We spoke more about the emerging church in class today. It was interesting to hear about the differences in the terminologies of “emerging” or “emergent” and the different definitions that are given by different groups of people. Also, it was helpful to understand the the concept of the emerging church in light of what the church’s role should be today in an ever-changing world.
Week 9 – God at the Crossroads: Sophia – Rivera (Sugirtharajah)
I appreciated and understood Rivera’s perspectives on hybridity. I can totally relate to the notion of different perspectives meeting at a crossroads as that has been a constant in my own life. However, I struggled with this concept described in light of Sophia. Who is Sophia after all? How and why is she associated with the voice of “wisdom” in Proverbs 8 when there is no mention of her name?
Week 9 – Reading a Woman’s Death – Bourke (Castle)
This piece spoke of the violent murder of Bridget Cleary by her husband in Ireland in the late 1800s. This murder was explained by fairy tales that were especially common in rural Ireland during this time. So many acts of violence toward women and children were explained away by these fairy tales. Surprisingly, the “fairy” explanation was widely accepted and many crimes were left unpunished as long as there was only an oral relaying of the story as opposed to an actual written reports. This makes me wonder if there are crimes today in our society that we let slip due to a commonly held “fairy tale”.
Week 9 – Maori “Jews”: Resistant Reading of John 5:10-47 – Huie-Jolly (Sugirtharajah)
This was an intriguing article about how some Maori in New Zealand chose to associate themselves with the Jews as opposed to Christ. The gospel was shared with them during the British colonization of New Zealand. Their understanding of the gospel was completely affected by the context in which it was presented. Their perception of Christ was a negative one associated with the colonial powers. This causes me to think of how Christians today often times give Christ a bad name as a result of the way or the context in which he is presented.
Week 9 – Mission of the Church – Fuellenbach
This chapter points out five essential elements in “kingdom consciousness”. One of these elements is the understanding that the division between secular and sacred does not exist. I think this is so true. There is such a tendency to compartmentalize the different areas in our lives, when in reality we should allow the “sacred” and “secular” to be one in our lives. This reminds me of the discussion we had in class. Why would I do something on a Sunday that I would be embarassed to do on a weekday or vice-versa? We are ambassadors of Christ be it in a “secular” or “sacred” environment.
Week 9 – Monday
This class period was especially helpful for me. Since I first came out to California a couple of months ago I’ve come across the idea of the emerging church several times. I’ve heard some great things about it from some and some negative things from others. I’m interested in looking deeper into this issue and forming my own opinion. It was helpful to hear Dr. Bolger’s thoughts on the emerging church. There is definitely much to take into consideration.
Week 8 – Response to Andy O’s blog
I also think a congregation should cultivate more fellowship with other local churches. I think so much more could be done if local churches worked together. I grew up in a city where the churches of the entire city would gather once every couple of months for the sake of fellowship. This was just enough to establish connections and partner along others who were working on similar projects in the same area. Also, this allowed for me to get to know a handful of other Christians that went to the same school I attended. I can see how this connectedness among churches could open up many doors and strengthen ministry in a city.
Week 8 – Two Models for the Future Church – Fuellenbach
I especially agree with the aspect of the Basic Ecclesial Community model which calls for serving the poor and marginalized in society. This is a way in which we can reflect Jesus. Further, this is a way in which we can worhsip Jesus. He said that whatever we did to the least of these, we have done to him. Thus, we should be the best at serving, because it is an act of worship. The church should know how to address the needs of the poor better than any other institution. However, this isn’t always the case.
Week 8 – Tyranny, Boundary, and Might – Liew (Sugirtharajah)
I personally disagree with Liew’s argument in his article. He portrays Jesus leadership in negative terms as one who commands his disciples as slaves. It seems as though he is comparing Jesus’ authority to earthly authority. However, the kingdom that Jesus is announcing is different. It is based on serving one another and love. Liew does not mention Jesus’ service; rather, he draws negative attention to Jesus’ claim of divinity comparing it to governments that do not hold egalitarian views.
Week 8 – Mark and Empire – Moore (Sugirtharajah)
I think it is interesting how Moore sees the stories of the widow and the “alabaster jar” woman in the book of Mark. Both women have little yet they give what they have. Moore defines their giving along the same lines as he defines Jesus’ giving of himself on the cross. Their giving is “self-divestment, expenditure without reserve, and an absolute gift.” This foreshadows the ultimate gift of Christ. What I did not understand was the idea of not saying “thank you” for the gift because it somehow begins to cancel the gift.
