Evans in Seminary

7 Billion

2011-11-07T09:57:00.001-08:00

It's been a week since we the world passed the 7 billion mark, but I thought this graphic was informative and well-done.

In Syria, A Modern Day Story of the Good Samaritan

2011-08-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Like many others, I've been keeping track of the Arab Spring as it has spread from Tunisia to Egypt and beyond. Now that the rebels have seemingly taken control of Libya from Gaddafi, the situation in Syria becomes all the more pressing. I came across this story on CNN of a famous Syrian cartoonist abducted by thugs, beaten to a pulp (with a focus on his hands to prevent him from ever drawing again) and then thrown in the ditch of a Syrian city. Some fellow countrymen found him and brought him to the hospital.

While this horrific story has been repeated all too often in far too many countries, it made me realize what a poignant and interesting twist it is to the Good Samaritan story. What if the robbers who leave the man for dead weren't just thugs looking for an easy steal... but were in fact agents of an oppressive state? In occupied ancient (or modern, for that matter) Palestine, it's not too far-fetched.

Often people must come together to do what is right when the will of the people has been hijacked by a secretive state. Sedition has many forms. So does freedom. Let freedom ring, not just in Syria but wherever the oppressed are beaten to a pulp for exercising their right to freedom of speech.

the least, the lost, and the left behind

2011-08-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've always been a big fan of alliteration, probably even before I knew what the word meant. So whenever I read a particularly good one, I like to share it. I was on the website of The Fellowship of Presbyterians (trying to find out more of the gathering they've had these past few days) when I came across this description in their mission statement: "the least, the lost, and the left behind." What a beautiful alliteration of "the poor, the widow and the orphan" we find in the Bible... even if it has some conservative theological allusions (ooo! another big 'a' word). Perhaps if there's a Message Take 2 it can use this phrase...

Human Destiny & Dignity

2011-05-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

My seminary library has old books they give away and every once and awhile I pick one up. Much less often do I get around to reading them. But today I was reading this old book (published 1947) called "Human Destiny," and had some thoughts to share...

Lecomte du Nouy wrote a book in 1947 called "Human Destiny." I probably never would have heard of it except it appeared on a used book shelf marked "free" and I'm a sucker for books that (a) have a title with "destiny" and (b) have this quote on the front jacket: "a book of such fundamental grasp and insight as cannot be expected to appear more than once or twice in a century." I wouldn't go so far, but here's my quick summary and thoughts.

Du Nouy's thesis: Humans have biologically evolved up until this point (so, through World War II), and now it is our moral imperative/challenge to evolve psychologically/mentally. Just like evolutionary biology, this psycho-evolution should be done together and not just individually. He claims (like many others at his time) that humans are the finish line for biology, the end of evolution. But we're not the end of the story. We were made for something greater, and now is our chance to participate in evolving into something greater. It is, as the title indicates, our "human destiny."

He puts a great deal of emphasis on our free will and choice between good and evil. We must be free to improve ourselves, "since [our] contribution to evolution will depend on the use [we] make of [our] liberty" (226). The choice between religion and science is a false choice (239-40). We must strive to integrate the two fields so that we do not make such terrible choices such as the Inquisition on the religious side and the Holocaust on the (arguably) scientific side.

He urges Christians specifically to live out the Christian ideal, and muses that scripture and sermons "have lost their power of conviction and that, consequently, other paths of access tot he heart, the intelligence, and the conscience of [humans] must be found " (241). He says that whatever is noble and true must be of God and as truth cannot contradict God, who is Truth. "Therefore, any [hu]man who is afraid of science does not possess a strong faith. (This is an answer to the religious extremists.)" (243). The pursuit of truth should be expansive and unlimited, yet he also states our goal "should be the attainment of human dignity with all its implications" (244).
I would say Du Nouy is thus a humanist who is very hopeful about the future: "He [any person] must overcome his dislikes and fix his vision on the beauty that drains from within; for that beauty is perhaps an illusion today, but it is the truth of tomorrow" (244). That's a pretty bold statement written on the heels of WWII. Also: "Let him combat and persuade himself before trying to persuade or combat others. Let him, by all the means of his disposal, concentrate his will on the construction of an unshakeable faith even though it be only a faith in the dignity and destiny of man" (245). And finally: "there is not other way toward human solidarity but the search and respect for individual dignity" (245).

I agree that our human dignity is tied up with our human destiny. Amnesty International's Director, William Schultz, edited a book recently called "The Future of Human Rights." I believe that we do not do enough to treat our fellow brothers and sisters in the human family with the respect and dignity that they deserve, not as the epitome of evolutionary success, but simply being created in the Image of God. May the Spirit of God direct our hearts, minds and bodies to honoring the larger body of humanity.

Who Hears Our Prayers?

2011-05-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about prayer lately. Recently, my wife and I have been praying for a family friend who went into a coma due to carbon monoxide poisoning. After two weeks in a coma and all the doctors having given up, he awoke (!). He continues his long road to recovery (full recovery is still far from certain), so prayer continues as the doctors rejoin the effort.

It makes me think: Was our praying effectual? How so? Did God hear our prayer? I came across this quote by Kierkegaard today:

"the true relation in prayer is not when God hears what is prayed for, but when the person praying continues to pray until he is the one who hears, who hears what God wills." (Journals, 154).

Donald Bloesch tells us that the "give me" prayer should always be subordinated to the "make me" prayer, as prayer isn't always "driven by need" but rather "kindled by grace" (The Struggle of Prayer, 75-76). Anne Lamott says there are really only two kinds of prayers: "Please, please, please" and "thank you, thank you, thank you."

I agree with all of them and would summarize that prayer has to do with molding our hearts to the very will and heart of God. For the ancients in the Mediterranean, the heart was the "seat of intention." May we dwell at the seat of God's intention in prayer, whatever form it takes.

What are your thoughts on prayer? What do you pray for? What does prayer mean for you in your life?

May we all hear the prayers of our heart and the hearts of others, and in so doing hear the very heartbeat of God in this raucous world.

From an Army of One to an Audience of One

2011-05-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

Something you may not know about me: I dabble in punk rock (A few of my favs, in case you're curious: Punchline, ).

Like any good SciFi (another genre I love but am no expert in - love the Ender's Game series), punk songs are at their best when they provide acute, poignant social commentary. Such is the case with Rise Against's "Audience of One." While the lyrics might seem a little obscure or vague, the music video is quite striking:

I'm not sure if this was the band's intention, but the song's title reminds me of the military's slogan, "Army of One," a while back. The video shows how we've lost our way, or rather runaway, either to war or our 9-5 jobs, and we've lost all connections to those we love. The closing bridge:

We're all ok, until the day we're not
The surface shines, while the inside rots
We raced the sunset and we almost won
We slammed the brakes, but the wheels went on

The end result? We're left alone in an "audience of one." May we remember how we got here - by running away from tough decisions and passing the buck to future generations... or so we thought, when really we were passing it off for 5, 10 years down the road. May we find our way again, together, before it's too late.

streams in the air: a poem

2011-04-30T21:05:00.001-07:00

streams in the air
undulating
falling sideways
in rhythmic pattern
rivers of thought
going where
wandering
lost
with purpose
alone
in togetherness
close overlapping
distant journeying
already there
a lone figure
walking in the night
a beautiful landscape
encroached by a car
ripples in the water
streams in the air
where am I going
where have I traveled
where am I now

How to Save a Life

2010-12-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

I've always liked the Fray's How to Save a Life. [Note: I try not to link to music videos and just the music/lyrics, as the images burn in my head and I no longer use my own imagination about what the song might be about.] The song is apparently about trying to help someone who is addicted to drugs.

In this Christmas season, I'm wondering and praying over what does it mean for Jesus to be born. Gabriel tells Mary she will give birth to a son and to call him Jesus according to Luke (1:31), and Matthew says his name will be Jesus for he will save the people from their sins (1:20). Jesus is related to Joshua, or the one who saves. Yes, I agree Jesus us saves us from sin, but I find that answer sometimes too trite, having lost its meaning over time in Christian jargon.

I had a breakthrough interpretation the other day, in part from watching Heroes: Season 4: When a life is saved, the course of history is changed. Now, that's kind of obvious when you think of individual's history. Then there's that age-old question of, If you could travel back in time and kill Adolf Hitler before he rose to power, would you do it? That would certainly alter history.

But when we use other Christian phrase, 'born again,' it better captures the significance of what it means to save a life. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live [...] but Christ lives within me." (Gal 2:20). Now I live in the light of Christ who saved me from myself... from the world... from death... from ____.

What have you been saved from? Who or what has saved your life? There's a story to share. Share it with someone who cares just as deeply as it affects you.

The Theology of Tron

2010-12-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

Some might call this post's title an oxymoron. I mean, sure, there was some religious symbolism in Tron, like most sci-fi, but does it really amount to a full-blown theology? Read further after the preview below to explore how deep this rabbit hole goes.

[Note: This trailer gives you a better feel for the slower pace of this film. Trailer #3 is more exciting and more plot-revealing.]

First, a disclaimer: I've only seen half of the original Tron, but did get an in-depth summary of the movie on Wikipedia. As bad as the original was, it didn't stop me from being there with a few pals (there was one gal, just FYI) to see the midnight showing Thursday night of Tron:Legacy. I can't say I'm an avid fan, but I do like exploring theological themes in movies. (My favorite films in this regard are the Matrix films and Last of the Mohicans; also, FYI). As such, I focus entirely on Tron:Legacy in my commentary.

For those of you wondering if you should ever see the new Tron movie (I'll be honest, the original might be worth seeing once and only once), let me say this: the special effects are cool but certainly not mind-blowing, the action sweet but not stellar, the storyline is generally slow with sparks of action, and the music keeps pace (Daft Punk did an excellent, but not saving, job). All in all I would give it a good but not great rating for a Sci-Fi film, and overall a barely above-average film (if you're patient and pay attention to the dialogue). If I hadn't waited hours to see this at midnight, I probably wouldn't be so favorable. Many a friend have called it "lame," and I can't really argue with them. My one-word review: enjoyable. Whether you plan to see it or not, I will try to keep out all spoilers until after the "Spoiler Alert" notice.

The movie opens with a typical Father-Son archetype. The Father (Flynn) is a Creator of an entire virtual world, and it's pretty clear that the Son (Sam) will follow his father there. Surprisingly, the Son isn't herald as a messiah for a world that's clearly enslaved. It appears he's there to rescue his father, which is an interesting theological twist. As such, the world of Tron sees the Son as a way to the father in order to usurp the Father/Creator's power for their own. Again, another interesting theological twist on the traditional Christian take. In both theological schema, the son is used to gain access to the Father, yet for completely different reasons.

Now some will say that the Father/Creator isn't really God-like because he appears in human form within the (cyber)world he created. Yet he did author the world by writing the code that produced it, before entering in as a character. So there is a little Father/Incarnate Person motif within the character of Flynn himself, who, by the way, describes his creation as "more beautiful than I ever dreamed, more dangerous then I could ever imagine."

Of course, the main observation people will notice is visually with the stylized neon colors: orange/red equals bad guys, and white/blue equals good guys, with a whole lot of black. That's a little simplistic when you consider that a lot of the city in Tron is white/blue even though it's ruled by bad guys. With all the darkness, one wonders where is the light? Where is the sun? Apparently there's no program for that, as the first question a cyber-character asks about the 'outside' aka real world is, What's the sun like? Do all of these people live in Plato's cave? Are they all children clamoring in darkness?

There's also an interesting story of creation between the Father figure (Flynn) and a partner he created called Clue (a mirror-image of Flynn who doesn't appear to age). As a partner in creation, is Clue an Adam-figure? I would say No, because Clue is given powers almost if not completely equal to the Creator. As such, I would say Clue is more like a Satan figure. A plug for the movie, sums up the basic plot line: Creator creates a world with limitless possibility. What happened? "My creation turned against me." Indeed, at one point Clue/Satan yells to the heavens, "Kevin Flynn [aka Creator/God]! Where are you now?" Can you hear the echoes of Nietzche's "God is Dead" claim?

