If anyone takes the word of Christ seriously, they are not believable. It's good that my salvation doesn't depend on my belief or lack there of. Every so often, I begin to think about what I’m really saying and believing.
I regularly confess the Apostles Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again,
He ascended into heaven.
He is seated at the right hand of the Father
and He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Do I really believe? Was there really a Christ that was both fully divine and fully human? Did this Christ take away my sin at His expense? There’s life after my flesh dies and my body will be resurrected?
This is impossible. I am only a lowly human, why would any god care about me? Can God possibly know what I’ve done and not done and still cleanse my sins? Why does God take my sins? What does God get out of this? The nature of God is puzzling. It just doesn’t make sense.
God has power, and for me, power corrupts me. How is God still good? How am I subject to sin but God isn’t. Why am I trying to bring God down to my level?
It is uncomfortable to know that I have nothing to do, say or think to secure my salvation. The Holy Spirit has already claimed me, through nothing I could’ve done or not done. I want God to be understandable in human terms, here and now. For now, I wait, watch and listen as Christ is led to Golgotha.
2.28.2006
2.27.2006
The Wall
Today is sound off day. After a weekend with friends, I’m catching up on the news and responding.
My latest scream goes out to the US – Mexican Wall. This is absurd. The wall will not change the number of undocumented immigrants entering the US. There will always be ways to get into the US without documents.
What about labor? The US could not function without it’s undocumented immigrants.
The thought that people need papers to travel to areas outside of a certain border is absurd. Borders are artificial lines humans have been constructed to make the preschool saying, “you’re not my friend” law. I don’t like you, you can’t come where I am. We call it national security. Doesn't this make us more unsecure? We are more restricted than ants, owls, lizards and lions. Is anyone else tired of living in the cage of borders?
Ending Abortion in South Dakota
According to the Minnesota Daily, “both houses of South Dakota’s legislature passed a bill banning almost all abortions, with the only exception being to save the mother’s life. Now the bill is waiting for the signature of abortion opponent Gov. Mike Rounds, who says he is inclined to sign it.”
Another part of the law states, “if a woman who is raped becomes pregnant, the rapist would have the same rights to the child as the mother,” (CNN).
All of this makes me scream, STOP! Do lawmakers know what they’re doing? The state only has one abortion clinic, which performs an average of 800 abortions a year - less than 3 a day. I can’t imagine that this would become the law of the land. I also can’t imagine how the bill got this far. I would expect this craziness from Bible Belt of West Virginia, not an awesome state like South Dakota.
Another part of the law states, “if a woman who is raped becomes pregnant, the rapist would have the same rights to the child as the mother,” (CNN).
All of this makes me scream, STOP! Do lawmakers know what they’re doing? The state only has one abortion clinic, which performs an average of 800 abortions a year - less than 3 a day. I can’t imagine that this would become the law of the land. I also can’t imagine how the bill got this far. I would expect this craziness from Bible Belt of West Virginia, not an awesome state like South Dakota.
2.26.2006
Home Moves to Minnesota
This weekend Shannon came from Ohio, Mike came from South Dakota and Rene came from Nebraska. Thus, Lori, Aaron and I each had a taste of our home states come to Minnesota. We had a blast. Friday night Aaron and I hosted our first American Idol party. American Idol is a Play Station 2 game with a dance pad, think Dance Dance Revolution. Check out the photos!
On Thursday, I began to get really excited about Shannon’s visit, and I took a trip down memory lane. Shannon and I have been ‘best friends’ for almost 10 years. Since I moved away from Ohio, she’s traveled at least two times a year to visit me, that’s more than everyone else combined! Even with 750 miles between us, nothing has really changed. I love my Shannon!
On Thursday, I began to get really excited about Shannon’s visit, and I took a trip down memory lane. Shannon and I have been ‘best friends’ for almost 10 years. Since I moved away from Ohio, she’s traveled at least two times a year to visit me, that’s more than everyone else combined! Even with 750 miles between us, nothing has really changed. I love my Shannon!
Transfiguration
This semester I'm taking a preaching course. Below is the sermon I preached this week on Mark 9:2-9.
_____________________________________________________
“This is my Son, the beloved ,listen to him!”
“This is my Son, the beloved ,listen to him!”
“This is my Son, the beloved ,listen to him!”
