Ron Hall, could have intertwined like they did given the barriers of discrimination and prejudice that were (and perhaps still are) common in that environment.  The story is a powerful example of positive change, of courage and spiritual strength.  There are heart-wrenching episodes of emotion that are not uncommon to life. 

Reaching out to the homeless is something that none of us should ignore.  All of us can be involved at some level.  In this story Deborah Hall had a very unique, influential ministry to the homeless (especially Denver Moore) of the Union Gospel Mission on East Lancaster Street in Fort Worth Texas.  It was in this setting where Ron and Denver began their unusual relationship.

“This book is more than a memoir- it captures the presence of the only presence of the spirit that can transform the problems of our society.” Rick Perry- Governor of Texas. 

hdirksen.blogspot.com

Gilead.

Book Review.

Robinson, Marilynne.  Gilead.  A novel.  Harper- Perennial. 2004.

Comment.  Henry.

I am a relative newcomer to reading novels.  I rely on recommendations from friends.  Although it took me a bit of ‘adjusting’ to get into this novel I did enjoy my read.  I particularly appreciated the religious focus of the author.  The historical setting was an interesting thread. 

I list several endorsements with which I heartily agree.  “Good novels about spiritual life are rare.  This is the best.” –Newsweek.  “Quietly powerful (and) moving articles of faith.” – O magazine.  “This is a morally and emotionally complex novel. . . . where every word matters. . . . A classic that should be read. savored, and read again.” –The Courier-Journal (Louisville)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

In The Valley of the Shadow

Book Review.

Kugel, James L.  In The Valley of the Shadow.  On the foundations of religious beliefs.  Free Press.  2011.

J.K.-Starr Professor of Literature at Harvard University (emeritus).  Lives in Jerusalem, Israel.

Comment.  Henry.

I picked this book up at the library.  My selection of books is made based on title and a quick look at intros and/or prefaces.  This book has neither.  The motivation for this book came as a result of a diagnosis of terminal cancer.  That created certain anticipation for me as to where the author might be going.  The academic, researched focused approach was a disappointment to me.  This is an academic thesis on the different aspects of religion.  It is not what I had anticipated.

James describes his initial response to the diagnosis of terminal cancer as a stoppage of the background music of life. (15)  He turns to the topic of religion and its “vanity” (23) as he explains his experience with chemotherapy.  Religion is portrayed as an experience of the brain much like epilepsy.  There is a “‘God spot’ in the human brain.” (61) 

The world of the soul is a “stark world” (89) indeed.  The reality of suffering and death especially of innocent people raises the “sickening question” (153) about God being the source of good and evil.  The development of monotheism ended the significance of omens.  Scholars agree that there isn’t any difference between religion and magic. (192)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

They Smell Like Sheep.

Book Review.

Andersen, Lynn.  They Smell Like Sheep (Volume 2) Leading with the heart of a shepherd.  Howard Books.  2007.

Comment.  Henry.

Lynn has written a book that is directed mainly at pastors (shepherds) and their congregations (sheep).  Like so many book titles, this one does not really hit the nail on the head.  The subtitle is more to the point.  Lynn comes from a very traditional evangelical point of view and stresses fundamental issues of pastoral leadership with a focus on the ‘heart’ and all that this analogy implies.

Being a shepherd is all about the heart, a heart that is compelled by the glory of God.  Prayer is basic and marks the path of a shepherd.  The Psalms are crucial in such praying.

The development of integrity (of the heart) follows a pattern not unlike the natural development of the (physical) body, i.e. childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.  The holiness of God shapes the heart of integrity and is reflected by purity. 

Effective shepherding is about relationships with needy people.  In order for the shepherd to feed his sheep (teach the Word) he must be immersed in that Word as a disciple.  This is a long term commitment. 

Shepherding is servant leadership with all its vulnerabilities, e.g. a broken heart.  There is no retirement from this calling.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

The Last Word

Book Review.

Wright, N.T.  The Last Word.  Beyond the Bible wars to a new understanding of the authority of Scripture.  HarperSanFrancisco  2005.

Comment.  Henry.