The Son, Sam, is different, too. We're not the only ones to realize this: the Tron women who dress him for battle note that, "This one is different." He asks, "What am I suppose to do?" and the simple reply he gets is "Survive." This advice is important insofar as it keeps him alive until he finds a truer purpose. Indeed, Sam is a "user," not a program, and the innovation is both exciting and frightening for the plebian crowds. (The Grid scenes of disc fighting and lightcycle racing are very reminiscent of gladiator sport.)

One interesting juxtaposition is the cyberspace world created within the computer system and the 'world out there' aka real world. Listen to the voice over for this TV Spot - can't you see churches saying "in there is our future, in there is our destiny," speaking of within these church worlds or perhaps "in Jesus Christ"?

Later in the movie, from within cyberspace they talk about conquering/converting the world "out there," purifying it to perfection. Doesn't it resemble some churches and their missional theology? I think we're better off seeing the two worlds "in there" or "out there" as interconnected.

Also with regard to the two worlds: Creator/Flynn says "I kept dreaming of a world I thought I'd never see." How often do Christians dream of the heaven or the Kingdom of God, a world we think we'll never see, except maybe after death or with the second coming?

***SPOILER ALERT***

The end of the movie has the Son (Sam) escape with the last "Iso," Quorra, a creature born out complete within the Grid/Inner Cyberspace without any User/Programmer behind her code. She is now out in the real world, and it appears she will become a prophet for the age to come. Sounds like a pseudo-Jesus figure, no?

Returning to the Creator/Satan, Flynn/Clue dichotomy, I found it really cool that in the end Flynn the Father saves Sam the Son from Clue the Anti-Christ by absorbing him into himself. Many Christians will often talk about Jesus taking on the sin of the world. What about God taking on the sin of the world? That's really what we're saying, after all, if we are to also claim Jesus as the Son of God, or rather, God Incarnate. Flynn the Father uses his power to produce/send out his creation, and then he uses his power to absorb it all back into himself, thus destroying it. But not without planting a seed in the new world, a "shoot of Jesse" if you will, in Quorra, an original digital creation now living as a sentient being in the 'real world.'

So what do you think? There's plenty of other themes I didn't touch upon yet, including identity disks, the light beam connecting the 'heavens and the earth' almost a la Sauron in LotR, the outpost away in the mountains from the city, Flynn's Zen practice [best line of movie: "Sam, you're really messing with my Zen thing."], and what about Tron himself? What do all these things represent/symbolize?

Dead Already

2010-12-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

The opening theme to the movie American Beauty is called "Dead Already" by Thomas Newman. For the record, I really like his stuff. I had a recent revelation that I'd like to share you (cyberspace).

Now, it's no secret that Kevin Spacey's character is dead when the movie starts, and we find out the how/why/when/who/etc. as the movie progresses. Yet here is my perhaps-not-so-groundbreaking-theory: the very-much alive Stacey we see throughout the movie is, actually, already dead: dead to ambition, to his true life's purpose, to living life the the full. Can we say the same about ourselves or someone we know? What would it take to 'wake them up inside' that they might no longer move dream-like through their 'waking life'?

As with much of American Beauty, there is dual-imagery and multiple interpretations for its myriad of themes. It deserved the AA Best Picture award, and it deserves more in-depth commentary here. But that's all I have time for right now after writing my Tron piece. I'm hoping that writing a post about a movie made 10 years ago is honor enough in itself.

Done!

2010-12-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

I finished my last seminary class today. Wahoo! We had a very interesting discussion about how to resist the overarching corporate-consumer narrative of our culture. As with much of my seminary career, there were few answers but a lot of good questions.

I don't officially graduate until May 2011, but with no more classes perhaps now I will write more regularly on this blog... here's to a new year and a new future.

Enlightenment v. Romanticism as seen in JRR Tolkien

2010-12-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

I was readying a somewhat interesting but very lengthy review of the Lord of the Rings, particularly the Two Towers, when I came across this section (see below; view webpage here). I think the author, David Brin, makes a good point: that in opposition to Feudalism/Monarchy rose Capitalism/Democracy with the Enlightenment leading the way. Yet the sterile nature of industry, equal access, free markets, etc., led to a counter-rebellion, or the Romantic movement. One may see these two sides continue to battle it out in our secular, postmodern culture, between those who see wonder in "harder" science and those who find wonder in "softer" myth.

[...]almost from its birth, the Enlightenment Movement was confronted by an ironic counterrevolution, rejecting the very notion of progress. The Romantic Movement erupted as a rebellion against the rebellion.
In fairness, it didn't start out that way. The first Romantics stood with their Enlightenment predecessors against feudalism and clericalism and welcomed the French Revolution as a step toward a kind of utopian universal brotherhood. Even today, men like Thomas Jefferson stand as icons of both Enlightenment and Romanticism.
But this changed when the industrial revolution hit full stride. Suddenly, where once gentry and clergy ruled, there were arrogant new powers striding about. An entrepreneurial bourgeoisie. A new intellectual elite of science. And a clanking, noisome ruction of impudent machinery.
Even democracy began to seem less classically pure when it was taken off a pedestal to be practiced for real by farmers, shopkeepers and a rising middle class, all of them arguing, wheedling and conniving amid an incredible din.
Temblors began splitting a chasm between Romantics and Enlightenment pragmatists. The alliance that had been so formidable against feudalism began turning against itself. Trenches soon aligned along the most obvious fault line, down the middle -- between future and past.
In this conflict, J.R.R. Tolkien stood firmly for the past.
Calling the scientific worldview "soul-less," he joined Keats and Shelley, Sir Walter Scott, Henry James and many European-trained philosophers in spurning the modern emphasis on pragmatic experimentation, production, universal literacy, progress, cooperative enterprise, democracy, city life and flattened social orders.
In contrast to these "sterile" pursuits, Romantics extolled the traditional, the personal, the particular, the subjective, the rural, the hierarchical and the metaphorical.

The article/review is entitled J.R.R. Tolkien - Enemy of Progress, and goes at length to detail the ways in which Tolkien was a Romantic and used many literary cliches to entrench traditional story-telling, both in his day and now today with Peter Jackson's trilogy. I still very much enjoy the movies, but am also seeing them in a more understanding and critical light.

Fear and Trembling and Stupefying

2010-10-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

I just 'pinched-hit' today for someone by teaching on Philippians 2:12-18. In 2:12 Paul mentions the phrase "fear and trembling" when talking about working out salvation. This phrase was made famous by Soren Kierkegaard, and after teaching through it this morning, I'm still 'working it out' myself.

The fullness of what it means that God is working out our salvation within us, both the willing and the doing, is only now hitting home. The jury's still out in my court over predestination, but I have to say that mainly there is a lack of evidence we're just not seeing. Today I have been blessed to see how God has been at work in my life over the past few months. In the spirit of the movie "Memento" and Kierkegaard's own "Life must be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards," here I go.

I taught today because Mark was preaching.
Mark was preaching because Debbie was sick.
Mark agreed to preach because he already studied the text earlier that week.
Mark studied the test earlier that week because he was filling in for me leading that bible study.
I was able to brief him for the study on the lesson's text because I led a study earlier on the same text.
The only reason I was leading a study on THAT text was because I "happened" to be on fall break from my seminary class that usually prevents me from even attending the study.
I was only taking that seminary class because all other options didn't work out.

From the very beginning, even before what I've written above, God was 'working it out' that Mark would be able to preach within 24 hours of being called upon. That's stupefying.

Is it possible that God has orchestrated your life so that you are where you are right here, right now? Is there some greater purpose God is preparing for you, right here, right now?

Using another Kierkegaard phrase, "the strength of the absurd" rests in believing that God is at work beyond our seeing, beyond understanding, beyond even our comprehension. Reason and knowledge alone won't get us there. It takes faith in some form - sometimes a leap, sometimes an itsy-bitsy step - but always willing to believe beyond what we see.

Goma

2010-04-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

This summer I'll be heading to the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) to the town of Goma on the North side of Lake Kivu, next to the border with Rwanda. I just set up our Goma blog where we're fundraising and will be posting photos of our trip and information about the region:

www.gomateam2010.blogspot.com

The Origins of Bevo

2009-06-05T10:51:00.000-07:00

Some people who know me (and many more only know me) know about my screenname Bevo82 or BevoBevans. Now I will reveal to you why I have these names. (Gasp!) I know, I know - I should really be trademarking these names or selling the rights, but I'm a nice guy and believe in an open, free society. :)

The "82" is simple: I was born in 1982.

The "Bevans" comes from when my mother called me "Evans-Bevans" as a kid. Ok, ok - she still does sometimes.

And now for the Bevo - the short answer is it's the name of the Texas Longhorns Mascot (I was born and raised in Austin, TX, and my Dad went and taught law there at UT... it was years later when my sister Lea went to Tampa that I woefully admitted the original "UT" was the University of Tampa, not Texas or Tennessee - which has the uglier orange, and many of my friends who are TN Vol fans would agree - and if you go to ut.edu you will notice it's Tampa, not Austin, which is utexas.edu. OK - random asides are OVER!)

But for the long answer for how on earth Bevo was named, I refer to the ever-prescient Wikipedia Article on Bevo, and this passage in particular:

[begin quote]

Origin of the name Bevo

"Bo" made his first public appearance at the halftime of the 1916 Thanksgiving Day football game between Texas and archrival the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (later Texas A&M University), a game in which Texas defeated the Aggies 22 - 7.[8] Following the game, Ben Dyer, editor of the UT campus magazine The Alcalde, referred to the mascot as BEVO.[9] It is not known why he chose this name, though various theories have been put forth, including that Texas A&M had a hand in naming the mascot.[9]

The best-known tale has been called into question.[9][10] The legend claims that the name came about due to an incident of vandalism led by students of the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas.[11][12][9] It is true that in 1917, four Texas A&M Aggies kidnapped the longhorn and branded him with "13 - 0", the score of A&M's 1915 win over Texas.[9][12][10] Texas students are rumored to have retaliated by changing the steer's brand to Bevo, as is sometimes claimed.[9][10] However, there is actually evidence that Bevo was fattened up and served at a football banquet in 1920, due to the fact the university did not have the money to take care of him and he was not tamed to roam the campus.[9][10] The Aggies were fed the side they had branded and presented with the hide, which still read 13–0.[9][10] Since Ben Dyer had used the term one year previously, this would mean that the A&M prank could not have led to the name.[9] Another story states that it is possible the editor had Bevo in mind, which was a near beer.[9]

Another potential source of the BEVO name was the one reported in The Daily Texan, the student newspaper of UT: "Through the 1900s and 1910s, newspapers ran a series of comic strips drawn by Gus Mager. The strips usually featured monkeys as the main characters, all named for their personality traits. Braggo the Monk constantly made empty boasts, Sherlocko the Monk was a bumbling detective, and so on. The comic strips were popular enough to create a nationwide fad for persons to nickname their friends the same way, with an 'o' added to the end. The Marx Brothers were so named by their colleagues in Vaudeville: Groucho was moody, Harpo played the harp, and Chico raised chicks when he was a boy. Mager's strips ran every Sunday in newspapers throughout Texas, including Austin. In addition, the term 'beeve' is the plural of beef, but is more commonly used as a slang term for a cow (or steer) that's destined to become food. The term is still used, though it was more common among the general public in the 1910s when Texas was more rural. The jump from 'beeve' to 'Bevo' isn't far, and makes more sense given the slang and national fads of the time."[9]

[end quote]

Both stories are quite good, and I'm most impressed by the inventiveness of the first and the sociohistorical research of the second.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did :)

When Pesky Turns Productive

2009-04-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

In another "Genius!" moment (see post below on cardboard oven for the other one), I came across this article about CAPTCHAs. You know, those images where you type in the corresponding letters to show that you're a real human being and not some spybot infiltrating a site.

CAPTCHA is short for “Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.” It was developed by a Guatemalan professor who thought he'd put it to greater use than just identity-verification. He has started a project that now spans from Facebook to Craigslist and other sites where the image is a snippet from a scanned-in book where the computer can't decipher the text... but the human eye can.

Find out much more by clicking here.

So whenever you think you're being pestered into deciphering some random letters, when they form words there's a good chance you're giving 10 seconds of your brain power to the global effort to turn out-of-copywrited texts into digitally-searchable material for the Internet. Alas, it doesn't seem blogger (my host for this blog) employs reCAPTCHA, but I'm urging them to do so if they aren't already! Anyone, let me know if they already are!

