Why does everyone think it's cool to mimic Fairey's Obama print with their own photo?
This is a trend I hope stops soon.
This is a trend I hope stops soon.
Nonviolence: The History of A Dangerous Idea
As I waited for our '03 Honda Civic to get serviced today, I finished reading, Nonviolence: The History of A Dangerous Idea by Mark Kurlansky. And, I must say that this is a great read! I love reading history, so maybe it's just me, but I really enjoyed this book. Kurlansky is accessible and does a good job of representing the history of nonviolence throughout history. The book is fairly short, so he does not go into too much detail but enough to entice the imagination of those that dream of a way of life without violence. I would recommend this to just about anyone simply because the side of history of told here is often not heard. This book is actually a history of violence rather than nonviolence. Kurlansky tells the other side of that history; of those that were opposed to and withstood violence throughout recorded time. But the violence seems ever present unfortunately. But those I would recommend this to the most would be my fellow Christians. A decent amount of ink is used on telling another side of the history of the Church. It is inspiring and frustrating. But it ultimately gave me hope that those of us that follow Jesus today yet don't agree with the Christendom machine are not alone. Pick it up.
what do you believe?
There's been a lot of talk about "faith" and "belief" in the Hawthorn House meetings lately. We decided to spend some time letting each of us share where we're coming from in regards to these issues. For me, I don't know how much I feel I have to say about what I believe. To say it briefly, if my lifestyle doesn't say it than I'm clearly not believing what I thought I was... So, I feel no need to say, "This is what I believe..." I also think we often treat faith and belief as concrete things. Which I just don't think is true. All of us know that our beliefs about truth and 'other worldly' things evolve and change over time. Which I think is quite fine and right. When any group– religious, political or whatever–inform us that these are concrete it never seems to be for the benefit of the people–or God–but for the empowerment of those who want control and authority. But I did post a few thoughts to our discussion group about the topic. Specifically, we were talking about passages where Jesus calls us to what seems like reckless abandon of possessions or to child-likeness. I thought I'd share them here to see what you think. I didn't really go through and edit it well so I hope it makes sense....
We live within an era in history in which everything is 'personalized'–part of the whole consumer-capitalism thing. So, we have to be aware of where our minds take us when we read this stuff... in other words, we are not processing this message the way someone living in first century Palestine would have. Because of the time and place we live in, we tend to read this and think, "This is talking to me, specifically." And this may get us into a pickle. For those of you that have been exposed to more indigenous peoples, you know that not everybody today thinks like we do. Many people, whether indigenous people of Latin America, Philippines, Asia or Africa often think more social than personal (ie, "This is talking to us."). I don't mean to romanticize these people or say they are less selfish than you or me, it just seems evident from my experience and reading. So, with that in mind it might be helpful to consider that Jesus' hearers heard him talking to them as a group and how they lived collectively. For me, this is helpful because it reminds me that issues of "faith" are never isolated to me. I may have a personal "experience" or not... ultimately the rubber hits the road when I put that "faith" to work among my people.
I say all this to say that when looking at the greater context of what Jesus was saying I wonder if within our hyper-personalized culture values, we have "missed the boat." And even if we said, "This is talking to us," we are in a time and place where we wrestle with what "us" means... afterall, today as a result of 'globalization,' "us" can very well mean a whole lot of people! I digress. Should we instead hear Jesus saying, "This system that you believe provides you safety and security, protection and provision is ultimately broken. You can not rest your faith in it. It isn't 'God'." And, "Men, you may be first in line for everything else. But not so in my society. Those you have ignored and under valued, they get it and they are mine."
For me, thinking about these passages in this manner has lead me to realizing that there is a much more creative way to think about how I am clothed, how I eat, how I handle my resources, etc. And who is valued in the whole chain of production of those things that provide me health, comfort and safety. We are told (in a variety of ways; marketing, etc.) to trust the market and the state. But whether it be for reasons of faith, health, ethical manufacturing, etc. many are/have been realizing that we can not often trust the market or the state. More and more are going around the market and the state to ensure their provisions are taken care of.
So, for example, maybe you buy some Acholi Beads for probably more than you would a necklace at Target. And when you buy some of those beads you are ackowledging that the little ones (those people in Africa that don't really matter but to produce for important people) are actually first in line. But in a weird, crazy way you are participating in "Kingdom" economics. Does this solve the whole ball of wax? Nope. And Jesus' revolution didn't topple Rome either, so don't beat yourself up over it. But we do this as an act of "faith"; that even these little things matter and help work with the Creator in shifting the tide. Is it economically sound? To some, maybe not even responsible (child like? naive?). Nonetheless, we do it.
What do you think?
home economics
illustration by Sam Flores
My son is a huge superhero fan. Last time we were in San Francisco, we found a shirt his size with an illustration of several popular superheros as children by Sam Flores. I've tried to keep up on his stuff from time to time. When I saw this piece to the left, I felt a connection with it and it sparked a few thoughts in me...
