Fuerst Best – Harry Potter Edition!!!!

Harry Potter Wants You for the Blogosphere!

Religion Dispatches on the Trouble with Harry Potter: Why Religious Conservatives Really Do Have Something to Fear.

The very notion that the world is not one of ordinary objects supervised by a supernatural deity, but rather a world of ordinary and extraordinary objects that doesn’t seem to be supervised by anything, has more in common with Enlightenment rationalism than with traditional religion. We may get distracted by the superstitions and doctrines, but really, such philosophies are resolutely secular—all the more so for being esoteric and magical.    

For a more positive, Christian appropriation of the story, read this article from Relevant Magazine on The Redemption of Harry Potter.

In the end, Harry’s sacrifice is a pale reflection of a much deeper and more profound one that really did save the world, one that really does promise to set the world to rights. But his death does what any great Christian art ought to: Using a profound story, it provides a singular glimpse into the Christian story that can both deepen and widen our experience of faith.

**I guess the such divergent takes of these two articles suggests the fantastic job Rowling has done to make good art in her Harry Potter narrative.**

Elsewhere, Andrew Peterson also does some reflection on Harry Potter, Jesus, and Me.

I couldn’t get Harry’s story out of my head. I doubled over in the back of the auditorium and sobbed with gratitude to Jesus for allowing his body to be ruined, for facing the enemy alone, for laying down his life for his friends–Jesus, my friend, brother, hero, and king–Jesus, the Lord of Life, who triumphed o’er the grave–who lives that death may die! Even now, writing those words, my heart catches in my throat. In that moment I was able, because of these books, to worship Christ in a way I never had.

Over at CNN’s Belief Blog, Danielle Elizabeth Tumminio reflects on Why We’re Drawn to Harry Potter.

In other words, it is community and love that see us through even the greatest losses. That’s the same for Rowling and for Christians, for whom God is love. It is friendship and faith that help us walk—or drive, as I was doing at that moment—bravely to our destiny.

And Finally – Just Because He LOOKS Like Harry Potter….no, SERIOUSLY, Go see!!!!! – Tim Tennent offers us part 5 of his “Why I’m a Methodist and an Evangelical” series: Sanctification. 

To be sanctified is to receive a gift from God which changes our hearts and reorients our relationship with the Triune God and with others, giving us the capacity to love God and neighbor in new and profound ways. The language of “entire sanctification” in Methodism uses the word entire in reference to Greek, not Latin. In Greek entire or complete can still be improved upon. It is a new orientation which no longer looks back on the old life of sin, but is always looking forward to the New Creation. It is a life which has been engulfed by new realities, eschatological realities, not the realities of that which are passing away.

 

 

Fuerst Best 7.13.2011

Tim Tennent on Prevenient Grace: Why I’m a Methodist and an Evangelical (Pt. 2). This is really a discussion of what the Gospel IS to a Methodist. Good stuff here.

Wesleyan thought affirms that God has taken the initiative to create a universal capacity for the human race to receive his grace. Many, of course, still resist his will and persist in rebellion against God. Wesleyan thought is actually a middle position between a Pelagian view (which makes every person an Adam and admits no sin nature or bondage due to Adam’s nature) and the Reformed view (which affirms limited atonement). What Wesleyans mean by free will is actually “freed will,” i.e., a will in bondage which has been set free by a free act of God’s grace. It is, of course, not free in every possible respect, since we are all influenced by the effects of the Fall in many ways; but we now have a restored capacity which has enabled our heart, mind, and will to respond to God’s grace. I love the fact that Methodists believe that even if you go to the ends of the earth with the gospel, you will always find that God precedes you and, in effect, “beats you there!” 

 

Tim Tennent again with Part 3 of his “Why I’m a Methodist and an Evangelical”, this time addressing the Means of Grace.

Wesley defines the “means of grace” as “outward signs, words, or actions, ordained of God, and appointed for this end, to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men, preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.”1  Wesley goes on to identify three primary “means of grace” which God has given to us: prayer (private or public), Scripture (reading or listening), and the Lord’s Supper. 

