Pop Culture Roundup

I've been continuing on through Christianity's Dangerous Idea this week. I'm to the part in the book where McGrath analyzes how Protestantism tends to think about issues such as the Bible, the sacraments, and the church. He emphasizes "tends," as he repeatedly points out that Protestantism was not and is not a monolithic entity, as much as critics make it so for handy purposes of debate. I've appreciated McGrath's discussion of sola scriptura in particular: he notes that this principle was meant to establish the Bible as the primary authority above human institutions such as popes and councils. Of course, the question then becomes, "Whose or which interpretation?" McGrath notes two ways Protestants tend to answer this question: 1) in light of inherited tradition such as the creeds, or 2) in light of the contemporary community's discernment together. The book is long, but it's been informative.

I saw the second Transformers movie this past week. Short version: a big silly explosionfest. We revisit the lives of some of the characters from the first movie, most notably Sam (Shia Labeauf) and Mikaela (Megan Fox), and the military guys, who are now teaming with the Autobots to find wayward Decepticons. The Fallen, the "first Decepticon," is waiting on some other planet for the perfect moment to strike back at Earth to unveil a machine that some of the earliest Transformers built, which can create energy for their race by blowing up the sun. Some other classic Transformers are introduced such as Soundwave and the Destructicons.  One subplot had me thinking we'd get Rodimus Prime as well, but they didn't go that route.  Nevertheless, depending on the specific scene most of the movie is blurred robot fighting where you can't tell who's who, explosions, Sam or another character freaking out about something, and more explosions. As an action movie where you can shut off your brain for a couple hours, fine. As a pristine work of cinema approaching Shakespearean levels of genius (which seems to be what a lot of movie critics somehow wanted it to be), of course not. And bonus points are awarded for the Rainn Wilson cameo.

The new season of Entourage started this past Sunday, and not a whole lot of time has elapsed on the show. Vince has completed shooting his new movie with Scorsese, but aside from that not much has changed. Eric is still running his management agency, Drama is still shooting his TV show, and Turtle is continuing in his inexplicable relationship with Jamie-Lynn Sigler. In fact, everyone is in a pretty good place when the season starts, and the episode ends hinting that the guys are all ready to break out from their tight group to pursue their own ambitions. I liked it. To paraphrase one character's line, "You can't keep living in a frat house." That seems to be the direction the show is headed this season.

I picked up The Dead Weather's debut album this week. This is Jack White's other, other band, except this time he's playing drums. I'd compare the sound to the Black Keys or to '70s blues-rock...not a strict comparison, mind you, as they pull from a much wider variety of influences than that. But those are what stuck out in the first few listens, with a lot of stomping beats and crunchy guitars.  The lead singer, Alison Mosshart, has this Joplin/Jett thing going on as well.  This has easily become one of my favorite albums of the year so far.

From around the web, here's The Dead Weather performing "Treat Me Like Your Mother:"

Small Sips: The Cranky Church

Selling your soul: The Naked Pastor offers some advice for candidates entering the ministry:

1. Stop thinking independently and keep your own thoughts to yourself!
2. Memorize whatever it is you are supposed to believe. Regurgitate! Regurgitate! Regurgitate!
3. Agree with everybody and disagree with nobody. Keep your job is job one.
4. Plan on never changing your mind or having a crisis of faith or morals.
5. Read a room and totally conform to it. Never rock a boat, even a bad one.
6. Meet expectations without resentment. You are the composite of everyone’s religious fantasies.
7. Keep about 20 years behind the times.
8. Criticize everything and everyone who is different from the most popular religious status quo.
9. If you have a personality, lose it!
10. If you want out, break any of the above.

Yeah, it's cynical and sarcastic. But it also highlights the hard work that pastors have to do and the courage that they need to do it. Of course, it also speaks to the resistance that they'll encounter and the implicit, if not overt, expectations of congregations.

