Josie Gronbach

Of the two readings we were given this week out of the book Callings, I chose to read a portion in this book written by Dorothy Day. Day is a well known individual in the catholic circle, for her writings and passion for the poor and needy. Not feeling as if she was doing enough, Day ended up dropping out of college to then later go back to get her nursing degree. Later she met a Franciscan who had the thought of poverty being ideal. After a while it seemed that these two individuals worked together to work together in a force in helping the poor. The actual reading that we did for this was a compilation of several pieces that Day wrote. The subject is mainly on love, how to love your neighbor and care for the poor. It seems as if Day is answering the question of this time period, how do I simply live as a Christian?

In the text it states, "that relationship above all should give us not only a taste of the love of God for us but the kind of love we should have for all" (416). Day seems to be very intentional about stating the love of God and how that reflects and shines through each Christian. Later it is stated, "when you love people, you see all the good in them, all the Christ in them" (416). The whole argument this, Day seems to be making connections to, is the idea that God loves us first, which is why we can take pleasure in it being our duty to love on the individuals who are not feeling such love. In many ways this quote from the book sums up the whole idea summarizing this text, "God is Love" (415).

At the very beginning of this school year we read a book for honors which was written by Shane Claiborne. Claiborne has a very distinct way of communicating this very love that is the drive behind his passion. Passion is something that I think Claiborne and Day have in common. Even though it did seem as if Claiborn was very extreme and definite on his way of living. Where Day basically gave up here life this for this, and many of the rest of us are two caught up in ourselves. The way in which Claiborn and Day approach their mission fields are a bit different. Yet, they both take on the life of someone in that poor condition, or at least make that a priority. In reading these radical Christians' views on mission and the love of God in this way makes it even more clear to me that each individual is given a passion that they should pursue with all of their heart, as God would only desire them to do.

Being raised by a former slave in the south of the United States, Howard Thurman had quite a perspective to share. In the reading we are doing for this week, we read through one of the sermons that Thurman gave, which was on Matthew 4:1-11. Thurman was a man committed to a life of non-violence and spreading that with others around the United states. He received several degrees and preached in both California and Eastern churches. His well-known idea of a life of peace, was spread in this way and inspired people such as Martin Luther King Jr. In Thurman's time, the questions being posed were regarding how to live life as a Christian and figuring out if a person's life work was a calling or a job. It seems that Thurman is discussing the question more of how we simply live as Christians, it is not enough to merely try to be Christian, but realize there are limits to what can be done due to the sin and hardship known to this world.

In the passage that Thurman preaches on, he discusses the three temptations that the devil presents to Jesus. The third of these temptations is the devil giving Jesus all of the land and all of the kingdom. In response to this it seems that Thurman suggests Jesus' confusion at this statement, as God created it all, maintained it all, and would not give it to the devil. Jesus would then recite scripture in order to fight this temptation, that really did not seem as if it were much of a temptation at all because of the fact that Jesus was already owner of that whole kingdom because He is and was in fact part of God. Thurman then suggests that even though as a Christian society we are saved, we are not free from all, "evil in design" relationships (388). Not only do our souls need that saving grace our relationships do as well with other Christians even. If it is assumed that the relationships of all individuals are saved and are positive then it could be thought that each individual would be good and saved. Yet, the point Thurman points out as being incorrect with this is the fact that individuals cannot have saved relationships if they themselves are not saved.

It seems that Thurman is preaching to a crowd of all believers in his analysis of this scripture. He brings in the ideas of evil relationships, which is a social matter in the public square. Thurman seems to be suggesting that the relationships of individuals should be pure and Christian in nature, with the individuals themselves being saved. In order for a relationship to properly function, there must be grace. This grace should be apparent in the public square in the relationships that people have because of the evil design that is so natural to the human nature. Yet, these relationships are in fact saved, but are going to need that saving grace. In a sense it seems that the basic understanding of forgiveness, mercy, and grace, is what each individual needs to have as their basis for any relationship, even in the public square for things to work.

Gerrard Winstanley who was born in 1609 and died in 1676, started his life working as a tradesman, working in London. When his business went bankrupt though, he became a Baptist layperson. After a while of doing this he found that even this religious stance was too restrictive. He then took up on his personal religious journey. After a while he and some others went along to a land called St. George's Hill. This land was for public use of planting, but being it was not used as such the common lord of the area used it for grazing his animals. Winstanley and his followers began to dig there, for which they were labeled radicals and caused much controversy. It was this controversy over the land that Winstanley writes, "A Declaration from the Poor Oppressed People of England." After this declaration went out, there was a warrant out for Winstanley's arrest, but there were not any records of him being arrested. It seems like the questions of this time that are asking what particular work God is calling each individual to as well as how to serve God through family life are answered in this text. Winstanley seems to feel that the work God is calling him to is simply following what he feels is right. Although Winstanley did not have a family, he did feel that being self supporting was important.

