Reflecting on idol worship over at draught-ing theology

Good questions posed over at draught-ing theology this morning!

Bishop Mark Dyer says that every 500 hundred years the Church holds a giant rummage sale.

Phyllis Tickle (among others) says the classified ad space has been purchased, and the sale is ongoing.

The lessons for this Sunday say that it is and will be ok.

The OT lesson, the 10 Commandments, reminded me this morning of how often the Church makes idols of things; the Bible (KJV or otherwise), the Book of Common Prayer, collars, vesteture, narthex(es), altar rails, etc. Because we associate this stuff with the worship of the LORD, it often finds its way into our "sacrosanct" category - the stuff we can't live without.

At some point, however, it becomes hard to discern what we are actually worshiping. Is it stained glass windows, altar rails, and organ music or the LORD? If you try to eliminate any of the first three, you'll quickly find that the last is just an innocent bystander.

Jesus turned over the tables in the Temple because the system had become an idol - they went through the motions to get their card punched, and plenty of people were willing to make some money helping others assuage their guilt.

What would Jesus thrash with a whip of cords in our day and time? What has become an idol? Who are our moneychangers?

What do you think?

draught-ing theology: idol worship

Steve says this is the Single Most Important Verse in All Scripture

John 1:14

It could be!

My friend Steve over at Draught-ing Theology has written a wonderful, concise reflection on John 1:14 (no, not John 3:16) and on the Feast of the Incarnation (otherwise known as Christmas). Do travel over and read his entire reflection HERE...I've posted a bit below ...

~ Rev. Peter M. Carey

From Steve at "Draught-ing Theology"

The Single Most Important Verse in All Scripture

OK, that might be overstating the case just a little bit, but John 1.14 is, despite what lots of signs at sporting events might argue, the most important verse in John's gospel.

The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood... (1.14a, The Message)

The ramifications of the Incarnation, the Word becoming flesh and blood, are enormous. The word John uses for flesh [and blood] is sarx, the same word Paul uses in those lists of sins of "the flesh"; the same that the Greek philosophers used when railing against the messiness of humanity.

That God (or any god for that matter) would deign himself to the messiness of flesh is radically unorthodox in John's time and place. While we might be very familiar with the great poetry of the prologue to John's gospel we can't forget how mind-shatteringly huge this phrase from 1.14 is. Read it all HERE.

http://spankeysblog.blogspot.com/

Installation of Virginia Theological Seminary Dean and President - Live Feed

On Tuesday, November 13th, The Rev. Dr. Ian Markham will be Installed as the Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS). There is a live feed on the VTS website to watch this installation tomorrow at 4:30. I hope to tune in, if I can. I am hoping to see my old friend Steve on the webcast...so watch out Steve!


Information on this live feed is below:


Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Installation of Dr. Ian Markham as Dean & President - Streamed Live
Time: 4:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Location: Lettie Pate Evans Auditorium

Reception in Scott Lounge and Refectory immediately following.

The Chairman, the Board of Trustees, and the Faculty of the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia request the honor of your presence at a Celebration of New Ministry for The Very Reverend Ian Markham, Dean and President.


If you are unable to attend, please be sure to come back here to watch the Installation live. The latest version of Windows Media Player is required to view the event. To update or download Windows Media Player:

* For PC: Windows Media Player 11
* For Mac: Flip4Mac

The Beatitudes: You are Blessed!

My friend Steve, over at draught-ing theology has quoted Eugene Peterson's 'translation' of the Beatitudes in The Message...as I am working on preaching on this text coming up, I really appreciated this translation and also Steve for posting it...I guess I need to buy The Message, eh? What a great message, YOU ARE BLESSED!!!!!

From Eugene Peterson's The Message:

1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (The Message)