What does it mean to be a "living democracy"? Palmer suggests that after September 11, 2001 many of our nation's leaders promoted consumerism to promote our democracy rather than citizenship to restore our democracy. Do you agree? Why or why not?
As Americans, Palmer suggests that we are often lead by our hearts when making decisions about how to govern ourselves. When we disassociate our intellect (minds) from our heart (feelings) we are prone to making serious mistakes, (the Alan Greenspan example was a perfect illustration of this!). We also do a great job of shutting down communication and finding creative solutions for our problems when we fail to see the bigger picture. We enter either a dangerous game of being unaware of real human need or wallow in excessive emotional manipulation and mistruth.
I was not surprised to learn that Americans are first among the nations in per capita giving to charitable organizations, and I might just use that Farmer's Heart illustration in an upcoming sermon - reminds me of Mark 10:16-31.
Heartbreak... was there every a more intense motivator and game-changer than heartbreak? Palmer's question about what we do with out heartbreak is an important one to ask. May we have our hearts break open, not apart. Democracy is a delicate balancing act between individual freedom and collective responsibility (not unlike the local church!).
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Confessions of an Accidental Citizen (Chapter 2)
Hello online study participants!
Chapter Two opens with an admission of sorts from Parker Palmer. As a privileged, white American male since birth he admits that citizenship was an automatic kind of thing for him. He also questions what most of us see as citizenship, and wonders if we boil own our citizenship to partisan political activities that many (if not most) American citizens find unsavory, instead of considering our citizenship every day in our normal activities. He thinks that many of us believe "what's good for me and mine comes first" before we begin contributing to the community. Do you agree?
In the section, Faith and Doubt in politics, Parker states that he believes in three things: Democracy, American Political Institutions and the Human Heart. Do you?
Parker eloquently describes his visit to Americus, Georgia where he attends a church Bible study with three congregation members. What struck you the most about his story? Have you ever been in a situation when you have dramatically underestimated the dignity of "the other"? What happened?
Parker claims that at their core, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have compassion and hospitality as founding principals. Why do you think we have so many problems living in a religiously pluralistic democracy here in the U.S.?
Parker claims that we are a people that are inherently pulled between individualism on one side, and interdependence on the other. Do you agree? Where, in society, do you see this played out?
It is true that we are interconnected, and there are so many places where we can do more for the good of society than we can do alone: healthcare, education, roads, social reform. Yet, we are also separate individuals with different gifts and abilities. We group ourselves in tribes with others who are kinda like us. Often our first and best efforts go towards the "like us" group rather than the "other". It's a constant juggling act to balance needs of wider community with self, something I struggle with all the time. How about you?
With humility and chutzpah,
Pastor Jenn
Chapter Two opens with an admission of sorts from Parker Palmer. As a privileged, white American male since birth he admits that citizenship was an automatic kind of thing for him. He also questions what most of us see as citizenship, and wonders if we boil own our citizenship to partisan political activities that many (if not most) American citizens find unsavory, instead of considering our citizenship every day in our normal activities. He thinks that many of us believe "what's good for me and mine comes first" before we begin contributing to the community. Do you agree?
In the section, Faith and Doubt in politics, Parker states that he believes in three things: Democracy, American Political Institutions and the Human Heart. Do you?
Parker eloquently describes his visit to Americus, Georgia where he attends a church Bible study with three congregation members. What struck you the most about his story? Have you ever been in a situation when you have dramatically underestimated the dignity of "the other"? What happened?
Parker claims that at their core, Christianity, Islam and Judaism have compassion and hospitality as founding principals. Why do you think we have so many problems living in a religiously pluralistic democracy here in the U.S.?
Parker claims that we are a people that are inherently pulled between individualism on one side, and interdependence on the other. Do you agree? Where, in society, do you see this played out?
It is true that we are interconnected, and there are so many places where we can do more for the good of society than we can do alone: healthcare, education, roads, social reform. Yet, we are also separate individuals with different gifts and abilities. We group ourselves in tribes with others who are kinda like us. Often our first and best efforts go towards the "like us" group rather than the "other". It's a constant juggling act to balance needs of wider community with self, something I struggle with all the time. How about you?
With humility and chutzpah,
Pastor Jenn
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Welcome to the online study!
A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a book written by one of my favorite modern theologians, Parker J. Palmer called "Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit". Finally (I thought), a resource to help me navigate the waters of the next three months - you know, the ones leading up to the presidential election.
