Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Colleagues List, February 1st, 2015

Vol. X.  No. 25

*****

GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE

Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telus.net

Colleagues List Web Site:

http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

"Quicklinks" are included with many items
at the beginning of this issue. To get a more
complete picture, however, scroll down to
find your special selection in the body of
the blog.


*****

Dear Friends:

This week, I share my notes taken
from a talk at the Banff Centre by
Canadian political commentator,
author and columnist -

Gwynne Dyer, who spoke on
"The New World Disorder"

I hope you find it helpful.

Please scroll down to read my words.
 
--

Colleague Comments this week
are from:

Janice L. Meighan (Toronto, ON)
Lance Woodruff (Bangkok, Thailand)

Scroll down to read their notes to me.

--

Colleague Communications this week
are from:

Beth Porter (Richmond Hill ON)
"A Human Future - L'Arche Jubilee"
http://tinyurl.com/plaemxq

Ron Rolheiser (San Antonio TX)
"The Positive Side of Melancholy"
http://tinyurl.com/lqzpvbz
 
Jim Taylor (Okanagan BC)
"Flaws in the Justice System"
http://tinyurl.com/p9by6yy

Doug Shantz (Calgary AB)
Chair of Christian Thought
University of Calgary

"Panel on Addressing Poverty in Calgary:
Issues, Challenges, Strategies"

http://tinyurl.com/4uwkccz

--

Net Notes are as follows:

"Season of Adventists" - a helpful
report on the global spread of the
Seventh Day Adventist Church
(Christianity Today)
http://tinyurl.com/m23uh84

"Peers Feted at Launch" - the former
primate of the Anglican Church in Canada
helped to launch a book of testimonials
to him (Anglican Journal News)
http://tinyurl.com/ozf3uza

"My Struggles With the Creed" - a
regular church attendee has problems
reciting the creed (Christian Century)
http://tinyurl.com/mrw9fol

"Journalist Detained in China" - more
news about Christian persecution in
China (Radio Free China)
http://tinyurl.com/okmtrhr

"Islam Must Open Itself to Critique" - a
helpful article on a truth that needs to
be told after Charlie Hebdo (Sightings)
http://tinyurl.com/pw5jlgx

"Richard O'Brien, Catholic Firebrand, Dies" -
a liberal, and very wise interpreter of the
contemporary Catholic Church for many of us
(New York Times, National Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/ldmh3dt
http://tinyurl.com/ndfxjgw

"Magna Carta Reflects Christian Influence" -
as this famous document in Western history
reaches 800 years, some commentary on it
(The Christian Post)
http://tinyurl.com/qegndrv

"Support Shown Ukrainian Reformed Church" -
there are other Christian communions in
the Ukraine besides the Orthodox and Catholic.
Here is a story about another tradition there
(World Communion of Reformed Churches)
http://tinyurl.com/kwl9trc

"Obama Warns India Over Religious Division" -
when the US president spoke in India this week
he gave good advice, but will it be heeded?
(UCA News) http://tinyurl.com/ozfktuu
http://tinyurl.com/lr5jwb3

"Skull Fossil Provides New Evolutionary Links" -
an interesting report on what is described as a
major link  between Neanderthals and Humans
(New York Times) http://tinyurl.com/ny4ms53

--

Wisdom of the Week:

Provided by Sojourners and Bruderhof online -

Rowan Williams, Corrie Ten Boom,
Kahlil Gibran, Augustine and
Anne Lamott share their thoughts

--

On This Day:

From the Archives of the New York Times -

"India Declares Itself a Republic"
  http://tinyurl.com/4cxessq

"Robert Frost Dies in Boston"
  http://tinyurl.com/bz6cnlg

"Mahatma Gandhi Murdered by a Hindu"
  http://tinyurl.com/atcwj7u

--

Closing Thought - by Mahandas K. Gandhi

Please scroll down to read him.

(end)

For those interested in our activities -

Winter 2015 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry Programs at St. David's
and at the University of Calgary


--

Thanks for reading Colleagues List this week.