The common denominator for a lot of these is comfort. The pastor shouldn't have his/her own opinion, shouldn't appear vulnerable, shouldn't change severely outdated models and practices. The kicker is that many pastors probably don't fully realize that these expectations are waiting for them until they get into their first pastorate.  It's one thing to be told or warned about them in seminary, it's another to encounter them face to face.  That's been my experience, anyway.

Cranky Christians: Beth Quick highlights part of a post from another blog about the minutiae that some churchpeople get hung up on:

How the worship bulletin is designed, where the baptismal font is placed, who gets to choose the hymns — these are only important issues to those who have no real understanding of the gospel. Those who reduce our faith to such insignificant issues are those who have no real desire to be the body of Christ — laity or clergy. How to make a difference in the world, how to save a person’s self respect and dignity, making sure a person has a safe place to sleep or a warm meal — these are the things our faith tells us God is interested in...

The reason this came to mind is a short email I received last week that asked me the question, “Why are you so dedicated to helping people who don’t live good lives, when there are so many good Christians that need comfort and care?” I don’t know how to answer this questions. Those who are Christian have got it all. The people who need us are the whole reason we exist! I can’t waste time dealing with coddled malcontents. My ministry is to the lost, the damaged, the sick, and the oppressed. I thought that was what it was all about…

Cranky Christians? I’m trying to love. The world? I wish I loved it better. My goal? To make those who know Jesus care more about those who don’t.

The last sentence is what struck me as an excellent summation of this post.  

First off, it should be noted that the full body of this post includes both pastors and laypeople in its critique (You mean pastors can be cranky and hung up on the little things, too?  Naw, can't be true).

And it boils down once again to comfort.  Ministering to the lost, the damaged, the sick, and the oppressed can be scary.  It means putting yourself out there in situations that won't be completely in one's own control.  And who wants to do that when we can have a rousing argument about the newsletter border?  That's safe and controllable; that other stuff not so much. And thus the anxiety about change manifests itself in these petty ridiculous ways.

Subversive Rather Than Cranky: Finally, Kingdom Grace reflects on the current economic climate and the place of the church in it. After a few quotes from other places as background, Grace offers a few bulletpoints to chew on:

~The dominant cultural model of our churches has been to copy the models of corporate business in organizational structures, leadership styles, productivity, performance, and marketing.
~Perhaps those systems that mirror the corporate culture will also mirror their collapse.
~Should we look to these same systems to organize the recovery of a church that could be different?
~The church that exemplifies the kingdom is not conducive to the powers of an elite oligarchy.
~The church that is an alternative witness to this culture will look radically different than the celebrity-led, consumer-fed, mega-campus complex.
~God forgive us for the turbo-capitalism that drives us to success rather than faithfulness.

I'm still thinking about this post and its implications, and Grace admits that she's only scratching the surface. And the quotes she includes have a lot of meat on them as well, including some stuff that will make comfortable churches cranky.

On Appropriate Use of Righteous Anger

I'm still thinking about General Synod. I'm still thinking about the episode that played out during the Tuesday morning plenary, but I'm also thinking about some other events.

I'm thinking about a report made by the national youth staff, particularly of a national effort to meet with and survey youth and young adults from all over the UCC, during which a condensed version of this video was shown:



And then I think about the person who stepped to a microphone afterwards and complained that there were no minorities included in the video and, as I recall, no minority youth included in the survey. There were plainly minority youth included in the video, and Thomas Chu, the head of this effort, waited very patiently at a mic before sharing that he had, in fact, met with multiple groups of minority youth throughout the UCC.

And I'm also thinking about the nominations for Executive Council, when the youth from Ohio (not that there's anything wrong with that) stepping to the mic to ask why no youth or young adults were on the ballot. The response was that youth and young adults were included on the board, and these were to fill other vacancies.

I think about these three scenarios, and I'm a little concerned. And I know that I'm not going to end up saying this as well as I want to, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway.

At Synod this year, I saw and heard more righteous anger than I think I ever have at these events. People seemed to be ready to jump to a microphone at any real or perceived slight to their own cause or group; to be offended and to express offense at every opportunity. It seems to me that this Synod exhibited a level of sensitivity and emotion that both affected the atmosphere and was preventable.