This is a very stimulating read of biblical scholarship which is Tom’s strong gift.  Scriptural authority is absolutely essential in a Christian worldview and this resource becomes a valuable tool in understanding and applying such a view.

In his Prologue, Tom gives “a brief sketch of the Bible within the Christian church.” (3)  He deals with scripture and culture, politics, philosophy, theology, and ethics. Authority of scripture is a part of divine authority.  It is declared by story.  It is not a list of rules and commandments.  Jesus demonstrated his kingdom (sovereignty) through healing and teaching.  God’s purpose (kingdom) is not just about salvation but also a renewal of the whole world.  What role does scripture play in accomplishing this goal?

The role of scripture is reviewed as it relates to God’s chosen people and in that context the kingdom of God.  “The work which God had done through Scripture in the Old Testament is done by Jesus in his public career, his death and resurrection, and his sending of the Spirit.” (43)  Jesus affirmed the authority of scripture. 

A very helpful explanation is given about how the written Word (O.T.) compares to and is the incarnated Word of the Apostolic Church.  A brief account is presented about how the church “lived with scripture for sixteen hundred years during the medieval period. 

“The Enlightenment was, in fact, for the most part an explicitly anti-Christian movement.” (83)  Some “misreadings of scripture” (106) are presented.  They may be right wing and/or left wing.

Getting back on track with the issue of the authority of scripture requires that we have a proper balanced ingredient of tradition and reason.  We need a “mutilayered view of scripture.” (121)

We honour the authority of scripture “by a reading of scripture that is (a) totally contextual, (b) liturgically grounded, (c) privately studied, (d) refreshed by appropriate scholarship, and (e) taught by the church’s accredited leaders.” (127)

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

God is Red

Book Review.

Yiwu, Liao.  God is Red.  The secret story of how Christianity survived and flourished in communist China,  Harper One. 2011.

L.Y.- a Chinese author, reporter, musician, and poet.  He is a critic of the Chinese regime and has been imprisoned for expressed views.  His writings have been banned in China.  The material in this book has been the result of personal interviews.  Writings about Christianity in China are not tolerated so information can only be attained through interviews.  Liao is not a Christian.  This book explains many of the details that are part of the vibrancy of Christianity in China.

Wenguang Huang- is a writer, journalist and translator.   He translated Liao’s book.  He lives in Chicago.

In 2009 Liao made a trip to Dali City where he explored the site of a (protestant) cemetery of missionaries who were from the London based missionary organization, China Inland Mission. He also visited the site of a Catholic cemetery.  The tombstones and grave markers had been removed in an attempt to wipe out evidence of Christianity.  His information about Christians of bygone days came from an interview with a hundred year old nun.  She told of the abuse of the Mao regime enforcing the Cultural Revolution. 

In another interview, this time with a Tibetan priest, he learned that in his village half the people were Christians.  Christianity was embraced by these people over 150 years ago as a result of missionaries.  Liao found evidence of vibrant Christians in Dali City.

Liao visited Yi and Miao villages in Yunnan province. His guide was Dr. Sun a very successful doctor who gave up his official position to practice his medicine among Christians in that province.  Dr. Sun’s story is very moving.  After a visit to the U.S. Dr. Sun was forbidden to return to China.

Above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey are ten statues recognizing Christian martyrs of the 20^th century.  Wang Zhiming’s statue of Yunnan province is one of them.  Liao was able to interview his son and got that significant story.

Reverend Yuan Xiangchen is a prominent pastor of the underground church in Bejing.  His story is amazing of how he survived very harsh treatment in prisons.  He took a very proactive stand against government organized ‘Christianity’.  “He didn’t want to attend religious activities organized by the government be it the U.S. or China.” (179)  (Clinton invited him to the annual White House Prayer Breakfast)

The communists established a state run Catholic Church that rejected the authority of the Vatican.  This created severe tension among Chinese Catholics. 

No Christians were exempt from ‘persecution’.  Even a blind Christian musician was harassed.  Christians who ran orphanages were maligned and accused of child abuse, etc.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

 

 

Life's Healing Choices.

Book Review.

Baker, John.  Life’s Healing Choices.  Freedom from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits.  Howard Books. 2007.