So how does it feel to be a part of an Eternal Digital Project? ;)

UPDATE: In a NY Times article, reCAPTCHA is reportedly being used by Twitter, Facebook, Craigslist, the NY Times and Ticketmaster, and is deciphering about 25 million words each day!!!

Cardboard Oven: A Beautiful, 'Impossible' Reality

2009-04-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

[This week I preached a sermon on Matt 11:28-30, where Jesus beckons all who are weary to come and find rest in him, and to bear his yoke, for it is easy and light (find my sermon notes here). I have some more thoughts about yoking and bearing burdens...]

There is a picture given to us by one of Emily's friend in Central America, of a woman throwing her head back in pure laughing joy. In the background is a mound of trashing filling the frame. It's a beautiful picture, seeing the joy amidst so much trash. And yet, it's hard to catch her contagious laughter without filling a twinge of irony and guilt.

Too often in this economically developed, individually-minded American culture, we focus too much on the "yoke" and "burden" part rather than the "easy" and "light" part. When I was in East Africa, Ecuador and Central America, I saw many women carrying huge loads of firewood on their backs. (Yes, it was always women - if it were men, they'd have a donkey to carry it for them.) It's a "woman's job" since gathering firewood was for domestic (and usually not commercial/business) use, and the household is the woman's domain (traditionally in many societies).

So for many poor, especially women, society weighs on them both figuratively and literally, whereas we rich tend to be more afraid of losing our individual freedom. Which is why I found this invention of a cardboard oven to be utterly amazing.

Flabbergasted, I read the article where a man in Kenya created this $5 invention with his daughters. Mass production is now planned out of factories in Nairobi. The article ended with these wonderful words: "I don't want to see another 80-year-old woman carrying 20 kilos of firewood on her back. Maybe we don't have to."

Simple is Beautiful.

I now look at this picture on the wall, and I'm able to laugh heartily with this woman, filled with a real hope in relieving at least one of her burdens.

The First are First, until the Last become First

2009-04-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Confession: I'm a current events junkie. Between Democracy Now, the NYTimes, Washington Post and WSJ, I spend at least an hour a day digesting the news. Perhaps it's the Political Scientist undergrad in me. I would love to ween myself off of this habit, but then I do get theological insights such as this...

In the NYTimes today, there is an article about Brain Power and drug doses that help a person forget certain memories.

On the same day, there is an article in the Washington Post that speaks of how the stress of poverty affects memory retention.

The Irony? The FIRST persons, the poor, who may benefit from drug treatment to either forget or better remember things, will be the LAST to ever receive these drugs. In our system, the first are those with money and access, and the last are those who are poor and unable to access the markets, the benefits of what "money can buy."

Thankfully, we believe in a God who subverts this system, flipping it on its head and saying that NO, the First will be Last and the Last will be First, in the Kingdom of our God (Matt 19:30, 20:16; Mark 10:31; Luke 13:30). Those who are most needy shall be clothed, nourished and sheltered FIRST.

. Let us work hand-and-hand to make this vision a reality.

Moral Autonomy v. Manipulative Character

2009-03-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Corporatism is about crushing the capacity for moral choice."

[irony: even as it "increases" individual choice]

I read this line in an article called "America is in Need of a Moral Bailout." While the author's language is quite vituperative, I think his main point is a good one: Corporations have a manipulative character that has subverted our morals.

And to make matters worse, we have been complicit in their endeavor to the point that we now feel enraged yet helpless. "Who am I in the face of such greed, gluttony and malice?"

In this time of grave economic instability, we each need to take responsibility for ourselves and our own moral compass, or what Kant referred to as "moral autonomy."

Now, it is true that we learn how to behave within our social interactions with others (see Rene Girard's Theory of Mimetic Desire). But each of us is a member of society, and therefore we each can have an effect, however small, on the whole.

Therefore, let us be renewed for peace, love and equality,
repenting from our jealous, self-justifying and selfish ways.

And let us believe in a world where there is more love, peace and hope, and less hatred, war and despair.

It's Official: Red Meat Kills

2009-03-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Em and I are experimenting with going vegetarian... and in the process are doing a detox diet consisting of lemon juice, maple syrup, water and a dash of cayenne - for 10 days(!).

Now, I'm all up for a challenge, but I'm also the guy who likes his meat rare, soft and juicy. Tofu just doesn't come close. So boy am I missing a hamburger right now!

Yet after reading this article, where daily consumption of red meat increases my chances of dying in the next 10 years by 30%, I have some questions to share:

- Will mortality keep me from these red, delicious juices?
- What's life without the pleasure of enjoying it?
- Can I enjoy life without meat?
- Can my habits and tastes and desires change?

A part of me hopes I can ditch red meat, live longer and enjoy other foods... and another part of me mourns the red-juicy-ness I'd be losing.

I suppose only time will tell if my desires for red meat will be satisfied or denied... and another desire takes its place.

Mmmm... now back to my lemony-juicy-syrup.

Inauguration Prayer

2009-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

After such an incredible benediction from Rev. Dr. Lowery yesterday, I was inspired to write an inauguration prayer of my own, giving allusions to various works ("answers" below).

Inauguration Prayer

We know that progress is often an illusion of our finite minds,
Still, we cannot help but to celebrate what has happened this week.

The dream is no longer deferred. That dream has come.

In this New World
May we lend a helping hand
An open mind
And a hoping heart
Especially to the least of these

May our actions be full of compassion, grace & mercy,
Knowing that all good gifts come from you, the Father of Lights

May the hopes of this nation not rest on one man,
But be grounded in the hope we find in you, in Christ your Only Child
Who lived a life of love, service and devotion to you

Just as he was your beloved, we too are your beloved children.
May we remember that all of us are beloved by you
Give us the courage and strength to do your will
And hold us and mold us in your motherly love
As it is in your heavenly reign

May your abundant graces
Of Hope
Possibility
And Love
rain down on ALL peoples in this New World

Let us go outside and play in the rain –
And let the tears splash all over us

Amen.

Allusions:
Langston Hughes, "Dream Deferred";
Movie: "What Dreams May Come"; "that dream has come."
James 1:17; "Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights"
Dave Matthews Band, "#41": "Why don't you go out in the rain and let the tears splash all over you"

Inauguration Benediction

2009-01-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching Barack Obama's Inauguration Speech - quite wonderful. I would like to go back and read it, and hear what others are saying about it.

In the meantime, let me direct you to Dr. Rev. Joseph Lowery's Benediction. A Methodist minister, Dr. Rev. Lowery co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Dr. MLK, Jr. He practically stole the show with his amazing imagery and astute humor, brilliantly capturing the seriousness and levity of the moment. In case you missed it or want to see it again, watch it below (read it here):

After watching this, I must say, words still do matter.

And for those who missed it, U2 performing "Pride" and "City of Blinding Lights" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in front of Obama, Biden & a whole slew of other people (from yesterday's MLK Celebration of Service Day):

U2 - Best Band Ever.

Do Words Still Matter?

2009-01-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

I'm in the middle of a second semester of Greek, where we're learning to accurately translate the Biblical Greek of the New Testament. We're not only learning what words mean but in what sense, tense, mood, etc. based on usage, context and pointing. I'm happy enough with just getting the gist of what the words mean, since no one really knows exactly what was the author's original intent.

This experience reminds me of a thought I've had previously: in a postmodern world, where meaning is contingent on context rather than having absolute meaning (that is, truth with a small "t" rather than a big "T"), does nitpicking over words really matter? Are we spending too much time debating semantics rather than focusing on a larger common ground that might mean different things to different people? It's the sentiment that asks, Can't we all just get along?

I remember when Darfur was first coming onto the international news cycle, there was noticeable talk about how the Bush administration was not using the word "genocide" in referring to the, well, genocide. I think it was Colin Powell who first used the word as then-Secretary of State, and the news analysts all debated if this word usage would force the US to act decisively.

Now here we are in 2009, and the genocide continues in Darfur, unabated. The US has made a few strides to stop the genocide, but haven't used all available options - and thus the people of Darfur continue to be slaughtered, maimed and raped of their human dignity. Here is an instance where words should matter, but they don't lead to any substantial action.

And after years of being told by Pres. Bush that we as a nation do not torture, in this most recent WP article, the top overseer of the military trials for Guantanamo Bay detainees, Susan Crawford has declared the sum total of the interrogation methods used on the alleged 20th-9/11 hijacker to be torture. Yes, that's right. We, the US of A, have tortured our alleged enemies. Thus we have lost any ground to object to questionable interrogations of our own citizens and soldiers. Our righteous words cease to matter, for the actions of our hands have negated the words from our mouths.

Will anything happen? I doubt it. Words are cheap. Anyone can blog. Anyone can spout. But where is the action? Where is the change? We're inundated with words on the 15-min news cycle, the talk shows and the conversations we have with each other. But if these words do not translate into concrete action, I fear all this talk is for nought.

Actions speak louder than words. Let us act with our hearts and minds, speaking truth as we see it and showing people we mean what we say in the way we treat each other with respect, dignity and love.

A Call to Rest

2009-01-07T14:22:00.001-08:00

This post from UTNE Magazine is an incredible plea for us to get more rest. The post is actually an excerpt from an article by Matt Carmichael, a writer, teacher & activist, in the magazine Resurgence, which aims to raise the awareness of spiritual and ecological issues

He breaks down the forms of tiredness we feel during the day:
Sleepiness: When we're so tired we don't function properly
Fatigue: When we're tired of what we're doing; tired of our activities
Ennui: When we're tired (bored) of what we have
Satiation: When we're tired of consumption

The answer? Get more rest. And this will mean sacrifice; namely, choosing not to do some of the things we currently feel compelled to do.

What can you stop doing today? How will rest help you to focus more on other activities? How can getting more sleep help you be more productive and enjoy your "waking life"?

All That Has Ever Been Hoped For

2008-12-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I ask myself why I'm in seminary. I think it's a good question to ask, however scary. One of Emily's friends is in law school, doesn't enjoy it and is struggling. I enjoy seminary a lot and feel quite comfortable here, but the question of "why seminary?" can quickly lead to "so what are you going to do next?"

Recently, I have been leaning more towards seeking out a teaching role rather than a pastoral role. Not only does the idea of being a role model for high schoolers and teaching them how to think with more nuance excite me, but also having so much more contact time with them than the average parish ministry. I'm interested in community building and teaching people not to just deconstruct their world but also reconstruct

In the meantime, I'm in Seminary, wondering why I'm here, "searching for the living among the dead." I found this post to have a very thoughtful answer:

“I'm searching through all that has ever been hoped, in praise of what can never be known.”

In praise of always searching and never knowing,
yet ever hoping.

Savior Season

2008-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

After reading David Brook's recent column, I am left to wonder... If we are really facing an historic inauguration day, vastly re-centralizing our government, throwing money left and right and are running on high anxiety, then it sounds like we're in need a of a Savior.

'Tis the season for saving, not spending.

Check out this provocative Advent video about gift ideas for this season:

Perishing from the Injustice We Permit

2008-12-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

Today is the 60th Anniversary of the signing Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Amnesty International has two powerful videos, one shorter and one longer, in honor of this day and for its continued support from our leaders... and us!

"The Price of Silence"

From Jurgen Motlmann's book, The Source of Life (p. 110):

"The poor are crying out for justice first of all, not for prosperity; and we ourselves are perishing from the injustice we permit, even if we are leading comfortable lives.

The hunger for justice is a holy hunger;
the thirst for righteousness is a sacred thirst.

It is a hunger and thirst of the Holy Spirit itself.
May that Spirit fill us through and through."

Equality in Marriage

2008-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

I support equal marriage rights for two willing people, regardless of gender. I think it is a travesty that we allow some to marry and others not to. Essentially, it comes down to whether or not you believe people are created gay or choose to be gay. If you're not convinced, please befriend more gay people. We all have a lot in common; it just takes getting to know each other. We have nothing to fear but fear itself.

I've collected three videos that poignantly highlight the issue.

