Jarett Weiler

History is a fickle mistress. It is perhaps the academic area where the "facts" are extremely hard to prove. This is part of the challenge of a professional historian: piecing together the past. But how does one separate fact from reality?

            The aforementioned challenge is three-fold: the fallibility of human nature and political agendas. Becker further explores the first challenge in his article "What is Evidence?" Historians have an extremely difficult task; where the "Mr. Everyman's history is very informal and mainly based on private affairs, the professional historian must preserve past events on a grand and very public scale. However, the professional historian, must like the Everyman, is only human and is limited by the confines of his own time and place. It too is impossible to escape the myth that is woven into our culture, no matter how hard a historian may try (16).

            Another conflict is that between historians and political figures. History is littered with examples of the past being "rewritten" for the sake of political advancement. This is especially true even in American culture (Woodward, 30-34). It is even possible to change or hide historical events in today's society, although the methods are slightly less transparent, through classifying information, controlling archives and releasing specific information from them, and even paying historians (Woodward, 36).

            It is the historian's job then to attempt to preserve history in a way that represents the "truth." Of course, this could be considered next to impossible. In my opinion, the first step to confronting this issue is to confront the political agendas that come with controlling the past. Woodward does a great job stressing the importance of such a thing, and praises those historians that defend the importance of historical integrity (38). "Scarcely any popular leader in our history has been able to secure acquiescence of the historical guild in his enterprise of controlling the past. Such leaders have repeatedly met with resistance from the historians" (37). This first step of ensuring that all of the current information is available for research and consumption is essential to painting an accurate picture of "true" past events.

            Secondly, historians must continue doing what they already do best: work extremely hard to verify and find new information. It is not secret that we as human beings demand physical evidence to support opinions before we even begin to accept them as truth. (Deterring slightly from the topic at hand, this is probably why many people have an issue believing in God; belief based on faith alone is difficult and improbable for many people.) Nothing is more exciting than finding a new shred of physical evidence that can help historians add a new piece to the puzzle. This is why archaeology is such an important science (and perhaps I feel this way because I spent a lot of time with Dr. Schuler last year). It is true that this probably falls more into the realm of archaeologist rather than historian, but it is also true that the two could arguably not exist without the other. Without archaeologists, there would be no physical evidence to even record history from our place in time today; with historians, there would be no need to even have archaeology. The point remains: for a truly accurate picture of history, a great amount of physical evidence is needed - which is easier said than done.

            An overlooked part of creating a truer version of the past is unraveling the myth that is so tightly wound into our history. It is not secret that school history books are filled with stories that are not only just slightly wrong, they are blatantly false. No matter how many times a story is disproven, textbooks still continue to print them as if they were fact. This is mind-boggling, but there are probably explanations for such things. Perhaps it is more convenient and less time-consuming to just use the same stories; however I believe that people just simply want to believe that these falsities are just true. Sometimes the truth is simply not as neat and tidy as we want to believe; sometimes history makes us uncomfortable or disproves our point of view. No matter how many books and articles are written about lies in the history books, it will take something big to change them.

            "Ay, there's the rub." Maybe we the people do not want to hear the actual truth. This is the historian's uphill battle. Steps certainly can be taken to counter-act political agendas, false records, and lack of a physical record, but human fallibility and stubbornness is perhaps something that cannot be overcome.

For my blog for this week, I am choosing to write about Horace Bushnell and his writing "Every Man's Life a Plan of God." Bushnell lived in the early 1800's and spent much of his life as a pastor in a Congregational church in Connecticut. He was an especially gifted theologian and preacher, and was a supporter of the early Sunday School movement. In this reading, Bushnell argues that God has a perfect, intricately designed plan for everything in His creation, even a tiny grain of sand.