 

And J R Daniel Kirk looks at the Insufficiency of Christ’s Sufferings in Colossians 1. Good stuff here.

Ministers are extensions of the saving work of Christ on the cross. The body of believers is an extension of the saving work of Christ on the cross. In the already/not yet eschatology of a world reconciled and being reconciled to God, the death of Jesus is both a one-off reconciling event and a saving reality that the church is called to extend in space and time.

 

For this week’s Taste of Insanity…

Evangelical teens more likely to be sexually active than Mormons, Jewish, and Mainline Protestant teens.

They don’t plan for sex, because they have a rule against that. But they push against the boundaries of the rule. And somehow they’re convinced they’ll be able to resist. But all the while they’re becoming at home with one incremental stage of intimacy after another. They linger at each stage–far longer than their secular friends are inclined to linger–thereby ensuring two things: first, that they become entirely comfortable with each other at that level of intimacy, entirely trusting; second, that they are fully immersed in the maximal sexual urgency that such a step is capable of producing. And so when the urgency drives them forward to the next incremental step, there is no sudden flare of distrust, no fear of boundaries violated or in danger of being violated. And there certainly is no talk of going to get a condom.”

Fuerst Best 7.7.2011

Marilyn Eliot writes a fantastic piece reflecting on women’s body-images and their spirituality in Looking for Ugly.

One of the women in Book Club was telling us about her daughter. A few years ago —- was tall, slender, an A-plus student, athletic, responsible, kind, lots of friends. But, of course, her first worry was, “Mom, Am I pretty?” Her mother, a scientist and teacher at an elite private school was sickened to discover that her daughter, despite all the mother’s best effort, still wondered if she was pretty and still worried about it.—- is now 23, almost finished her first degree, has a boyfriend and many accomplishments. She is not conventionally pretty, but she is accomplished in many ways and will be one of life’s movers and shakers. I hope she doesn’t still worry about her face.

I am 49 and a half, and I still want to be pretty.

Tim Tennent starts a series on why he’s a Methodist. Should be fun to read.

Nijay Gupta advises us on his favorite commentaries  and other works on the Gospel of John.

Roger Olson on the difference between Patriotism and Nationalism. Well worth your time.

There may seem to be a fine line between patriotism and nationalism, but actually the line is not so fine at all.  There’s a clear litmus test for distinguishing between them.  Patriotism looks to the future and hopes for and works toward the country’s achievement of its ideals.  Nationalism looks to the past and defends everything the country has ever done as necessarily good and right just because the country did it.  Thus, patriotism loves the country for what it can be; nationalism loves the country for what it has done–regardless 0f morality.  Nationalism exempts country from moral accountability; patriotism holds country morally accountable because it loves it….I love a good patriotic parade and concert.  I always get a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye when I hear the Star Spangled Banner and see the flag waving in the breeze.  I love my country and thank God I was privileged to be born here.  But none of that means I must uncritically accept whatever its government decides to do or every aspect of its culture and society.  Nor does it mean I must think it is the only God-favored nation on the planet or that it has a unique place in God’s providential plan for history.  Like all human societies it is not “the City of God” but another expression of the “City of Man.”  As a Christian, my primary citizenship is in God’s Kingdom yet to come (but hopefully already being anticipated in the communion of the saints).   My loyalty to country is subordinate to that.  Too many Christians equate the two–country and God’s kingdom.

Brian McLaren writes a fantastic letter to Albert Mohler in reference to Mohler’s prophetic words to the SBC regarding homophobia in Southern Baptist churches. Mohler defends the traditional position of the Evangelical movement, but maintains that that position should not lead to the homophobia and hatred that seems to run through Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism. McLaren urges Mohler, in light of the personal attacks he’s received, to reconsider his own approach to those who disagree with him.

 Note: I do not agree with everything in this letter, but I thought it was a good reminder of how Christians should dialogue with one another in love. 

The Fuerst Best of the Week 6.20.2011

We’re going to focus on Egalitarianism in today’s Fuerst Best of the Week.

