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The Parable of the Fish and the Fishermen
Disclaimer: I am neither a writer, nor Jesus, thus the following parable is of shoddy craftsmanship, and barely sufficient to convey my point.
There was a rich man who had three sons. He decided that it was time his sons left his household to make their way into the world. Growing up rich, these sons never learned to provide for themselves, but still, their father told them it was time to make it on their own.
The three sons decided to move to a town known for its fisheries, under the impression that this was the best course of action to provide for both their stomachs and wallets. When they arrived at the town, the three sons went their own ways.
The first son was met by a local fisherman, who taught the son how to fish, thinking that he would then be able to provide for himself. But this son would run into days where he couldn’t catch sufficient fish to both feed himself and sell to make a living, so days went when the son starved.
The second son met a fisherman who agreed to provide enough fish for him to both eat and sell at market. On some days, however, this fisherman could not provide enough fish to support both the son and himself, so days went when the son starved.
The third son met a fisherman who taught him how to fish, and also offered to provide him fish on the days when the son was not able to bring in enough to get by. This son worked hard and was never forced to starve.
In these months when the donkey fights the elephant on the workings of the economy, it’s important for us to remember that neither teaching a man to fish nor giving a man a fish is enough to help that man out. We need to be able to do both.
I can haz tiketz?
Link.
Yeah, this is being held in Atlanta Sept. 11 and 12, for Becky and I to go will be $130 dollars, but I think I’m going to pull together the scrath to pay for it.
BTW- If anyone is attending and needs a couch to crash on (and isn’t allergic to out dogs and our cat) then shoot me an email.
the sbc (part deux)
So, two more news stories came out today regarding the SBC, and I thought I’d address them both. (USA Today & AJC)
In the USA today article, Frank Page, who had been trying to reform the party during his term, was quoted saying:
“I have admonished — lovingly but firmly — our convention not to get too close to any political party, parties change. I think we need to stay close to issues, and not hold allegiance to political parties.”
Which I must applaud. Actually, the more I read about Page and the changes he *tried* to bring, the more I like the guy. Page himself has even met with Obama, and says he will not blindly hold to either political party. I think that’s great advice that we can all learn from. I do fear that I may fall onto the democratic side of things, if the republic side continues to be resoundly pro-war, but thats a tangent for another post.
Anyways, contrast the above quote with this snippet from the AJC article:
The appointments Hunt will make will define whether he plans to hew the party line or open the leadership up to those outside the traditional circle of power, Key said.
Hunt said, “We went through 12 years of conservative resurgence, which I think was wonderful.
So, I am again concerned with the types of political moves the party will make. One point I forgot to mention yesterday was that Georgia’s Governor is a member (and Sunday School teacher) of Johnny Hunt’s church, which should shed a bit more light on how political they are.
So Blake asked yesterday if I thought that Johnny would “roll back the clock” on things like climate change, and I’ll answer “No” to that. I think that there is too much pressure globally to ignore climate change. Instead, I think that Johnny will increase the SBC’s social justice program, these two paragraphs from the USA Today article clues you in on that:
His church sponsors numerous outreaches into its Cherokee County community beyond the evangelism that has defined Southern Baptists. It has a food pantry, a ministry to burned-out pastors, English classes for immigrants and numerous ways to reach out to young people. In October, the church plans a three-day drive that will include free food and health care for the needy and it will send volunteers in the community to repair homes and clean up public spaces.
Hunt calls the program Loving Loud and wants to inspire the convention with it as well.
So, we’ll watch and wait to see how this all works out. I’m hopeful (about the social aspect), yet just a little bit worried (about the politics like homosexuality, and the right to buy alcohol on Sunday).
a thought on the sbc
So, Johnny Hunt has been announced as the new president of the Southern Baptist Convention. This interested me greatly, considering I’ve both been a member of an SBC church (note the alliterated B’s on the website), and attended Johnny’s church (I wasn’t a member there though, if that matters), in fact, I literally live less than a mile from Johnny’s church. So, I know just a bit about both of these organizations, and I’ll say I was a little shocked when I read the announcement in the AJC this morning (link), apparently the AJC’s opinions mirrored my own.
Josh Brown had made mention, a few months ago, that the SBC is in serious decline, and made the point of poor mode/method as the cause of this, and I must say that I agree with him. However, seeing the growing number of New Reformers (or as the AJC article calls them, young reformers) I had hoped that a fresh breath would be given to the SBC (and all baptists for that fact). I know several progressive steps had already been taken, namely the mention of global climate change as a large issue of our time, and thought that perhaps the organization was changing.
Well, with this appointment, I’m pretty sure I’m wrong.