Personal finances seems to be one of the most argued over issues within marriages. For Brooke and I, this is certainly true. Growing up, I remember my parents arguing about money quite a bit. This tension often increases for couples who are homeowners.
Today, a homeowner may find themselves owing more than their house is worth. You can end up feeling tangled up in a constant mess of home maintenance and projects that often end up costing more than people figured into your budget when you decided you could afford to buy. At times, Brooke and I have felt constrained by our home mortgage–binding us to a lifestyle that doesn't measure up to our dreams or ideals... Suddenly, your home owns you, to paraphrase Tyler Durden. Coming to this realization is what I like to call, "Waking up from the 'American
This sense of being "trapped" adds a huge stress to relationships. I find a lot of strength in my life through my relationship with Brooke. Her love for me gives me endurance in chasing my dreams and remaining faithful to my convictions. I want to protect and nurture what I have with her.
So, how do those of us that are idealists balance relationships and mortgages with our ideals?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
survey
Conducting a little survey over on the right hand column... not as if it'll change what I do or don't post ;) Just curious...
welcoming the stranger
This looks like this might be a helpful book; Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate by World Relief staffers Jenny Hwang and Matthew Soerens. Here's a description:"In this book World Relief staffers Matthew Soerens and Jenny Hwang move beyond the rhetoric to offer a Christian response to immigration. They put a human face on the issue and tell stories of immigrants' experiences in and out of the system. With careful historical understanding and thoughtful policy analysis, they debunk myths and misconceptions about immigration and show the limitations of the current immigration system. Ultimately they point toward immigration reform that is compassionate, sensible and just, as they offer concrete ways for you and your church to welcome and minister to your immigrant neighbors."
Let me know what you know about this book.
cavanaugh, music, etc.
I just finished reading William Cavanaugh's Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire. In this book, Cavanaugh discusses the place of the Church within "free market" economies. Pulling from Scripture as well as St. Augustine and others, he challenges the Christian to discern what responsible economic practices would be today. He further challenges the reader to be informed by our Christian tradition just as much if not more than the current marketplace. During these rough economic times, it was a timely read. And I highly recommend the book. Cavanaugh is clearly an academic writer and unashamedly Roman Catholic. This may make him unapproachable for some. But I would encourage people to give this book a shot. It is short and worth the thought provoking concepts.
I have often thought recently that the news and media today are quite... hopeless (ironic?). We are confronted constantly with how bad things are getting financially. To simply talk about cutting back, living with less, or espousing philisophical and theological alternative economic ideas isn't enough. We need tangible, practical ideas to spark imagination. Cavanaugh doesn't do enough of that in this book, but it's better than most that I've read whom I agree with conceptually but am frustrated with the little assistance they provide for imagining creative, practical application.I had started reading Torture and Eucharist a while ago but after enjoying this book so much I have picked it back up. With my commitments to nonviolence, I'm also looking forward to his forthcoming book, The Myth of Religous Violence.
I've updated my music and books sections on the right. Yes, I do tend to have that many books next to my bed side at any time. Just ask Brooke. And while the music list isn't encompassing, it does highlight some of the stuff I'm currently listening to in heavy rotation.
Other Stuff
M. Iafrate has started some great stuff on "'ecclesiology/ies' of DIY punk rock" over at catholicanarchy.org. Check it out. (Dude's got some good tunes too.)
Speaking of bands with banjos, check out Dark Dark Dark. Nice. They are also working on what looks to be an interesting film project with the visual artist Swoon–whose art I really dig.
And my other musical find I'm digging is Blood Red Shoes. A little Pretty Girls Make Graves with a little English refinement (another way to say more mainstream, but still good stuff).
iwrestledabearonce
Today's my birthday, so I figure I can post whatever the heck I want, even if most people I know may not appreciate it.
Yep, I'm 34.
And, yes, I was born on Valentine's Day.
No, it falls on the same date every year.
Anyways, below is the video for a band I am totally amazed by: iwrestledabearonce. That is correct, their name is, "I Wrestled A Bear Once." For starters, that's a great name. Second, the blast beats in this video are just unhuman. I am amazed. Tim will be about the only person that reads this that will appreciate that. Third, the girl who fronts this band is incredible. She can sing, has a great hardcore scream and can growl like a grindcore god. Lastly, their funny! A metal band that doesn't take themselves too seriously, and has a song called, "Tastes like Kevin Bacon" has got my vote. Enjoy... or be afraid, whatever suits you best.
Yep, I'm 34.
And, yes, I was born on Valentine's Day.
No, it falls on the same date every year.
Anyways, below is the video for a band I am totally amazed by: iwrestledabearonce. That is correct, their name is, "I Wrestled A Bear Once." For starters, that's a great name. Second, the blast beats in this video are just unhuman. I am amazed. Tim will be about the only person that reads this that will appreciate that. Third, the girl who fronts this band is incredible. She can sing, has a great hardcore scream and can growl like a grindcore god. Lastly, their funny! A metal band that doesn't take themselves too seriously, and has a song called, "Tastes like Kevin Bacon" has got my vote. Enjoy... or be afraid, whatever suits you best.
beer bread
Yes, another food post!
