<%image(20050416-Arlington house 2.jpg|379|242|house)%> We’re 99% sure that as of July 2005, this will be our new home. It’s a big chunk of land, a nice house, and tons to do all around it. We’re pretty excited about the move and have already begun to pack up our massive book collection. I can’t wait to explore the mountain in the background of the picture!
<%image(20050415-baseball diamond.jpg|135|101|baseball)%> Baseball has something called “hitting the cycle.” It’s when a batter hits a single, double, triple, and a home run all in one game. Hitting the cycle is very rare, perhaps happening far less than the coveted “hat trick” of hockey. Though sin is nothing that is rare among people, even Christians, I think we’re hitting for the cycle in the latest controversey involving Hank Hannegraf.
Social justice and mercy to the poor has been on my mind and on the minds of some friends lately, LT mentions the Faith in Action Study Bible and Todd (post “Does Our Worship Stink?”). In reaching out to the “least of these” in my community, I have been running into the issue of counter-exploitation. While wanting to help out those who are disadvantaged, should we let some take us to the cleaners?
<%image(20050412-princeton.jpg|102|54|princeton)%> Jules and I packed up some books and went off to Princeton this past Saturday. We had this ambition to get a lot of work done and figured that some of the brain energy there would rub off on us. I also wanted to get my paws on some of the volumes at the Princeton Theological Seminary Library. But I was not prepared for what we encountered there . . .
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Carol stopped by the office today asking for rent money. Her son has a rare disease that has weakened his immune system and she has not been able to work enough to pay for this month. Though we were able to give her part of the rent and offer her some food from the food pantry, she still needed more. After handing her the check an awkward silence came over us. It was clearly time for her to leave. She had the money, what more could be done? Then God began to tug at me, “Pray for her.” Hesitating for a moment, I invited her to sit down and pray with us.
<%image(20050407-tinicum_disc golf.jpg|280|210|tinicum)%> 78 degrees and receding flood waters along the Delaware River meant that Julie and I packed up our discs and began our journey to Tinicum park for some of the finest in disc golf in the Delaware Valley. Being our first outing of the year I did not expect great things from myself, but I was shocked to be beaten soundly by Julie on 6 out of 9 holes. How can I sleep! Dang, if anyone has any disc golf tips, please send them my way before the next clear day!!!
A friend sent me some questions that pastors have asked him about the emerging church. I think the questions are very interesting and reveal just how important it is to have conversations about this “movement” or whatever it is. It’s a bit lengthy, so grab a cup of tea or something before you begin.
<%image(20050404-Open Secret.jpg|40|60|open secret)%> One of my favorite authors is Lesslie Newbigin. He is best known for his dense work The Gospel in a Pluralist Society that advances his concept of election. In short, we are elected by God not only to know him, but to also make him known. My latest foray into the world of Newbigin is The Open Secret. I have been taking notes on it and thought that I would share a few of his gems. Enjoy!
Thanks to wireless technology my residence in the blogosphere has now been advanced into the seminary classroom. The discussion concerns the possibility of multiple meanings in scripture. The NT seems to clearly state this, as Jesus says that all of scripture is pointing toward him. This would seem to add at least another meaning to scripture. Does the possibility of multiple meanings in scripture open up a can of worms that we want to avoid?
<%image(20050403-maple.jpg|134|94|maple)%> After hearing this story on NPR we’re having second thoughts about moving to Vermont . . .
This American Life has a great archive show from March 25th about people who got to know their enemies personally. In several of the stories the two antagonists found that they had a lot in common, admired each other, and even felt compassion for each other. Of particular interest to me is the conversation between the Defense Minister of Israel and a potential/would-be suicide bomber.
<%image(20050401-pope.jpg|148|111|pope)%> In a tumultuous week of debate regarding Terri Schiavo and the removal of her feeding tube, I found it ironic that the pope himself has been on a feeding tube. And now after his heart failed him, it has been announced that he is in very grave condition and is said to have worsened as of 3 pm. Even the spokesman for the Vatican was weeping as he shared the news. Though I may not agree with the Pope on everything he stood for, I think it’s worthwhile to reflect on his life, his position on certain issues, and the love that many have for him.
::INAMIRRORDIMLY:: A theology and culture blog with the Bible in one tab and a news feed in the other. Ed Cyzewski is a freelance writer, theologian, and a nonprofit employee in southern Vermont.
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