Wayne
 
*****


SPECIAL ITEM

Notes from a Talk
by Gwynne Dyer
at the Banff Centre
January 27th, 2015 -

THE NEW WORLD DISORDER

Gwynne Dyer is a Canadian,
London-based, independent 
journalist, columnist and writer
on war history.

Here is his Wikipedia biography:
http://tinyurl.com/2ajkqye

Here is his website:
http://gwynnedyer.com/

Periodically, he comes to the
Banff Centre to give well-attended
talks on global issues.

This past week Marlene and I
heard his presentation on the
theme noted above, and I took
notes on what he said.

We found his insights helpful
and we hope you find them of
value also.

--

Two things need to be kept in mind when
reading Dyer. The first is that he is an
independent Canadian writer. The second
is that he said he did not envision the fall
of the Berlin Wall.

--

The Islamic State and new wave terrorism,
Russia in the Ukraine and new Cold War threats,
and the rise of China - these are not major issues
to worry about. Population growth and climate
change - these are major concerns for our future.

--

1. The New Wave of Terrorism

Islamic State in the Levant (ISIL) claims territory
about the size of the UK in barren parts of Iraq and
Syria with a population of 5 million. Are we in for a
terrorized world? Actually, the area under IS control
is not of much consequence. But how much harm can
they do? I don't believe the Islamic State is going to
go much beyond where it is now.

It is a phenomenon of limited power and is the
consequence of the failed allied invasion of Iraq.
The terrorist attacks are not to hurt us, but to gain
power in Arab states like Iraq. (This is what Bin
Laden did. His goal was power in Saudi Arabia.
He did things to get our attention and make us
invade places like Afghanistan and Iraq.)

Terrorist attacks are actually "recruiting tools" by
revolutionaries who want to take over their own
countries. Our reaction to Bin Laden was to attack
Arab countries but he succeeded and we failed.
Ultimately, 9/11 didn't work, but Bush invaded
Iraq - a catastrophe in an Arab country. The result
is ISIL.

The terrorists have gained recruits in poor Arab
countries with 50% unemployment and some
misguided youth in other places, but ultimately
much of this response is misguided. Very few
fighters and terrorists know "the real plan" of
ISIL leadership - which is - get Western forces
to attack Muslim nations so the "strategists" can
have a chance to get into power there.

Is it possible that we are "tools" in someone else's
strategy? So far, casualties have been dramatic
but small in number. We must not give the terrorists
what they want. We must not over-react.

In the larger scheme of things, the Arab world
represents 10% of the world's population and
3% of its wealth. Doesn't that tell us something?

--

2. The New Cold War

We don't have the old Russia any more. Today's
Russia has half the population of the old USSR,
it is de-industrialized, with little except oil and gas.
It is not the threat it once was.

Putin has been pushing the envelope but many of
his own people are advising him not to go too far.
Putin is too wise to over-extend himself.

The Ukraine has been a case study in bumbling.
The biggest concern Russia has is the threat of
invasion - indelibly etched in the nation's experience.
From the Central Asian hordes to Napoleon to Germany
in two world wars - the Russian mindset is focused
on defense. Russia  needs "buffer zones" to lessen the
impact of invasion. The Ukraine is an important part
of this defensive strategy.

Ukraine has fifty million people. Most in the western
part of the country want to be part of the West. That
means the EU, NATO, etc. The West has been wise
not to irritate Russia with admission to these groups.

There are some eastern Ukrainians who are Russian,
speak Russian and have Russian dreams. These
eastern regions have built industrial and resource
(coal, steel) relations with Russia and don't want
to lose their jobs. But only Russia buys their stuff.

Joining the EU would "close down" the eastern
Ukraine. Russia sees any move by the West to
support the majority Ukraine as a plot. That is
why it moved to take over the Crimea (that is
80% Russian.) But these moves have gotten
Russia into the dog house economically.

This should not be viewed as Russian territorial
expansionism. Putin over-reacted. It is now
a matter of him having to save face.

Russia cannot afford another Cold War. But
they want a strong leader, and Putin does not
want to appear weak. He won't go far with this.
Russia really does not want the Ukraine. It has
enough of its own troubles. This is a containable
crisis that is much smaller than it appears.