Winstanley gives reasons for why the diggers did what they did, as well as why they have the right to plow and plant the common land. His primary defense and argument is very religiously based. The first idea was, "the earth was not made purposely for you to be Lords of it, and we to be your slaves, servants, and beggars; but it was made to be a common livelihood to all, without respect of persons" (300-301). Winstanley states several times how creation was not meant to be so that there was payment for land and property, that the land is free for everyone. "For the power of enclosing land and owning property was brought into the creation by your ancestors by the sword; which first did murder their fellow creatures, men, and after plunder or steal away their land, and left his land successively to you, their children" (301). He is stating that the only reason why these individuals had ownership over land is because at some point their ancestors dominated over the group of people that were there and took everything from them. In this Winstanley is making clear that the land does not even rightly belong to them due to how they inherited it. He then points out fault in how these people live their lives stating that they, "have the treasury of the earth locked up in your bags, chests, and barns, and will offer up nothing to this public treasury; but will rather see your fellow-creatures starve for want of bread, that have an equal right to it with yourselves, by the law of creation" (303).

Earlier in the year we read a book and discussed it, written by Shane Claiborne. Claiborne felt that it was very important to break down the barriers of social order and simply live Christ. In the same way Winstanly is living off of the same principle, that the earth and all creation was made for all of God's people. Both of these authors back up the idea that living a simple life with the means that are available is how God truly wants us to live, live out a ministry in that way. It seems that both of these individuals are concerned about Christ being taken out of Christian. In that I mean, they both suggest that people are not living the gospel message, they are living according to earthly standards.

The reading out of the book Callings this week is a sermon by John Wesley. This particular sermon is entitled, "Sermon on the Mount-8." The scripture that Wesley bases his study off of is Matthew 6:19-21. Being the son of a man who was a rector in the Church of England, Wesley had a foot in to the door the world of religion. Basically being the founder of the Christian denomination, Methodist, Wesley was a well known preacher of his day. He had a failing while on a mission trip, but once he felt his calling from God he was preaching wherever he could. The question that was being asked in the time of John Wesley was asking what particular work God was calling each individual. This particular reading does not seem to give specific direction, but more so saying that each individual should live a life that is being a proper Christian. The do's and don'ts of being a Christian are talked about. The other question posed at this time dealt with how to serve one's family. Wesley makes it clear that serving one's family is not only a moral obligation, but a need and command for being a good Christian.

In the passage listed above there is a command to all believers to not store up possessions on earth. Wesley then in his sermon states what this passage is not forbidding. His first point seemed to be saying that one should live a lifestyle that fits their particular income. If an individual makes a lot of money that does not mean they need to flaunt it, but for those who make an average amount, they should live accordingly. The second point made by Wesley was stating that one does not need to deprive themselves of the basic human needs. The third point is that the family of each individual should be cared for in every basic need. There are many things that individuals need to do to care for those of their family, husbands and wives to love each other and their children. In this love there is a principle of acting out in service providing what is needed. The last thing that Wesley mentions is that it is in fact ok to store up things from time to time as a matter of future worldly business.

Wesley does make good points here, making sure that the scripture mentioned does not have such an impact on people that they give everything up, even the essentials for living. Although, in today's United States American society, it is very clear that overindulgence is much more common than giving everything up. In going to my project site, AGAPE High School (Adolescent Girls And Parenting Education) I have been able to more see the ways in which other people see success in this life. The girls that I work with in general quite simply just want to have a good home to raise their children in and make sure they are good parents. There are several girls that stick out in particular in which this is definitely the case. Girls coming from the worst backgrounds it seems that a person could be from, find success in being able to have an apartment even though there is no furniture. My standard of success is daily renewed each day I go to AGAPE and learn more about these girls.

The connection between faith and learning is the hallmark of the Honors program here at Concordia St. Paul. Once a year there is a lecture given that expounds on this, which is the Poehler lecture. As I was unable to attend this lecture due to complications with health issues, I am writing from the perspective of my fellow students in Honors. The following Monday night's class session after the Poehler lecture, there was discussion on important points that stood out. In the beginning of this dialogue, there was talk about the shock of the low percentage of church work students on Concordia's campus. This lead into a discussion about the exact mission and purpose of Concordia University, in light of it being a private Christian Lutheran college.