It is important first to evaluate this claim. Horace states, "On grain, more or less, of sand would disturb, or even fatally disorder the whole scheme of the heavenly motions." He goes on to explain how even the most seemingly irregular forces have a purpose, everything from the odors we smell to each individual floating air particles. If any of these things were out of place, it would disrupt the "heavenly motions." (I read a similar argument in Lee Strobel's Case for a Creator. Strobel's argument was that the world is too intricately balanced to be a random occurrence. However, this was based on there actually being a Creator or not, so I digress. I just thought there was a parallel here.) This is a comforting statement for me! Just as Jesus says in Matthew 6 and Luke 12, are we not more valuable than grains of sand or air particles?

God has a plan for each of us, the only burden that many people feel is actually finding what that specific plan is. I am a big proponent of letting life come as it may, but I definitely see how being unsure of plans makes many people uneasy (especially a lot of people in the Honors program). Good for us that Bushnell laid out a easy-to-use seven-step program for finding our calling!

1) Consider God's character and draw a deduction from that.

2) Consider yourself as a creature of God, created in His will.

3) Use your own conscious to interpret his will.

4) Use His law and Gospel as a guide.

5) Observe His Divine Providence.

6) Consult your friends and family, especially those familiar with God's Word. (My personal favorite! Bushnell goes on to say that "they know your talents and personal qualifications better than you do yourself.")

7) Pray!

My project over the past year, along with the rest of the work with Callings, as helped me to realize just what a calling is - anything! If we do anything for the glory of God, we are doing His will. He has a plan for all of us, and that is so comforting.

This week for my blog, I chose to Gerrard Winstanley's "Declaration from the Poor Oppressed People of England." In the mid-1600's, Winstanley led a group of people called the "Diggers." The Diggers were a group of people that dug up the soil on the common land, the portions of land that had been set aside for anyone to use, in order to plant crops there. However, this was a problem with the lords as the common land had become a place for their animals to graze. Winstanley then wrote the "Declaration from the Poor Oppressed People of England" which outlines why their actions were warranted.

The biggest reason that Winstanley feels that they should be able to use the land is because the land is a gift from God himself to all people. He writes, "...the King of Righteousness hath enlightened our hearst so far as to see that the earth was not made purposely for you to be Lords of it...but it was made to be a common livelihood to all." His most biting criticism of the system in place basically says that since the Lords ancestors came about the land through violence, they do not have any entitlement over the land: "And though you did not kill or thieve, yet you hold that cursed thing in your hand by the power of the sword; the sin of your fathers sahll be visited upon the head of your and your children...till your bloody and thieving power be rooted out of the land."

There is a lot of similarities between the struggle for power that Winstanley faced and the one that Shane Claiborne faces today. Though poor people back in 1600s England probably were worse off, both groups are oppressed. Both Winstanley and Claiborne just want each person, no matter where they stand socially or economically, to have a voice. Both recognized that the poor were oppressed, when they have God-given rights to be equal with people who just happen to have more money than them. And both went about it in very similar ways: they both left their own social background to be with with people that they are fighting for.

This past Tuesday, we had the honor of attending Dr. Loma Meyer's speech, which was part of the Poehler Lecture series. Dr. Meyer has had a very distinguished career, and has contributed a great deal to Concordia University. She came to Concordia University in 1967, and has served on multiple committees and has held many positions. These include professor, director of instruction, dean of the faculty, vice president for academic affairs, and executive vice president, and there were times that she held some of these positions simultaneously.

As far as the lecture goes, Dr. Meyer had some very great points to make. Seeing as how she has been a part of this institution for 43 years, she had some great insights to give. The main point of her entire lecture was "change." Everyone goes through change in their life and this goes for universities as well. Each new University president has left his mark and changed aspects of the school. A lot of the change has had to do with the way that faith and learning are intertwined. When Dr. Meyer started in 1967, 93% of the students were in some church-related program; today, only 6% are. This definitely affects the way that faith and learning are integrated. Also, with technology and online classes always growing and becoming more prominent in the education field, this also changes the way that faith is brought into the classroom.

