Celtic Odyssey

In this series, I’ve been answering a question about the “good virtues and attributes” of humanity. Part 1 addressed the issues of the brokenness of the world and Yahweh’s plan to fix it. In Part 2 we addressed the plan finding its fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth. We saw how the Realm of God began through his life and continues to expand and grow. One of the outcomes of Jesus life, death, resurrection, and ascension was the reconciliation of all things. In Part 3 , we listed the “good virtues and attributes” of humanity because of this reconciliation. We ended that post with remarks that people will say I’m naïve and delusional for thinking humanity is righteous, holy, faithful, good, etc. We briefly looked at the idea that, while God’s Realm was established in the first century, it continues to grow and expand. We see this idea of God’s Realm expanding quite clearly: Ezekiel 47.1-12 (adapted) : When the man brought me back to the temple’s entrance, I noticed that water was flow...

15. We see through a glass only darkly and know our understandings to be merely provisional. We hold our convictions (which are few) without wavering, but hold our opinions (which are many) lightly. Therefore, there must be a great willingness to change — being slow to judge, never condemning, quick to acknowledge mistakes and move on. There is yet more light and truth for us to become aware of, to assimilate and so to be transformed. This is the last Understanding of the Lindisfarne Community and it’s one of my favorites. It’s the second sentence that really gets me: “We hold our convictions (which are few) without wavering, but hold our opinions (which are many) lightly.” For a long time, I held many convictions and very few opinions. But, as my faith in Christ grew, and my walk with G_d and others continued, I realized that I had this backwards. The Lindisfarne Community really spotlighted that for me. I noticed that a lot of what I had deemed “non-negotiable” was now open for de...

14. In the Lindisfarne Community, we are willing to be out on a limb, to be vulnerable. In doing so we always run the risk of being rejected, which is at times an intense form of suffering. Nonetheless, to that we have been called. Jesus was the most vulnerable on the cross and in our discipleship we willingly embrace the cross — to be vulnerable, to be out of control, knowing the freedom that vulnerability brings. Being vulnerable. That’s difficult for some people. Some of us are pretty guarded. We’ve been hurt so deeply that we don’t trust people the way we used to. We’re suspicious of even those who are closest to us. We “know” that they could, at any moment, hurt us again. So, we guard ourselves. We try to be the people we once were, but the damage is too great. It take years before we become trusting people again. Sometimes - a lot of the time - we never trust people again. We remain distant. Guarded. Broken. Some of us have even changed the “Golden Rule” to reflect our new wa...

13. We are committed to hospitality, receiving others as they are; who they are in Christ. Our service is through our homes, with common meals, caring hospitality, as we extend family and friendship. In the breaking of bread, sharing our food, we recognize Jesus amongst us; in entertaining strangers we welcome angels. I admit, I’m an introvert by nature. I’d much rather be left alone to my own devices and imagination that to spend time with others. The only exception is my wife and daughter, but, let’s be honest, even then there are times when I like to spend time by myself. On the flip side, I like the occasional get together. And still, as the time approaches, I sometimes dread it - I wish I hadn’t committed to it. But, then again, when I do get with others, I enjoy it and wonder why I don’t do it more often. But at other times, when I’m in the middle of the gathering, I just think about how I would much rather be at home - reading a book, snuggling with my love on the couch watch...

12. We are called toward a generous, self-giving lifestyle. In order for that to happen, we try not to hoard our time, talents, money or gifts; developing the habit of giving things away. In the Lindisfarne Community we encourage members not to be limited by the tithe, to be more expansive in our thinking about generosity; listening for the gentle promptings of the Spirit. We are often surprised how giving God wants us to be. We seek, too, to be generous with the faults and mistakes of others. Forgiveness is seventy times seven — in truth there is no end to it. A lot can be said about this Understanding but I want to focus on the last two sentences — We seek, too, to be generous with the faults and mistakes of others. Forgiveness is seventy times seven — in truth there is no end to it. I like the way we move from “giving” to “forgiving.” To be truly giving people, we must first start with forgiveness. We must extend mercy and love to everyone. I’ve often heard people say we should o...

Brian's latest book. So, last night, my wife and I went up to Mayflower Congregational Church to listen to one of my favorite authors, Brian McLaren . He was there promoting his latest book, Why Did Jesus, Moses, The Buddha, and Mohammed Cross the Road: Christian Identity in a Muli-Faith World . I’m not really sure what I expected, but it was great being able to listen to Brian give his presentation. While I haven’t read this latest book, it seems that it’s getting a lot of positive attention from other religious groups - especially from those mentioned in the title! Brian’s point in the book is to propose a middle ground between a strong Christian identity that is hostile (or un-hospitable) towards people of other faiths or a weak (or watered down) Christian identity that is affirming of other faiths. He believes that a follower of Jesus can have a “vigorous hospitality toward, interest in, and collaboration” with people from other faiths and still maintain a strong f...