A few days ago, Matt and Brad made another couple batches of home brew. One thing we have come to realize in making our own beer is that we are left with an immense amount of spent grain afterwards. We tried to get creative about this and leave as little waisted grain as possible. We still end up throwing some in our compost bin. But with the spent grain we've made veggie burgers, cookies, granola... and bread! Rick, one of our community members, makes a loaf of bread or two for every meal we share. Lately, he's been making a lot of spent grain bread. We supply him with a batch every time we make beer. And he then brings over some tasty bread to our next community meal. Brooke and I decided to give it a shot ourselves, adding some brown sugar and honey to compensate for the grainy-taste from our imperial stout batch Matt just concocted. It turned out really yummy. Come over and I'll heat up some, slap on a little butter and you'll love it.
A few days ago, Matt and Brad made another couple batches of home brew. One thing we have come to realize in making our own beer is that we are left with an immense amount of spent grain afterwards. We tried to get creative about this and leave as little waisted grain as possible. We still end up throwing some in our compost bin. But with the spent grain we've made veggie burgers, cookies, granola... and bread! Rick, one of our community members, makes a loaf of bread or two for every meal we share. Lately, he's been making a lot of spent grain bread. We supply him with a batch every time we make beer. And he then brings over some tasty bread to our next community meal. Brooke and I decided to give it a shot ourselves, adding some brown sugar and honey to compensate for the grainy-taste from our imperial stout batch Matt just concocted. It turned out really yummy. Come over and I'll heat up some, slap on a little butter and you'll love it.
solar cooking
Yesterday's paper had an article on solar cooking... and I am hooked! There's a local Solar Cooking Club who's website led me to information on building a solar oven. This list of benefits got me stoked on trying this out! Andy and I are planning on building one (or two) as soon as possible and trying it out. I'm pretty certain I can build one that is pretty durable (not out of cardboard) and with materials I already have.
I looked at the market for these and they aren't cheap or portable enough it seems. Friends of ours that have been homeless have talked about how when living off of foodstamps and w/o a kitchen how hard it is to eat healthy. Solar cooking seems like it could be a great idea for displaced people and someone should be able to find a way to make this more affordable and easier to move around. There are versions of solar ovens being used in refugee camps, but from what I could tell, they don't look very durable. But, I'm still learning. That's just my opinion so far.Anyways, this is a perfect idea for a place like San Diego. Not only will we be able to build the oven for free, it will be fueled by free sunlight as well. I love it! Energy efficient, budget friendly, portable, and ecologically sound. Can't beat that! I will keep you posted on our project.
Oscar Romero quote
One month before his assassination on March 24, 1980:
"I am a shepherd who, with his people, has begun to learn a beautiful and difficult truth: our Christian faith requires that we submerge ourselves in this world. The world that the church must serve is the world of the poor, and the poor are the ones who decide what it means for the church to really live in the world. It is the poor who force us to understand what is really taking place. The persecution of the church is a result of defending the poor. Our persecution is nothing more nor less than sharing in the destiny of the poor."
link
"I am a shepherd who, with his people, has begun to learn a beautiful and difficult truth: our Christian faith requires that we submerge ourselves in this world. The world that the church must serve is the world of the poor, and the poor are the ones who decide what it means for the church to really live in the world. It is the poor who force us to understand what is really taking place. The persecution of the church is a result of defending the poor. Our persecution is nothing more nor less than sharing in the destiny of the poor."
link
far... dissapoints
An unknown band to many, Far has always been a favorite of mine. My wife and I love singing along to their songs. I saw them open for Deftones at Soma ages ago and was really impressed. In fact, I thought their show was better than Deftones. I saw them a few years later, right before Water and Solutions came out. Smaller stage, smaller audience but an un-freakin'-believable performance. Honestly, one of the best shows I've ever seen. At one point, Jonah walks his mic stand into the middle of the room and walks back to the stage and we all just sing our hearts out together... beautiful. Needless to say, to see photos of Far reunited and playing again was exhilarating to me. I was thoroughly excited when So told me we were going up to the OC to see them... and then I found their most recent recording. A cover of some song I hadn't heard.
I can't explain how absolutely shitty the song is. And who is Ginuwine!? Wait, I don't care.
I am depressed.
If that's all you got, boys, quit while you're still ahead. We can live on the nostalgia... don't go and ruin it.
site changes
I like technology but I also like simplicity and efficiency, so, I've been tinkering with some things to simplify the online "me" (that sounds weird). I moved the Twitter updates to the side bar and out of the posts since this seemed to annoy some people. I'm also tinkering with a few other gadgets to determine what makes updating/posting to multiple places easiest... not totally happy yet but getting there. Thanks for your patience!
A spiritual approach to money | csmonitor.com
A spiritual approach to money | csmonitor.com: "small groups of churchgoers have been applying a different message to money management. During the past two years, they have studied what the Bible teaches about money and wealth, discussed their personal budgets, and taken concrete steps aimed at four commitments: “Living gratefully, spending less, buying justly, and giving more.”"
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