Consider that the protest of the "single governance" outcome and subsequent insinuations of racism could have been prevented if someone had simply used the process to move for more discussion time. Consider that there were minorities included in the youth video, whom someone didn't see or chose not to see. Consider that the spots being filled on Executive Council did not call for youth or young adults at this time.

I worry that this Synod was illustrative of what is consuming and will consume the UCC over time: misplaced righteous anger. I worry that we're being overcome by a desire to rush to charges of discrimination; an attitude looking for opportunities to be offended that will ultimately distract us from our real work as a church seeking to pursue and embody God's love and justice.

I hear the objection. I hear and understand that part of our work to embody that justice is to make sure that all are fairly represented at the table. And I hear and understand that we need people to remind us when that isn't happening. We need voices calling the entire group to task when someone else's voice is being silenced. I do not disagree, and I hope that this post isn't being read that way.

My point is that, in these specific cases, the cause for offense was not an accurate perception, or could have been prevented. People spoke often at this Synod out of their emotions when a more rational assessment of the situation could have been more productive. And I worry that emotion is becoming the rule of the day in the United Church of Christ. I worry that righteous anger, whether warranted or not, is becoming a primary determinant of our work, rather than a reasoning together of people who share a goal of seeking God's kingdom in the world and a unity in Christ. I worry that moments truly calling for that righteous anger will be lost in the shuffle; diluted to the point that they won't stand out from the rest.

Pop Culture Roundup

I finished The Story of Edgar Sawtelle this week. Since it's loosely based on Hamlet, I kind of saw what was coming. I just didn't know how Wroblewski would do it. The final section of the book has a certain anxious quality to it, featuring short chapters switching between different characters' perspectives as the climax mounts. The story is of Edgar Sawtelle, but it's also about the legacy to which he contributes. That part isn't necessarily clear until the end, but then the reader can look back and see all the points at which this piece was being developed. It was an excellent novel, and its 500+ pages are worth it.

So now it's onto another lengthy book, Christianity's Dangerous Idea by noted Christian historian Alister McGrath. McGrath explores the legacy of the Reformation - both the larger context in which it began and the lasting ideas that have carried down through the centuries. McGrath explores aspects of the context that we often should have assumed, such as the fact that Luther wasn't the only one attempting reformation even in his own city at that time...he was just the one who captured the largest audience. In fact, some of his fellow reformers considered him too soft, too conservative. McGrath also explores how both the Lutheran and Reformed movements struggled each in their own ways to gain momentum beyond their immediate regions. I'm enjoying it so far.

We watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist this week. Michael Cera stars as Nick, a lovelorn sad-sack in high school who is unable to get over his self-absorbed ex-girlfriend. Norah happens to be one of his ex-girlfriend's best friends, although the dynamic portrayed between the three female characters is mostly one of sniping back and forth. Most of that is instigated by the ex, who seems to take great joy in causing as much chaos with other people's emotions as possible. They all end up together at a gig that Nick's band plays, which sets up an all-night adventure in downtown New York City (the movie doesn't bother to ask about the parenting wisdom, or lack thereof, that goes along with this). The movie's title hints at the common bond that Nick and Norah share, that being music. One of the subplots of the movie is the entire group searching for an elusive band that leaves clues as to where they'll play next. Another is that Norah's father owns a recording studio originally built by Jimi Hendrix. Mostly thanks to its setting, the movie is able to put a new spin on some well-worn qualities of similar movies. The soundtrack is good, too.

The new season of Entourage starts this Sunday. From reading past Roundups it may seem like I actually don't like this show. There is a certain predictability to it...there's no real sense that the guys' friendships are ever going to hit real trouble or that Vince's career is in real danger. However, this past season was perhaps the most interesting because it really did strive to cast doubt on Vince's future...it was the first time he stumbled, and that provided a good story. But that season ended with Vince hooking up with Martin Scorsese to do a movie, so there isn't a whole lot of concern as this season starts.