J.B.- founder of Celebrate Recovery.  Associate pastor at Saddleback.

Comment.  Henry.

John has developed a program of ‘recovery’ at Saddleback that has benefitted many.  Over 400,000 have completed the program.  This book describes that program and is probably used as a guide for those who done the program.  It focuses on eight ‘choices’ that have their bases in the Sermon on the Mount. 

To refuse change is part of human nature.  The problem with that nature is that it is actually a “sin nature.” (14)  It continually attempts to be in control, playing God.  Failure to accomplish our self-determined goals results in “fear, fatigue, frustration and failure.” (18)

The first choice Jesus deals with in the Sermon on the Mount is the choice to admit our need, a reality choice.  “Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.”  The second choice is the choice to get help.  There is hope.  God uses grief and pain to bring us to that choice.  The third choice has to do with “letting go and making a commitment.” (71)  Pride, guilt, fear, worry and doubt hold us back.  Coming clean and doing housecleaning is the fourth choice.

The fifth choice is the choice to commit and engage in transformation.  Such a choice deals with “character defects.” (112)  The sixth choice is about relationships and how they can be raised to the level they should be.  This requires forgiveness and making amends.  The seventh choice focuses on growth and the habit(s) of daily, continual self-examination through Bible reading and prayer.  The result will be momentum which will prevent the relapses of poor choices.  The final choice is the “Recycling Pain, the sharing choice.”  Our strength is in our weakness. 

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Between a Church and a Hard Place.

Book Review.

Park, Andrew.  Between a Church and a Hard Place.  One faith-free dad’s struggle to understand what it means to be religious (or not).  Penguin Group, 2010.

Comment.  Henry

The author, a former correspondent for Business Week, shares his frustrating experience when confronted with giving answers to his young children about God.  In a response to any survey about church affiliation or religious status Andrew and his family would choose the ‘None’ category.  This would be a helpful read for anyone wanting to get a better understanding and/or appreciation for non-religious people in their life.

The author’s research into religion and more specifically church was motivated by a desire to be a responsible parent in matters of religion as they impacted his children.

Andrew takes a careful look at the process whereby a large part of the population (US) has rejected religion as an important part of life.  As stated earlier Andrew would consider himself a “None” (42).  There are two types of ‘Nones’- those who have never gone to church and those who have gone and no longer go.  Sometimes terms ‘unchurched’ and ‘dechurched’ are also used.

Belief (faith) is described as “this act of mind” (85) and is rejected because it is so hard to explain and addresses things that can “neither be seen or be proven.”  This seems to me to be central issue of this whole presentation.  

In his search for answers Andrew goes back to Falcon to explore his family roots which were very much the roots of the Holiness movement and all that was associated with that organization.  This heritage has been completely rejected by Andrew’s family and his parents.

His brother is a “Jesus- loving, Bible-believing, home-schooling, Evangelical Christian.” (131)

Churches are classic sources of social capital.” Harold Koenig.  There are researched “links between religion and physical health.” (161) 

It seems to me that although this book is focused on the search to understand religion it does not come to any conclusion how that search translated in a resolution about what to answer a young child about a question about God.  

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

Emergence Christianity

Book Review.

Tickle, Phyllis.  Emergence Christianity.  What is it, where is it going, and why it matters.  Baker Books. 2012.

Comment.  Henry

The term ‘Emergence’ when considered in the context of Christianity means change.  Phyllis has addressed this topic thoroughly.  Her work comes highly endorsed by those who are part of Emergence.

The understanding of ‘Emergence Christianity’ is helpful and essential in discerning “how best to serve the kingdom of God in whatever form God is presenting it.” (13)

Western or latinized culture has been impacted every five hundred years by upheavals, e.g. The Great Reformation of the sixteenth century.  This event had religious, political and economic impacts.   Emergence is the term used to describe such an event impacting Christianity in our century.  John Wimber is an example of a shaper of Emergence Christianity. 

Brian McClaren’s book “A Generous Orthodoxy”’ and Bishop Graham’s book “Mission-Shaped Church”, address this topic.

