February 2012 Archives

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At 11:45am on Wednesday, February 15th, Concordia University, St. Paul hosted JoBe Cerny, the voice of the Pillsbury Dough Boy, for a convocation titled, "The Word of Promise: The Bible as an Audio Book " in the Buetow Music Auditorium.  JoBe shared a few stories from the three-and-a-half year process of creating the audio book of the Bible, and explained its conception adding that funding for the project is still being worked on. A nine-minute clip of highlights from it was played that was shocking for the audience because it was so similar to a Hollywood-like drama filled with opera singers, loud symphonic music, and the voice of a weak human Jesus about to be crucified. Afterwards the audience asked JoBe questions related to the book such as, "Why did you choose the King James Version of the Bible versus another?" or "Is this going to be translated into different languages?" Each question had a decent answer, but sometimes he would go off on tangents instead telling stories that were not necessarily relative. 

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The clip which was played during the convocation from the audio Bible itself confused a few audience members. Some could see the ministry in the audio book of the Bible portrayed in this Hollywood-drama popular way, in drawing audience members to this new-take on the Bible, but others could also see this whole thing ending badly in taking people away from reading the scriptures themselves. The apostle Paul said that faith comes by hearing, but that was in a time when silent reading quite peculiar, so now that we have the ability to read or hear the Bible, which is better? Which is right in the eyes of the Lord? Does it matter? Most Christians would agree there is power in reading scripture, but maybe it does not matter whether it is being read or listened to because, according to Martin Luther, it is not the scripture itself but the Holy Spirit which fills one with faith. However, the idea of replacing a reading of scripture in each congregation with this pre-recorded Hollywood version is rather uncomforting. How would this affect Sunday school services, or the way that people learn about God? When discussing those who say "there must be a God, just look around you, just look at nature, there has to be a God," a professor of mine once raised the question, "what does this tell you about your God?" The way we view the things of God have a huge impact on how we view God, so will kids who grow up listening to this over-dramatized version of the Bible always view God in wrathful ways or expect their lives to be like movies? Will they be able to relate to the scriptures at all or look past their lessons and only see the literal stories at hand? 

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I believe that the Holy Spirit speaks through us. When someone does the reading for the church service there are so many more variables added to how one views the reading compared to if it were pre-recorded. If it is the same pre-recorded scripture heard again and again, eventually one would be able to predict the tone of voice, the inflection, the cries, etc., but with readings no one knows how it will be done. Yes, it is the same words being read in that sense, but it just seems wrong to just press play whenever it is time for a "reading from the gospel according to John". There is a time for these sorts of things, and perhaps it is more appropriate for a bathrobe drama, but for a Sunday service, a Bible study, or even a personal spiritual journey, I do think it is better to leave more room for the Holy Spirit to speak to us through a live reading. Perhaps I am just afraid of change, but I do seriously think scholars of the church need to think about this before we just start replacing humans with pre-recorded voices. 

Also, something about JoBe Cerny did not sit right with me. Some of his stories brought some inspiration, and yes, they were interesting, but I failed to see the Christian side of things. He vaguely touched on the fact that it was a ministry reaching out to people in a whole different way, and I guess, I did not really believe the stories. I am not sure if the story of the woman not recognizing the "script", which was the Bible word-for-word, was a good thing or a bad thing. What does it mean that she did not recognize the words of the bible if she was truly well versed in the scriptures? Did the Holy Spirit fill her after she heard? I felt more like they only completed the project of creating the audio Bible to say that it was done rather than for the purpose to spread the "Good News", bring one closer to God, or share the scripture with others.

A suggestion for the marketing team of the audio book would be to get involved with an organization that would allow them to donate one audio book to specific organizations for each one sold or even just donate money for each one sold or something. Or an organization could fund the entire project as to get the audio Bible available for all ears everywhere so that none are excluded from this opportunity to, "hear scripture an entirely different way". I suppose that would take a while, and is not completely realistic, but e

ither way I do not feel the spiritual movement in this thing. While I understand the artistic side of its creation, I do not know whether or not this is right. Maybe in the future this will prove to be an excellent foundation for a new sort of ministry, but until then I will continue to read my hardcover, paper, silent Bible.

