i think i'm starting to understand shane claiborne's concept of spiritual masturbation--"feel-good, emotionally charged Christianity that feels good but never really gives birth to anything." i just picked up claiborne's book, at the recommendation of a few good friends, and have been reading and processing for a few days now.
but the concept of spiritual masturbation didn't sink in until i attended my family's church this past sunday (where the theology is as shallow as the conversation): a sermon that encourages church members to "turn to God," "follow Jesus more closely," and "try to make a difference for God this week." the pastor's conclusion was something like this: "it's ok if you don't want to change your actions to reflect Christ because God still loves you... but just try, ok?" follow this by an explosive praise song--"days of elijah," wtf?--and you've got orgasm. everybody goes home feeling better about their "relationship with God" but it doesn't change the way they act with their families or in traffic or how they spend their time or their money.
when did Jesus' gospel become a porn magazine to encourage this spiritual masturbation?
i am so frustrated with american christianity.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
june 5: galiliee field study
Again class began this morning in a Roman theatre at the ancient Greco-Roman city of Sepphoris. According to Dr. Wright’s calculations, this city is approximately a few hours walk from both Nazareth and Cana. Dr. Wright speculated that perhaps Joseph and Jesus, as tektons (not so much “carpenters,” but more specialized builders—contractors, perhaps), worked during the week in Sepphoris. The large Roman structures needed skilled laborers, and Joseph and Jesus were within walking distance. It’s exciting to me to speculate about Jesus’ daily life; for me, this brings out his humanity, which is so often ignored. At Sepphoris, there was also a large detailed mosaic on the floor of some wealthy man’s triclinium (dining room). And hey, it even included a portrait of the Israeli Mona Lisa—pretty impressive, I’d say.
The next stop also featured mosaics, though this time they were located on the floor of a synagogue. Not a big deal, until you consider that the mosaic consisted of zodiac symbols, portraits of women, and graven images… oh my! I’m not sure what this means in terms of that particular community—I don’t think anyone does—but it sure confuses me.
We stopped for lunch and siesta at some beautiful blue-green natural pools, but I decided not to swim, and instead spent the few hours discussing the Church, theology, and social justice (among other issues) with Dr. and Mrs. Yeatts and Christa. The rest (and the cool breeze) were thoroughly appreciated.
Last stop before returning to home base at JUC: the Beth Shean / Scythopolis site. Beth Shean is an Old Testament tel, partially excavated, and Sycthopolis is a New Testament city built at the base of the Old Testament tel. The weather at this point was hot and sticky, and it was late in the afternoon. One thing I found interesting here is that after an earthquake knocked down many of the city’s numerous columns, the citizens simply built around them, using fallen columns as walls and perhaps benches.
The next stop also featured mosaics, though this time they were located on the floor of a synagogue. Not a big deal, until you consider that the mosaic consisted of zodiac symbols, portraits of women, and graven images… oh my! I’m not sure what this means in terms of that particular community—I don’t think anyone does—but it sure confuses me.
We stopped for lunch and siesta at some beautiful blue-green natural pools, but I decided not to swim, and instead spent the few hours discussing the Church, theology, and social justice (among other issues) with Dr. and Mrs. Yeatts and Christa. The rest (and the cool breeze) were thoroughly appreciated.
Last stop before returning to home base at JUC: the Beth Shean / Scythopolis site. Beth Shean is an Old Testament tel, partially excavated, and Sycthopolis is a New Testament city built at the base of the Old Testament tel. The weather at this point was hot and sticky, and it was late in the afternoon. One thing I found interesting here is that after an earthquake knocked down many of the city’s numerous columns, the citizens simply built around them, using fallen columns as walls and perhaps benches.
june 3: galilee field study
None of today’s sites were entirely exciting to me—by that I mean that they did not have immediate biblical context. What I’m trying to say is that I’ve never heard of them before, and this severely impacted my attention span. For instance, our first stop was at Hazor, and all I can remember discussing is the typical 4-room house and the Solomonic 6-chamber gate.