If there is one program at Concordia that integrates faith and learning, it would definitely be the Honors Program. The whole mission of the Honors Program is to effectively combine faith and learning in the classroom setting. Dr. Mark Schuler always says, "Jesus came to take away your sins, not your brains." The Honors Program is so brand new that it seems to constantly be in motion. Just as Dr. Meyer talked about in her speech, technology is a big part of the program. A lot of the work that is done in the class is done online. In fact, during the first semester, we did an entire section of the class on online chats (this part of the course was on religion and cyberspace). It is so exciting to see a class, a program, and professors that are already implementing the things that Dr. Meyer talked about.

For my Callings blog for this week, I chose to write about William Perkins and his "Treatsie of the Vocations." This short book/essay was written in 1605 and helps to answer the questions about calling and vocation in this era. As I may have mentioned in earlier blogs, after the Reformation came about, the idea of a "vocation" changed. Instead of a vocation only being called to a Christian ministry, a vocation can be any "office" that anyone holds in their daily life: parent, child, student, teacher, spouse, layman, etc. Perkins uses the ideas from the Reformation and philosophy to further explain this idea (which ironically neither Luther nor Aristotle probably would have agreed with).

Perkins has six rules on vocation. But first, he outlines the two types of callings: general and personal. The general calling is the calling of every Christian, namely, to be called by God to be a Christian. The second, personal, is our earthly calling. But there is a lot of variation on what our personal calling can be. This is where the six aforementioned rules come into play. Let me summarize them:

1) "Every person...without exception, must have some personal and particular calling to walk in." This is self-explanatory: we ALL have a calling.

2) "Every man must judge that particular calling, in which God hath placed him, to be the best of all callings for him." Perkins goes on to explain that this calling that this particular calling doesn't have to be THE best, but instead, the best for YOU.

3) "Every man must join the practice of his personal calling with the practice of the general calling of Christianity." This rule is where the two types of callings are combined. In our particular calling, we must seek to work our general calling in as well. According to Perkins, teachers, judges, merchants, fathers, and soldiers must find a way to show their Christian faith in their callings.

4) "Such as bear public callings, must first reform themselves in private." From Matthew chapter 25: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things." To be an effective leader, your family life must also be in order. How can a man effectively serve a community for the common good if he cannot even arrange his personal life?

5) "A particular calling must give place to the general calling of a Christian when they cannot both stand together." Just as a man cannot serve two masters, our callings must also co-exist. However, the general calling ALWAYS takes precedent. If, in our personal callings, we come across a situation where we must depart from our general calling, then that particular personal calling must be left.

6) "Every man must choose a fit calling to walk in; that is, every calling must be fitted to the man, and every man be fitted to his calling." Our callings should be supported by God's will and our natural gifts to glorify God.

I definitely believe that the leaders of the Wilder Foundation have found their calling in the organization. The goals of the organization is to give youth the skills and tools necessary to be effective leaders in their families, schools, and communities. While it is not a Christian organization, the work that is done is truly God's work. The Wilder Foundation is giving these youths better lives just by providing a support group and a listening ear. While this might not be my "Calling (with a capital C)," but for now it is a calling.

For my blog this week, I chose to write about Ignatius Loyola and his writing The Spiritual Exercises. Ignatius live in the early 16th century and composed the Exercises between 1522 and 1524. Though this was a couple of decades before the Reformation would start, Loyola addressed many of the questions that Luther would attempt to answer later. During this time, the idea of a "calling" and vocation was a big deal, and The Spiritual Exercises were Loyola's attempt to help guide Christians through finding their vocation.

