I don't think I need to stress the importance of religion in society, but I will anyway. Religion can and has inspired both a great amount of good and a great amount of evil in the world. The way that churches relate to the world is therefore extremely important. As I was reading Communion Ecclesiology by Dennis Doyle, I stumbled upon these six factors that would make for a truly world changing Catholic Church.
1. A doctrinal factor that emphasizes the priority of the Church universal and the importance of certain visible church structures.
2. A Rhanerian factor that emphasizes the sacramentality of the world and the communion with God that exists within all humankind.
3. A Balthasarian factor that emphasizes the uniqueness of the Christian revelation and its aesthetic character.
4. A liberation factor that emphasizes an option for the poor and the political implications of communion.
5. A contextual factor that emphasizes gender, ethnicity, and social location as the context for appreciating relationality.
6. A reforming factor that emphasizes the need for Roman Catholics to challenge radically their own ecclesiological presuppositions in the interest of ecumenical progress.
Doyle then offers two frameworks that we can use to include the above 6 factors into the church:
A. The idea that to be Catholic is to be inclusive. "Both Johann Adam Mohler and Henri de Lubac find such an understanding of catholicity in the patristic scholars. They argue that the errors of the early heretics were not simply falsehoods, but partial truths. The heretics were often condemned not for what they affirmed but for what they denied. To be inclusive here does not mean that no one can ever be excluded; rather, it means, paradoxically, that the only reason to exclude someone would ultimately be for their own lack of inclusivity. The intent is not to marginalize people or views, but simply to acknowledge that certain positions themselves marginalize what should be central. The Catholic impulse is to favor the "both / and" over the "either / or." It is to be open to the truth whereever it may be found. It is to opt for unity, sometimes at the cost of other goods."
B. The sacramentality of the Church. "Drawing upon several twentieth-century thinkers such as Henri de Lubac, Karl Rahner, Edward Schillebeeckx, and Bernard Cooke, I use sacramentality to refer to an awareness of the presence and activity of God simultaneously both in the sacraments and in the context of everyday life. I find this principle expressed in a distinction that Thomas Aquinas made in his Summa Theologiae. There are two kinds of sacraments: those whose grace represents something incommensurable with what human beings can achieve in their own lives, and those whose grace is more in proportion with what human beings are naturally inclined to achieve on their own. As examples of the first type, Aquinas mentions baptism, confirmatino, and anointing of the sick. For the second type, he mentions matrimony and reconciliation. The first type has as their matter (material cause) external bodily substances such as water and oil. The second type have as their matter perceptible human actions, such as expression of commitment or of repentance. This distinction brings out a crucial point: there is a sense in which sacramentality offers to the world that which the world lacks; and there is a sense in which sacramentality blesses and enhances what the world, through God's grace, already has."
Which factors do you feel are missing in your church? Which do you think you can help your church move towards? How can you use the two frameworks to do so?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
It's All About Security, Food Security
http://www.oxfam.org/en/en/emergencies/west-africa-food-crisis/niger-front-lines-war-against-hunger
Many times, people wonder about the effects of environmental degradation in the here and now. We are told that we have to safeguard the environment for our children and the emphasis is placed so much on the future that we often don't see what happens in the present. Case in point: Niger. As a result of sever drought, the grass shoots that normally feed hundreds of thousands of animals in the plains were drastically delayed. The farmers looked out and didn't see any problem, they believed there would be enough for their animals to survive. And there would have been, if animals from neighboring zones hadn't traveled hundreds of miles in their own search for food. Many of the farming cattle died and as a result, the hunger gap that usually begins in June began in April. Now, half of all Nigerians are starving. Luckily, Oxfam implemented a two stage program that subsidized grain and millet for the animals and de-stocked the farmers of their dead animals at an above market price. The result has made an impact in many communities, but it will still take months for Nigerians to recover. The lesson? Environmental degradation is not constrained to borders and unless we are taught to understand what needs to be done BEFORE it needs to be done, countless will continue to suffer. Thankfully, organizations like Oxfam are out there to lend a hand. Click on the link above to learn more about the food crisis in Nigeria and countless other Oxfam initiatives.