The next site we visited was located in Dan, north of the Sea of Galilee. The walk up to the tel was actually quite nice: full of trees, along the stream (which came from the largest spring in the country). I felt like I was at home in Pennsylvania, hiking along the path at a local natural park of some sort. Eventually we arrived at the tel, and Dr. Wright commented about the oldest intact arch made of mud brick. I, however, was distracted by Mount Hermon in the distance, looming in the distance. The mountains we had seen the previous days I would not even consider to be mountains, but rather large hills. However, Mount Hermon certainly appeared tall and striking in the distance from this vantage point. On the way back to the parking area for lunch, we took a route that led towards “Paradise,” or so the signpost told us.
After lunch, we stopped at Caesarea Philippi and Pan’s temple, about which we received a brief introduction. I’m not sure that I understood the site, but the carvings in the rock face were impressive. We then took a hike to a waterfall on the Mt. Hermon spring. The hike itself was enjoyable—along a shaded path, beside the stream. Finally, after having been able to hear the rushing of the waterfall for a few hundred yards, we approached the falls. The mist coming off the water felt good on our hot and sweaty faces, and the deep colors were such a stark contrast from the dry, dusty browns and tans we’re used to. Again I was reminded of Psalm 42: “Deep calls out to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have washed over me.” And just a few moments later, a fellow student was reciting these lines.
The last stop for the day was some sort of military base that overlooks Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, all from the same high point. I was not so interested in the history or the military actions here, but instead in the behavior of the young army boys in front of us, patrolling the hilltop.
The next site we visited was located in Dan, north of the Sea of Galilee. The walk up to the tel was actually quite nice: full of trees, along the stream (which came from the largest spring in the country). I felt like I was at home in Pennsylvania, hiking along the path at a local natural park of some sort. Eventually we arrived at the tel, and Dr. Wright commented about the oldest intact arch made of mud brick. I, however, was distracted by Mount Hermon in the distance, looming in the distance. The mountains we had seen the previous days I would not even consider to be mountains, but rather large hills. However, Mount Hermon certainly appeared tall and striking in the distance from this vantage point. On the way back to the parking area for lunch, we took a route that led towards “Paradise,” or so the signpost told us.
After lunch, we stopped at Caesarea Philippi and Pan’s temple, about which we received a brief introduction. I’m not sure that I understood the site, but the carvings in the rock face were impressive. We then took a hike to a waterfall on the Mt. Hermon spring. The hike itself was enjoyable—along a shaded path, beside the stream. Finally, after having been able to hear the rushing of the waterfall for a few hundred yards, we approached the falls. The mist coming off the water felt good on our hot and sweaty faces, and the deep colors were such a stark contrast from the dry, dusty browns and tans we’re used to. Again I was reminded of Psalm 42: “Deep calls out to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have washed over me.” And just a few moments later, a fellow student was reciting these lines.
The last stop for the day was some sort of military base that overlooks Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, all from the same high point. I was not so interested in the history or the military actions here, but instead in the behavior of the young army boys in front of us, patrolling the hilltop.
june 4: galilee field study, day 3
Today was a good day—full of places I’ve at least heard of before, stories about Jesus, and challenging hikes.
Only moments after climbing onto the bus, we arrived at the kibbutz just next door to our accommodations, where we boarded a fishing boat. The boat took us to the middle of the Sea of Galilee, where the captain stopped the engine so we could have a lecture about fishing. The beautiful foggy views of the surrounding hills were pretty serene, and I loved it.
At some point, we made a stop at Qasrin, which was described as a mirror village to Capernaum. The advantage of visiting this particular site is that it has been restored so that visitors can more fully understand life during Jesus’ time. After moving through a reproduction of a common house, we discussed the typical structure of the village. Extended families lived together, and when a son got married, the family would construct a small (5- by 6-foot) room attached to the house for the new couple. This relates directly to the metaphor of Christ and his bride and how Jesus is going to his Father’s house to prepare a room for us. This kind of lesson was very hands-on and practical and very helpful.