Seriously, I remember the few services I attended at FBCW (Johnny Hunt’s church), there was always some sort of fundamentalist political overtone (please note, I’m not knocking the political overtones in services, I would likely discuss politics were I to ever step up to a pulpit). The two large issues I remember that were brought up are gay rights and abolitionism eerr… Sunday Alchohol Sales. I remember being told that if we were to vote Yes to Sunday Alcohol Sales our nation would fall even farther into moral decay. As far as gay marriage goes, I only remember being told that we needed to support the constitutional amendment in our state (Georgia) that would prohibit gay marriage from being legal.
Now, there are several good things that go on at FBCW. They have a, if I may use the term, kick-ass homeless help program, complete with both training (for the homeless) and I think nearly daily meals (they travel down to Atlanta to do so). They also have a program to help ministers who have in some way screwed up (affairs, stealing, etc) and are more often than not, kicked out of their churches instead of being taken care of. If Johnny is able to bring these sorts of programs to the SBC as a whole, than I would view his appointment as a LARGE success.
However, I’m worried that his appointment will be seen as a rallying cry to make the SBC into a PAC of the religious right.
For now, my prayers and my heart certainly go out in hope that a great change shall be had within the organization.
Indian Taxi Fund (update)
So to make another push for the Indian Taxi Fund, Josh came up with an idea to sell books for $25. He’s got a few posted on his site if you aren’t a fan of anything you see over here, I’m offering basically the entirety of my bookshelf from the past six months. If you’re interested in anything shoot me an email and I’ll tell you the paypal details. I’ll pay for shipping, by the way, so it’s straight up $25 going entirely (ok, well minus paypal’s lame fees edit: I found out Josh is going to cover those out of pocket) to Amit.
Thanks in advance.
Oh… and, on top of free shipping, if your local (enough), I’ll run ‘em out to you and buy you a cup of coffee or a brew. (yeah, I just one upped you, Josh Brown)
Divine Conspiracy- Dallas Willard
Adventures in Missing the Point- Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo
The Origin of Satan- Elaine Pagels
The Voice Revealed- Chris Seay
The Voice of Luke- Brian McLaren (Two Copies)
The Dust Off Their Feet- Chris Seay and friends
Starving Jesus- Craig Gross and J.R. Mahon
Signs of Emergence (Kester Brewin)
Jesus without religion- Rick James
The Myth of a Christian Nation- Greg Boyd
The end of religion- Bruxy Cavey
This Beautiful Mess- Rick McKinely
The Secret Message of Jesus- Brian McLaren
Everything Must Change- Brian McLaren
Irresistible Revolution- Shane Claiborne
From Jihad to Jesus- Jerry Rassamni
Blue Like Jazz- Donald Miller
The New Christians- Tony Jones
Misquoting Truth- Timothy Paul Jones
an open letter to my brethren on the right
For some years now you have viewed yourselves as championing the cause of Pro-Marriage legislation, which is more plainly stated: Anti-Homosexual legislation. You have felt the turning tide of public appeal fall favorably on Gay marriage, and see this trend as an affront to your very core being. Your leaders have imposed if Homosexuality were to be found out as a genetic predisposition, they would break their moral and ethical values against abortion to stop a homosexual child from being born. In saying this they have shown that making humanity fit within the narrow confines of their ideal image is more important than the protection of life itself.
For years they have silently encouraged their children to degrade homosexuals by calling them derogatory names, they are complicit in their silence and lack of condemnation for such acts. For years they themselves as well as many of you have even fallen to the levels of using these same derogatory terms to describe homosexuals. You, yourselves, have used the very term “Gay” as a negative word; much the same way that Jews in the day of Jesus used the term Samaritan. You have subjugated homosexuals to a lower level then yourselves by denying them the right of marriage, claiming it a sacred system, which you yourselves have utterly desecrated with your divorces and affairs.
The treatment you have brought upon homosexuals is not the first of its kind, nor will it be the last. Your ancestors have just as vehemently protested causes such as women’s rights, civil rights, and acts against institutions such as apartheid, yet progress persevered. In the end the overwhelming tide of equality has persevered over the diminishing forces of inequity and bigotry.
You cannot claim to be both the protectors of the Bible and deny its very core message of equality. You must see that the God of the Bible is a God of change, a God who loves all, and a God who will not abide such bigotry that has been shown throughout the past decades against homosexuals. Perhaps your most grievous act is this ignorance of this progressive theme that the Bible portrays.
Your misunderstandings have caused immeasurable hurt over the years. Where you should be sowing seeds of Justice, Equality, and Love, you have created a field that is full of the weeds of pain, suffering, and injustice. This act has cast, in the eyes of those who do not hold to the cross, an ill shadow upon the Father who became flesh that all may be reconciled and equal.
My friends, this tide will not be turned back. You may delay it, you may attempt to ignore it, you may fight it will all of your might, but this tide is strengthened by a God who will not be turned back, nor denied. Join us, champion the cause of equality, truly live out a life freed of legalistic oppression, and see true change in the reconciling name of Christ.