“Probably the largest reformation of all times in Church history is in full swing.  It is the combination of a threefold initiative of God: moving from church to Kingdom as our legal base; moving from pastoral, teacher-based and evangelistic to apostolic and prophetic foundations; and departing from a market –based behavior to a kingdom-shaped economy.”  Wolfgang Simon (2009)

“Emergence Christianity is a human conversation among human conversants.  It has all the limitations of that condition and will make all the mistakes and missteps patent to it.  None of that will matter, I suspect, because what has happened in our lifetime seems more than just another semi-millennial shift.  It seems instead to be more akin to the Great Transformation of two thousand years ago.” (209)

Stuck

Book Review

Rufus, Anneli.  Stuck.  Why we can’t (and won’t) move on.  Penguin Group. 2008

AR- is a critically acclaimed author of four non-fiction books.  She is an award winning journalist and poet.

Comment.  Henry.

My personal take on the reading of this resource was that ‘stuckness’ is very prevalent and by and large a negative thing.  There are many aspects of that view that I resonate with.  Some ‘stuckness’ is permanent, in my opinion, e.g. a handicapped child, an ailing spouse (till death do us part), etc.  To suggest ‘resignation’ in our stuckness is not an acceptable option in our selfish culture.  I appreciate the counsel given by the author but in my experience I have received significant help from a source that is totally absent in this thesis; divine help.  In fact I find Anneli’s example of Jesus being “the ultimate beautiful loser” (199) offensive and unacceptable. 

In a culture of unprecedented opportunities we become ‘stuck’ when it comes to the adjustments to unavoidable change.  We can’t or won’t change.

We are stuck in the past.  “The trouble with being stuck in retrospect is that it (becoming unstuck) cannot be done without pretty much abandoning the present and the future.” (53) 

Zen (Buddhism) is suggested as an example of getting stuck in the present.  Instant gratification becomes a huge factor in our ‘present’ stuckness.  “The more infantile we are, the more we are stuck in the present.” (71)  We get stuck in habits which we justify by calling them diseases.  That conclusion creates more new problems. 

Becoming stuck in the horror of trauma is very common.  “Contrary to popular beliefs, we are not prisoners of our past.”  Seligman.  We can move on.  Trauma is popular because it is political, e.g. Marxism, it is a huge success on the Oprah Winfield show.  It is glamorized and diagnosed as a sickness.  Christianity is portrayed as an example of positive trauma.  “Jesus was idolized because he was a victim- the ultimate beautiful loser.” (199)  Religious trauma, e.g. Satanism, became very popular in the 80’s and 90’s of the last century.

“We are genetically coded to stick together” (262 and this accounts for our need and thus ‘stuckness’ of/on people.  

A form of stuckness in the present is being stuck in our job(s).  Debt contributes to this stuckness.  Quitting is a form of giving up.  ‘Work stuckness’ is a form of slavery.

Being stuck is nothing new.  Becoming ‘unstuck’ is “about tracing that stuckness back to how it started” (318) and making choices that will help us to become unstuck.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

 

Desiring The Kingdom

Book Review.

Smith James K.A.  Desiring The Kingdom.  Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation.  Baker Publishing Group.  2009.

J.S.-is associate professor of philosophy and adjunct professor of congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College.

Comment.  Henry

Smith shows what worship has to do with formation and what both have to do with education.  Education must focus on the fundamental desires of the human heart rather than on worldviews.  Christian education has been too concerned with information and not concerned enough about formation. 

“What if education (Christian education) wasn’t first and foremost about what we know, but about what we love?”  (18)

“Human persons are not primarily or for the most part thinkers, or even believers.  Instead, human persons are- fundamentally, and primordially- lovers.” (41)  “To be human is to love, and it is what we love that defines who we are.” (51)  What we worship governs our vision of the good life.

A liturgy of consumerism (e.g. the mall) and American nationalism have impacted Christianity.  When national loyalty, military service, requires killing that does not fit well with obedience to God’s ‘law’. 

Worldview is based on, impacted by worship.  “Historic Christian worship is fundamentally formative (world view) because it educates our hearts through our bodies, and does so in a way that is more universally accessible than many of the overly cognitive worship habits we have acquired in modernity.” (113) 

“There are many elements that make up the social imagery embed in Christian worship,” (155) i.e., special days in the church calendar, the specific parts of a worship service, baptism, prayer, scripture/sermon, Eucharist, benediction.