One of the first things noted by one of the students in the class was the fact that Concordia used to be primarily a place of higher education for men going into the field of pastoral studies who would then go on to a seminary. With this pointed out, the very low percentage of church work students currently seemed even more out of proportion. "The mission of Concordia University, St. Paul, a university of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, is to prepare students for thoughtful and informed living, for dedicated service to God and humanity, for enlightened care of God's creation, all within the context of the Christian Gospel." (Concordia's website) With having a range of colleges in this university that cover academic areas the focus of Concordia has seemed to change over the years since its birth, yet the mission statement remains the same. The connection between the current focus and dynamic of the students here on campus and the mission statement seemed to be the larger part of the discussion between the Honors students.

One of the points made by a student was that even though there is a great difference in the quantity of the church work students and those not in a church work program at Concordia, the mission statement may still be applicable. With this overall change in direction that Concordia has taken, having more programs outside of church work, may in fact create a great mission field environment. For those in church work programs it would be an opportune time to learn how to outreach to those in their very midst. The struggle of this mission though was discussed as well. There were feelings expressed by church work students in stating the difficulties to engage or interact with those in other programs even within the church work programs, let alone those outside of this area. Yet, in terms of ministering to those who are non-Christians on campus being difficult, ministering to any individual that is not Christian is difficult. Thus, it would be a great opportunity to struggle with peers and find out how witnessing to others works exactly. The conversation about this topic ended around this general area of thought due to time constraints, but it was concluded that it might not be a bad thing to re-evaluate the mission statement of Concordia and the direction that it is going, so that individuals who are here for a Lutheran education can expect and receive that once here.

Against all odds, Concordia University St. Paul found a Lutheran pastor that does not have German roots.  Reverend Dr. Mitri Raheb came to Concordia on March 3, as the speaker of one of the convocations. Dr. Raheb hails from Bethlehem, Palestine, where he states in his book, I am a Palestinian Christian, allows him to feel a very close connection to king David and also to Jesus. Living in the culture and walking the land where Jesus walked, Dr. Raheb is able to understand the Bible in a way that not many can. Dr. Raheb grew up in the very geographic place where the story of Jesus is based, yet as a Christian Raheb is a minority as a Christian in this area. Raheb obtained his education outside of Palestine, as far as his college education, such as in Germany. After his schooling, Raheb founded a Christian Lutheran church in Palestine. Now trying to get Christian college underway, Raheb is kept busy living a life that is quite opposite of the German Lutherans here in the United States, Midwest.

Dr. Raheb brought up many different points that people of the Western tradition of living do not understand in its entirety. Even though it may seem obvious, it is good to note that Christians were in the Middle East before Islam appeared there. Raheb points out that even though Christianity did not last for a very extended period of time, it was the original faith life lived there. Now, Christianity takes second to Islam, 98% of the residents in Palestine are Islam, 2% Christian. Raheb notes that this very small percentage of Christians is in fact decreasing as well. Due to very dominant nature of the Islam religion in this area, often times those who have the stereotypical "Middle Eastern" look are equated with being Muslim. This factor plays a large part in the domination of Muslim tradition in this area, as seen throughout the history there. Raheb points out that it is much more important to look at an individual's cultural background to base who they are, not what they look like. Although there may be a very dominant population of Muslims in this area, in research that Dr. Raheb has done with others, they found that one third of the health institutions in Palestine are funded by Christians. In addition to this it was found that nearly half of the non-governmental organizations there aiding people were run by Christians. Raheb describes the relationship between the Christians living in Palestine and the government interaction through the point of Christian support in Palestine. Even though Christians are a minority group, they are large supporters of essential needs of people. Another point that Raheb made was simply pointing out the view that most westerners have, that all places around the world are dealing with this very multicultural diverse uprising. This is not so in Palestine, Raheb points out how slow things are in Palestine, how they are becoming more and more unified each day. Then he ends on the point that his goal and the goal of many around him, is to create a platform where the Muslims and Christians can work together under a political system or civil society where ideas are based on values not on religious views.

Reading through portions of Dr. Raheb's book, as well as hearing him speak, I realized how ignorant I really am. My education is very focused on what has happened in America and what has happened in the Lutheran world. Where, Dr. Raheb points out the significance of the Christian world outside of the United States and Germany. I have been able to realize that the whole world does not look exactly like the United States does, or even the countries surrounding. It is interesting to hear a completely different point of view of how someone grew up. One thing that really stood out to me in what Dr. Raheb said, was that Christians in his area were like the "salt of the earth" in that you could not necessarily see them, but you could definitely taste them in the culture with all of the services provided and funded there. Hearing and reading about a very different perspective from a person that is part of the body of Christ was truly eye opening to me, proving just how diverse the Body is and how mighty God is over everything.