For Ignatius, the purpose of our lives should be first-and-foremost to serve and praise God. However, making a decision on how to do this is difficult. Ignatius has three times that a good decision can be best made, the third of which is during a "time of tranquility." Let's go to Ignatius' words to further understand what that is: a time of tranquility is "when the soul is not agitated by diverse spirits, and is freely and calmly making use of its natural powers." To me, this seems to be that time when we are completly are at peace, when we are able to think clearly without any distractions. This is when we can best make our decisions. Now during this time of tranquility, there are two methods of making a wise choice. One of the ways focuses on totally trusting in God and looking towards him to guide your decision. First you must focus on the decision at hand. Second, make sure that you are focused on the end: God's grace and salvation. Third, ask God to guide you and remember that your decision must be in line with his will. Fourth, use reason to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of accepting or rejecting the call to office. Fifth, consider alternatives and whether or not they would be better. And lastly, pray to God that you have made the right choice.

Right now in my own project, I am in a lot of transition. I have completed my hours so my focus has shifted from stressing about the number of hours that I am getting to just enjoying my time at Wilder working with high school youth. For my future career, I think I have my mind set on becoming an elementary school teacher. These two things may not appear directly connected, but in a way, my time at Wilder will open a lot of doors for me. Wilder has connections with most of the elementary schools in the Cities and the adult workers can get me connected with them. Already, my on-site supervisor has suggested that I get connected with Dayton's Bluff Elementary School. This would be a great opportunity, but I have heard that it is a very difficult school to work at. If this a door that will actually be open for, Ignatius' method will definitely be something that I use to make my decision. My eyes will be on God throughout my entire decision process, and I know that he will lead me in the right direction. But no matter what I end up doing, it will all be for His will.

Thomas Aquinas had a very straight-forward way of answering FAQ's for Christians in the 13th century. In his "masterpiece" Summa Theologiae, he actually listed seven of these frequently asked questions, and gives the reader the points and counterpoints for each question. He then gives us his own opinion on the matter and cites many important sources for clarification. This type of document was very useful for Christians in that day as they sought to live a more Godly life, and it can still apply to us today.

The question that Thomas Aquinas answered that I will be focusing on is:

Q. 182 a.2: Whether the contemplative life is hindered by the active life?

Most of the objections, i.e. the arguments for this question, can be found in Luke 10 in the story of Mary and Martha. Mary chose to sit quietly and simply listen to Jesus while Martha was distracted with all the prepartions for Jesus' arrival. In verse 41: "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (This verse is quoted in the reading.) However, Thomas Aquinas has an answer to these objections. He argues that the active life exists to help and focus our contemplative life. Since the contemplative life is hindered by our own passions, the active life can calm these passions. Aquinas then quotes Pope Gregory I who said, "Those who wish to hold the fortress of contemplation must first of all train in the camp of action."

In today's society, it is very difficult to only live the contemplative life. People, Christians included, are always so busy, that it is hard to only live contemplatively. One could argue that the question would make more sense reversed, whether the active life is hindered by the contemplative. If there is one thing that we can take from Thomas Aquinas' answer to this question, it is that a nice balance of both active and contemplative life is necessary. Each way of life complements the other, and we should all, especially in today's society, seek to work in some quiet time with God, where we, like Mary, listen to God.

The life of Antony really struck a chord with me as I read it. Written by Athanasius, it outlines the solitary life of Antony, who as a hermit denied the pleasures of the flesh. It seems that God is trying to teach me a lesson about humilty this week. On Wednesday at Fish, Lauren Awe talked about humility and said a line that really struck a chord with me: "Humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less." Couple that quote with this extreme example of humility, and I really think that that is my lesson for the week.

Now, onto the role models part. Antony definitely modeled his life after many Biblical heroes. He sought to live his life by the Scriptures and this is evident in the reading. Early in his life, he heard Matthew 6:34 (Be not anxious for tomorrow), 2 Thess. 3:10 (He who is idle let him not eat), and he was reminded to pray in secret without ceasing. He also looked to Paul and Elijah for guidance. Antony took character traits from even the most random people that he met - sincerity, graciousness, loving-kindness, fasting, among many others. Because of this life that he lived, people were in awe of him. When they found him, they couldn't believe that he was just as healthy, if not in better shape, than when they had left him. It was his example that led many other people to embrace a life of solitude and righteousness similar to how he lived.