Later we made a quick stop at the Jordan River, just north of where it runs into the Sea of Galilee. Dr. Wright simply wanted to give us an opportunity to see the river, and feel the water. However, there was a group of skinny dippers enjoying the cool water just as we stopped. How unfortunate!
At Capernaum, we had another mini-lecture in the shade and discussed the structures on site. There exists remains of a church supposedly built over Peter’s house, where Jesus may have stayed while in Capernaum. I need to borrow Ruthie’s notes about Capernaum to read over the big concepts. Dr. Wright provided some good thought-provoking ideas, and I know I didn’t catch them all.
The last two sites for the day included hiking. After driving to the top of the Mount of Beatitudes, we walked down the hill towards the Sea of Galilee. It was a fairly un-adventurous hike, nothing but blue skies to look at. The very last stop of the day was the big hike, straight down the rockface at Arbel, a pass in the cliffs along the Sea of Galilee. The 360° views from the top of the cliff were a little bit breath-taking, as were the large gusts of wind. We hiked along until we came across the path down, along a fissure in the rock. And down, down, down we climbed, holding on to bars and rocks and ropes. Even after descending this, the rest of the hill was just as difficult—a steep slope of loose gravel, where it was easy to twist your ankle.
The day concluded with a bonfire on the Sea of Galilee—a special treat from Dr. Wright. We roasted Israeli s’mores (the marshmallows are strawberry flavored) and enjoyed silly games and good conversation.
Only moments after climbing onto the bus, we arrived at the kibbutz just next door to our accommodations, where we boarded a fishing boat. The boat took us to the middle of the Sea of Galilee, where the captain stopped the engine so we could have a lecture about fishing. The beautiful foggy views of the surrounding hills were pretty serene, and I loved it.
At some point, we made a stop at Qasrin, which was described as a mirror village to Capernaum. The advantage of visiting this particular site is that it has been restored so that visitors can more fully understand life during Jesus’ time. After moving through a reproduction of a common house, we discussed the typical structure of the village. Extended families lived together, and when a son got married, the family would construct a small (5- by 6-foot) room attached to the house for the new couple. This relates directly to the metaphor of Christ and his bride and how Jesus is going to his Father’s house to prepare a room for us. This kind of lesson was very hands-on and practical and very helpful.
Later we made a quick stop at the Jordan River, just north of where it runs into the Sea of Galilee. Dr. Wright simply wanted to give us an opportunity to see the river, and feel the water. However, there was a group of skinny dippers enjoying the cool water just as we stopped. How unfortunate!
At Capernaum, we had another mini-lecture in the shade and discussed the structures on site. There exists remains of a church supposedly built over Peter’s house, where Jesus may have stayed while in Capernaum. I need to borrow Ruthie’s notes about Capernaum to read over the big concepts. Dr. Wright provided some good thought-provoking ideas, and I know I didn’t catch them all.
The last two sites for the day included hiking. After driving to the top of the Mount of Beatitudes, we walked down the hill towards the Sea of Galilee. It was a fairly un-adventurous hike, nothing but blue skies to look at. The very last stop of the day was the big hike, straight down the rockface at Arbel, a pass in the cliffs along the Sea of Galilee. The 360° views from the top of the cliff were a little bit breath-taking, as were the large gusts of wind. We hiked along until we came across the path down, along a fissure in the rock. And down, down, down we climbed, holding on to bars and rocks and ropes. Even after descending this, the rest of the hill was just as difficult—a steep slope of loose gravel, where it was easy to twist your ankle.
The day concluded with a bonfire on the Sea of Galilee—a special treat from Dr. Wright. We roasted Israeli s’mores (the marshmallows are strawberry flavored) and enjoyed silly games and good conversation.
june 2: galilee field study, day 1
The first lecture of this extended field study occurred in the Roman theatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at a place called Caesarea (named after Herod’s boss, Caesar). Dr. Wright explained that for the land-dwelling Israelites, water is scary, and their language reflects this. We were challenged to consider all of the biblical stories involving the ocean, and most included storms and the unpredictable nature of the sea. Therefore, the Israelites wanted nothing to do with the ocean. However, Herod (who was always trying to out-do nature), wanted to show his power by constructing a large port right by the sea, the remains of which we were free to explore on our own. Once again, the simple feat of building such elaborate structures almost overwhelmed me.