This week the reading that we read from the book Callings was written by Thomas Aquinas. The portion of reading we did was from his Summa Theologiae, in which Aquinas basically develops his own theology based from scripture and also from Aristotle and other philosophers of that time. Aquinas structured his Summa Theologiae with presenting a question first, making objections, answering in his opinion, then making replies to the other objections. In strong objection to his family, Aquinas entered into the Dominican order which closely resembles that of the Mendicant order where the lifestyle is lived in poverty and begging. His family was of the Benedictine order, which supported itself by living an agrarian lifestyle. Aquinas was a highly intelligent man who then taught at universities and then started writing his theology. The question that I will focus on in the next paragraph seems to especially answer the quesiton of the time in the Middle Ages of "what kind of Christian should I be?." Aquinas would seem to say living a monastic life in the mendicant ordered life.

In the particular question that I am focusing on, question 186 a. 3: Whether Poverty is Required for Religious Perfection?, Aquinas raises points asking what life should be ordered as for individuals. In the section where Aquinas answers this question he seems to feel that giving up all of one's possessions and living a life of poverty is the way we as Christians are called to live. Aquinas argues the point that even though we try not as humans to hold our wealth and material items higher than God, we still place them at higher value in our sinful nature. He then quotes scripture, Matthew 19:21 which states, "Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Aquinas also seems to argue that giving only portions of your material items is not what we are called to do. Citing Augustine, Aquinas argues that we can not be considered to have "perfect charity" if we are not giving all we have. (164)

Applying the  scripture quoted above, Matthew 19:21, to today's United States American culture can be tricky, where it does not seem to be "keeping up with the Jones's" anymore, but "one-upping the Jones's." Our materialistic styles have blown way out of proportion and have started to consume the lives more and more of each coming generation. In this society we are all about time and efficiency, new inventions and creative ideas being stumbled upon each day. It is so hard not to become wrapped up in this type of lifestyle, the marketing world has each generation, gender, fan, and class wrapped around its finger. All this to say, this scripture does not comply very well with the Christian lifestyle. Although, it seems even more important then to cling to the scriptures. I personally do not think it is in the best interest for everyone to give all they have, people can bless others with their wealth and other possessions. This does become tricky though because I do believe that Aquinas brings in a good idea that we tend to, without thinking about it, make our material items more important than He who blessed us with them. I feel as if we were to give up all we had, then there would be other sins or other idols that we could make and place higher than Christ. I feel like this scripture is calling us to live lives that are pleasing to God, to rid of the excess that others would benefit from, but also rejoice in the blessings that we have been given. Perhaps I am completely off and too influenced by this culture's idea of materialism, but I feel like we make scripture way more complicated than it needs to be. We share God's love, we mess up, we fall away, God loves us, Jesus died for us, we are forgiven, and so it begins again. 

 The reading that I chose to write on from this week's choices was Mechthild of Magdeburg, written by Mechthild. This reading is the product of Mechthild's joining of a Beguine community, which was a monastic group. She was encouraged to write down the visions she had along with her thoughts of the monastic life. The kind of Christian that people were thought to be in this time, or rather what Mecthild seems to think what the Christian life should look like at this time is living a monastic lifestyle without the full commitment.

"Aimless activity is a very harmful trait for us. Bad habits harm us everywhere. Earthly desires blot out in us the holy word of God. Base strife because of self-will  brings about in us the holy word of God. Base strife because of self-will brings about in us many harmful murder. Enmity in our heart drives out the Holy Spirit. An angry temperament robs us of God's intimacy. False holiness can never win out. Pure love of God can never perish. If we are not willing to leave these enemies, they will take from us more than heaven: for if we live holy lives here, it is pre-heavenly existence. But if we allow these enemies their deceits and their power over us, they rob us of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and they extinguish for us the true light of the genuine love of God. They also blind our eyes to holy understanding and lead us thus blinded into the seven capital sins. Where else does that path lead but the eternal abyss?..." (page 151).

This is truly a beautiful passage to me. This passage gives me great insight into my project work, in that it inspires me to want to do even more volunteering. It shows how much the evil in this world can be consuming and steal the very love and passion out of a person. Without the love and passion of Christ, a sense of carelessness emerges and life seems to lose any purpose. Without purpose a person cannot live a life that is truly fulfilling in a way that is pleasing to God. There are so many different things that can rob a person of this love, but it is in the case of many of the girls I work with that probably never experienced the love of Christ. They are lost and are trying to fill themselves with something that will make them feel a sense of love and purpose. This passage helps describe the very hurt and the background of what these girls as AGAPE are coming from in order to make them feel the way they do and do what they do or have done. It does seem that the enemy can consume the very thoughts and desires of a person, which in the case of the students I work with, could be a possibility.