--

3. The Rise of China

Just one point. China is afraid of regional warfare
with countries like Korea and Japan. This is
not unlike the rival nationalisms of Europe in the
late 19th - early 20th centuries.

There are regional (not global) war threats, but
nobody wants war, however. The border issues
are inconsequential. We need to be cautious,
but not overly concerned about China.

-

WHAT WE NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT

The following two issues are not fast-moving
and have little drama associated with them.
But population and climate change will emerge
as the real issues of the 21st century.

1. Global Population

Several decades ago, global population was to
have levelled off at 9.5 billion (with China at 1.3
and India at 2.3 billion) Now, the UN says we
will reach 12 billion in this century. That is twice
what we are now.

This is terrifying for Africa which has 1 billion now
and will have 4 billion by 2100. Unless something
major happens, calamity will ensue in Africa.
Millions will die. There will be waves of refugees.
But this is a slow process. African leaders are
not paying attention. What will we do with all
those refugees?

--

2. Global Warming

Early on, there was a lot of climate talk, but little
action has resulted. We can trigger things in
nature that we can't stop. Once there is a 2.2%
level of carbon in the atmosphere, there will be
no turning back.

This point can be reached in 15-20 years.

I do not see any hope in a political solution,
but can there be other interventions we can't
predict at this point?

Other major threats in the past have not occurred.
There have been no nuclear wars in 70 years.

I have been surprized before, but the climate
change issue is major.

--

Comments noted from the Q&A Session:

1. Don't send Canadian soldiers to silly
    foreign wars. Even if it makes us look
    as though we are not 'doing something.'

2. Nobody wants Alberta to be poor, but
    in the next 20-30 years, Alberta will have
    to adjust the sources of its economy.
    If oil prices stay low, Alberta will have
    to re-think a lot of things. Alberta, and
    Canada as a whole - will need to move
    beyond resource extraction as the
    foundation of its economy.

    Switzerland has done it.
    Sales tax? Carbon tax?

3. Measuring a successful economy by growth
    criteria is a poor measure. We need to move
    from "growth" to "well-being" measurements.

 4. Nobody is going to invade us. The Americans
    may sometimes appear to be weird, but
    they are not dangerous.

5. Where can we find innovative ideas to help
    us deal with some of these major problems
    in our future?

   Open our post-secondary institutions and
   universities to many more foreign students.
   The payoff could be amazing.

Dyer's latest book is entitled:

"Canada in the Great Power Game 1914-2014"
  http://tinyurl.com/nlen6wv

(end) 


*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT

JANICE L. MEIGHAN
Toronto, ON

January 24th, 2015

Hi Wayne,

I'm glad to hear of your good health news.

Thank you for sharing it.

In this abundant blessing.

Best regards,
Janice


Editor's Note:  Janice is the author of
"Feisty and Fearless" a biography of
Lois Wilson. 

http://tinyurl.com/o73dzky

I presume Janice considers
Colleagues List a blessing!

Wayne

--

LANCE WOODRUFF
Bangkok, Thailand

January 28th, 2015

Wayne:

I see you in a God-given and God-blessed
ministry as a teacher and pastor.

You are God-sent to me, a reluctant
foot-
dragging follower of Jesus, much more
willing to talk than act...

Lance, in Bangkok, soon moving to

Philadelphia...really...
after many false starts.

Peacefully,

Lance


*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

BETH PORTER
Richmond Hill ON

A Human Future -

"Celebrating L'Arches's Jubilee Year"

http://tinyurl.com/plaemxq
(click Issue 1, 2015)

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

Personal Web Site
January 26th, 2015

"The Positive Side of Melancholy"
  http://tinyurl.com/lqzpvbz

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Personal Web Log
January 25th, 2014

"Flaws in the Justice System"
  http://tinyurl.com/p9by6yy

--

DOUG SHANTZ
Calgary, AB.