In this piece, Suzanne McCarthy writes an email to Christians for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood expressing the need to engage and make accessible the best information available regarding gender inclusive language in the NIV2011, even though the information doesn’t jibe with CBMW’s larger theological position.

JR Daniel Kirk looks at Complementarian interpretations of the Genesis creation narratives. I’d be interested in some of your thoughts on his argument. It certainly engages the ambiguity of the Bible in regards to gender roles and hierarchy.

The Gospel…finally will not allow hierarchy to stand. Who we are “in the Lord” transforms our understanding of mutual interrelations, so that it no longer makes sense to say, “Here is man, who simply rules over his wife and family.” Now mutual interdependence and dependence come to the fore, such that both depend upon the other–a kind of relationship in which there can not, for long, be any sense of one ruling the other.

 

At CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality International) Michael Bird reflects on teaching his students about Phoebe, the deaconess in Romans 16, in ‘Fretting Over Phoebe.” (You’ll have to scroll down a bit to get to it.)

“Could it be that the first person to publicly read and teach about or from Romans was a woman? If so, what does that tell you about women and teaching roles in the early church?”

Kyle, over at the Triniatrian Soapbox reflects on God and Gender/Sex. Kyle’s a brilliant writer from the few months I’ve been following him, so stay focused. It’s worth it. His main point is that though masculine pronouns are used for God (Father, for example), that God is not inherently a male.

The Southern Baptist Convention once again rejects the newest NIV because of it’s apparent Egalitarian bent. To me, it seems from all the evidence I’ve read, the new NIV is sound and is a good middle ground. But like many things in the SBC, if it’s not ‘our way’ then it’s the highway.

Criticism over the update has been high ever since its inception, with opponents like the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood – which support a complementarian view of manhood and womanhood – finding over 3,600 gender-related problems in the new version.

Let’s just say that I’m probably going to get an NIV2011, if they’re still available when I need a new Bible. But until then, I think I’m just going to boycott Lifeway.

Fuerst Best 4.23.2011

Thomas Irby offers us a really moving piece on his experience taking Communion on Maundy Thursday. And just because I think it needs to be said – This dude has a heart that is melting before God right now. I’m thoroughly impressed and even a bit jealous at how obvious the work of God is in his life these last few months.

I realized that I had been lacking, aching, longing for communion with God. It was in this beautiful ritual that He reveals himself to us. For the first time in many years I accepted the body and blood of Christ with a heart that was free from religion and personal attempts at holiness. For the first time in many years I truly accepted communion.

Amy Julia Becker over at Her.Meneutics reflects on how to best tell our children about Easter.

Rachel Held Evans, a blog I’ve recently started perusing a lot, suggests 12 ways to make Arminianism cool again. In case you don’t have a sense of humor, this is intended to be funny….sort of.

And Tim Tennent’s discussion of a beautiful concept: The Means of Grace. Are you struggling with your faith? Do you want to grow spiritually? Do you want to be conformed to the image of Christ? Participate in the means of grace!

Wesley defines the “means of grace” as “outward signs, words, or actions, ordained of God, and appointed for this end, to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men, preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace” (Sermon 16, Means of Grace).  Wesley goes on to identify three primary “means of grace” which God has given to us:  prayer (private or public), Scripture (reading or listening), and the Lord’s Supper. 

Marcus Green reflects on his emotions about leaving his church after 11 years. (Subscribe to Marcus’s blog; this guy’s an amazing pastor with a passion and knowledge of worship that is rivaled by no one. )

Suffice it to say: being part of a Christian community is about loving & being loved. We do this in our own idiosyncratic ways, and that’s part of the joy of it. 

And since I live in Florida now, I couldn’t resist  the Top 5 Surfing Wipeouts from last year.

Finally, Obama has some reflective thoughts on the resurrection of Jesus.

The Fuerst Best: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

Thomas Irby offers us a fantastic piece modeling self-reflection about our ties to theological systems that often distract us from the pursuit of God. Thanks for your honesty, bro.