From around the web, here's a well-done video of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meeting Edward Cullen. There's even a happy ending. Enjoy:

An Empty Lot

Here is an empty lot.

It is not our empty lot. Our empty lot hasn't even been mowed, let alone turned into a flat bare patch of dirt.

But it should have been by now. Our basement should have been put in yesterday. But it has not. There's some kind of hang-up with the engineering permit. So the original stated goal for us to be in by early October is now "hopefully before Halloween."

It's a little frustrating. It's not really in our hands, but we're certainly starting to raise a stink. Not a huge stink at this point, just enough for, like, people to wrinkle their noses and say, "Aw man, that's irritating. We should open a window." Except there's no basement, let alone a window. So the people smelling the stink have to live with it until they build the basement so eventually they can build the house with a window that they can open to get rid of the stink.

As you can see, it's a very complicated process.

The other thing that I have to figure out with my Consistory is a housing allowance, now that we'll be moving out of the parsonage. I need to read up a lot more about how to do this. I'm ordering a resource...the scant resources that I already have seem to indicate that I should have figured all of this out before the new fiscal year started, or even before I began here. If that turns out to be the case, this does not bode well. But as I said, I don't know much about that stuff yet.

I have a lot to learn, and it's a little nerve-racking. And having more than an empty lot would do a lot for morale.

Clotheshorse Meme

Courtesy of the RevGals:

1. Are you a hoarder, or are you good at sorting and clearing? I try to sort and clear as much as possible. Every so often, I make it a point to go through my closet and my dresser and fill a bag full of stuff that I know I'll never wear again. Some of it tends to consist of t-shirts from a conference or some other event that I'd only really wear around the people I experienced it with, but...why? That, and I don't kid myself about looks that I was once into but now don't like or am embarrassed by.

2. What is the oddest garment you possess and why? I have a Wal-Mart vest from my short-lived stint in the wonderful world of retail. I was most certainly supposed to give it back, but I never did.

3. Do you have a favourite look/ colour? While packing for Synod, I was struck by how much black I own. Look-wise, take jeans and add either a polo in the summer or an untucked dress shirt and jacket in the winter.

4. Thrift/ Charity shops, love them or hate them? Love them. At one point, at least a third of my wardrobe was compiled of thrift store gems. Then I graduated college, and that slowly faded away. I still like to peruse, though.

5. Money is no object, what one item would you buy? An Osgood Red Wings jersey. I have plenty of dress clothes and suits, and I even own a tux. So I don't need any of that stuff.

Synod Final Thoughts

When I wrote on Monday that this General Synod seemed to be the most laid-back that I'd attended so far, I had no way to foresee what would happen on Tuesday morning.

During Tuesday morning's plenary, we discussed the proposed resolutions on the national setting adopting a single governance model to replace its current multi-board structure (they were submitted later, and thus weren't mentioned during my review of the other resolutions). I have mentioned this topic in general before, but a Synod resolution, if passed, would press the issue in a significant way.

There were nine resolutions submitted on this issue: most for, but also a few against. It was surely to be the most hotly contested issue this year, and plenary played that out, though not in the way one would expect.

The committee presented their report which, predictably, offered one compiled resolution from the many with which they were entrusted. There were amendments to the language discussed, which took up quite a bit of the allotted time. In fact, by the time we returned to considering the main resolution, we'd run out of time and were pressed to vote. The resolution was adopted, and thus the move toward a single board continues. The final draft can be viewed here.

Now, here is where I'm not sure that I can adequately represent what happened next. I myself was disappointed that the main resolution had not been given any debate time, but neither I nor anyone else had moved to extend discussion. That's point one. Point two is that there was someone standing at the microphone designated for proposed amendments, who wasn't recognized. I can only assume that the expiration of debate time had something to do with that as well.