Chair of Christian Thought
University of Calgary

The Iwaasa Lecture on Urban Theology

Panel on Addressing Poverty in Calgary:
Issues, Challenges, Strategies


Monday, February 2, 2015 at 7:30pm
Grace Presbyterian Church
1009 15 Ave SW, Calgary


Derek Cook
Former Executive Director
Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative
 

Darrell Howard
Community Facilitator,
Vibrant Communities Calgary


Jeff Loomis
Executive Director, Momentum:
Community Economic Development Society


http://tinyurl.com/4uwkccz

*****

NET NOTES

SEASON OF ADVENTISTS
Global Denomination Booming

Christianity Today
January 22nd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/m23uh84

--

 PEERS FETED AT LAUNCH
"More Than I Can Say" Testimonials

Anglican Church of Canada News
January 23rd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ozf3uza

--

MY STRUGGLES WITH THE CREED
Believe It or Not

The Christian Century
January 26th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/mrw9fol

--

JOURNALIST DETAINED IN CHINA
Reporting on Religious Persecution

Radio Free Asia
January 26th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/okmtrhr

--

ISLAM MUST OPEN ITSELF TO CRITIQUE
After the Charlie Hebdo Massacre

Sightings
January 29th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/pw5jlgx

--

RICHARD O'BRIEN,
CATHOLIC FIREBRAND, DIES
Wrote Progressive Theology
Read by Many Thoughtful People

New York Times
January 29th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ldmh3dt

"Richard O'Brien Dies at 78"

National Catholic Reporter
January 25th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ndfxjgw

--

MAGNA CARTA REFLECTS
CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE
800th Anniversary Noted

The Christian Post
January 26th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/qegndrv

--

SUPPORT SHOWN REFORMED
CHURCH IN THE UKRAINE

World Communion of
Reformed Churches Website
January 13th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/kwl9trc

--

OBAMA WARNS INDIA OVER
RELIGIOUS DIVISION
Advises the Nation 
Against Partisan Politics

UCA News
January 26th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ozfktuu

"Indian Minority Christians and Muslims
  Fear President's Advice Will Be Ignored"

UCA News
January 30th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/lr5jwb3

--

SKULL FOSSIL PROVIDES
NEW EVOLUTIONARY LINKS
Connects Humans Migrating
from Africa to Europe

New York Times
January 29th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ny4ms53

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners
and Bruderhof Online


Our present ecological crisis, the
biggest single practical threat to
our human existence in the middle
to long term, has, religious people
would say, a great deal to do with
our failure to think of the world as
existing in relation to the mystery
of God, not just as a huge warehouse
of stuff to be used for our convenience.

- Bishop Rowan Williams

--

Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door
of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It
is a power that breaks the chain of bitterness
and the shackles of selfishness.


- Corrie Ten Boom

--

And when you have reached the mountain top,
then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth
shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

- Kahlil Gibran

--

The way to Christ is first through humility,
second through humility, and third through
humility. If humility does not precede and
accompany and follow every good work we
do, if it is not before us to focus on, it it is
not beside us to lean upon, if it is not behind
us to fence us in, pride will wrench from our
hand any good deed we do at the very
moment we do it.

- Augustine

--

Laughter is carbonated holiness.

- Anne Lamott

*****

ON THIS DAY

From the Archives of the New York Times

"India Declares Itself a Republic"
  http://tinyurl.com/4cxessq

"Robert Frost Dies in Boston"
  http://tinyurl.com/bz6cnlg

"Mahatma Gandhi Murdered by a Hindu"
  http://tinyurl.com/atcwj7u



*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Mahatma Gandhi

Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be
swept away  before the tide of time. I must
continue to bear testimony to truth even if
I am forsaken by all. Mine may today be a
voice in the wilderness, but it will be heard

when all other voices are silenced, if it is
the voice of truth.

(end)

*****

Winter 2015 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry Programs at St. David's
and at the University of Calgary:


MONDAY NIGHT STUDY - WINTER SERIES

January 12nd – March 23rd, 2015
7-00-9:00PM TM Room. Ten Weeks.
(Family Day Monday exempted)

“Fields of Blood: Religion and

  the History of Violence”
  by Karen Armstrong

Led by Jock McTavish and Wayne Holst

Registration $60.00. Book only $25.00

This study is now in progress.
Forty books sold.