First, the serious (Keith Olbermann goes on what I characterize as a mercy-diatribe):

Second, the funny (Princeton students ban Freshman from walking on sidewalk - a creative way to point out the silliness of it all and what an obstruction of justice it is):

And finally, a discussion (Mike Huckabee & John Stewart talk about same-sex marriage on the Daily Show):

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Mike Huckabee Pt. 2

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Jon Stewart: [Referring to Huckabee's argument that we're redefining the word "marriage" even though it used to mean slaves couldn't marry, interracial marriages were banned and polygamy is now outlawed]

"Semantics is cold comfort for humanity."

All It Takes is Faith

2008-11-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

Today at lunch we discussed the theological topic of what it means to believe, and how do we come to believe in God. We're reading Jurgen Moltmann's excellent book, The Spirit of Life, and this is what spurred on the discussion.

From a Western perspective, and relying heavily on Thomas Aquinas, we must first understand before we are able to see, and once we can see we are able to love. Thus, one must first seek knowledge, even if it's "faith seeking understanding" - believing that you'll understand why it is you believe.

From an Eastern perspective, one must first love, and by loving, be able to see, and then finally understand. In a sense, it reverses or stands in contrast to the cycle set up by Aquinas.

I have another idea to throw into the midst: trust and belief play an integral, dynamic role. They build off each other in a way that continually deepens the relationship and opens oneself up to new and further possibilities... on into the infinite.

Yet how do we enter this cycle? Where do we begin? It's a which came first problem, the chicken or the egg? How can we trust someone if we do not first believe her/him? And yet, how can we believe someone if we do not first trust her/him?

My answer is that all it takes is faith, which is a gracious gift from God (Grace Alone, Faith Alone, God Alone). Stepping out in faith gets us into the circle of trust/belief, and the deeper we go in our experience of trust and belief, the deeper our faith grows.

Thoughts? I got a bunch of blank looks from my colleagues, but I like to think that I'm on to something.

Obama Wins! ... Equality for All?

2008-11-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

I can't say how joyful I am to know that Barack Hussein Obama will be our next president! WAHOO!! I thought Sen. McCain gave a gracious concession speech, and President-Elect Obama promised to work with him and listen especially to those he disagreed with. What a stark change from 8 years of boneheaded-cowboy posturing! "Unreal" America is back, and change is uh-coming.

And still, there is much work to be done, in the area of human rights, healthcare, the economy, energy, campaign finance reform... the list goes on. We have hope in what we cannot yet see, save for in our hearts. May we have the wherewithall to persevere through not just a nearly two-year long presidentinal campaign, but a four year presidency, seeking justice, loving mercy and walking humbly together for a more peaceful world.

There is also a part of me that is a little sad. The returns for California's Prop 8, which would take away the right to marry for those marrying a person of the same gender, show it passing 52-48%, or 400,000 votes difference. Other states, including Florida, Arkansas and Arizona, also passed initiatives to limit the rights of gay persons. The ban of gay marriage is even more disheartening with the news that hate crimes against gays have risen this past year by 5.5%.

Our nation was founded on the guarantee and protection of rights. We are taking a step backward by denying others rights we hetereosexuals enjoy. The state takes the rights of people away only when they do something wrong. What have our GLBT friends done wrong? Too often we act as a nation of privilege, rather than one of equality.

Hateful discrimination is unfair. It is unjust. It is wrong.

Today we mourn. Tomorrow we cry out and begin the hard work of proclaiming a peaceful message of equality for all, no matter your gender, ethnicity, age, immigration status or sexual orientation.

On this day we celebrate the unprecedented election of the first non-white, non-British, Irish or German descent leader ever elected to the U.S.'s highest office. And we also know that this is just the beginning.

The Impoverishment of Tragedy

2008-10-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I attended an Eschatology Conference where Dr. Sharon Baker of Messiah College (PA) spoke of a "Hospitable Hell." She explored the meaning of divine justice and did a thought experiment how Holy Fire might be used to purify all of us, come judgment day, so that we might all enter into the Kingdom of God. It made me think of tragedy and how we as a society and culture have lost our ability to tell a good story, be it a tragedy or comedy, because we've so much of our worldview separates "us" from "them."

Tragedy itself was perhaps most celebrated in the past and lamented in the present by Nietzsche. And I think he's onto something, when I look at our modern forms of tragedy/comedy (those eternal twins, or two sides of the same coin). Just one example, "Meet the Parents," casts a family against the groom-to-be, and we the audience laugh at Ben Stiller's misfortunes. We may identify with his situation, but we're spared the consequences, laughing at him rather than with him. We watch people suffer, in Gitmo or Abu Ghraib or Darfur, but while this knowledge is readily available, action is lacking. The distance between our heads and our hearts has never been further.

A character's "tragic flaw" is tragic precisely because the origin of his or her downfall lies within his or her self. Yet all too often we are prone to divide the issues into black/white, good/bad, righteous/evil, without recognizing that both sides are found on the spectrum of human life, and each life is a microcosm of society. Perhaps our tragic flaw is our inability to recognize that we have a tragic flaw, that as humans there are logs (let alone specks) in our eyes.

As you advocate, forgiveness (not punishment) brings about repentance. May we forgive ourselves and our own societies, repenting of the sin of allowing others to suffer or go down to hell, and not realizing that our fate is bound up in theirs. Their lives matter just as much as ours - to think less of them is to say that they don't matter as much, and therefore our actions to help them don't matter as much, and then we're all too prone to give up on the connection and let them (and thus ourselves, as we're all bound up in this together), perish.

My Post-Election Hope

2008-10-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

I wrote this as a comment on a blog for the NYTimes.com, and thought I'd share it with this audience. This election has taken over our news cycle and threatens to interfere with my studies... and so it's good every once in a while to step back and take the long view.

My hope is that after this election we can have some serious civil discourse about issues that really matter: healthcare, national security, economy, jobs, schools, etc., rather than sling mud from one side or the other. We really do all want similar ends, because we all do love America. The fact that we disagree on how to get there does not make one a patriot and the other a communist. One person does not live in "Real America," implying that the other lives in a "Fake America."

Let us take advice from (gasp!) Sen. Joe Biden and (gasp!) Chris Matthews, and not question another's motive, for only God can see the human heart. Let us instead focus on OUR future hopes, desires and dreams... and search for COMMON GROUND ground to build the BRIDGE to get over the chasm of fear and arrive safely to the other side, TOGETHER.

Not Trusting "Burn After Reading"

2008-10-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

So in the midst of studying for my Theology Exam tomorrow, I decided to write some thoughts about a sub-par movie I saw recently by the Coen brothers, Burn After Reading. The movie was somewhat funny and grotesquely (and therefore needlessly) violent - I don't necessarily recommend it. But I did want to share some thoughts about it in case you have or will see it.

I think the Coen brothers are trying to portray what happens to people when they are too focused on themselves:
- Former CIA agent Cox (Malcovich) is too focused on his book and lamenting his forced retirement;
- His wife just wants a divorce to save herself and can't see her suitor (Clooney) doesn't want her;
- Clooney's character just cares about a one-night stand and staying in shape, not caring/realizing that his actions may ruin his marriage;
- McFarland's character only wants plastic surgery, and can't see that her boss loves her.

And then they pay people to spy on each other, since no one trusts anyone else! People are pawns to be used for an end. Those people who are relatively innocent (Pitt and the boss) end up dead. it's funny and tragic all at the same time, and ultimately the viewer is repulsed by such insolent, petulant, myopic behavior.

So is this film a social commentary on our society today? The Coens seem to be saying national security agencies can't save us, especially when they're spying on people too unwilling to be in trusting relationships. Let us hope we can build better communities and treat people as an end, rather than a means, unto themselves.

Overestimating Incompetency

2008-09-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

In Theology class today, we talked about addiction as attachment to things, ideas or habits that are less than love of God. We settle for loving finite things rather than the infinite, because to love God takes great risk and requires tremendous vulnerability that we simply won't do it.

Even as we try to fulfill our utmost desire, to love and be love, the vulnerability it requires leaves us open to pain, and to avoid hurting we protect ourselves by trusting in the little things.

I remembered this class discussion as I read this article on Salon.com that talks about overestimating our intelligence when in fact we're incompetent, and those who are competent tend to think everyone else is, too:

"People who lack the knowledge or wisdom to perform well are often unaware of this fact. That is, the same incompetence that leads them to make wrong choices also deprives them of the savvy necessary to recognize competence, be it their own or anyone else's."

The converse also bears repeating.... In short, smart people tend to believe that everyone else "gets it." Incompetent people display both an increasing tendency to overestimate their cognitive abilities and a belief that they are smarter than the majority of those demonstrably sharper.

Let us pray for humility, the beginning of all wisdom... and competency.

Meaning of the Gospel

2008-09-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today in my New Testament: Paul class, we discussed what is meant by the various references to "gospel" in the NT. Gospel, in greek, is "euhangellion," which is generally translated as "tidings of joy." But to know exactly what joy we're speaking of, we add "Gospel of" ... Jesus Christ, God, etc., or "Gospel according to" ... Matthew, Mark, Luke and George. (Of course it's John, but if four accounts, then why not more? less?)

As many a professor and pastor have professed to me, and I concur, it is a good thing we have four accounts or vantage points. (I'd still like to see that movie, Vantage Point, despite the reviews.) This leaves us room for interpretation, treating the text more as literary rather than as literal. In this way, we are not disrespecting the bible but, in fact, are taking it most seriously - in all its multiple meanings and application. For a text to be great, it needs to make allusions and references that have many meanings, and point to a truth beyond itself (see Shakespeare, Greek Tragedy, etc.). The same goes with the Bible.

So what is "gospel"? Or what do we mean by "gospel"? Is it entirely focused on the life & resurrection of Jesus Christ? Would the gospel be true without the resurrection? (for Paul, probably no; he emphasizes death and resurrection heavily, especially in Galations) Is it only a matter of opinion, to a varying degree?

I think it’s more than that – perhaps we need to deconstruct what we mean in order to reconstruct another’s meaning… we assume too much that what we’re talking about or what we mean mean is what the other person is talking about… or means.

As my former roommate put it quite humorously, "I said what I meant. In fact, I meant what I said." If only we knew what he meant... or said.

What does the Gospel mean to you?

Security Crisis & the Reign of God

2008-09-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Amidst these past few years of national security crises, and this past week of financial upheaval and insecurity, I can't help but think:

All we need is a little more love in this world.

With love comes trust, and when we begin to trust again - ourselves, our neighbors, even eventually our enemies or those we disagree with - we will no longer need to find security in our wealth, our nation, our ill-conceived wars or military might. We will find security and solace in the One who first loved us, and continues to love us, and will never stop loving us.

As many a theologian rightly asserts, God's economy is not based on scarcity, but on abundance. In a world of abundance, we will not simply live sustainably, but in perfect harmony. Others call it the Reign of God.

How are you bringing about the Reign of God today?
Rephrased:
How have you loved or trusted someone today?

Obama on Foreign Policy Issues

2008-09-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

I felt compelled to write this for some relatives of mine, outlining my beliefs with regards to Obama and foreign policy experience. After reading this, watch the foreign policy debate on Friday, Sept. 26th and decide for yourself who would be better at handling foreign affairs as our next president. I've tried to document all of my statements from a variety of news and information sources.

Summary: In respect to foreign policy initiatives, Obama has been ahead of national opinion, and both McCain and the Bush administration, in suggesting deft and bold strategies to address national security in a comprehensive manner. Namely, he stated the Iraq War was a bad idea from the beginning, supports attacking Al-Queda bases in Pakistan, supports the effort in Afghanistan, suggests direct talks with Iran, and advocates a timetable for withdrawal. ALL OF THESE POSITIONS are now supported to some degree by the Bush Admin. and McCain, even after they ridiculed him for months, if not years. This is a man with vision who is keen and able to stick to his overarching beliefs even as he makes on-his-feet decisions based on solid intelligence and information. After being misled for 8 years, I look forward to being led by this man into a more peaceful world and stable economy.

1. IRAQ WAR - Obama was against the Iraq war from the beginning, and now most Americans think the Iraq war was a bad idea. He's not against all wars, just rash and dumb ones, and argues convincingly that this war is a distraction to the real issues that face Americans everyday. Read his Oct 2002 speech here; it's rather short and VERY powerful. Meanwhile, Bush and McCain played up the war drums with information now unequivocally proven as false. This previous link also details how McCain has changed his tune on Iraq, from being completely in line with the Bush Strategy/Doctrine to now trying to differentiate himself.