DESCRIBE

          At approximately 5:15pm last Wednesday, February 15th, actor JoBe Cerny had an honorable dinner and discussion with the Concordia University, St. Paul Honors Program. JoBe, better known as the voice of the Pillsbury Dough Boy, has done many things including acting, directing, working with Second City, helping produce the first full audio Bible, and doing some writing for the Twilight Zone TV series.  He explained how he got to be in the successful position which he is in today, and offered up inspiring words as he answered specific heart-felt questions of students who were kind enough to share their dreams within the group. JoBe said not to set limits on the self, to think about what to do with a forty-year career instead of having such a short-term outlook on life, to follow the interests and passions of the heart, to spend time thinking every day, to think bigger dreams than one could ever imagine being successful, and to look for NOTHING in everything as a challenge or opportunity instead of a problem. He inspired students to set goals, follow dreams, and realize what actually motivated the self, instead of what motivates those around it. 

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          Although the conversation was meant to focus on how one's passions, personal success, and God's calling interweave, the discussion went off-track, as most honorable discussions do, into a world of motivation, encouragement, and free-thinking. JoBe tip-toed around the Christian aspect of things, but Honors kids added their own Christian perspective (though they kept Christ out of the audible chatter at the dinner table) through deep internal processing. JoBe said to spend time thinking every day, but could this not take place as one lies in bed just before falling to sleep in a conversation with God? JoBe asked students to re-evaluate their dreams, set goals to work towards them, and suggested that students set no limits, but could this not be translated into Luke 1:37, "For nothing is impossible with God" (New International Version)? JoBe told students, "You'd be surprised at what you can do, when you really push yourself," but could this not be similar to, Philippeans 4:13, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength," (New Living Translation)? Though it might be difficult for others, Honors kids seem to be trained to always find faith in all learning they do.  

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          With or without the Christian perspective, the one thing that provided me with the most motivation was when JoBe said, "You'd be surprised at what you can do, when you really push yourself." While that might be the motto of an unhealthy workaholic, it might also provide an excellent motto for a student who wishes to make up for their terrible last semester, me. This phrase has proved positive for me so far as I attempt to grow spiritually and mentally while establishing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. One of the most difficult steps is getting from where I am to where I want to be, and this motto might just be what I need to get there. As I trudge through this spring semester with only a goal of making good grades, where does that leave my mental, physical, and spiritual health? Not exactly in prime condition, so what do I do? I take some time to think, I think bigger dreams then one could imagine ever being successful, I search for NOTHING in order to make it SOMETHING, I do what makes me happy, and  I set goals that are Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic and Time-stamped in order to get me where I want to be. God can try to lead people in the right direction, but it still takes the actions of the people to get the results. God will provide for anyone who asks, but the hard labor must be done by someone. God can assist in bringing brilliant ideas for that one New Testament paper, but that does not mean the paper will be sitting in the mail the next morning with a return address of "the man upstairs". No, it takes work, goal-setting, actions. Someone's gotta do it. 

DESCRIBE

William C. Placher's book, Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom of Vocation, explores what it means to be called by God in different periods of time. Section two of the book focuses on vocations in the Middle Ages (500-1500 AD), and evaluates the different styles of religious life at the time. In this section John Cassian and St. Benedict of Nursia explain what it means to live out the rigorous rules of the monastery, and Sulpicius Severus gives his readers the biography of St. Martin demonstrating an entirely different perspective of what it meant to be a Christian as a soldier. The rules of the monastery supposedly brought each monk closer to perfection in the eyes of God, reminded them of their humility, and forced them to truly depend on God to provide for them. Humility, in a monk's view, was the path to contemplation of God. The story of St. Martin, however, showed how one could physically fight for the glory of the Lord. The questions for Christians at the time were "what kind of Christian should I be?" and "what should religious practice look like?" This gives modern readers a peek at what kind of callings Christians of that time struggled with, and perhaps what Christians still struggle with today.

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Through careful evaluation of what it looked like to be called by God in the time of the Middle Ages, perhaps modern readers will reconsider what it means to follow Christ and what religious worship should look like today. Though much of this is already laid out by the church or congregation, hopefully members of their church do question why things are the way they are just as professors encourage students to do so in a collegiate environment. However, I do not hope that this would lead to change for the sake of change, but instead enhance their understanding of the worship service. The question of what it means to be a Christian in this world is continuously changing and being re-evaluated to adapt to the ever-changing world. Just last semester, the sophomores and freshmen of the 2011-2012 Concordia University, St. Paul Honors Program discussed this as they focused on what it means to be a human and a Christian in this interconnected world filled with technology and social networks. 