Youtube link:

---
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
January 22nd - March 26th, 2015. Ten Weeks.
10:00-11:00AM TM Room

"Romans and James -

  Foundations for Christian
  Thought and Living"
  Study Leader: Wayne Holst

No charge.

Study resource -
The DK Complete Bible Handbook
http://tinyurl.com/odxlv7q

This study has begun.

---

ST. DAVID'S SPIRITUAL TRAVELERS'
SPECIAL 2015 SIXTEEN DAY TOUR

"Jerusalem and the Land of Three Great Faiths"
  October 16th - 31st, 2015


http://tinyurl.com/plg4sgo

Hardcopy tour details brochure
is available in the church lobby.

Tour Company: Rostad Tours Calgary

Tour Hosts: Wayne and Marlene Holst
Sponsored by: St. David's ACTS Ministry
Endorsed by: St. David's Church Council

Talk with or write to Marlene and Wayne
(403-286-7416)
waholst@telus.net
marleneaholst@gmail.com

Save $300. if deposit paid by March 31st.

---

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY CENTRE


Interfaith Chaplains' Book Studies
for faculty, students, staff, and
campus guests - Winter, 2015


"Simply Christian" by N.T. Wright

Book Study Co-Sponsored by:
The Faith and Spirituality Centre,
University of Calgary and
The ACTS Ministry,
St. David's United Church, Calgary

Native Centre Board Room
McEwan Student Centre
Fridays, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Five sessions.
Feb. 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th

Participants are encouraged to attend
all five sessions. However, you may attend
one or more sessions on a drop-in basis.

Study Leader: Dr. Wayne A. Holst
Book cost $20.00

http://tinyurl.com/l8lxc35

 
*****


Sunday, January 25, 2015

Colleagues List, January 25th, 2015

Vol. X.  No. 24

*****

GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE

Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telus.net

Colleagues List Web Site:

http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

"Quicklinks" are included with many items
at the beginning of this issue. To get a more
complete picture, however, scroll down to
find your special selection in the body of
the blog.


*****

Dear Friends:

I rejoice to announce that, after a visit to
my surgeon this week - five years after my
colon cancer was detected - I have been
declared "cured" and am truly a cancer
survivor with a 2% chance of colon cancer
recurrence.

Colleague and friend Marcus Borg died this
week. He is the same age as I am.

In this edition of CL I want to share my -
"Thoughts on Marcus Borg"

http://tinyurl.com/54gpwj
http://tinyurl.com/lxmr29l
http://tinyurl.com/qe8fewp
http://tinyurl.com/n6q8kro

To read my thoughts, with more links, 
please scroll down.

--

Colleague Comment this week are fom -

Gerry McBride (Calgary)
"Buffalo Shout; Salmon Cry"
  http://tinyurl.com/m8k7ph3

Doug Koop (Winnipeg)
"Dying Patient Interview"
  http://youtu.be/_J7Jdhz_zwU

Lorna Dueck (Toronto)
"Context Interview with Karen Armstrong"
  Youtube link: http://tinyurl.com/n7odd6g

John Griffith (Calgary)
 "Ilia Delio, OSF lectures in Calgary"    
   http://tinyurl.com/kjlynnr

To read their letters, scroll down.

--

Colleague Communications -

Tom Ryan (Washington, DC)
Bio: http://tinyurl.com/plv2n4s
Koinonia Newsletter, Winter, 2015:
http://tinyurl.com/lr6chh2

Martin Marty (Chicago, IL)
"Religious Headlines"
  http://tinyurl.com/qap4ma5

Ron Rolheiser (San Antonio TX)
"Looking for the One God Amid Our
  Denominational and Faith Divisions"
  http://tinyurl.com/lwbhgmf

Jim Taylor (Okanagan BC)
"The Underlying Tactic of Terrorist Acts"
  http://tinyurl.com/ncpr96w

For more information, scroll down.