To me, this fact shows Obama has profound judgment on military matters (no matter the intelligence) and is a solid student of history. He takes it seriously when we send young men and women to the battlefield to kill.

2. PAKISTAN - Obama was the first propose US counterattacks into Pakistan over a year ago (Aug. 2007), reiterating the fact that Al-Queada and their Taliban supporters orchestrated the Sept. 11th attacks and they are the real threat to America. In Feb. 2008, McCain blasted Obama for suggesting bombing our ally, Pakistan, when Obama was saying we needed to attack the Al-Queda bases if the intelligence is good, not just bomb indiscriminately. Bush also criticized Obama for threatening to attack Pakistan. Even so, the Bush Administration was attacking Pakistani targets without the Pakistani government's permission then, six months after Obama advocated for it, and now it's an openly acknowledged fact. Here is a good summary of this ongoing debate. Granted, Bush did say the US would attack Al-Queada targets in Pakistan in 2006, but later ridiculed Obama for saying the same thing in Feb 2008 during the campaign season.

To me, this fact shows Obama has surrounded himself with keen policy advisors and has access to little-known information, and will weather politcal attacks for what he knows is the right thing to do. This also is the beginning of the duplicity we now see that's so apparent in the McCain campaign.

3. AFGHANISTAN - Obama's been criticizing the bombing raids and calling for more troops in Afghanistan for at least a year. Obama has taken the issue of Afghanistan seriously since 2002, when he gave his address on the Iraq War. That same year, McCain said catching bid-Laden wasn't "that important" and in 2003, that the US can just "muddle through in Afghanistan". After years of Obama touting the need for focus on the war in Afghanistan, McCain now seems to agree on a surge there.

To me, this fact shows Obama is focused on making the US safer by intently and hotly pursuing those perpetrators of Sept. 11th, and not straining our military or distracting our focus with a misguided war in Iraq.

4. IRAN & SYRIA - Obama has stated for over a year and a half that he would engage Iran (and Syria) diplomatically. Bush and McCain both laughed at this idea, saying we can't negotiate with terrorists, even though Obama also says we don't negotiate with terrorists. In May 2006, after everyone had come to agree that talks with Iran were necessary, Bush agreed to indirect talks with Iran. Even Kissenger now agrees direct talks with Iran are necessary, "without conditions"! The only ones holding out on pursuing this avenue for peace are Bush and McCain.

To me, this fact shows Obama is willing to use all means, and especially put diplomacy first, to ensure we have a stable world order and prevent our enemies from threatening us or our allies. It also shows me that Obama's opinion is held by the majority of foreign policy experts and advisors.

5. "THE SURGE" - First, I should let Obama outline his plan for Iraq himself and address the surge issue, as he did in July 2008 in the New York Times. The surge has now allowed a limited drawdown of US troops in Iraq, and freed up these forces to now serve in Afghanistan. While violence was reduced, Maliki did not list increased troop levels as a factor to bringing calm to Iraq. Furthermore, most of the benchmarks for Iraq have not been met, the primary reason for the surge as stated by Bush; British withdrew from Basra, leaving peace; and the "surge" level is the same as the troop levels in Dec. 2005. Read more here. Hopefully now with the relative calm in violence, Iraqi politicians can now make political progress - and we should hold them accountable by gviing a time table.

To me, this fact shows Obama is willing to acknowledge the success of his rival's plans, ideas he disagreed with, to now use this success to further his own plans of moving us out of Iraq. He is a practical politician who fight's for what is right (ending the occupation) no matter how we get (out of) there. Withdrawing from Iraq is still the goal, but it will be undertaken with care and deference to good military commanders like Petraeus.

6. TIMETABLE - We know Obama has been advocating for a withdrawal timetable since Jan 2007 (a full year and a half ago). Never has anyone wanted to see us leave in defeat, which I define as another state supporting terrorism against us. Obama-Biden's plan states that while there will be no permanent bases in Iraq, a residual force will remain to protect vital national security concerns. Read their entire plan here. Yet now the Iraqi government is calling for a timetable, even citing Obama's proposal as a good guideline, and the Bush Admin. is even showing signs of agreement as of August! Even McCain thinks the timetable, or the Republican euphemism "horizons for withdrawal," is a good idea, praising Obama's proposal, even thought he thinks getting our troops home is "not too important". As Iraq's President Maliki himself stated, “Who[ever] wants to exit in a quicker way has a better assessment of the situation in Iraq.”

To me, this fact shows Obama knows what it takes to stick it out with a politically unpopular decision, only later, after weathering the ridicule and questioning of experience, to see his plans vindicated.

Competing Moralities? Republicans & Democrats

2008-09-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

In an essay, "What makes people vote Republican?" (I encourage reading the article in full - quite enlightening - but a breif summary follows), Professor of Moral Psychology at UVA Jonathan Haidt argues (convincingly) there are various ways of describing morality that can be divided into five various spectra, or what he calls "psychological systems":
1. harm/care
2. fairness/reciprocity
3. ingroup/loyalty (from tribalism)
4. authority/respect (from hierarchy/ordering society)
5. purity/sanctity (carnality=degrading, renunciating=noble)

The first two trace their roots to John Stuart Mill, who is one of my favorite writers and wrote a definitive work on liberalism: On Liberty. These two emphasize an individual's rights and implores people to voluntarily join the organization. Those who lean liberal (Democrats) tend to focus on these two moral spectra at the exclusion of numbers 3-5.

The final three, in contrast, use not the individual as the basic organizing principle, but the family or other small social unit. This line of thought traces its root to Emile Durkheim, and "A Durkheimian society would value self-control over self-expression, duty over rights, and loyalty to one's groups over concerns for outgroups."

Those who lean conservative (Republicans) tend to hold all five spectra/systems in their morality beliefs. Few in American would disagree with the first two morality spectra, but the final three may seem archaic or too traditional for modern-day liberals. However, for liberals to fully understand why people vote Republican, they must understand all five spectra of morality.

Prof. Haidt suggests ways the Democrats could do this: in loyalty, emphasizing diversity in unity by fighting racism, sexism and other phobias; in authority, personal responsibility and costs for not joining a group; and in purity, emphasizing the environment and condemning materialism.

There is no silver bullet, but understanding this framework will help both sides understand each other better... and realize we're all on the same human spectrum.

***Afterthoughts***

So then, are morals just social constructions passed down to us by the traditions of society? Some would argue this. Other would argue the Bible to be our guide, others tradition, others reason... and still others experience. These are the four pillars of theological argument (Scripture, tradition, reason & experience), and various pillars can be emphasized to bolster or tear down an argument.

I tend to lean towards Kant's categorical imperatives. He believes in a universal morality where you only will what you would want others to will, treating every human being as an end rather than a means and acting as if we all were legislating members.

Sounds a lot like Jesus' summary of scripture, aka the Golden Rule.

The Subtle Knife

2008-09-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

I just finished Book II of the trilogy, His Dark Materials, by Philip Pullman, entitled The Subtle Knife. I enjoyed but was not very impressed by the first one, The Golden Compass, and also heard the movie wasn't very good. The second book, however, is wonderful. The first one set the stage for a wonderful world, and the second takes it a runs away with the ideas and concepts and characters (similar to the first and second Matrix movies). I highly recommend it to anyone interested in a fantasy-exploration of original sin and the question of "What is consciousness?"

I also found this quote most interesting:

"I found folly everywhere, but there were grains of wisdom in every stream of it. No doubt there was much more wisdom that I failed to recognize. Life is hard, Mr. Scoresby, but we cling to it all the same." (281)

This line of thinking falls well into my trial-by-error philosophy, similar to the "trial-and-error" method used by many. Inevitably we will come up short in our endeavors, as we reach the limits of ourselves or others. Yet even in the shortcomings were are graced with nuggets of knowledge that help illumine our minds.

And the other related thought is also important: Indeed, life is hard, yet it's all we have. So cling to it - it's a choice we make every day.

As I'm reminded in the film The Dead Poet's Society, Carpe Diem!

Have you seized the day today?

Stacked Deck

2008-08-08T12:55:00.000-07:00

I recently read this post by Judith Warner from the NYTimes.com who talks about how many younger people are seeing the success of the historic struggles of equal rights as establishing rules that can be bent to favor some over others. The answer is to cheat wherever possible to get ahead. It gives the particular example of high school students reaching back generations to find a minority in their blood so they could mark their ethnicity other than 'white.'

Our democracy has become a meritocracy. Everyone is in competition, and only the strongest (or most deserving, successful, cheat-savvy, etc.) survive to compete the next day.

In another blog by Dan Schnur, I read about how the campaigns are turning negative, trying to prove their opponent is not trustworthy as president of the U.S. In this situation, we have lost all trust in our fellow brother and sister.

In an age when we're closer to our IM buddies than our neighbors, we need more person-to-person, face-to-face time with each other - for discussion, for dialogue, for discerning our communal call to be a people of faith and love and hope (1 Cor 13).

Whatever life deals us, let us encourage one another in the faith, that God is the giver of Light of all good gifts (James 1:17), and God is there with us through the muck AND the open road. May be thankful, may we be humble, may we be hopeful for a better tomorrow for all beings everywhere.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-23T11:59:00.001-07:00

I recently saw the Dark Night, the most recent Batman movie, excellently directed by Christopher Nolan and wonderfully written by him and his brother Jonathan. I think the movie explores some great themes on what terrorism does to a society, and how we might respond - explored here on another blog.

I had some thoughts of my own about the movie, especially as it relates to fate and free will. It won't make much sense without seeing the movie, and there are some spoilers... so see it!

Each of the movie's 3 main characters (let alone the others, like Rachel, the mayor & Gordon, who offer their own views on the situation) have a different worldtview, which plays into how they respond to terror, coming from being dealt a “bad hand” (Batman’s parents gunned down, the Joker’s abusive father, Dent’s love loss).

Dent sees the world completely through the lens of chance, of fate and causality. By chance he lives another day and doesn’t get shot in the courtroom, and by chance he lives through the Joker’s attack on the armored van. He’ll take his chances. But what irks him is when those chances are coerced by people behind the scenes - as the Joker explains to him in the hospital bed - and then he feels cheated. He goes on a killing spree, but still leaves it to chance (a flip of a coin) whether they live or die; more of a way to absolve him responsibility of their deaths, and instead blame it on fate/the coin.

The other two characters respond different to the theme of free will and fate. Batman continually exercises his free will, fighting on behalf of the innocent/good versus the forces of evil. He believes there is always a choice to fight, yet all the while realizes that he could very well lose everything, and all his efforts might be in vain.

The Joker has the most interesting and terrifying response- he seems to see the world as a terrible place, having lost faith in people (like Dent) in being good. Yet he refuses to believe in fate either, choosing instead to control the situation before him (as Gordon says, the Joker wanted to be caught, wanted to be held in central command so he could blow it up). Ironically, the Joker’s amazing and careful planning ends up creating the most anarchy of all, and everyone else is left in the dust trying to catch up to him.

So as the US responds to terror, do we become controllers and believe that it’s better we’re in control rather than someone else (the Joker), do we become fatalists and believe it’s all just a matter of chance (Two-Face), or do we become believers in the good and choose to fight evil wherever we come across it, promoting good even in the face of staggering odds (Batman)?

Update: For another excellent piece on what the Dark Knight means for us, please see this NYTimes Op-Ed Piece by Johnathan Lethem: "our good faith with ourselves is broken, too, a cost of silencing or at best mumbling the most crucial truths."

Consent v. Effort

2008-04-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

"The chief act of the will
is not effort
but consent."

Thomas Keating uses these words as he talks about comtemplation, and what to do when confronting difficulties in prayer: Will I accept (consent) difficulties or will I fight (effort) them?

I wonder what would happen if we took this approach to life in general. Certainly there are particular things we should not accept, perhaps letting the crisis in Darfur go on or preventing people from getting emergeny food or housing assistance.

Yet far too often we are prone to disagree with people and as a result remain stagnant in our own preconceptions. Nicholas Kristof's recent article does a wonderful job explaining how people tend to interpret the same information to solidify their positions and buttress their preconceived notions... often with the effect of reinforcing prejudice.