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This reading might have been a little odd for the modern reader as it explained how monks had to humble themselves so much daily in order to serve the Lord, and practically gave up their human lives to live a life for God and God only. In the introduction to this section of the book, Placher notes that, "Unlike most of us, medieval monks and nuns chose a life that left plenty of time for disciplined thinking about God." Is this right of wrong? Will our salvation be affected if we do not give as much time up to God as these monastics once did? Is this something we should be concerned about? We each need to have some time set aside to speak with God, and we can still live our modern lives while living for God. That's why I love Martin Luther's concept of calling, because we can serve God in all that we do without being a pastor, a nun, a monk, or a clergy member. I have the opportunity to go to church, but I don't have to, I want to. I have the honor to because I was saved by Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I can serve the Lord as well as the world with my God-given gifts in my daily work. Thus it is my personal choice to have time with God.

Something else noted in the introduction is how "We twenty-first century folk are so focused on doing that we can forget about being." This was easy to relate to as a college student, and I seriously think it should be something all people reflect on daily as we rush through our lives completing task after task without necessarily contemplating or enjoying life. Just something to think about. 

DESCRIBE          

          At 7:00pm Tuesday, February 7th, Four Seasons Elementary School of St. Paul, Minnesota hosted the Republican Party Political Caucus for the local community. The caucus included a few people speaking on behalf of Republican candidates such as Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Dan Severson, and even the daughter of the host of the caucus as a neighborhood babysitter. Overall, the man who spoke on behalf of Ron Paul received the most support with 

vigorous applause and informal cheering. Once the session completed, people were forced to join their precinct in the appropriate rooms to gather, discuss solutions, and elect delegates, a chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary for the precinct.  To any newcomers, this discussion and election process took quite some time as a few people had quite a bit to say in regards to solutions for the state of Minnesota related to things like being for or against gambling, and why or why not one should consider becoming a delegate for their precinct. It certainly was a very welcoming learning experience, and since the group was so small, it was informal enough for students to have no fear in sharing their opinions. 

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          What was most surprising about the discussion was the informal proposal of the mediator at the end; she was unsure of how active the group was planning to be, but she was welcome to having anyone over at her house for tea or coffee and a snack anytime just to chat about some of the issues discussed or anything in general. It was fascinating to see the compassion of the mediator, and to truly feel welcomed despite age, race, or gender to join in the conversation of politics. She reminded each member of the group to see why things like this are so important, "why democracy works so well," and, "why this Nation is so great." She explained how each of us is called to serve our community, city, state, and the world in which we live as a citizen within the government of the United States of America. This view of calling was inspirational, and raised the question of what it means to be a Christian in politics. Martin Luther does not separate God from the law, but it can be difficult, as the Honors class discussed previously, to see God's work in the law and legislation as it is run by people who are of sin. 

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          Although the mediator's message was inspiring, and the lecture was interesting, I still feel skeptical in coming to any conclusions on this Nation's status or politics in general. I do feel called, as a citizen, to have some general understanding of American government, politics, and economics; however, it will take time, and for now I will do my best to have an opened mind when being confronted with political debates. All Christians should have the same sense of calling, especially if they wish to see their religious perspective or influence further embedded into the American government. I believe we are called to be educated, and it is a shame that not all people can be due to financial or socioeconomically obstacles. I think even if God sees us as perfect because of Jesus, it is right to do our best to be all that we can be as a human in order to give glory to God. I mean this in all senses: mentally, spiritually, and physically--all our hard work can, in a sense, be a way to honor or give glory to God. I don't think God will hate us for not being mentally, spiritually, or physically perfect, because, of course we are not perfect, but I do think being healthy in the mind, body, and soul can be something God would want us to do. 