Many voices say, ‘listen to me.’ Just this morning I have listened to numerous voices. I woke up to the voice of my husband which was quickly followed by NPR’s weather forecaster, field reporters, national commentators, and audio clips of politicians. I must not omit your voices, including yours Dr. Rogness’ which I obviously listened and responded to, after all, I am standing before you.
These voices have all said “listen to me” within the two hours I’ve been awake. I expect that throughout the rest of my day I will also hear voices of Hollywood celebrities, Olympians, musicians, political commentators, the children I nanny, other classmates and professors and even the voice of my mother.
The critical concern becomes, why listen? What is each voice trying to tell me? Why are they telling me this? What are they trying to get me to do? What are the benefits of listening? Don’t get me wrong, these voices are not the epitome of evil and to be avoided at all cost. These voices have their place. These voices are important. Yet, in the midst of these voices there is a voice from a cloud, “This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him!”
It is appropriate to realize this is not the first time the words “this is my Son, the beloved” are spoken in Mark’s gospel. In the first chapter of Mark, after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, a voice came from heaven saying, “you are my son, the beloved, with you I am well pleased.” Here the announcement is addressing Jesus. This is in contrast to the transfiguration proclamation addressing Peter, James and John. In both cases, Jesus hears a voice from above. Jesus has been claimed “This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him!”
In the very sentence that claims Jesus we are given a command – listen to him. The truth is we don’t listen. We don’t even want to listen to him. We shout over Jesus’ words. We listen to the voices in and of this world.
In the chapter before the transfiguration Jesus “began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him." A crucified messiah is too much for Peter and it’s too much for us. We don’t want Jesus to be crucified either. If he’s crucified and is raised he’s not just a wise teacher and his words are not mere abstract principles or abstract things. They’re the words of God for us. They’re the words of God speaking to us.
And yet, how well do we listen? The skeptic in me asks, when do I ever listen to God? My hope is that I was listening to God’s call when I came to seminary, when I sat with the friend who struggled with an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy and when I teach Sunday school. Yet, I constantly want things my way. I do not want to surrender myself. I want to be my own god.
Unlike myself, the disciples were with Christ. We have seen how well the disciples listen to Jesus and they were with Jesus.
Our turning point comes through faith. No matter what we or the disciples do, Jesus’ saving work does not change. As Jesus is claimed through water and the word, we too are claimed in the water and word of our baptism. This happens despite even with bad listening skills.
The disciples did not listen, yet Christ was crucified, died and was buried and on the third day he rose again. Luther’s explanation of the second article of the Apostles Creed explains Christ’s salvific work.
"He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned human being. He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his, holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally."
It is fitting that we spend this, the last Thursday before Lent recalling the voice from the cloud, “this is my son, the beloved, listen to him!”
_____________________________________________________
“This is my Son, the beloved ,listen to him!”
“This is my Son, the beloved ,listen to him!”
“This is my Son, the beloved ,listen to him!”
Many voices say, ‘listen to me.’ Just this morning I have listened to numerous voices. I woke up to the voice of my husband which was quickly followed by NPR’s weather forecaster, field reporters, national commentators, and audio clips of politicians. I must not omit your voices, including yours Dr. Rogness’ which I obviously listened and responded to, after all, I am standing before you.
These voices have all said “listen to me” within the two hours I’ve been awake. I expect that throughout the rest of my day I will also hear voices of Hollywood celebrities, Olympians, musicians, political commentators, the children I nanny, other classmates and professors and even the voice of my mother.
The critical concern becomes, why listen? What is each voice trying to tell me? Why are they telling me this? What are they trying to get me to do? What are the benefits of listening? Don’t get me wrong, these voices are not the epitome of evil and to be avoided at all cost. These voices have their place. These voices are important. Yet, in the midst of these voices there is a voice from a cloud, “This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him!”
It is appropriate to realize this is not the first time the words “this is my Son, the beloved” are spoken in Mark’s gospel. In the first chapter of Mark, after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan, a voice came from heaven saying, “you are my son, the beloved, with you I am well pleased.” Here the announcement is addressing Jesus. This is in contrast to the transfiguration proclamation addressing Peter, James and John. In both cases, Jesus hears a voice from above. Jesus has been claimed “This is my Son, the beloved, listen to him!”
In the very sentence that claims Jesus we are given a command – listen to him. The truth is we don’t listen. We don’t even want to listen to him. We shout over Jesus’ words. We listen to the voices in and of this world.