Many times, people wonder about the effects of environmental degradation in the here and now. We are told that we have to safeguard the environment for our children and the emphasis is placed so much on the future that we often don't see what happens in the present. Case in point: Niger. As a result of sever drought, the grass shoots that normally feed hundreds of thousands of animals in the plains were drastically delayed. The farmers looked out and didn't see any problem, they believed there would be enough for their animals to survive. And there would have been, if animals from neighboring zones hadn't traveled hundreds of miles in their own search for food. Many of the farming cattle died and as a result, the hunger gap that usually begins in June began in April. Now, half of all Nigerians are starving. Luckily, Oxfam implemented a two stage program that subsidized grain and millet for the animals and de-stocked the farmers of their dead animals at an above market price. The result has made an impact in many communities, but it will still take months for Nigerians to recover. The lesson? Environmental degradation is not constrained to borders and unless we are taught to understand what needs to be done BEFORE it needs to be done, countless will continue to suffer. Thankfully, organizations like Oxfam are out there to lend a hand. Click on the link above to learn more about the food crisis in Nigeria and countless other Oxfam initiatives.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Score One for Haiti
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/38347904/ns/sports-soccer//
After this year's World Cup, many of the US players held high hope that their success, though limited, would help to guide this country toward the one sport that is truly international. It appears as if that may finally be happening. The LA Galaxy, arguable the best American soccer team, funded a group of 14 and 15 year old Haitian soccer players on a trip to Minnesota to play in the largest youth soccer championship in the US. During a time of crisis (and to use that word for Haiti is an understatement) it is necessary to find something that will put a smile on your face because the psychological turmoil of it all can render you completely helpless. Finding an outlet to yet yourself be you, to smile and play and laugh and put all of the horrors aside for a while, is not escapism. It is a way to recharge, refocus, and take a nice deep breath before plunging in to it all over again. For those Haitian youths, it was the first time that they could be without hunger and experience a new world that they may never have had the chance to see. God only knows what seeds are being planted in their hearts to help change their own country in the future.
After this year's World Cup, many of the US players held high hope that their success, though limited, would help to guide this country toward the one sport that is truly international. It appears as if that may finally be happening. The LA Galaxy, arguable the best American soccer team, funded a group of 14 and 15 year old Haitian soccer players on a trip to Minnesota to play in the largest youth soccer championship in the US. During a time of crisis (and to use that word for Haiti is an understatement) it is necessary to find something that will put a smile on your face because the psychological turmoil of it all can render you completely helpless. Finding an outlet to yet yourself be you, to smile and play and laugh and put all of the horrors aside for a while, is not escapism. It is a way to recharge, refocus, and take a nice deep breath before plunging in to it all over again. For those Haitian youths, it was the first time that they could be without hunger and experience a new world that they may never have had the chance to see. God only knows what seeds are being planted in their hearts to help change their own country in the future.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Education: Apparently, money ISN'T everything
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2007/09/13/collegeboard
This is a great article on the percentage of college graduates who are involved in their communities.
The report, a follow-up to the original 2004 publication that included many of the same indicators, uses data from the Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and surveys by other higher education groups. One of its main assertions (also backed by plenty of data): College graduates are more engaged citizens and make healthier decisions than those who don't earn a diploma. Thus, the report argues, higher education has a high rate of return for society. A more educated work force means greater tax revenue and a stronger democracy.
It's just too bad that only 1% of the world has a college degree.
This is a great article on the percentage of college graduates who are involved in their communities.
The report, a follow-up to the original 2004 publication that included many of the same indicators, uses data from the Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and surveys by other higher education groups. One of its main assertions (also backed by plenty of data): College graduates are more engaged citizens and make healthier decisions than those who don't earn a diploma. Thus, the report argues, higher education has a high rate of return for society. A more educated work force means greater tax revenue and a stronger democracy.
It's just too bad that only 1% of the world has a college degree.
Reader's Corner: Soul of a Citizen
Every now and then I come across a book that's so inspiring that I can't put it down, and I can't stop recommending it. Soul of a Citizen is one of those books. Its filled with stories and strategies on how to get involved in your local community and inspire others to work for meaningful change. If you've ever wondered whether one person could make a difference, Paul Loeb assures you that the answer is yes. I'm using it with the college freshmen orientation class I'm teaching and I really think that it's going to inspire a lot of positive responses. If you're an educator, pair this book with some community service and reflection and suddenly, your students will begin to learn that change IS possible.Daring to Speak
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/us/25voices.html?ref=us
Patty Whitney is either very dumb or very brave. A community organizer in Louissiana, she dared to broach the subject of alternative energy at a conference panel that included oil conglomerate ConocoPhillips.
“We are constantly told, ‘You have to adapt to coastal land loss, you have to adapt because of the oil leak, you have to adapt to the new situation,’ ” she said. “When is our government going to adapt to new energy sources that aren’t harmful to our environment and the people who depend upon the environment?”
I recently posted something on Facebook about how martyrdom is not meant to inspire people to hold fast to their faith but to highlight the injustices that got the martyrs killed in the first place. That is exactly what Patty has done. Many people who are financed by oil interests are trying their hardest to "stick to their faith" and say that this disaster won't happen again and that the damage can be repaired. What if its a sign that its time we as a nation moved to something a little more sustainable and a lot less harmful?
Patty Whitney is either very dumb or very brave. A community organizer in Louissiana, she dared to broach the subject of alternative energy at a conference panel that included oil conglomerate ConocoPhillips.
“We are constantly told, ‘You have to adapt to coastal land loss, you have to adapt because of the oil leak, you have to adapt to the new situation,’ ” she said. “When is our government going to adapt to new energy sources that aren’t harmful to our environment and the people who depend upon the environment?”