Indian Taxi Fund
Have you ever taken part in changing the world via Kiva? If you have, then you know what a micro-loan is and how it works, for those of you who don’t heres a quick run down.
It starts with a small business owner in need of money to grow his or her business in some way. With Kiva the loans range from $500 to several thousands of dollars, and the idea is that you can get a group of people together to donate $25 each and all of you collectively can help support the business. It’s a great idea and Kiva has had a large amount of success in helping business owners in third world countries.
But there’s a problem with Kiva, there is really no relationship aspect. You get a short bio of the business owner(s) but you never really get to know them, and this has been a problem for me, I want to work within the confines of relationships to help out.
A solution has come in the form of this Indian Taxi Fund. Let me introduce you to Amit.
Amit is a church planter in India, to help support his calling he has been teaching at a local university, however the university recently closed. After the university closed Amit began working a Taxi business, but he is being severely overcharged by the man he is renting a taxi from, and is not able to really make enough money to support his family and continue to plant churches.
Enter Josh Brown and his blogging cohorts. Josh built a relationship with Amit, Josh brought us this story, and Josh set this plan in motion. Now, we are going to join together to raise $7500 for Amit to purchase a taxi in order to continue his ministry.
Now, this is a loan, which means Amit will be repaying the lenders (no you will not be collecting interest), but it will enable him to continue his ministry.
So here’s what I’m asking. $25 from each reader in my blog, but I’m also looking for anyone willing to match the contributions made via my blog. If you’re interested in donation matching, please contact me via e-mail (mattscott306 at comcast dot net).
Josh Brown is also providing the following for any wishing to take part in the Indian Taxi Fund (cross posted from Josh’s site)
Via Red Cowboy Designs (my graphic design company), I’ll be taking the first 3 clients (new) that contact me for a new project. I will write them a quote as usual offering a 20% discount on what I normally would charge. I will then have them send the money directly to the Indian Taxi Fund PayPal account. I will not take a penny of this money, but it will go directly to Amit’s Indian Taxi Fund. All of the monies will go directly to Amit in India to help pay for his taxi. For example, if I quote you $350 for a rave card and give you a 20% discount, you will be asked to donate $270 directly to the Indian Taxi Fund. That’s a pretty nifty bargain/deal/make the world a better place offer. But it gets better, at the end of the loan when Amit repays the amount, we will give you your money back. So you will technically be getting a design for free. It’s like Oprah’s Big Give. But cooler. I think.
To donate refer to this link for the PayPal information.
If you want more information, please email me at the address above, or head over to this page for further context and background.
UPDATE: This is cross posted from the comment section on Josh’s site, regarding certain logistics of the operation.
i’m planning on the money going to the paypal account. i’ll pay for the money that paypal takes as their cut out of pocket. i’ll then send a lump sum check via western union to amit. and then we’ll set up a payment plan for 24 months. where he sends payment back via western union every month. and i’ll be the last to take the repayment. just because i’m horrible with math. and i want to minimize paypal eating into our chunk of money raised, i’ll pay back individuals with a regular check probably. or just send it paypal. but i’ll do it in a lump sum. so if amit pays us back $1000. i won’t divide that up 30 ways. i’ll just start paying certain people their whole sum. that way we don’t get hit with multiple transaction fees. does that make any sense.
on america
So we have a problem here in America. It’s called americanism. It’s a religion, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a drug. The way it’s progressing, it doesn’t seem like it will stop. There’s always been voices against it, but those voices somehow always seem to get silenced. It’s like we’re scared of the voices offering dissent or opinions different from our own. It’s like we’re afraid of understanding other viewpoints, because maybe, just maybe, they could show us where we’re wrong.
It’s like when someone points out that America, in it’s junkie like addiction to oil, might be causing some evil in the world, which in turn causes more evil to spread, we turn a blind eye. It’s like someone pointing out that the very same texts that we use to justify the slaughter of Muslims can be used to show that traditionally God would damn America, we call the FBI to report a terrorist. It’s like when we do come across someone who listens isn’t scarred to hear the voices in the margins, we quickly turn ourselves away from that person, we shut them out, we stand up for what’s right and hold dearly to our American “values.”
What kind of values does Americanism present to the world?
Stand Tall! Work your way up the chain! Succeed! Bring your values to the world! Peace! Victory! Love!
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Stand Tall… the backs of those you stand upon will hold you.
Work your way up the chain… because the top is all that matters.
Succeed… because if you don’t, you may become the minority, and the majority will stand on your back instead.
Bring your values to the world… because they are all that is right.
Peace… through war.
Victory… at your expense.
Love… if you live like us.
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That is Americanism. That is patriotic. Dissent is not.
Ignore the voices in the margins. Ignore your conscious.