Our next stop was at the top of Mt. Carmel, overlooking the Jezreel Valley. While peering out at the horizon, I was thinking that this land seems more confusing than the first unit about Jerusalem and its surroundings. The simple either/or nature of the cenomanian and senonian rock was much simpler to recognize and understand. But in the Jezreel Valley and its vicinity, there can be found all types of rock, and they all exist in a pattern that seems foreign to me.
We then visited the tel at Megiddo, the location of so many biblical battles that the author of Revelation seems to think that the final battle will occur here. I can’t say that I’m familiar with any of these famous Megiddo battles, so the tel just looked like another pile of rocks to me. (An interesting pile of rocks—it had several features we hadn’t yet seen—but nonetheless, I recognized nothing historical.) I also decided that tels are too complex for me. There are too many layers to understand, too many different civilizations built right smack on top of each other.
While standing among the ruins at Megiddo, Dr. Wright also provided an alternate explanation of the term “Armageddon.” It appears in Revelation and is commonly thought to mean “Har Megiddo,” that is, the hill of Megiddo. However, another scholar came up with an alternate translation (which is apparently possible in Greek), which translates to “gathering place.” In this instance, the only “gathering place” worth defending would be Jerusalem. Perhaps… but we’ll never know for sure.
The last stop of the day was at Nazareth, Jesus’ front yard. We sat on the edge of a site known as Jumping Mountain and introduced the idea of Jesus’ ministry into our geographical studies. At this point in the day, I was pretty worn out and already packed with info, so it was difficult to focus on Dr. Wright’s words. I will definitely have to review someone’s notes from this mini-lecture. It is at this point in the class that I feel like a sponge; I am thoroughly soaked already, and I am not retaining much new information. My academic willpower is petering out, but I’m trying to finish strong.
Our next stop was at the top of Mt. Carmel, overlooking the Jezreel Valley. While peering out at the horizon, I was thinking that this land seems more confusing than the first unit about Jerusalem and its surroundings. The simple either/or nature of the cenomanian and senonian rock was much simpler to recognize and understand. But in the Jezreel Valley and its vicinity, there can be found all types of rock, and they all exist in a pattern that seems foreign to me.
We then visited the tel at Megiddo, the location of so many biblical battles that the author of Revelation seems to think that the final battle will occur here. I can’t say that I’m familiar with any of these famous Megiddo battles, so the tel just looked like another pile of rocks to me. (An interesting pile of rocks—it had several features we hadn’t yet seen—but nonetheless, I recognized nothing historical.) I also decided that tels are too complex for me. There are too many layers to understand, too many different civilizations built right smack on top of each other.
While standing among the ruins at Megiddo, Dr. Wright also provided an alternate explanation of the term “Armageddon.” It appears in Revelation and is commonly thought to mean “Har Megiddo,” that is, the hill of Megiddo. However, another scholar came up with an alternate translation (which is apparently possible in Greek), which translates to “gathering place.” In this instance, the only “gathering place” worth defending would be Jerusalem. Perhaps… but we’ll never know for sure.
The last stop of the day was at Nazareth, Jesus’ front yard. We sat on the edge of a site known as Jumping Mountain and introduced the idea of Jesus’ ministry into our geographical studies. At this point in the day, I was pretty worn out and already packed with info, so it was difficult to focus on Dr. Wright’s words. I will definitely have to review someone’s notes from this mini-lecture. It is at this point in the class that I feel like a sponge; I am thoroughly soaked already, and I am not retaining much new information. My academic willpower is petering out, but I’m trying to finish strong.
Friday, June 1, 2007
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