DESCRIBE

         At 8:00pm last Friday, February 3rd, the men's basketball team of Concordia University, St. Paul defeated Upper Iowa 79-to-74 at the Gangelhoff Center of Concordia. It was a fight to the finish as Iowa tried to get possession of the ball foul after foul after foul. Unfortunately for them, CU Golden Bears did not let up their defense, and made all their free-throw shot towards the end. The game was entertaining for those who love basketball, but for some it was also an opportunity to gather with friends, family, and alumni alike to support their CU Golden Bears, building relationships along the way.  

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         The author finds it difficult to see the Christian aspects of the basketball game, not just in reference to the actions within the game itself, but with the game in its entirety from the ritual of the singing of the National anthem and the reading of the NCAA rules, or the warm ups beforehand. Perhaps to make it more obvious one could suggest adding a prayer to the pre-game ritual, however, that is not completely necessary to see the theology in it all. Showing love and support for friends or family members on the court, building relationships in the audience, and coming together as positive enthusiastic supporters rather than demeaning negative screamers can all be ways in which one could argue Christians display their spirituality. One could also see how certain games are used to promote various charities or social causes, raising awareness of social injustice, or even celebrating social justice. The attendance of these games show how the Honors program is not simply about theology or faith, but also about learning through enrichment activities such as these which bring new perspectives, values, and principles to the lives of many. 

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         As a former basketball player, it is interesting to reflect with a theological perspective on basketball. It is more difficult to see the Christianity in the audience, but less so to see it in the sports themselves. Building the character of individuals, assisting them in becoming all that they can be as a leader, athlete, and a person, and showing athletes what it means to be a part of a team rather than an individual, all of these can be paralleled to Christians as they constantly attempt to better themselves in the eyes of Christ and better their relationship with God. People of all ages come into church as beginners, learn about Christ, learn the scripture, practice applying such things to their lives, and overtime develop as athletes of Christ. This is not to say that those who do not come into the church are not doing their best to develop as a 'better' Christian (whatever that means), but Christians around the world are attempting to be a part of a team in a Church or in a Bible study group, or elsewhere, gathering together for the common cause of worshipping or praising God, learn more of God and his scriptures, and support one another in building their relationship with Christ. As long as there is effort willing to be put forth, who knows how Christians will 'perform' throughout the world. 

DESCRIBE

          Last Wednesday, February 1st, the Buenger Education Center of Concordia University, St. Paul hosted the convocation "Day of Awareness: Are We There Yet?" with a panel made up of CSP Faculty and students who would share their experiences with the audience involving race relations on campus. They answered a few pre-reviewed questions, but also opened up the floor for questions or discussion towards the end of the convocation. Beforehand, however, a presenter explained what had been done on campus thus far for race relations, and what is planned for the future. Further details were given on the campus survey on race relations, the button campaign, the Share Your Story Project, and the C. A. R. E. (Coalition Against Race for Everyone) Project. As the title implies, the convocation was not meant to change lives, but to bring awareness to students, faculty, and staff on campus that might have been previously unaware. The presenter also explained that that they are not blind to all the other "-ism's" on-campus, but that this convocation will begin the conversation with racism. 

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          The Honors program knows what it means to integrate faith and learning, and it seems that this is exactly where the convocation was headed as panel members reviewed racial issues on campus with a theological perspective remembering that Concordia University, St. Paul is a Christian University. When the newly-established promise statement of the school claims that Concordia is a place where "Christ is honored and all are welcome," how does the University intend to ensure that all are welcome at this Christian Unverisity? What are they welcome to? By whom are they welcomed? If they are welcomed on behalf of the University and that means all students, faculty, and staff whom are members of the University, then what is the plan to ensure this is done? The convocation was meant to raise awareness of the deficiencies in whatever efforts are being made to end racism on campus as racial slurs and remarks continue to be said throughout campus by various individuals. Administration must decipher some sort of way to get students, faculty, and staff training or education on, not just racial relations, but social justice in general, going over most if not all of the "-ism's" imaginable not by looking at examples and saying, "look at those evil racist people," but by self-reflection, realizing that there are things one might say or do that impact others more than one might intend. It is important, also, for the University to understand its stance on all-inclusiveness as it claims "all are welcome," and attempts to define what "welcome" means for this Lutheran Missouri-Synod University. 