Duality is the way.
on understanding
I was talking with a friend the other day. We were discussing John Piper, Joel Osteen, and the Prosperity gospel (actually it all started when I showed him the Pisseth video) and I was trying to articulate my view of acquiring “stuff.”
I was attempting to explain to him my viewpoint on the idea that Christianity has been infected with consumerism. I don’t think he quite understood. The viewpoint he holds is that it’s not so wrong for Christians to acquire the stuff they want as long as they are still tithing and such. One of his ideas on the topic was that we can continue to acquire stuff because we don’t know if what we’re acquiring is God’s blessing or not. Lets just say I’m not a big fan of that particular reasoning and move on. Another point he brought up was he says that somewhere in the Bible it says God wants to give us both what we need and what we want. I challenged him on that one because I don’t ever recall hearing that before, but he couldn’t remember where it was either.
But topic of the argument, nor the validity of our respective viewpoints in the topic of this post. It’s more of a reflective post.
Why?
Because I can’t understand why he doesn’t see what I see.
I have that problem. I get passionate about something, I devour that topic, I let it permeate to essentially every core of my life. And I get puzzled when others don’t do the same.
True I’ve gotten better of late, I can understand why people disagree with certain issues that I hold, like on hell, but I still hit that brick wall (at about 90 miles and hour) when someone doesn’t care about the poor, or doesn’t understand why the environment is important to me. Here’s the thing. I think I could talk to a muslim who cares for the poor easier than a Christian who drives a Hummer and “tithes” each week. (note: the friend doesn’t drive a hummer, and the place his money goes is pretty cool)
So here I sit, replaying that scene from the other night in my mind, wondering if my inability to understand why he didn’t side with me hindered his understanding of my side, and why, when I wholly held that viewpoint just a short year ago, I can’t understand it now.
How does one get through such and impasse?
Listening to: You’re not alone By: Saosin (I love ballads)
i’m tired of not doing anything
I’ve been brooding on these thoughts of late. This post by Josh Brown didn’t really help at all.
I’ve been listening to the Sustainable Faith conference, and I’ve been somewhat thinking through my life and the sustainability of it. don’t see too many ways in which I can currently make my life more sustainable, yet I know my life is considerably “unsustainable.” We currently own two cars, I drive a truck which has over a year left on the lease, Becky drives a more modest pontiac g5, obviously when my lease is up I’ll be “downgrading” to something more environmentally friendly. What can I do there to help? I want to get some sort of motorcycle to commute as much as possible on, but certain members of my family (read: Becky) aren’t quite down with that idea.
We live the lives of crazy college kids with very little set free time. We both work 40 hour weeks, we both have three classes a week, we are both involved in a college group at our church, we’re both involved in leading 4th and 5th grade kids every week for our church. I basically have two nights a week free, what do I with them? I spend them either watching tv, playing video games, or going somewhere with Becky. What can I do there? How does one go about just going into Atlanta and hanging out with the homeless? How does that look? How do you start that?
I’m with a church that cares very little for anyone but themselves. This fact was confirmed by a staff member a few months back. It’s a sad fact but it’s true. I’m involved with a college ministry that essentially tries to emulate a glorified college “service” that broke up about a year ago. They may not admit to that straight up, but it’s decently obvious to at least Becky and me. How do I help that change? I have absolutely zero credibility in the department of “social justice” right now, other than voicing my opinions on it. How do I convince a group to join me on journey that I haven’t even truly started? Someone within the groups hierarchy stated that they didn’t want to mention beforehand when we do do those rare “service projects” because they were worried that attendance wouldn’t be so good that night. With that kind of view, how is change ever going to happen?
For a second here I’d like to make mention that I’m not looking to proselytize the group into coming with me, I want to show them that, hey, this is what I think Jesus was talking about here.
Back on topic.
Becky and I have a severe addiction to eating out. We’re either eating in the college foodcourt, eating fast food, or going to a sit down restaurant basically every night of the week. We’ve tried buying food to cook at home but we run into two problems: 1. We spend just as much (if not more) money eating at home than we do eating out, and as somewhat cash strapped people this is an issue. 2. When we do buy food at times it goes to waste because we either don’t have time to cook, or forget that it we even had the food to begin with. Then there’s the problem of us actually buying food, of course we’d love to grow our own, but how can we with our 12×20 back yard and a spare room that’s not really big enough for any sort of hydroponics system (that I know of at least- I’ll admit I’m not very knowledgeable in the area.)
Like I said- I’m tired of not doing anything, but I don’t know where to start. It’s all well and good to “be part of the conversation” but in the end that does absolutely nothing. If we’re not doing anything that we haven’t really changed.
One of my favorite quotes is: “You don’t believe what you believe, you believe what you do.”
On a lighter note: here’s a fun page I came across today.
Technorati Tags: social justice