By way of conclusion, the author returns to the topic of Christian education.  “I’m suggesting that Christian education has, for too long, been concerned about information rather than formation.” James Smith.  It has to go beyond a Christian perspective and/or Christian world view.  It should be all about Christian worship and its impact.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com 

Creating A Missional Culture.

Book Review.

Woodward, JR.  Creating A missional Culture.  Equipping the church for the sake of the world.  IVP Books 2012.

JR-  church planter, activist, consultant, missiologist, speaker and writer.  He cofounded Karios Los Angeles and the Ecclesia Network.

Comment.  Henry.

The role of the church in our culture is a very relevant topic about which many books have been written.  Leadership is a common church topic.  The thesis of this book is a particular type of leadership labelled “polycentric” leadership that stresses “equipping”.  That equipping targets certain gifts of leadership, the offices of the apostle, the prophet, the evangelist, the pastor and the teacher.  Herein lays the answer to creating a missional culture.

“God created the church as a sign, foretaste and instrument by which more of his kingdom would be realized here on earth.” (28)  Knowing the basic elements of culture is fundamental to creating a missional culture, i.e. “language, artifacts, narratives, rituals, institutions and ethics.” (44)  A guide is presented to evaluate church culture.  Leadership should be neither ‘top down’ nor ‘bottom up’.  It should be “polycentric”.  “The polycentric view of community leadership assumes that there are many centres of leadership that interrelate.” Suzanne Morse.  Such leaders are considered ‘equippers’.  An effective leadership culture is impacted by media, philosophical, scientific, spatiality and religious shifts.  Polycentric leadership “makes a theological statement to the church and to the world.” (96) 

Missional culture is created by equippers through the offices of “the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.” (121) 

Part of developing a missional culture must include a priority for “cultivating an equipping ethos.” (197)

Jesus.

Book Review.

Sweet, Leonard.  Viola, Frank.  Jesus.  A Theography.  Thomas Nelson.  2012.

Comment.  Henry.

By any other author this would be called a biography; Sweet comes up with an original, “Theography”.  To be tolerant, the authors have taken the subject beyond a simple biography hence the new term is probably warranted.  I found the material instructive, inspirational, and certainly edifying.  It has been a while since I have picked up a Sweet book (pun intended) and my read was quite enjoyable.

“The end product of biblical Christianity is a person.” (intro)  “The Bible is the narrative of Jesus- the Christ, the Savior, the living Lord, and our all.” (conclusion)

As part of the Godhead, Jesus Christ is eternal.  “God (Jesus Christ) finished all things before he began all things.” (9)  There are no time limits with him.  Logos gives a special meaning to who he was (is).

When God declared, “Let there be light” (the first day of creation), “Jesus was born.” (20)  Each successive day represented major events in Jesus’ life.  The ‘separation’ of day two represented his death.  Day three represented resurrection with the appearance of dry land.  The forms in the heavenlies represented ascension.  The creation of higher life forms of day five represents the indwelling Christ and Adam’s creation (day six) represents Christ’s rule. Day seven- rest-: ‘mission accomplished’.

The image of Christ finds a representation in both the Garden of Eden and the Temple.  Christ was revealed by the declaration of light.  He was heralded by the star of Bethlehem.  We are not just the benefactors but also the custodians of creation.

Very little is known about Jesus’ childhood and early adulthood. Some ‘speculative’ material is presented about this time of his life.

Jesus’ ministry was inaugurated with his baptism and time of temptation.  In his temptations Satan was refusing to acknowledge the humanity of Jesus.  They were a ‘playback’ of the temptations of Adam and Eve in the Garden and Israel’s temptations in the wilderness.  

When Jesus chose his disciples he broke the tradition of disciples choosing their master.  The number twelve was symbolic of “Reconstituting the kingdom of Israel.” (132)   Jesus had a radical view of women.