--

Net Notes -

"Marcus Borg Dead, 72" - here are two
tributes to him (Religious News Service,
Huffington Post Religion)
http://tinyurl.com/p9evtwq
http://tinyurl.com/q5rtobc

"Blasphemy in Hinduism" - this faith
of India has its own blasphemy advocates
who are challenging free speech there
(Sightings) http://tinyurl.com/lvo9ytj

"Van Gogh: A Power Seething" - here is a
review of an intriguing book, appearing  
this weekend, on the famous Dutch painter
(New York Times Review of Books)
http://tinyurl.com/qgabvy7

"The Pope's Airplane Interviews" - Francis
has captured global attention with his
casual way of entertaining the press;
also a report on his Philippines visit
(Aleteia and America Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/ogkgenl
http://tinyurl.com/lg8f97q

"Responding to Islamic Extremism" -
this dialogue between Christian Lorna
Dueck and Muslim Shema Khan
appeared last week (Globe and Mail)
http://tinyurl.com/npjuv7v

"Vanier: Demonstrations Divide French Society" -
Vanier was in the UK addressing a House of Lords 
event on France in Westminster (The Tablet, UK) http://tinyurl.com/m7y6tt8

"Evolving Palestine-Christian Identity in Israel" -
a theological conference highlights the growth
of Palestinian identity and sponsored by an
Israeli organization (Assist News)
http://tinyurl.com/og96r8c

"Most Significant Religious News Stories of 2014" -
here are key stories from a Canadian evangelical
perspective (Christian Week Online)
http://tinyurl.com/knld7vj

"Canadian Interfaith Statement on Syrian Refugees" -
representatives from a broad cross-section of aid
organizations have formulated a policy against
religious discrimination (Citizens for Public Justice)
http://tinyurl.com/n5ju8qn

"Manila Homeless Removed from View During
Papal Visit" -a needed perspective, after the glowing
reports of the pope's visit to the Philippines
(Asia Free Press) http://tinyurl.com/kkqbhcs

--

Wisdom of the Week -

This comes thanks to Sojourners and
Bruderhof online -

Martin Luther King Jr,. Giles Harcourt,
Jean Vanier, Vincent van Gogh,
Jacques Ellul and Eberhard Arnold

Please scroll down to read them.

--

On This Day -

From the archives of the New York Times:

"Lenin Dies at Age 54"
  http://tinyurl.com/a7f9ha7

"Reagan Takes Over from Carter'
  American Hostages Freed in Iran"
  http://tinyurl.com/l3aphz8

"Winston Churchill Dies in London"
  http://tinyurl.com/nae7hu7

--

Closing Thought - Dorothy Day

Scroll down to read her.

--

This is a full edition but I hope you find
at last some articles to your liking.

Wayne

(end)

--

Winter 2015 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry Programs at St. David's
and at the University of Calgary

*****

SPECIAL ITEM

THOUGHTS ON MARCUS BORG
Reflections on His Contribution

The sad news of the death of Marcus Borg
arrived this week. For many of us who were
his students and friends, it provided an
opportunity to reflect on his legacy.

I share some early thoughts on his contribution.

To gain a general perspective on his life,
here is what appears on his Wiki biography.

http://tinyurl.com/54gpwj

Make sure you take note of his bibliography
including the final study he published on his
"Convictions" during the last year of his life.

Last week, I published the following on
Colleagues List:

"Borg: Overturning Common Christianity" -
a special recognition this week for his new
book (published last May) for a long-time
colleague, Marcus Borg (Publisher's Weekly)
http://tinyurl.com/mfpn728

--

I have always felt an affinity toward Borg
because of a common (Lutheran) background
and a somewhat similar theological exposure
beyond that tradition. While I took the pastor/
academic route in my career, he focused on
becoming a disciplined, venturesome religious
studies professor.

Most of his career was spent at Oregon State
University where he taught generations of 
students and had the academic freedom to
pursue his search for truth. Interestingly, he
shaped his career in a largely secular ethos
by focusing on the Bible and on Jesus.