Nevertheless, when it came time for the next committee to present their work, a small group of people, clapping and singing, made their way down the center aisle of the hall and gathered down front. After the singing grew louder, it gave way to one member of the group shouting about the "injustice" that had taken place. It wasn't until another member of this group was given time to address the body that it became clear that she had been the one standing at the microphone for amendments, wanting to introduce a substitute resolution. But again, time had not been extended. There were several attempted motions to revisit the issue, but they were ruled out of order.

Admittedly, I am not as aware of the issues surrounding opposition to this as I could be. One of the main objections seems to center around whether there would be adequate representation of minority groups, and there has been a concern raised that a single governing board should be comprised of at least 50% minority representatives. This objection was voiced in an unnecessary manner by Christians for Justice Action, a UCC justice ministry, that wrote in their Synod newsletter of the "great (white?) sigh of relief" after the vote, implying that the way this episode played out was motivated mainly by racism. Never mind that, among other things, it would be very difficult to truly see whether those who voted in favor of this resolution were only white. Never mind that the Collegium, who is accused of maintaining tight control of the process, is made up of multiple races. Never mind that the same voting body that is being called "racist" also just elected a black General Minister and President. Never mind that, from what I gathered from people present during the committee process, that there were repeated organized disruptions of that committee's work. And, again, never mind that nobody had stepped to a microphone and moved to extend discussion.

And never mind that I and many of my fellow delegates are now being called racist, assumed simply by virtue of our voting a particular way, and by virtue of being a certain race.

I truly feel like I've only been privy to half of a conversation. This is the tragedy of the entire single governance study process up to this point. But it's also illustrated the need for a sacred conversation on race that doesn't make assumptions about me the same way I am being asked (and have striven) not to make assumptions about others. That's what disappointed me the most about Tuesday's events and aftermath.

Immerse Yourself

Hello from Grand Rapids. And yes, the rapids are quite grand. This is a beautiful city, and this General Synod is possibly the most laid-back one that I've attended thus far.

Last night began the committee work, where each delegate is assigned to a committee to process one or more resolutions before they're brought to the floor. My committee had some changes to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws, and while there was the predictable haggling over grammar and word choices, we had a fairly calm--albeit long--evening that actually saw the completion of our work. Hence, my morning today is freed up for me to hijack one of the computers in the exhibit hall to type this out.

Prior to the committee work was River City Saturday, where people were invited to attend a number of speakers, workshops, and performances in and around the convention center. Musicians performed at nearby Rosa Parks Park all morning and afternoon. I saw Barbara Brown Taylor in the morning (and got my copy of Leaving Church signed), heard Jim Wallis in the afternoon, and attended a workshop based on the book I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church later in the afternoon. It was a full day that culminated in the evening with a celebration of the ministry of John Thomas, our outgoing General Minister and President.

Yesterday morning were a series of "sacred conversations on race," which I mentioned a few posts down. The less I write about that, the better. I went, and was disappointed. More to follow if you really want to know.

In the afternoon was a huge worship celebration at which John Thomas preached. He included this illustration about witnessing baptisms in a river in Africa, where one native commented that they need to watch out for crocodiles whenever they do this. Rev. Thomas tied this into the Synod theme, "Immerse Yourself," and reflected on how afraid we in the UCC and in the mainline are often afraid of the crocodiles when called to immerse ourselves; afraid to share our faith and to completely immerse ourselves in what it means to follow Jesus. As much as people question whether he is being prophetic when speaking on more political issues, I've experienced him to be very prophetic when preaching to Synod...in these moments, he provides a sort of counterbalance and reminds people that we shouldn't be patting ourselves on the back quite as much as we'd like.

Rev. Thomas did the same in his "farewell address" at the end of the celebration of his ministry. As much as he celebrated what he was able to do in office, he also acknowledged the shrinkage of the denomination and that he's not leaving the church in the state that he dreamed of.

There is more to do, but I was glad for the time to check in. I'll provide some further thoughts once I'm home.

Coffee at Synod

I'm at General Synod for the next few days.

There's no telling whether I'll have much access to a computer. If I do, maybe I'll check in.

Peace.

...