My job as a Christian minister is to stand before a couple of hundred people each week and say a little something about the Gospel, about following Jesus, listening to the Holy Spirit and watching for signs of God 's love in the world. And sometimes, those themes skate pretty close to being political speech (or, at least that's what some people tell me).
I find it funny that the two things my mom told me was impolite to discuss at a dinner party - religion and politics - can be so related to each other, and so very polarizing. It makes me sad that we cannot seem to have civil conversations about either without jumping to conclusions, many of them misguided and erroneous. What are some of the conclusions that people have made about you, when you have been brave enough to share your views in a public space?
In the Prelude and First Chapter of this book I was struck by the story about Lincoln and his depression. I found hope in the way that he refrained from labeling and polarizing the South at the close of the Civil War. His ability to pay them respect, despite their clear and deep disagreements, was what some historians believe kept the country together, at a time when we were deeply broken as a nation. And George Carlin is a genius. What did you think about his treatment of shell shock on through to PTSD?
I hope that you take the time to read the prelude and first chapter and leave a post here. Tell us what impressed you, what you struggled with, what you will remember as we continue reading together.
My job as a Christian minister is to stand before a couple of hundred people each week and say a little something about the Gospel, about following Jesus, listening to the Holy Spirit and watching for signs of God 's love in the world. And sometimes, those themes skate pretty close to being political speech (or, at least that's what some people tell me).
I find it funny that the two things my mom told me was impolite to discuss at a dinner party - religion and politics - can be so related to each other, and so very polarizing. It makes me sad that we cannot seem to have civil conversations about either without jumping to conclusions, many of them misguided and erroneous. What are some of the conclusions that people have made about you, when you have been brave enough to share your views in a public space?
In the Prelude and First Chapter of this book I was struck by the story about Lincoln and his depression. I found hope in the way that he refrained from labeling and polarizing the South at the close of the Civil War. His ability to pay them respect, despite their clear and deep disagreements, was what some historians believe kept the country together, at a time when we were deeply broken as a nation. And George Carlin is a genius. What did you think about his treatment of shell shock on through to PTSD?
I hope that you take the time to read the prelude and first chapter and leave a post here. Tell us what impressed you, what you struggled with, what you will remember as we continue reading together.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
What DO I Believe?
You wouldn't think that is a question that someone would ask me at this point in my life. And it's not something I can boil down into one 1500 word sermon, or probably even a book. Although I would like to try that someday. As a professional clergy person it's only fair that I share with you my spiritual perspective before I ask you to share yours. So here goes.
As a child, I was clueless. Many, many hours playing under the pews as my parents were in this or that board meeting made me resent the building at times. However, I knew the people loved me like a little sister. I felt like I was closest to God at Silver Lake, our church's camp. When I was a young adult and turned away from that ministry for a time, it hurt and I felt spiritually alone. I "found" God again when my kids were little, because I wanted them to have a place to become formed as people of faith. God called me through the voice of a woman preacher looking for a substitute so she could take a well deserved vacation. But that will confuse many of you, and it's a story for another time.
One question that I am often asked is how do I connect with God. The answer, every time, is nearly the same. When I am writing or studying scripture or in direct conversation with someone I am ministry with, I connect with God. When I am paying attention to the people who are crossing my path, I know that God is present. Something moves in me and through me. Maybe that's compassion, or empathy or something else. I call it Spirit. And I feel transformed. Because of this I am quite certain that I will never be done speaking or teaching or caring for another in whatever way that I can because I really do believe that is God's call on my life. And I mess up ALL the time. We all do. That's the thing about being a broken vessel.
As a child, I was clueless. Many, many hours playing under the pews as my parents were in this or that board meeting made me resent the building at times. However, I knew the people loved me like a little sister. I felt like I was closest to God at Silver Lake, our church's camp. When I was a young adult and turned away from that ministry for a time, it hurt and I felt spiritually alone. I "found" God again when my kids were little, because I wanted them to have a place to become formed as people of faith. God called me through the voice of a woman preacher looking for a substitute so she could take a well deserved vacation. But that will confuse many of you, and it's a story for another time.
One question that I am often asked is how do I connect with God. The answer, every time, is nearly the same. When I am writing or studying scripture or in direct conversation with someone I am ministry with, I connect with God. When I am paying attention to the people who are crossing my path, I know that God is present. Something moves in me and through me. Maybe that's compassion, or empathy or something else. I call it Spirit. And I feel transformed. Because of this I am quite certain that I will never be done speaking or teaching or caring for another in whatever way that I can because I really do believe that is God's call on my life. And I mess up ALL the time. We all do. That's the thing about being a broken vessel.
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