An important part of Jesus’ ‘theography’ was his healings, miracles, preaching, and teaching.  He was totally human while remaining divine.  He was a protector of children.  Jesus’ ‘prayer landscape’ involves “mountains, water, desert, and the garden.” (210)  His resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost brings his earthly career to an end.

The return of Christ will be marked by the creation (introduction) of a new heaven and a new (renovated) earth.  Earth will not be destroyed but rather restored.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com     

The Advantage.

Book Review.

Lencioni, Patrick.

The Advantage.  Why organizational health trumps everything else in business.  Jossey-Bass. 2012.

Comment.  Henry.

Since the contents of this book target organizations in general they have a very wide appeal.  Fundamental to organizational success is organizational health.  It “will one day surpass all other disciplines in business as the greatest opportunity for improvement and competitive advantage.” PL

The requirements of a smart organization are “strategy, finance, and technology”. (6)  The requirements for a healthy organization are, “minimal politics, minimal confusion, high morale, high productivity and low turn-over”. (6)  Together they result in a successful organization.  Health is more than intelligence, smarts.  “Health begets intelligence.” (9)

A healthy organization has as its foundation four building blocks, four disciplines:  “1.Build a cohesive leadership team.  2. Create clarity.  3. Overcommunicate clarity.  4. Reinforce clarity.” (15-16)

A cohesive leadership team is built on a foundation of trust.  This foundation supports a pyramid of “conflict, commitment, accountability and results.” (26)  Conflict, when dealt with from a position of trust results in commitment.  “To hold someone accountable is to care about them enough to risk having them blame you for pointing out their deficiencies.” (57)  Kindness is no excuse for avoiding accountability.  Behavioral accountability is difficult but necessary.  A “team effectiveness exercise” (60) is presented as a tool for holding one another accountable.

There are six questions that must be addressed to “Create Clarity”, the second discipline.  “1. Why do we exist?  2. How do we behave?  3. What do we do?  4. How will we succeed?  5. What is most important, right now?  6. Who must do what?” (77)

The third discipline, “Overcommunicate Clarity” (141) flows from the second discipline.  Repetition is important.  Rumors, “cascading communication” (144) reinforce, from the top down.

Clarity must be reinforced (fourth discipline).  It is all about “an organization institutionalizing its culture without bureaucratizing it.” (154)

Meetings are central to the four disciplines.  They are “administrative (daily check-in), tactical (weekly staff), strategic (adhoc topical) and developmental (quarterly off-site review).” (175)

 “Seizing the advantage” (188) is very much dependent on leaders and leadership.

henrydirksen.blogspot.com

The Journey of Ministry

Book Review.

Gibbs,  Eddie.  The Journey of Ministry.  Insights from a life of practice.  IVP Books 2012.  

E.G.- Senior professor in the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Comment.  Henry.

From his vantage point in his mid-seventies Eddie is drawing some practical lessons about ministry.  His journey has taken him to many different places and his experiences are certainly varied.  His endorsements describe him as a well- respected elder statesman in the ministry.

Most cultures in our world are still characterized by the fact that people get around by walking.  Scripture portrays the Christian experience as a walk.  As we walk together we learn together. 

There are three categories of hurdles that face churches in western culture; “individualism, consumerism and nominalism.” (45)

Dying is part of how life develops as a follower of Christ.  “When God brings about a dying process, it leads to resurrection.” (78)  This is part of the learning curve in ministry.  Jesus called this dying ‘cross-bearing’. 

Team work is a basic ingredient in effective ministry.  Teams demonstrate commitment that reflects chemistry.  They develop and demonstrate “family-life skills.” (116)

Networking has been a part of church life from the beginning but it is going through continual change.  “Networks help facilitate exponential growth.”  “126” Communication in church culture is evaluated according to “the five spheres of ministry identified- (by Paul) apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher.” (147) 

Eddie closes his presentation with a brief biography outlining some the practical experiences that were significant in shaping his life, e.g. two years in the RAF, etc.

Henrydirksen.blogspot.com

From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart.

Book Review.

Haw, Chris.  From Willow Creek to Sacred Heart.  Rekindling my love for Catholicism.  Ave Maria Press.  2012.