What if we were more inclined to accept the difficulties in understanding one another, rather than reeling out of control with every bump in the road?

This past weekend I had a wonderful retreat with my Trinity community house members. As part of our time together, we made an "affirmation circle," where we chose one person at a time to affirm, giving them positive feedback to what they mean in our lives and to the life of the house. It was an incredibly powerful and moving time... and without criticism.

Let us be more prone to consent to the things we cannot change, and use effort only when their is a clear injustice. In this way, let us promote unity rather than disunity, and peace rather than conflict.

Roasting Marshmellows

2008-04-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

Getting our hands & minds ready to roast 'mellows

Luke was not only a Doctor, but also our Examiner of Marshmellows

Talitha: Burn Baby Burn
Notice the angle of her elbow - so precise

Burned 'mellows Galore

Trinity House Retreat

2008-04-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend Talitha, Elizabeth, myself, Andrew, Erin and Luke (from L to R)
all took a retreat to Mission Springs, CA (about 1.5 hours away).

There we relaxed in the sun and spent time together, reflecting on the past year
and affirming what each of us mean to the house and each other.

We prayed, too: Luke the "Imam" as Erin just laughs...

On our way up to the firepit, where we had "hobo-packets" for dinner:
foiled packets with all kinds of goodness inside.

Calvin and Faith

2008-04-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today in Theology we talked about what John Calvin's answer was to the question of the semester: What is faith?

For Calvin, faith is the knowledge of God's good will in our lives (primarily through Scripture and Tradition); the trust or confidence in this knowledge that God is love and loves us; and, the boldness of action to respond to our belief in the knowledge of God.

In the Age of Information, I think too often we stop short of going beyond the first element. We receive new knowledge everyday, especially through the news cycle. But do we really believe it, especially when there are contradicting perspectives? And when do we ever take action?

NPR has a wonderful program series called This I Believe, where people give their various perspectives of what they believe. I have yet to hear one that did not talk about how what they believe affects how they live.

What do you believe? I'm not asking what you think, but what do you put your trust in, and how do you act based on this trust?

In this sense, we all act based on the belief in something - that the ground will not fall out beneath us, that the economy is (not) in a recession, that we will be around to withdraw from our IRA or Social Security accounts...

We all live by faith. Now let us live out our faith consciously.

War At What Cost

2008-03-25T07:57:00.001-07:00

Please see Nicholas D. Kristof's excellent article, which inspired this post.

Last week marked the 5-year anniversary, if one can call something so tragic in what's often used as a celebratory term, of the Iraq War. A group of seminarians and myself held a nighttime candlelight vigil, walking around campus and singing hymns for peace. We then gathered at the top of the hill to circle around and pray for those suffering from the war.

We've now passed the "Four Thousand Mark" in Iraq, a number none of were hoping we'd make: 4,000 servicemen and women dead, and another 30,000 injured and 100,000 diagnosed with a mental health issue like PTSD.

The $20 billion we're spending each month is the equivalent of $411 million per day or $5,000 per second... ... ... ... ... ... there goes my starting salaray as a pastor. A Congressional study found that the money spent each day in Iraq could fund an additional 58,000 children in Head Start or give 153,000 students Pell Grants for a year!

Total estimates for the war range from 1.2 to 3 TRILLION DOLLARS! Many are saying the war spending has had at least some effect on the current economic crisis. And yet we've borrowed all this money to pay for the war so far, as if we're charging the whole thing on credit. We (as in, my generation) will be paying for this war more than just with our lives, but with our livelihoods.

Since the so-called "surge" I do think there has been marginal 'success', if one can call a reduction in violence to now about one soldier's death a day, 'better.' The problem is that we're part of the 'solution', and as long as we're part of the solution, we'll be in Iraq indefinitely. Some think that's the card we have to play, but don't forget that 88% of active and retired military personnel believe Iraq is stretching our military forces dangerously thin.

Let's work for peace and pray our troops return home safely. Let's ask ourselves how we can best spend our resources. And let's work for a better tomorrow for all.

Pain at the Pump

2008-03-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

After reading a NY Times Opinion piece...

My dad arrives tomorrow for a camping trip down to Big Sur, and that got me thinking about gas prices. (Ever since Emily's been here, I've let her use my car under the condition that I pay for insurance and she pays for gas.) While the average national price per gallon is a record $3.28, the average price in California is around $3.60. And yes, we have higher gasoline taxes here, among other things.

While oil is now over $100-a-barrel, U.S. consumer demand actually fell the first couple months of the year for the first time since 1997. Even so, the world demand shows no sign of diminishing, with India and China fastly coming on board to the age of personal, motorized transport we Americans have been enjoying for several generations. Meanwhile, oppressive regimes in Iran, Russia, Venzuela and Sudan are all benefiting with record profits.

I agree with the NY Times editorial piece that we need a new energy policy, and no, ethanol is not the answer. We need to harness renewable sources like wind, water and the sun, and progress is being made, from upstart companies to the well-entrenched. Our government should invest in R&D for these technologies, rather than focusing exclusively on oil.

Meanwhile, let us be economic in our consumption, walking or biking when we can and carpooling as much as possible. If we are self-disciplined in our desires, we can be good stewards of our limited resources.

(I suppose going down to Big Sur isn't necessary, but once there we'll be sure to hike a lot... and post some pictures!)

Prophetic Preaching: The Same Light

2008-02-26T05:56:00.000-08:00

Written at 6am when I couldn't return to sleep...

This morning I awoke from a dream where I was in church and a preacher was (once again) declaring homosexuality as a sin. The unique part was that he opened up the space for a time of questions/comments after the sermon. (I have often wondered what would happen if preachers did this after any sermon.)

The air was very thick. I could feel the blood pumping through my veins, my muscles straining yet frozen where I was. A few people were crying. A thousand and one reasons came to my mind why I disagreed with him, but my final answer did not arrive until I awoke.

You see, I believe that 3,300 some years ago, a group of people cried out to their god and were delivered. They had seen a great light, and they had believed.

Later, when their ancestors were straining under the oppression of the Romans, they cried out once more, except this time the light shed to the whole world. Yet over time, humans tried to put this light out, and its message grew dimmer and dimmer.

Until once again, this very light led the African slaves out of slavery, gave the women freedom to vote, through off the yoke of colonialism in India, and continues to reveal itself in miraculous ways. Today, that same light still shines, and will lead us beyond ourselves and our debate about homosexuality.

So getting back to my answer... we are to embrace one another, to gently and firmly seize hold of the other, to physically bridge the divide as our emotions and thoughts catch up. As our chapel preacher and Marin Interfaith Director invoked Friday, we need to have more face-to-face encounters with 'the other'.

My answer is a hug. And not just one, but many, many hugs... symbolizing the gracious nature of our Loving God, shining through in the person(a) of Jesus Christ.

Power Outage

2008-02-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

It’s amazing how much we rely on certain things in life. Call them your “baselines.” Perhaps your baseline is that you will keep your job, have a car that runs or have a loved one always there for you… yet all these things (or persons) will pass you by, sooner or later.

For me, my baseline was electricity. Another big storm has hit the U.S., and this time it’s once again in my neck of the woods, the Bay Area. Powerful gusts over the night eventually knocked out the power this morning.

At first, nothing changed. I still reached for the light switch, looked at the clock and put my food in the microwave. After my experctations weren’t met, I remembered the reality of the situation: there is no power. And I have struggled to feel powerless.

All today, I’ve had to re-think the answers to many of my questions: Don’t know something? Look it up online… oh, wait. Need to email someone? Just… nope. Get some reading done? Snuggle up in a chair and… better be by a window.

Gradually I’ve transitioned into a different state, were power is not just in electrons and time does not feel like eons. I can still read for my classes, write thank you notes (long overdue), reflect on life, play guitar, meditate… and just be, with out the need for excessive energy.

For after all, electricity is a luxury: one-third (over 2 billion) of the world’s population do without it everyday. Taking one more step in solidarity – not by choice, but lived into.

Oh, and how was I able to write this? With the wonderful invention of battery power… only to post it later when all’s back to ‘normal.’

Kenya's Darkest Days

2008-01-28T08:32:00.000-08:00

As I write this, the violence continues in Kenya after December's disputed presidential elections. It has not reached levels like that seen (and fled from) by the West in Rwanda, but it's taking on the tone of ethnic cleansing as tribal gangs kill one another in towns across the Rift Valley. The leaders of the two main groups, the government and the opposition, will hopefully begin official talks this week under the mediation of Former UN GS Kofi Annan. (For further information, see this article and check the bbc.com for the latest.)

At this point, I don't know what else to do besides donate money to the Red Cross Kenya, and certainly PRAY. Pray for the political leaders, that a peaceful solution can be reached. Pray for the street leaders, that they will be temperate in the actions and not reprise violence with more blood. Pray for the poorly trained and equipped military personnel, that they have the courage to keep order and the wisdom not to exacerbate the situation. And pray for the people of Kenya, that they will all work for peace, stability and democracy, and not give up on the dreams of their fathers and mothers. A dream of peace, a dream of a nation of their own, a dream of hope for their children.

(So far none of the violence has harmed my friends over there, but there are many I have not heard from... please keep them in your prayers, too: Amos, Michael, Mosogu, Deborah, David, and others in Nairobi - Cathy, Wycliffe, Njeri, Joyce, Andrew, Esther, Beatrice, Nancy, Mary, Sarah - and the YAVs in Kenya this year... and all the families caught up and split up in the turmoil.)

Re-Building Walls

2007-11-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Some questions I have from today:

Is our societal system based on walls, i.e. what I own versus what you (do not) own? Are we about the protection of private property, the right to bear arms and the freedom of speech? Or do we stand for something more than our individual rights, something beyond ourselves? Are we about the universal rights of the people to natural resources, the right to be peace-makers and the freedom to build wholistic community?

God's Economy: No Scarcity

2007-10-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

In God's economy, there is no scarcity of resources. Just as there is no scarcity of God's love, there is no scarcity of food for the hungry, shelter for the destitute, or clothing for the naked.

The basic principle of economics is that resources are scarce, and it is precisely this scarcity that gives things their value. Capitalism takes natural resources, which God gave us to provide our basic needs, and turns them into a commodity.

What gives you your value? Your possessions? God doesn't care about what you "own." Your intelligence? God doesn't care about from which school you did or did not graduate. Your unique ability? God doesn't care how you market yourself. God loves you for who you are, wherever you are and whatever you do. After all, like a parent, he created you.

How you respond to God's love will give God joy or pain. To imagine, that we can cause pain in the heart of God! Yet how much more so if we were to give our brothers and sisters joy - so, too, will God celebrate. How audacious!!

I'm reminded of some U2 lyrics:
"Where you live should not decide
Whether you live, or whether you die."

What a world look like where pay were undifferentiated, regardless of what you did? What would a world look where the poor were our celebrities, our role models? What would a world look like where resources, such as access to water, food, shelter and good health, were available regardless of wherever you live?

Maybe it would begin to look like the Reign of God.

Engaged!

2007-10-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

Now that I've completed seminary midterm stuff, as in two papers and two tests within two days, I'm able to come up for a breath of fresh air... and declare the rumors (you may have heard) true: Yes, I am in fact engaged to a lovely Ms. Emily Ruth Presley. My version of events, with confirming photos:

It all started when the landing gear got stuck. I was leaving Oakland on my way to meet Emily in the Atlanta airport, where we would continue on to New Orleans, when the plane turned around because the pilot couldn't get the landing gear up. Thankfully it was stuck in the 'down' position. After a second try the next day at noon on the same plane, and the same problem occurred, they put me on a different plane and I arrived almost 12 hours later than expected. Meanwhile, Emily had arrived in New Orleans and spent the entire day getting to know my uncle, Lee, who was celebrating his birthday.

Together At Last

Lee, his partner Doug, Emily and I proceeded to have a wonderful few days in New Orleans, complete with a (day) tour of Bourbon St., various delicious ethnic foods, and even a wading through the streets of NO during a particularly heavy downpour. On Wednesday, October 24th, we flew back to Atlanta, where we would each part our separate ways...