In the chapter before the transfiguration Jesus “began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him." A crucified messiah is too much for Peter and it’s too much for us. We don’t want Jesus to be crucified either. If he’s crucified and is raised he’s not just a wise teacher and his words are not mere abstract principles or abstract things. They’re the words of God for us. They’re the words of God speaking to us.
And yet, how well do we listen? The skeptic in me asks, when do I ever listen to God? My hope is that I was listening to God’s call when I came to seminary, when I sat with the friend who struggled with an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy and when I teach Sunday school. Yet, I constantly want things my way. I do not want to surrender myself. I want to be my own god.
Unlike myself, the disciples were with Christ. We have seen how well the disciples listen to Jesus and they were with Jesus.
Our turning point comes through faith. No matter what we or the disciples do, Jesus’ saving work does not change. As Jesus is claimed through water and the word, we too are claimed in the water and word of our baptism. This happens despite even with bad listening skills.
The disciples did not listen, yet Christ was crucified, died and was buried and on the third day he rose again. Luther’s explanation of the second article of the Apostles Creed explains Christ’s salvific work.
"He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned human being. He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his, holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally."
It is fitting that we spend this, the last Thursday before Lent recalling the voice from the cloud, “this is my son, the beloved, listen to him!”
2.20.2006
Wesley in Thailand
In January, 2005, Wesley and I met for one last hug in Port Columbus. I was headed for Florida, and he was heading to Thailand for 2 years to join Peace Corps. Wes and I met our freshman year of high school. As long as I can remember, Wes has had a dream of becoming a missionary. While he isn’t directly linked with a large church body, but he is giving 2 years of his life for others. In response to many requests for photos and info of his time, Wes began a blog of his experience. He has done a fabulous job telling his story with words and photos of this far away place. If nothing else, check out the photos. Check him out@ Wesley in Thailand
2.17.2006
More Nestingen
Through a blog search I found some more info about Nestingen. Check out a quote from Nestingen's brother.
http://revsteve1967.blogspot.com/2006/02/nestingen-retirement.html
http://revsteve1967.blogspot.com/2006/02/nestingen-retirement.html
Could it be...
Today has been filled with questions and rumors. Aaron and I had an interview at 8am and the pastor began by asking us about Nestingen. After listening to a recording of the student question session, Aaron arrived at a new theory about the resignation, I mean retirement, but even Lull can't keep these two straight. Maybe Nestingen had a problem with the newly established administration, namely Bliese and Lose, as well as the new direction of Luther. So, they went out to Oregan to try to find common ground. Lori observed that Lose seemed to hold back while Lull was giving the students what she knew. Lose would be at the center, know it all and be on of the ones that the personal conflict existed between. Hmm, theories abound. Tonight we're going out with a rather large group of fellow theorist students. Well, for this week, commandment 8 is smashed to pieces.
2.16.2006
Cleaning House
Today I received this email from Luther Seminary President Rick Bliese.
_____________________________________
Students,
This announcement concerns Jim Nestingen and his retirement from Luther Seminary. If you would like the opportunity to find out more about this situation and ask questions about Professor Nestingen’s retirement, we will be holding two open sessions for students on Friday morning (tomorrow) from 8 to 9 AM (OCC Board Room) and Tuesday morning, February 21st from 8 to 9 AM (OCC Board Room). I hope that you will take the time and join the session.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Pax,
Rick Bliese
__________________________________________________
On January 31, 2006, Dr. James Arne Nestingen announced his intention to retire as of January 31, 2006. Professor Nestingen offered his retirement as part of an effort to resolve some claimed interpersonal difficulties within the faculty. Luther Seminary has asked Professor Nestingen to continue to teach on a limited basis and direct graduate students as Professor Emeritus of Church History and he has agreed. Both Luther Seminary and Professor Nestingen are pleased to have arrived at a solution that enables the Seminary to take advantage of his skills as a theologian and gifts as a teacher.
In accepting Professor Nestingen’s decision to retire, while asking him to continue teaching, Luther Seminary emphasized that Professor Nestingen’s retirement is not due to any allegations of heresy or misconduct, sexual or otherwise. In addition, the Seminary did not ask Professor to retire or resign.