C.H.-  born and baptized Catholic.  As a teen-ager he became very involved with Willow Creek.  A friend of Shane Claiborne with whom he co-led New Monasticism.  Converted (back) to Catholicism after moving to Camden, New Jersey where he became a part of Sacred Heart Church.

Comment.  Henry.

I use the word ‘converted’ to describe Chris’ spiritual journey although I am not comfortable with the term.  Conversion has always implied ‘to Christianity’.  Being an activist and protester were very much a part of that change.  He came to terms with those aspects of Catholic theology that are often seen as problematic for evangelicals.  He is celebrated by Catholics and accepted by (some) evangelicals.   An informative resource for learning about Catholicism.

Chris’ journey back to Catholicism is very much focused on the Mass and the Eucharist.  He makes an interesting presentation about “the ostensible paganism of Catholicism.” (80)   “The ‘sacrifice of Mass’ is not about repeating or re-enacting Christ’s death as much as making it present.” (122)  “Eucharistic sacrifice is the end of the violent sacrifice.” William Cavanaugh.

Chris explains about his “American cult of neutrality” (128) e.g. I’m not religious, I’m spiritual, etc.  When tolerance becomes paramount it can become a vicious form of intolerance.

As Chris was attempting to deal with his “annoyance of Church structures and traditions” (141) he received this theological advice: “You should take the time to understand something thoroughly before you go about trying to change it.” Christopher Hall. 

Assessing the ‘track record’ of the Church involved dealing with some problematic issues, e.g. child abuse by priests.   It is the whole tradition of the Church that becomes the platform from which he does his evaluation.  He concludes that leaving the Church is not the way to solve the problems. 

The tension between asceticism and aestheticism of the Catholic Church is viewed through “art and apocalypse”. (176)  “The challenge is to combine both an extraordinary appreciation of human creativity, beauty, art, and embellishment, while also orienting one’s mind, with apocalyptic eagerness, toward remedying our world’s decay and assisting the poor among us.” (193)

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Dealing Withn Doubt

Book Review.

Habermas, Gary R.  Dealing With Doubt.  Moody Press.  1990.

G.H.- chairman and professor of philosophy and apologetics at Liberty University in Lynchburg , Virginia.

Comment.  Henry.

Even though this is a twenty three old publication it is nevertheless relevant because of the nature of the subject.  Doubt has always been ‘in’.  It comes in various forms and levels.  Unresolved it can become devastating in a hurry.  If properly countered, doubt can be a faith-strengthening blessing.

“Doubts overlap and more than one type is frequently present.  Yet, proper identification of the primary form is still a major step in the healing process.” (11)  Doubt is fundamentally “a human problem”. (Os Guinness)   Deepened convictions are the result of intellectual struggles which include doubt.  Doubt and faith are not opposites.

There are three types of doubt, “factual, emotional, and volitional” (21) doubt.  Healing comes from God.”  If sin is the source (of doubting) then, conversely, God and his teachings are the answer.” (25)  Some ‘factual doubts’ are examined and dealt with.  Unresolved factual doubts can progress to emotional and volitional doubts.  Faith is part of resolving doubt.

Emotional doubt develops when imagination overwhelms reason in matters of faith.  “Scripture is central to the healing process” (71) coupled with counselling. 

Our volition is involved in our salvation in as much that it is “our choice to act in accordance with God’s will and power.” (94)  It is right choices that result in the growth and the exercise of our faith.  Such choices include “doubt prevention” (109) and “biblical meditations”. (111)

Serious doubt often surrounds such issues as unanswered prayer, the fact that Jesus is alive, the testimony of the Holy Spirit and heaven.

The book closes with an extensive Appendix, “Developmental Theory and Doubt” (189) This section contains very practical material. 

“If the unexamined life is not worth living, neither is the examined faith…  It is only by means of critical reflection on and evaluation of one’s religious commitment that faith becomes truly personal and more than a mere submission to religious convention.” (235) Doubt should be viewed from the larger perspective of holistic development: cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual growth all play a part in the complete picture of maturation.” (242)

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UNTAMED

Book Review.

Hirsch, Alan.  Hirsch, Debra.  UTAMED.  Reactivating a missional form of discipleship.  Baker Books.  2010.