...or so SHE thought! I had secretly made arrangements to fly back with her to Detroit. We had a tearful goodbye at the gate before she boarded the plane, before I then through on a friend's hooded sweatshirt and beanie, and acted like I was on the cellphone to cover up more of my face. I ended up just a few persons behind her in line on the plane, but had put her in the back of the plane and myself in the front. When we deboarded in Detroit, she was quite shocked to see me standing there!

"Oh No He Didn't!"

Her mom picked us up from the airport, and we had a good laugh at how I surprise her... little did anyone know this was just the precursor to the main event. A few hours later I took her to dinner at a nice Italian place in her hometown of Northville, MI. We then went for a walk in the historic park in her town, and came upon a large white gazebo decorated with rose petals and candles, and nicely arranged with a wooden bench, some crates with a large single candle on top and a dozen roses (I had enlisted her uncle Ed, an interior designer, to assist me). By now she new this was probably it... I bumbled through some nice words, saying what I could remember from what I had planned to say, and then got down on one knee and the rest is history.

Engaged in the Gazebo by Candlelight

So, thanks to all who have played an integral role in our relationship - Emily and I both tremendously value your impact on our lives, and we look forward to continuing on this life journey together.

No, really, WE'RE ENGAGED!

May this story bless your day today. It was a lot of fun in the making.

Hiking Mt. Tam

2007-10-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

One mile was on a road to the park...

The Crew: Rachel, Nori, Julia & Talitha

There was treacherous wildlife, like this (hardly) poisonous banana slug (at least 5 inches long!)

And the views just didn't stop... the Bay Area looking South, with San Fran rising out of the waters

Hiking Mt. Tam, cont'd

2007-10-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

Nori and Myself, overlooking Mt. Tam State Park and Lake Lagunitas

Talitha and Julia, mountain climbers extradinaire, with the Bay and Tiburon Point in the background

Rachel checks out the view, with North Bay and the Richmond Bridge as a backdrop

Two others, Raphael and Elizabeth, joined us at the top with much-needed rations...Who needs Fed-Ex when we've got door-to-mtn-top service?!

Why is Love so Hard?

2007-10-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about this question lately, both in the context of ministry and in life. In particular, I think about how hard it can be love others whom you disagree with or don't know very well. And how much HARDER it sometimes is to love those whom you agree with and know really well!

I think one answer that sheds some light on this question is that we are all needy beings. Our neediness makes us want to control others and the future; makes us jealous of others and their seeming happiness; makes us lonely and wanting of relationship; makes us less perceptive of the truth about ourselves so we feel better; and all of this tends to make us fearful.

In Sondra Wheeler's book, What We're Made For, she sees the Christian faith directly addressing our needs/neediness. She says that, "Worship Limits Control-Seeking", "Communion Responds to Jealousy", "Prayer Answers Loneliness", "Confession Corrects Self-Deception", and Confidence in God Rescues Us from Fear.

While this is a bit formulaic, it helps me think creatively about how and why ministry is so important in this world. No where do we find that money or leisure or travel or shopping or eating or sleeping are an answer to our needs. Only by going beyond ourselves in love do we begin to see past our own needs and rest in God's assurance.

And yes, to do this thing called love is hard. Yet the fruit is worth eating... and sharing.

Listening as Surrender

2007-10-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight in my class, Pasor as Community Organizer, we reflected on how the act of listening can (and possibly should) be an act of surrender. We shared the times when we've felt most hurt by someone. Oftentimes it is by someone we love and trust. At these times, I've felt betrayed, lost, not trusted, misunderstood... I felt the biblical phrase "and his heart was hardened" applied directly to me.

Listening as Surrender meands giving of your time to people, being vulnerable to what they share, being open to whatever happens, and giving your full attention to what they are saying. I've heard that only 15% of communication is verbal: the rest is tone and body language. It takes 110% percent of our attention to fully understand someone. How much are you giving?

Think about the people who truly listen to you. Name them. How are they surrendering their time, their perrogative to do something else, in order to simply be with you? These are some of the most important relationships you can have.

Who do you truly listen to? In a play off of Ghandi's words to be the change you want to see in the world, be the listener today. See what God does in your heart.

John Bell: Loving Our Bodies

2007-10-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today we had the privilege of having Rev. John Bell, founder and member of the Iona Community in Scotland, and known throughout the world as a wonderful musician and songwriter, talk in our Introduction to Ministry class. He said a number of remarkable, insightful things, of which I paraphrase below.

While the body is subject to the brain, the Word didn't become intelligence but flesh. We are a ministry of bodies, in that all we do and see is physical. Therefore, we must LOVE our bodies; God won't give us another one. To love ourselves and each other, we must love our bodies.

The questions for discernment he gave us: What is God doing in your life and the world? Now that you've identified these things, how can you help to be a part of that work? How do we dare to be a part of God's ministry in the world without getting in the way?

Just as discipline in exercising our bodies is loving them, so we must exercise our love through discipline, in doing what is hard but right, difficult but true. In this way, we love at our utmost, using all of our strength, mind and soul.

Sufi Iftar Dinner

2007-09-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tonight a group of us joined a Sufi group to share in their Iftar dinner. The Iftar dinner is simply the meal after sunset to break the fast during Ramadan. The people were extremely nice and welcoming, and the food was stupendous - reminded me a lot of Meditarranean food, particularly Lebanese.

Sitting down (on the floor) to eat: Myself, Luke, Alison and Barb.

The Sufis are described as the Mystical Muslims.

This was their holy place. Each time they entered or exited, they bowed towards the center of the room.

A local Imam visited the Sufi center to join us for the dinner.
I thought this was classic, with him receiving a DHL letter, and yes, that's a Macy's bag at his feet!

Second-Wind

2007-09-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been dragging. I'm not sure what it is, but I know my friend Lydia was feeling under the weather last week and just lacked a lot of energy. I'm tired but not quite tired enough to take a nap, and as a result I just keep pushing through my tired feelings until I get a second-wind.

When I was in high school, I went to JH Ranch, an evangelical Christian camp in Etna, Northern California. They draw a lot from the Southeast and I was probably their first (and only?) person from Delaware. The motto of the camp is essentially testing ourselves physically and mentally, through ropes course work, white water rafting and wilderness navigation, as a reflection or in preparation of testing ourselves spiritually. Essentially, you get to the point where all you can do is rely on God, rather than your own strength, and take that leap of faith to get to the other side. The program was aptly dubbed "Second Wind."

That is what I am praying for: a daily resurrection, a reversal of my myopic reality, a turning of the tide (to conjure up images of LotR). In digging deep, I hope to rely on not on my own strength, but that of Christ, in which I can do everything (Phil 4:13). My God rejuvenate your soul, reverse your circumstance, and deliver you to the other side.

Muir Beach

2007-09-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

The beauty of where I am, Marin County, continues to astonish me.
It's so wonderful to have someone with whom to share it!

Not far from Muir Woods is Muir Beach!

Full of fun rocks to play and climb on!

These rocks are called "haystacks," and are left over when softer, sedimentary rock has been eroded away from this harder, volcanic rock.

A nice view of the Marin Headlands.

To Emily's left (your right) there is apparently a (un)designated nudist section of the beach.
(Not pictured: the two naked people we saw before turning back).

A Walk in the Woods

2007-09-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

On our last day, I took Emily to Muir Woods, about a half-hour from the seminary. It is one of the few remaining sanctuaries of the Redwood forests, which used to cover much of Northern California.

These trees can grow upwards of 300 feet tall and are straight as an arrow. The bark looks like sinew, being rooted in the ground only 10 feet deep but up to 100 feet in diameter.

Walking in these woods makes me think of Lord of the Rings. Many of the trees grow in families, intertwining their roots for support. Within one grove, eleven trees surrounded a dead one, which had given birth to its "children." It made me think of the Apostles...

It's as if we'res standing between the legs of one of Tolkein's Ents!

Or being eaten by one!

A Reflective Hike

2007-09-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today Emily and I hiked up Mount Baldy, about an hour's hike up from the seminary.

Taking time to reflect

It was a great time to exercise our muscles and spend some time reflecting.

A distant view of the city

Despite having a limited amount of time together, we have so much to be thankful for: good health, loving family, supportive friends, few financial worries, wonderful weather, ample leisure time...

Taking It All In

There is so much to be thankful for when we take the time to stop, listen and reflect.

Two Thankful, Happy People

I'm thankful to have a partner to join me on this journey of life and faith.

Parks of SF

2007-09-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

There are so many beautiful parks in San Francisco! And many of them are at the top of the hills with tremendous views of the city! (Emily's shirt says: "All I need is Love"

In Bristol Park

Nestling

At Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park
(A little smushed, but I don't mind)

A Golden Gate Sunset

2007-09-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

We ended our first day together (strategically) near the Golden Gate at Sunset.

By the Golden Gate at Sunset

Looking towards Angel Island and the Bay

A San Francisco Moment

Dusk at the Golden Gate

Emily Arrives!

2007-09-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

With much delight and anticipation, I welcomed Emily to San Francisco today!

We spent the day just looking at each other...

Laughing...

A lil' smooching...

And just enjoying God's presence,
thankful that we have this time (6 days!) together.

Coastal Clean Up

2007-09-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today was National Coastal Clean Up day. A group of us went down to Rodeo Beach off of Marin Headlands to join about a hundred other people to clean up the beaches. We scoured the landscape and picked up all kinds of stuff. There was some sea kelp that I thought was trash - it was huge! It felt good to get up early on a Saturday morning and participate in a national event, as well as get to know a few friends better. I think it's important we are good stewards of this Earth. As I read in a recent IHT article, it is us, and not the Earth, who are in danger.

The Crew: John Scott, Rachel and Pete

Yeah, Man! We're Hard Core!

Now ain't that a clean lookin' beach?

Scouring the Rocks for Trash

Jammin' In

2007-09-14T23:25:00.000-07:00

Live music with friends in the den: It doesn't get much better than this. We've gotten together a few times and jammed over the weekend, and it's been a lot of fun... to just listen, to join in, to simply be, letting the music rock your soul. So far, these jam sessions have been a highlight of my time here; a reminder of past and present fellowship.

Talitha on Base

Pete on Guitar, Elizabeth on Sax

Relaxed

Strummin'

Bike to the Golden Gate

2007-09-11T21:50:00.000-07:00

Today I ventured out for a short 40-minute bike ride with Andrew...

...that somehow ended up with me going on all the way to the Golden Gate, 15 miles away!

So that makes a 30-mile round trip with some pretty incredible views...

...and I even stopped to play in a pick-up game of basketball.

All in all, it was three hours of much-wanted recreation/exploration time.
Out here in Marin, I'm fastly becoming a biking machine!

Church as Mission: But What of My Mission?

2007-09-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

In my Intro to Ministry course, we discussed the different types of theologies behind missionary work. Essentially, there are three broad categories: Missions as Evangelism, Missions as Liberation, and Missions as Social Change. (I'm being quite broad here as I have larger questions on my mind than definitions.)

Perhaps these mission categories could be described as speaking to, for or with the targeted group. As in, we are speaking to the people about faith in Christ, we are speaking for them on issues of economic or social justice, or we are speaking with them about local issues and how redemption comes in a local setting.

I've been praying and discerning over the weekend this question: How will I be involved in the community(ies) here in Marin near the seminary? Will I coach? Will I do YoungLife? Will I do street ministry? Studying just doesn't seem to be enough - I feel the need for an outlet for my thoughts in way of simple action. Yet I do not want to rush into things, as I'm proned to do, and find myself in over my head.

My deepest desire is to speak from my heart, from where I come from (in thinking about community from my previous post, Community Organizing). Yet I'm still trying to discern where I come from... and from there, hopefully where I am and where I am going. It is hard for me to be patient, to not do anything "of use" like reading and studying, yet perhaps that is where I'm called at this point: to focus on my studies and listen to the Spirit calling in my life.

May have the patience to listen, the awareness to hear and the wisdom to discern.

Powerful to the Peaceful

2007-09-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

I joined a group of fellow seminarian friends for a wonderful day down in the Golden Gate Park at the 9th annual Powerful to the Peaceful concert event. I was only told that the Indigo Girls were playing, and that it was free, which was enough to get me down there. There were tons of anti-Bush, anti-media, free-thinking, organic produce, contact yoga demonstrations, and hippies galore! If I had any doubt that I was in California, and perhaps more pertinent, the Bay Area, there is none now: Looking around me (hopefully pictures will come from a friend), I told myself I had officially arrived in San Francisco.

