Random Thoughts

November 13, 2006

• Elections: First, there were, of course, national elections on Nov. 7. The country seemingly spoke quite clearly that they were not pleased with the current administration and congress. Most of the anger was reported to have been over the Iraq war and corruption in congress. Well, come January we will have some new faces and new leadership, at least in congress. Of course there will be new leadership in the Defense Dept. too, although confirmation may prove to be a challenge for Bob Gates. It seems he did not tell all he knew back during the Iran-Contra affair. As an aside, that represents another dark moment in our countries history. As an aside to that, how is it that Oliver North is now a hero after his involvement in that affair? Sorry, I digress. Back to new faces and new leadership in congress: we will have to wait and see if the direction changes in Iraq (and how could it not? It is a complete failure at this point). We will also have to see about the corruption thing. Republicans certainly have no corner on that market. And, just as a reminder, even though I have been no supporter of the Republican administration and congress, do not look for me to be a cheerleader for the new Democrat congress. The role of the church, as I see it, is not to be involved with any political party but rather to hold any and all parties to account for the way they conduct themselves and the people’s business. The fact that this is not the case for the so-called religious right, a part of the Republican Party, is one of the most troubling things about that part of the church for me.

Second, the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas elected its 13^th bishop on November 11. The Rev Larry Benfield was elected on the 7^th ballot. I wonder if you have to be named Larry to be bishop of Arkansas? Just kidding, that’s no way to start a relationship with one’s new bishop. I hope we can work together well for the growth of God’s kingdom in our little part of the world.

• My frustration continues to grow with our culture as it pertains to Christmas. The city of Hot Springs changed a downtown fountain into a Christmas tree just after Halloween. The Christmas parade for this town is November 30. I have even learned of a local church that is offering its Christmas musical program on December 1. What happened to Advent? This is likely a loosing battle, but one that I am not willing to give up. Those of us who believe that December is a time for preparation for the Incarnation have little or no chance against secular society. It is even more difficult when Christian Churches join the society. But I am not really picking on them either, because people in liturgical churches, like ours, are ready to shop and party too. Did I ask what happened to Advent?
• Our Sunday morning Bible study continues to have strong attendance but I am wondering if some might soon drop out. Why you ask? Because most, but not all seem to really enjoy being stretched to reconsider their long held views of Scripture. Those who are feeling a little threatened, and there are just a few it seems to me, may find it too uncomfortable. And, of course, this is to be understood and appreciated. I do, however, wish more people could hear a challenge to established views, sort them out, and either accept or discount them, and continue on listening and praying with others who are struggling too. I just hope that what we are doing has an impact on someone’s life and helps make them a better disciple, not the least of whom could be me.
• I will be in Chicago Nov 15-18 along with members of all of the standing commissions of the Episcopal Church. We will meet with the new Presiding Bishop and then begin to conduct business in our several areas. It is always refreshing to go to national meetings like these because it exposes me to the great diversity that is present within our church, a diversity that is often not apparent in some parts of the church.
• My commission deals with ecumenical and inter-faith relations. One of the things that is causing the biggest stir in our work is talk about whether or not one can experience God apart from Jesus. Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefforts Schori has said publicly that it is possible. I believe she is right. This, however, is not the church’s teaching, this is an evolving issue among Christians and has a great bearing on how we are in relationship with other people throughout the world. We all know what the New Testament says about this, “No one comes to the Father but by me,” but many of us are beginning to wonder if it is possible for we Christians to have the only truth about God, and can we say definitively that we know the mind and will of God? Among many Christians the answer to both of these is yes. Again, I know what the church’s position is on this and I do not teach otherwise. But as a thinking, praying and hopefully faithful person I am coming to believe God can be experienced in many ways.
• If anybody reads these things I’ll be hearing about that last one.