“I wholeheartedly believe that the pursuit of holiness is very important to the Christian life. However, when your holiness becomes more important than appreciating the beautiful, life-giving power of Christ’s resurrection you may need to correct your bearing and re-focus yourself.”

Christians are story tellers.

Michael Patton discusses Hell Across the Spectrum of History. It’s a little more biased than he lets on, but that’s okay. That doesn’t make him wrong.

And on the topic of Hell, Ben Witherington offers us a good discussion.

The Fuerst Best 3.13.2011

Scot McKnight on mercy triumphing over justice. This is a good word for all who are considering the doctrine of Hell and what it actually entails.

“I will put it this way: there are passages that sound univeralistic, that sound like somehow God will reconcile all things in the End, and that if we don’t occasionally sound universalistic we are not being as biblical as God — and as Jesus and Paul. Yes, these passages are not the only ones to consider, but — let this be said — neither are they cushioned or cautioned or cornered off by Jesus and Paul so they don’t give the wrong impression. What the Bible is talking about here is that God’s grace will win. God will make all things right. I’m not a universalist but I want this language to be the way I talk about these topics.”

Cassie writes on Motherhood and the Spiritual Disciplines.

“I’m realizing God fully knows the demands of motherhood. He doesn’t expect us to grow in spite of our circumstances, but uniquely through them.”

Christianity Today’s Her.Meneutics Blog on The Gospel of Grace for Women who Self-Injure.

Michael Jinkins addresses 4 Beatitudes of Church Leadership.

In a similar leadership vein, Perry Noble raises 21 questions all leaders must ask themselves.

The Fuerst Best 3.1.2011

Tom Long rips us for not expecting God to move in worship. And he’s right on.

Thomas Irby has some good thoughts on video blogs. Just ignore the twitchy eyed guy in the video at the bottom.

Roger Olson on why Arminianism is closer to Calvinism than Arminianism is to Semi-Pelagianism.

And Roger Olson again – When will we ever learn? Well reasoned words about the Rob Bell saga coming from a man who knows what it’s like to be maliciously attacked without base by the people who are attacking Bell.  He also did a follow up piece on Christians and criticism, but I don’t want to link it here because that would be 3 Olson links on one blog post and you might think I was stalking him….which I am.

The Her.Meneutics blog makes some great observations about the Stone-Age depiction of women in The Social Network.

Donald Miller rejects the righteous.

This Week’s Taste of Insanity: Just follow the Rob Bell saga. Enough said.

 

Fuerst Best 2.22.2011

Donald Miller on Church Infighting: If the church dies in America, it won’t be because of liberal theology, it will be because people don’t sense Christians actually understand or respect Jesus’ prayer in John 17. It goes without saying, then, that if they will know us by our love, they will also know we are not of God by our inability to acknowledge an individual’s sovereignty.

Christianity Today tells of Glenn Beck’s meeting with Billy Graham. Thoughts?

15 Resources to help you find the best people for your team.

Matt Chandler fields questions about how cancer has changed him.

Numbers 7-8 hit me in the heart. All of it worth reading: 8 Things that Will Change Your Church.

Thomas Irby on What Good Art Looks Like.

My wife confronts her fear of the phone. I think you’ll find this is about more than just a fear of phones.

NT Wright’s advice for the next generation of clergy. Via Michael Bird.

The Fuerst Best of the Week

Ladies, have you considered fasting from wearing make-up for Lent? It might be the most powerful sacrifice you can make.

Scott McKnight: Why are Millennials leaving the church? It’s simple. Mobile social computing has replaced the main draw of the traditional church: Social connection and affiliation.

Perry Noble on 10 things that stress out church leaders.

This Week’s Taste of Insanity: What’s a “Christian Bieber?”

The sex symbol of all pre-pubescent little girls everywhere has a movie coming out about his ‘Christian’ faith. If only Jesus had gone for middle-school sex appeal instead of anti-imperialism, maybe he would still be alive. (In case you didn’t get that – that’s what I call sarcasm.)