Some more thoughts... what does it take to make peace? Must one be antagonistic towards war supporters at the expense of turning them into war-mongers? Is there such thing as democratic voice after people are elected, or must we wait until the next round of voting? Can all people afford to buy recycled or organic products? Or is it just another fashion statement?

These thoughts and others left me with lots to chew on as I adjust to living on the "Left" Coast.

Community Organizing: For What Purpose?

2007-09-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight was my first class at Berkeley through the GTU: Pastors as Community Organizers. I've had some experience before with organizing in Washington, D.C. when I was an intern at Church of the Pilgrims. However, this model is under PICO rather than IAF, with a focus on anyone can be a leader in their community - it's just a question of encouragement and how. I'll have more details soon as I begin the reading for the class.

For now, though, I'm struck by how many people are coming into the class from active ministries in their communities. From pastors to elders, from urban to suburban, from American to South Pacifcers, I am struck by how much raw experience these folk bring into the class. It makes me feel very humble, as I come into the class without a specific ministry or community to which I'll be returning. I have some experience, like in D.C., along with youth work and missions, but I feel very disconnected from how I will use the knowledge in this class.

I came to seminary not really knowing how God will use me when I graduate. I suppose even if I did know, it would change over time. Even so, it's hard not to get anxious about what lies ahead in the future - more so when I think of all the people who are supporting my studies here. After all, this profession is different that others: We are being trained to serve others, and secondly to support ourselves. I'm struggling to see how my present "investment in myself" is going to benefit others.

And so I turn my eyes toward the hills, in search of something greater than I can fathom.

"Oh ye of little faith..."

"Hurricane Architecture"

2007-09-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

Today we had our fall convocation for us, the new students, as well as new faculty and staff. We heard from our President, Dr. Phil Butin, preach on "Hurricane Architecture." He spoke of two entities within the church that were most theological 'chewed-on' at the turn of the 20th Century: the church as Institution and the church as Movement.

The institution side of the church tends to be well-established and grounded, and thus is built to resist change for the sake of continuity. The movement side of the church does better to catch the flow of spiritual change, but can easily wither away without a strong base. Dr. Butin said the two entities, while often seen at odds with each other, do best when working together, as the pendulum of the Holy Spirit might move from one side to the other.

He then likened the building of sky scrapers as an example of how to build a physically robust structure that uses natural designs, such as the golden ratio, to exist with the forces of nature; his "Hurricane Architecture." For much of recent history, humans have built structures to withstand the onslaught of nature, and are proud when their structures are left untouched after a horrendous storm. Most recently, however, architects are now using technology largely derived from nature to have buildings actually move during an earthquake or bend slightly to hurricane winds in an effort to stand with rather than with-stand nature.

I thought it was an excellent example of how to balance two trends, institution and movement, with two goals, continuity and change.

Mountain Biking: An Introduction

2007-09-02T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today I was introduced to mountain biking in the Bay Area, by a friend, Jonathon Evans. Jonathon and I met when I visited SFTS 2 1/2 years ago. He's since graduated and working as a chaplain at a local elementary school in San Jose, CA.

The view overlooking Santa Cruz and towards Monterrey Bay.

I began the day down at Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley outside of San Jose. Former PC(USA) GA Moderator and current moderator of Prebyterian Peace Fellowship, Rick Ufford-Chase, spoke about the future of the church. He sees mission as vital to the livelihood and strength of the church, getting people involved in mission work that moves the heart and soul... quite inspiring to listen to! He also only 'lasted' one semester at seminary - we'll see how I do!

About to bring down the hammer

In the afternoon, we headed out towards Santa Cruz, and about half-way through the mountains turned off onto Summit Road to do some serious trail-riding. We climbed for about 45 minutes, pausing to take these pictures before turning our wheels downhill for an exhilerating blast down the mountain on intense single-track.

Two Studs, Ready to Gid 'er Dun

At times it felt like I was skipping down the hill, so fast I was going and how many stair-drops there were on the trail. (However, I was never too out of control, Mom!) At the end of the day, I could not deny what a beautiful place this is, especially for the adventurous, and how fortunate I am to have friends to show me around!

Barbara Evans, who kindly opted not to come and show us up, was more than happy to join us for dinner back at the ranch... and introduce me to another exhilerating experience, but one I couldn't quite handle: olive oil and black pepper on vanilla ice cream!

Seminary to the Sea

2007-09-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

As part of an ongoing tradition at SFTS, I joined a group of students and faculty in a hike from the Seminary (San Anselmo) to the Sea (Stinson Beach). It was an excellent bonding experience with other classmates, and I had several good conversations over the six hours (12 miles!) of hiking.

Myself at Lake Lagunitas

Bon Tempe Lake

Bearded Glasses: Myself and Pete!!!

Gettin' 'er dun

Seminary to the Sea 2

2007-09-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hei Jung: "Here I am!"

Overlooking the Pacific Oce... Clouds?

Zeus Pose

A Moment of Rest & Reflection

Seminary to the Sea 3

2007-09-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hei Jung & Nori say a quick prayer before the final descent

The Group: Home Stretch!

Erin & Molly

Ryan Baum actually benefits greatly from panting

Entering Thoughts

2007-08-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

During this week of orientation, I have been blessed with many good conversations and food for thought. At the heart of it all is the question, "What does the Lord require of me?" I pray for determined patience as I ask, seek and knock for God's answer.

In budgeting, we learned a few helpful principles. It is helpful to distinguish between a want and a need, or as it was re-phrased, what comes "before me" and what comes "after me." We were warned that the Marin lifestyle, of cute boutique shops, eating out and fancy cars, can not only be seductive but also destructive. Also, scholarships are an act of faith in you, the recipient. It might be for something you've done, but it's really for your service in the future. This last thought was a particular challenge to me, as I feel particularly blessed with the financial assistance I have received so far for seminary.

I also met Ruth, who is from Kenya! We spoke some Kiswahili with each other and were both much encouraged to make an unexpected connection.

I even found myself in my first theological discussion at seminary, talking about how the academic theology of the university is not addressing the social-political theology coming from grassroots ministry. Ramon, who brought the idea to my attention, believes there needs to be a dialogue between the top-down approach of academics with the bottom-up approach of social justice movements. I agreed, pointing out there was much power-sharing that was needed to allow others to sit down at the table as equals.

All in all, I have been pleasantly overwhelmed with all of the great food, stimulating conversation, and spirit-moving worship of this opening week! As I allow all of these thoughts to enter my head, I pray I will open my heart up to the spirit's movement in all that is happening.

Tree Protesters

2007-08-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

Today we visited the GTU in Berkeley, about 45 minutes away over in the East Bay. There we heard about some people who were up in a tree in defiance of a proposed expansion to the Cal stadium.

"The Earth isn't dieing... The Earth is being killed!"

So my friend Pete!!! (to emphasize his preference over Peter) and I headed off to find these people. We soon found a small group of people standing behind a chain-linked fence, with a policeman watching from inside where the trees were. Redwood, one of the people supporting the protesters, befriended us.

Myself with the Tree People

Apparently, people have been in the trees for over 9 months in protest. Currently there are 11 people up there in the trees. The fence was recently put in by the school to protect the protesters from the football fans on the upcoming opening game day. We had thought it was to starve them out, but overhanging branches allow for some transport. A judge recently ruled the fence to be in compliance with safety concerns.

Pete!!! and Redwood in front of the food supplies for the tree lovers

It's interesting that a cause such as cutting down trees would cause such a riot, but such is California I suppose. I did admire these people for spending so much time there - think of all the food that must come in, the sleeping arrangements up in a tree, and then what to do with waste! I hope a more peaceful agreement will be brokered that makes both sides happy without resulting in court appeals and such visual protest.

Pete and Myself in a Tree of Our Own

In admiration of their efforts, Pete!!! and I decided to claim a Tree of Our Own that will not be cut down. Ours happened to be outside the GTU library. An administrator came out to politely request we come down, and since it was time for the library tour and our resolve was weak, we quietly obliged. Thankfully passions on both sides were not so fierce.

Paradise Drive

2007-08-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today I headed out with my trusty guide and friend, Andrew, on a 26-mile ride called Paradise Drive Loop. We begun in San Anselmo, made our way to Mill Valley, then crossed over the 101 to Tiburon before returning through Meadowsweet and Corte Madera.

Andrew takes a break in Tiburon.

It was quite an extensive loop, making for a great workout topped by one spectacular view of the bay after another. All of these were taken at our one break halfway, in downtown Tiburon.

A boat and a bridge

Seeing all the sailboats in the bay made me think of sailing on Lake Tahoe with Dad and Chuck. It also reminded me of how fortunate I am to be studying in a place of such great wealth and beauty.

It's times like these I miss Emily

I give thanks for what I have, and place my trust in God for all those things my heart desires. In this way, of offering thanks and relinquishing control, I feel what the psalmist felt in saying, "In You I lack nothing."

Hiking Around Lake Phoenix

2007-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'd heard there was great hiking and mountain biking in and around Marin County. My newfound friend and housemate, Andrew Hoeksema, took me on a little local hike this afternoon.

We biked a mile before arriving at Phoenix Lake, where we ditched the bikes and walked up a dry creek bed, meandering through a shady grove. I cannot believe what beauty is right in my backyard! I marvel at God's glorious and wondrous creation!

I have a feeling I will need more of this time in nature as the year goes on, and I find myself wallowing in books and papers.

The Hikers

Andrew

Myself

The Phoenix (Lake)

Biking around the Bay

2007-08-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here I am at Golden Gate Park.

In the park I found a bridge, pond and even paddle boats!

Entering the San Franciso Botanical Gardens - No bikes allowed!

Getting a little lost, I climbed a tree to get my bearings - and what a view I found!

More Biking around the Bay

2007-08-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Another shot of the Botanical Gardens - possibly the arboretum?

I biked the length of the Golden Gate Park, finally to arrive at the promised ocean:
The Pacific! In all its cold, cloudy glory.

Yes, I biked that! It's so steep I couldn't even get the street in the picture. ;)

And finally, the Golden Gate Herself!

Point Reyes

2007-08-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

We arrived in the Bay Area and were able to get this one shot looking up the north shore of Point Reyes before the fog overtook the peninsula... enrapturing us in a cool wet welcome to San Francisco.

Desolation Wilderness 2

2007-08-18T18:18:00.001-07:00

Desolation Wilderness 3

2007-08-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Lakes of Desolation Wilderness

2007-08-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Desolation Wilderness

2007-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe in Background

Desolation Wilderness

Hee-YAH!

No-name Lake

Eagle Lake

2007-08-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe in the background

Eagle Lake

Entering Desolation Wilderness...

Overlooking Eagle Lake

Lake Tahoe

2007-08-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay
(harboring Lake Tahoe's only island, Fannette, apparently a gross mispronounciation of "coquette", French for a flirtatious young lady)

Emerald Bay

Our friend Chuck, who invited us to sail on Lake Tahoe

Idaho Falls

2007-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Of Spelunking and Sunsets

2007-08-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Exploring Lava Tubes

Craters of the Moon

2007-08-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

A bench... here?

Don't Slip...

A Big One

Where ARE we?

Going Nuclear (Part 2)

2007-08-15T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dare I?

(close up)

Whew, that was close!
Yeah, we're really in the middle of NOwhere...

Good thing the Devil's ship has run aground.

Going Nuclear

2007-08-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in Idaho....

Can you feel Dad's excitement?

Dad in a prior lifetime

Which way out??!

"It's for your own good, Son."

Lake Solitude

2007-08-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Looking back towards the Tetons

Lonely Island in Lake Solitude

Lake Solitude

From whence we came...
and whence we shall return.

Cascade Canyon

2007-08-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Vini, Vidi, Vici!
(hardly)

Silent Wilderness

Teton's Own Half-Dome

Hike to Inspiration Point

2007-08-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hidden Falls (made Dad's top ten list of waterfalls)

Hiking up Mt. Doom

Almost there...

And look who's showing off on top!
If it isn't (clothed) Gollum himself...

Moose!

2007-08-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

An un-doctored shot... followed by some doctored ones.

Sunset in Tetons

2007-08-13T17:41:00.000-07:00