A.H.- founding director of Forge Mission Training Network.

D.H.- a minister at Tribe of Los Angeles.

Comment.  Henry.

As an octogenarian the term untamed (wild) does not really ‘turn my crank’.  Furthermore, the concept of discipleship like the concept of prayer usually becomes a source of guilt because of ‘short-comings’.  Having confessed that, I must say that this book is a very interesting, motivating read.  There is much to think about and it is the absolute intention of the authors to encourage us all to raise the level of our commitment to discipleship that will move us into the direction of “Christ likeness”.

“Jesus is, must be, the central reference point for the Christian.” (36)  We have been made in the image of God but there is a dangerous tendency to make God (Jesus) in our image. God is like Jesus so we do well to develop a proper image or understanding of who Jesus really was.  “All of us entertain false notions of God to some degree.  None of us gets it all right.” (57)  Discipleship is the result of “right thinking, right acting, and right feeling.”  It is “birthed and maintained” (84) in the Spirit.  “Constant change and a substantial amount of risk” (96) will be ongoing in discipleship.  Some ingredients of such discipleship will be love, learning, discernment, transformation, etc. 

The way to deal with the unavoidable affluence and consumerism of our culture is through generosity that is not threatened by poverty.  Discipling is not limited to believers.  “We are called to disciple everyone who comes into our orbit of influence.” (147)   Church organizations tend to form as an “open (or centred) set rather than a closed (or bounded) set.” (152-153)  A rethinking and refocusing of what it means to be a ‘God family’ is part of missional discipleship. 

“Loving God and loving others (Shema) is foundational to the formation of our identity, but knowing we are loved by God and others is perhaps even more important for us to arrive at healthy selfhood.”  (189)   We are made (created) in the image of God however we need to understand that becoming like him (Christ-likeness) is a process that will not be complete until we ‘see Him face to face’.  “Holistic discipleship” (215) must include sexuality and its spiritual power. 

A missional form of discipleship includes “six incarnational discipleship practices- presence, proximity, powerlessness, provenience, proclamation and passion.” (235)  The gospel was always meant to be conveyed incarnationally.

Receiving Love.

Book Review.

Hendrix, Harville.  Hunt, Lakelly, Helen.  Receiving Love.  Transform your relationship by letting yourself be loved.  Atria Books.  2004.

H.H.- Ph.D., pastoral counselor and co-creator of Imago Relationship Therapy.

H.H.- Ph.D., psychologist who helped develop I. R. T.  Was inducted into Women’s Hall of Fame.

Comment.  Henry.

I get the impression that this is a ‘handbook’ for Imago Relationship Therapy.  Both authors are involved with counselling couples whom deal with relationship problems.  They believe receiving love is the fundamental challenge that faces couples.  The self-help ingredient of this resource is strong.

“It turns out that loving your partner is the best way to facilitate your personal and spiritual growth.” (5)  Receiving love is the challenge and the concepts of “separate and connected knowing” (9) are relevant to such receiving.

Relationships between two people are represented by the “I-thou” (33) phrase where the hyphen represents a “between” (33) that represents the emotional ties that bind people together.  They are brought into the relationship and exert a great influence.  Here is the area where work needs to be done to address problems.  “Partners tend to be most unconscious in those situations in which they need to be most enlightened, cautious and aware.” (53)  Cycles of “unconscious wounding and defending” (60) become established.  Negative emotions projected on a partner result in “symbiosis in relationship”. (65) 

“Self- rejection is the most universal and least recognized problem of our lives.  It is the source of all our difficulties in giving and receiving love.” (72)   Self-rejection comes in many different forms.

The “science of relationship” (149) is helpful in addressing problems in receiving love.  Relationships have effects on the brain that can be measured.  Negative patterns can be restructured.  To demonstrate love parents have to be “attuned”. (140)  Receiving love has to be learned and often involves the need of healing.  It is a “voyage of discovery.” (162)  “The Imago Dialogue” (162) involving “mirroring, validating, and empathizing” (163) is very helpful in making this voyage. 

The last part of the book is a series of eleven exercises that relate to the challenge of “Receiving Love.”

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