In my own life, I have had a large number of role models in trying to figure out my own vocation. One of the first role models I had in this area was my pastor. He showed to me that a man did not have to be perfect to serve God, especially in ministry; he willingly expresses his flaws and often in his sermans he admits that he has his "favorite sins" that he has to work extra hard to resist. Also, he really is just a normal guy. We talk about politics, sports, and life. Around the community, many people know him as the announcer at high school sporting events, which gives him a large platform to share the Gospel. Perhaps the biggest role model that I have is my father. He attended college and got his degree, but somehow ended up back in the family concrete business. He had been working there for over 20 years when my grandpa (the owner) got really sick and was unable to work. My dad had to literally learn how to run the business from scratch and by himself, with only his basic knowledge to help him. Perhaps it was God's plan for him to take over and keep the business running when my grandpa got sick. If my dad wasn't there, a number of people would be out of work. Even now, my dad puts in 14 hour days to run the business to ensure that everyone has a job, instead of closing it down entirely, which would definitely be a lot easier. I'm sure that my dad did not plan to end up where he is today, but God led him there for a reason, even if that reason is not so clear. When I am older, I want to be a role model for my own children. I want to be seen by them that character and hard work are more important than the values of this world.

For my first Honors blog of the semester, I chose to write about Perpetua's martyrdom. I have read numerous stories about martrydoms throughout the years, but it always strikes a chord with me when it is an actual account of the story. There's something different about reading "Christians were killed" than reading "Shortly after he was thrown unconscious with the rest in the usual spot to have his throat cut." These descriptions and vivid details give the account a real life feel and really make you understand the situation.

It is so impressive to read how the Christians under this amount of stress handled themselves. They all carried themself with so much dignity, no matter the situation. Perpetua especially would not sway from the faith. Her own father could not sway her; as long as she had her child in prison it became her "palace." An especially chilling account occurs on page 46. As the heifer threw her into the air, she landed on the ground and her clothes were ripped. Not wanting to appear as a mourner "in her hour of triumph," she covered her thighs and fixed her hair.

There is nothing that today's Christians have to face (at least in America) that is even close to this sort of persecution. In a way, Christians are spoiled with the 1st amendment and freedom of religion. It is interesting to re-read Shane Claiborne when he mentions that the Church is strongest when it is under attack, and weakest when it is allowed to be lazy. We must look to other countries to find actual persecution of Christians, where they are jailed and tortured for their beliefs. These Christians are so strong, and Christianity is thriving because of their example.

My experience at Wilder has already been very rewarding to me. The meetings that I have with the mentors is possibly my favorite day. It is a smaller group of students, and each person has such a distinct personality and they are so fun to be around. I have already developed relationships with a large majority of the students, and I feel that I am starting to actually know all of them. Right now, we are in the swing of creating different activities for the retreat in February. I was not planning on leading any activities, but Car and Kiki sure made sure that this wasnt the case! I went from leading no activities to leading three different ones. I look forward to these Wednesday night meetings so much.

Thursday nights are just a little more down to business. This night is the large group of students that are working together to create their own service projects. There is a little bit of overlap between Wednesday and Thursday night, so I still know a majority of the people. My specific project group that I am in is the human rights group. We decided last week that we still did not know each other well enough, so we spent most of the night playing get-to-know-you games. They were a blast! We also had to decide on a name for our group. Since we are going to be performing a play highlighting different human rights issues, we decided our name (which I thought of) should be the Human Rights ACTOR-vists. This name and our slogan which I cannot remember will be going on the shirts that are being created.

Tomorrow morning (actually in 9 hours) I have a staff meeting. Me, together with Nou, Nell, and Damon, will be planning the activities for the week.