Women, Humility, and Worth | onehandclapping

Great post from Julie.

My thoughts: I never experienced lack of confidence until a couple years ago when I went through a horrible, demeaning, insulting and abusive "realease from ministry" - the abuse was typified by a refusal to even speak to me like an adult and instead going "through my husband" even though I was usually the one who was "in trouble" (mostly for doing things like asking questions). Ever since then I have struggled in a most profound way, ultimately to the point of seeking therapy and having to be on medication for anxiety and depression. I'm still not out of the woods.

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Common Table Lent 2010

Lenten reflections from the Common Table - Illustrations by Jon White, written reflection/poetry by my friend Mike Stavlund

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Post Christian | Signs of Life part 4 – Postmodern Faith

Signs of life in post modern faith.

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religious oppression .... more thoughts

There were a few points of note in this piece that I wanted to expound on a bit.

Kristof mentions that "religious leaders sanctified existing social structures, instead of pushing for justice." I think this is a key point. While there is no love lost between me and religion (esp. the institutional kind), I'm not so oppositional and naive as to think that true and widespread secularism will bring justice to the oppressed. In many (if not most) cases, religious oppression has merely acquiesced to existing oppression in the larger society.

In addition, it has often been factions of the same oppressive religions who have been able to bring about radical change both within the religion and in the broader society. Sadly, it often takes a very long time and after much pain has been inflicted in order for that change to come about. A timely news story that demonstrates can be found here.

Religious leaders and institutions have the opportunity to follow the wisdom and leadership of The Elders, and I hope they do. But as long as people within the institutions continue to brush oppression aside as "a difference in theology", I don't have much hope for significant and quick change.

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Are Baptists Softening on the Emerging Church? | Tony Jones

Are Baptists Softening on the Emerging Church?

November 18, 2009

in church, emergent

This one is:

Some critics see the emerging church movement as a heretical compromise with a pluralistic, truth-denying culture. Baptist history might offer an alternative explanation—ecclesiology is more defined by the practices of a Spirit-led community than by assent to the statements of a modern theological meta-narrative. Conversely, the emerging church movement may provide hope for reformation to Baptists ignorant of the difference between modern truths and Truth incarnate.

via The Baptist Standard :: The Newsmagazine of Texas Baptists – 2nd Opinion: Emerging church: Threat or ally?.

My comment on Tony's facebook:

good lord who isn't softening on the emerging church these days? pretty soon it's just going to be the pitiful rabid neocalvinists hunting down the heretics...then where will the world be. Woe to us all ;)

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3. The New Calvinism - 10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now - TIME

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It's Really All About God

Two people who have played key roles in my evolving spiritual expression and experiences as a Christian are Miraslov Volf and this man - Samir Selmanovic. Religious people everywhere should hear his words with and open heart…and Samir doesn’t just talk about it, he lives it. Check out Faith House Manhattan for more info on his good work.

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