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          As I reflect on the convocation, the mission statement, and the promise statement of Concordia University, St. Paul, a question I would like to see answered is how to ensure that "Christ is honored and all are welcome" here at Concordia. I understand it is easier said and done, but I truly don't think we can say "all are welcome" until we define what welcome is, and after that, ensure that all are truly welcome (if that is our final statement). What does the Lutheran church or Concordia University, St. Paul under the Lutheran Missouri Synod Denomination, values, and principles have to say about Muslims, the deaf, the blind, the handicapped, homosexuals or LBGT organizations in general on campus to support Lesbian, Bi-Sexual, Gay, or Transgender individuals? I am not saying we need to be an all-encompassing University that serves the needs of anyone who could possibly want to come to Concordia, but what do we mean by "all are welcome", how do we plan to put that into action, and if we're not planning to put it into action, or if 'they' are not welcome, then perhaps some editing is in order.

Sites: 

- http://www.values.com/

- http://www.hrc.org/

DESCRIBE

          The question of what it means to find one's calling, or what it means to be called by God is and has always been a difficult one to answer. Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation, a book edited by William C. Placher, does its best to explore the different perspectives of what it means to have a "calling" throughout history and today inside and outside of religious vocation. Section one, "Callings to a Christian Life: Vocations in the Early Church, 100-500", gives the reader the accounts of early Christians who were called by God including two martyrs, two people who converted to Christianity, a single defender of the accused Christian faith, and many more.  In the first few centuries of Christianity, although it was not widespread, persecution of Christians was a very real thing. The accounts of martyrs Ignatius of Antioch and Perpetua give the reader insight into a world where choosing to be Christian was a life or death decision, physically and theologically. Both writings display how passionate these martyrs were to die for Christ as he had died for them. Although the writings may seem weird to some readers of today, others may find them to be a source of encouragement and a prime example of steadfast faith.  

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          As one continues to try to answer the question of what one's calling is, one might want to consider first defining what one means by using the word: calling. In Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation, William C. Placher lists and describes the different uses or meanings for the word within and outside of scripture, emphasizing that it did not always refer to a calling by God to a position in the church. This is key to Martin Luther's opinion on vocation, as he believed that one could serve God in whatever occupation, no matter where one was. This can serve as a relief and inspiration to some who wish to serve the Lord, but are not cut out for seminary. However, this can also take away from those who thought they felt called by God to go into church work, but are now questioning whether they were called to serve God in a position in church, or just as equally in an occupation that they feel more interested in. It might also bring shame to such people as they feel as if they are rejecting God in not following through with the first calling, and going down an alternate path. Sometimes, however, one might realize that God does not have one, but several plans for everyone, and that serving God might be equivalent to serving others. The questions still exist today, but the answers, no matter how much research or critical reflection is done, must be decided for one's self.  

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          I am truly grateful for Martin Luther's view on vocation, as may have been expressed in my writing above because I do not feel that I am fit to be a church-work student, yet I do want to serve God equally. After some thought, I believe that my duty as a Christian is to serve others every day whether that is by being a shoulder to cry on, volunteering in the community, smiling at someone in the hallway, or trying to consistently be enthusiastic and kind towards others.  I think that we are called, as Christians, to care for one another, but to also care for all people around the world and at home. As I talk to people throughout my life, I understand now that it is not my duty as a Christian to ask an abrupt question like, "DO YOU KNOW 

JESUS," but instead to build relationships and go from there. If someone wants to 

know about my faith or beliefs, then let them ask. Perhaps, it is my duty at times to bring up 

the subject once a relationship has been established, but relationships 

should not be established purely with a hidden agenda of converting as many people in this world as possible. No man earns a greater reward by converting more Christians than another in the kingdom of heaven, at least that's not how I believe it works. Life is about building relationships, and loving all those around you endlessly and equally. This is not romantic love of course, but it is more of brotherly love, care for all people and all creatures of this world. 

    

   As I work with memory loss patients at Lyngblomsten, I may not be able to bring out my Bible and preach the word of the Lord, or ask patients about their faith, but I certainly can build relationships by smiling, showing that I care, completing activities with them, and even just visiting with them. They may not remember who I am tomorrow, but when I do sit there and visit with patients and they tell me how much they appreciate it, I truly see that this is what life is all about. Life is not, has not, and will never be about material things. It is about relationships and the giving and receiving of love with all people: stranger, friend, or foe.