From the book, Callings, the section that is the focus for this week was written by Athanasius. Athanasius met a man named Antony while Antony was in his later years and then decided to write about his life, thus calling it The Life of Antony. It describes in some detail the life of Antony and how he was influenced by many different people and went through many different trials in his Christian faith walk. A question that was posed in this time period was if an individual should be a Christian. Antony was very much influenced by other Christians and their lifestyles, thus providing the necessary guidance and support that he was needing in deciding whether or not that was the lifestyle for himself.

Antony was quite interested in many things other than learning how to read while growing up in his wealthy family. Although he did not enjoy such, he would obey his father and mother , and also attend the Lord's House. When he was about the age of twenty his parents passed and he was left with his younger sister. It was during this time that Antony had gone to listen to readings and one in particular seemed to stick with him. He pondered this and then through seeing how others were living their lives completely devoted to God, He decided to live a life without any possessions and would be influenced by others to the point of living in solitude. As stated earlier, Antony was raised in a wealthy family, so in order to really live the life that he had aspired to live he would then sell all of his possessions, give some of the money to his sister and begin his life of depending completely on God. Antony would live in solitude, which meant he would not be able to take care of his sister, in which case she was taken in by Christian women to be cared for and raised. Each behavior that Antony would pick up and live out, was almost always a direct relation to what he saw another person doing. After adapting these many behaviors, he took them to the extremes and would then later become a role model for many others, inviting them to live a similar life.

There are many people in my life that have influenced who I am and what it is I feel called to be. Some of the key individuals are my mother, my sisters, and those of my Christian church community that I grew up in my whole life. My mother was key in helping me find that a vocation in which I serve God and His people is where I would best be used as His tool. Her prayers for me and also her lifestyle as a Christian greatly influenced me in ways that I probably don't even consider.  My oldest sister was also very key in my discernment of vocational search. She was the first in my family to pursue a career in the church, which was an inspiration for me. The support I received in my church helped me realize that I would not be able to "do life" without the strong influence of a Christian community surrounding me. I hope that in ten or fifteen years I can be a role model to people who have a passion and are not sure where to live it out. It has been a blessing trying to figure out where God wants to use me and still is a challenge at the same time. I hope that my struggles and different pathways will be helpful to other individuals some day.

The title of this text is, Martyrdom of Perpetua, written in part by Perpetua herself, with the rest of the details laid out by who is thought to be Tertullian. Perpetua was part of a group of individuals that were called, "catechumens." Being that she was brought up in a well to do family being the only daughter, her father had a strong connection to her. Yet, when Perpetua's father tried to convince her to give in to the Romans, her incredible faith helped her to endure the torture she endured in her time of imprisonment. Perpetua seemed to be looked at by a leader from her other brothers and sisters in Christ with her, she would have visions and be their constant encouragement to keep faith.  Perpetua and her fellow Christians were sent before a court where it was decided Perpetua and those with her would be faced with the beasts. After surviving the one on one interaction with the wild animals, each of the individuals were beheaded.

It is most interesting to me the value that the community of Christian believers held in being a group. They seemed to feed off of each other. In one case a man came up to Perpetua and asked her if she would ask God what would happen to the whole group of Christian individuals held in prison. She then proceeded to ask God and received a vision. It is in this type of example where the importance of a Christian community seems to be important. Not each person had the gifts that everyone else had, in this way they were able to feed off of each other and encourage one another, taking care of each other in a less than favorable situation. Also, in the same way the community of Christians would encourage each other in the actual events of their deaths.  Also, it seemed that the other members of the group would find encouragement in seeing that other's would make it through such brutal beatings.

Being a Christian in today's society is hardly even comparable to that of Perpetua's time. Although, the community of Christian believers is what seems to be essential in my personal walk of faith. The people that I surround myself with I have found  are very influential with how I act and feel about myself. When in a group of believers, I am able to share openly about my struggles and hear about other's struggles and be encouraged by the stories of how the struggles turned into blessings. Being able to care for others and have them care for you in unfavorable situations is such a blessing. When I am not in a community of believers for any amount of time, my ability to keep encouraged and keep the joy that comes with Christ is so much harder. Also, just like with this story, each person in the Christian community plays an important role, having unique gifts to each person. Being able to use each other's gifts and encourage each other in times of trial is so essential to each person's faith walk.