I recently posted something on Facebook about how martyrdom is not meant to inspire people to hold fast to their faith but to highlight the injustices that got the martyrs killed in the first place. That is exactly what Patty has done. Many people who are financed by oil interests are trying their hardest to "stick to their faith" and say that this disaster won't happen again and that the damage can be repaired. What if its a sign that its time we as a nation moved to something a little more sustainable and a lot less harmful?
A Walk to Remember...
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=12836110
"It is the showing of respect to each other, each other's rights, as full American citizens who have the right to practice their religion and to initiate and build their institutions to suit their needs," said Arafat. "Regardless of what faith we come from, we have as much rights as anybody else. We all stand against extremism, regardless of what religion it comes from."
These were the words of Yasser Arafat, VP of the Islamic Center of Tennessee on July 19th, when he marched in an interfaith walk to support the freedom of religion guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. Yasser was joined by over 150 people from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faith traditions on his walk from the Belmont United Methodist Church to the Islamic Center of Tennessee one and a half miles away. He organized the walk to help raise awareness to recent reports of backlash against the building of Mosques in th US. The article also mentions that Yasser will be speaking to a Sunday school class at Belmont UMC to highlight the commonalities between Christianity and Islam.
If dialogue and action such as this occurred more often, what would the world look like?
"It is the showing of respect to each other, each other's rights, as full American citizens who have the right to practice their religion and to initiate and build their institutions to suit their needs," said Arafat. "Regardless of what faith we come from, we have as much rights as anybody else. We all stand against extremism, regardless of what religion it comes from."
These were the words of Yasser Arafat, VP of the Islamic Center of Tennessee on July 19th, when he marched in an interfaith walk to support the freedom of religion guaranteed by the 1st Amendment. Yasser was joined by over 150 people from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faith traditions on his walk from the Belmont United Methodist Church to the Islamic Center of Tennessee one and a half miles away. He organized the walk to help raise awareness to recent reports of backlash against the building of Mosques in th US. The article also mentions that Yasser will be speaking to a Sunday school class at Belmont UMC to highlight the commonalities between Christianity and Islam.
If dialogue and action such as this occurred more often, what would the world look like?
A Congressional Bill for World Peace
https://secure.crs.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=611
There aren't too many bills on the floor of the US House that are truly bipartisan, but H. Res. 278 is one them. The bill, which was introduced as a result of the April 2010 Nuclear Security Summit, works toward a peacefull world in two very important ways. First, it commits the US to reduce it's nuclear stockpile, and to negotiate with other countries to do the same, so that the threat of nuclear annhilation will remain far from the minds of our grandchildren. Second, it commits funding (around $13 billion) towards programs that help increase global child survival rates. How does the second way help to create a peacefull world, you might ask? Because if we remove the reasons for violence in societies - poverty, hunger, unequal access to resources and wealth, and lack of education - then we come one step closer to a world that is less filled with carnage and death. Click on the link above to print and send a letter to your congressional rep. to co-sponsor this bill for world peace!
There aren't too many bills on the floor of the US House that are truly bipartisan, but H. Res. 278 is one them. The bill, which was introduced as a result of the April 2010 Nuclear Security Summit, works toward a peacefull world in two very important ways. First, it commits the US to reduce it's nuclear stockpile, and to negotiate with other countries to do the same, so that the threat of nuclear annhilation will remain far from the minds of our grandchildren. Second, it commits funding (around $13 billion) towards programs that help increase global child survival rates. How does the second way help to create a peacefull world, you might ask? Because if we remove the reasons for violence in societies - poverty, hunger, unequal access to resources and wealth, and lack of education - then we come one step closer to a world that is less filled with carnage and death. Click on the link above to print and send a letter to your congressional rep. to co-sponsor this bill for world peace!
A smarter way to build schools
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/07/23/madagascar.children.school/index.html
It looks as if things might be getting a little brighter in Madagascar, where together with UNICEF, they have found a cheaper and more efficient way to ensure enrollment rates in elementary (primary) schools. The method? Ensuring that the schools are physically there for the children to learn in of course. Using a special machine whose only fuel is human-muscle energy (no electricity or gasoline), they are able to press together bricks that dry on site and allow a new school to be built in just two months. This method is energy efficient in more than one way: traditionally, Madagascaran bricks would be heated in an oven fueled by the wood from surrounding forests. The new method will therefore make sure that the children learning in these schools will also have cleaner air to breath.
It looks as if things might be getting a little brighter in Madagascar, where together with UNICEF, they have found a cheaper and more efficient way to ensure enrollment rates in elementary (primary) schools. The method? Ensuring that the schools are physically there for the children to learn in of course. Using a special machine whose only fuel is human-muscle energy (no electricity or gasoline), they are able to press together bricks that dry on site and allow a new school to be built in just two months. This method is energy efficient in more than one way: traditionally, Madagascaran bricks would be heated in an oven fueled by the wood from surrounding forests. The new method will therefore make sure that the children learning in these schools will also have cleaner air to breath.
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