Rick Bliese
President
Luther Seminary
Jim Nestingen
Professor Emeritus of Church History
Luther Seminary
__________________________________________________
What’s up with the faculty? In January, Kelly Fryer left after not being able to comply with the sexual policies of the ELCA. Before classes even began this semester, Aaron and I heard rumors that Nestingen had been ask to leave Luther. It was hard to let Fryer leave, but it was her decision. Nestingen’s retirement, on the other hand, seems like a cleaning move by Bliese and the board. Nestingen didn't even write to the students, Bliese did. Why did he leave without the fanfare and praise he deserves right after rumors began? Fishy!
It’s no secret that Luther’s faculty is deeply divided. Many students would buy tickets to sit silently in the corner to watch the faculty go at each other. We know what the divide is. We know who is in which camp. We hear rumors and murmurs of faculty meetings, and faculty often walk into class on Thursday mornings with a smile to be with students and away from some of their colleagues. This news shocks those outside of Luther. Luther is a seminary after all and we should all be Minnesota nice and love each each other as God loves us. The truth is the discussions here are deep. We’re talking about God. We are talking about Martin Luther. How can debates and theological understand not lead to divisions? For now, the Pharisees are still at it. I have a feeling they always will be.
_____________________________________
Students,
This announcement concerns Jim Nestingen and his retirement from Luther Seminary. If you would like the opportunity to find out more about this situation and ask questions about Professor Nestingen’s retirement, we will be holding two open sessions for students on Friday morning (tomorrow) from 8 to 9 AM (OCC Board Room) and Tuesday morning, February 21st from 8 to 9 AM (OCC Board Room). I hope that you will take the time and join the session.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
Pax,
Rick Bliese
__________________________________________________
On January 31, 2006, Dr. James Arne Nestingen announced his intention to retire as of January 31, 2006. Professor Nestingen offered his retirement as part of an effort to resolve some claimed interpersonal difficulties within the faculty. Luther Seminary has asked Professor Nestingen to continue to teach on a limited basis and direct graduate students as Professor Emeritus of Church History and he has agreed. Both Luther Seminary and Professor Nestingen are pleased to have arrived at a solution that enables the Seminary to take advantage of his skills as a theologian and gifts as a teacher.
In accepting Professor Nestingen’s decision to retire, while asking him to continue teaching, Luther Seminary emphasized that Professor Nestingen’s retirement is not due to any allegations of heresy or misconduct, sexual or otherwise. In addition, the Seminary did not ask Professor to retire or resign.
Rick Bliese
President
Luther Seminary
Jim Nestingen
Professor Emeritus of Church History
Luther Seminary
__________________________________________________
What’s up with the faculty? In January, Kelly Fryer left after not being able to comply with the sexual policies of the ELCA. Before classes even began this semester, Aaron and I heard rumors that Nestingen had been ask to leave Luther. It was hard to let Fryer leave, but it was her decision. Nestingen’s retirement, on the other hand, seems like a cleaning move by Bliese and the board. Nestingen didn't even write to the students, Bliese did. Why did he leave without the fanfare and praise he deserves right after rumors began? Fishy!
It’s no secret that Luther’s faculty is deeply divided. Many students would buy tickets to sit silently in the corner to watch the faculty go at each other. We know what the divide is. We know who is in which camp. We hear rumors and murmurs of faculty meetings, and faculty often walk into class on Thursday mornings with a smile to be with students and away from some of their colleagues. This news shocks those outside of Luther. Luther is a seminary after all and we should all be Minnesota nice and love each each other as God loves us. The truth is the discussions here are deep. We’re talking about God. We are talking about Martin Luther. How can debates and theological understand not lead to divisions? For now, the Pharisees are still at it. I have a feeling they always will be.
2.08.2006
"To love another person is to see the face of God!"
Tonight Lori, Aaron and I are going to see the last touring performance of Les Miserables. For once I knew how to answer when Mom popped the question, "what do you want for your birthday?" We have awesome seats (no balcony tonight!) thanks to Mom! This is the musical I have always wanted to see. I know every word to the score. I woke up in a panic this morning. The tickets are in the bag with the mail, but where's the bag with the mail? So, at 7a I was running through the apartment looking for the tickets instead of getting ready for my 8a Confessions course. I am happy to report all is well, the tickets are on the kitchen table and at 8p tonight we'll begin a night I've spent years dreaming of.
2.05.2006
Back in MN
After 4 weeks, Aaron and I have landed safely in St. Paul. Over the last two months, we’ve traveled to South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Ohio. We’ve enjoyed being away and seeing many faces and places, but being home is good too. Some of our travels are documented on my pics page. More later, off to get ready for the super bowl!
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