Borg visited us in Calgary and at St. David's
during the last decade of his academic life
(2005). He gave several lectures and
preached at our Sunday morning service, and
continued to correspond with me over his
later years, sending me his latest books for
reviews and notices.

He was very encouraging of the work I was
doing in the academy and the church - as
he ended up in the Episcopal Church USA while
I have spent 25 years in a United Church of
Canada congregation.

He was a pastoral academic even thought he 
was never ordained and served as a model
for me during the past quarter century.

Borg maintained a great love of the Bible
and for Jesus, all through his career. He
built a solid, progessive career of biblical
and historical Jesus studies. He was always
open to constructive criticism and worked
hard to dialogue with sincere people - lay,
clergy and academic - who differed from him.

--

HIS LOVE FOR THE BIBLE AND FOR JESUS

Take some time to view this video through which
Borg describes his core biblical philosophy:
http://tinyurl.com/lxmr29l

Borg worked hard to translate the best of
modern critical studies of the Bible and of Jesus
into a common idiom. One of his best insights
was that we can learn the meaning behind
both, by taking the Bible seriously, but not
literally.

Two of his outstanding books are still in print:

"Reading the Bible Again for the First Time" 
  http://tinyurl.com/qe8fewp


"Jesus - Uncovering the Life, Teachings and 
  Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary"
  http://tinyurl.com/n6q8kro

The fact is, many of his books remain in print
as testimony to his on-going relevance.

--

HIS SOLID, RESPECTFUL, CRITICAL APPROACH

Unlike some liberal scholars who give the
impression that they can use or discard the
words of scripture at will, Borg did take the
words of the Bible seriously. I would like to
think his formation in Lutheran theology
taught him that.

That said, his studies took him beyond where
many Lutheran theologians were willing to go,
at least at the time. He found good support
for his developing studies from academics
in the Anglican-Episcopal and Catholic tradition
and his collaboration with N.T. Wright and
John Dominic Crossan, for example, were
very fruitful.

Borg was often criticised by conservative
scholars from many traditions for at least
some of his views.

His views on Paul and challenges to parts
of Romans and other Pauline letters made
him a thorn in the side of some Protestants,
but he soldiered on - trying to learn from his
critics while maintaining his truth quest.

See his book:

"The First Paul"
  http://tinyurl.com/mluptw7

--

HIS OPEN AND COLLABORATIVE STYLE 

As noted above, Borg sought out occasions
to dialogue and work with serious critics
and those who differed with him.

A prime example of this was the publication
of "The Meaning of Jesus" with N.T. Wright

http://tinyurl.com/k62e3ur

Both scholars accepted the historicity of Jesus
but gave different weight and meaning to what
that meant for people of faith today.

It was a joy to see two good scholars debate
with mutual respect and integrity. From this
we gain a better sense of our own views.


Here is an example of Marcus Borg and
N.T. Wright discussing Jesus' resurrection:
http://tinyurl.com/nwgc5rj

--

Over the years I have used Borg's books
successfully at the university and in the
church. Fifteen years ago my teaching partner
Jock McTavish and I first collaborated using
books by Marcus Borg and we continue to
learn from him and from each other.

Here is our collection of over 40 book studies:
http://tinyurl.com/m5fedjk

A number of Marcus Borg study outlines are
recorded here. Now that Jock is retired he
hopes to refine this site - which receives
1,000 hits a week from around the world.

So the model of growth in truth model Borg
established continues.

Marcus will be missed.

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT

GERRY MCBRIDE
Calgary, AB

January 21st, 2015

Wayne:

"This sounds a bit like a merger between
John Ralston Saul and Richard Wagamese
– have you seen it? If so does it live up
to the review?"

Mennonite Brethren Herald
January 1st, 2015

"Buffalo Shout; Salmon Cry"
  http://tinyurl.com/m8k7ph3

Gerry:

I think this book is hard-hitting and needed.
We continue to be a self-justifying nation
in terms of our dealings with First Nations.

I hope our readers will read this review
and reflect on it.

Wayne

--

DOUG KOOP
Winnipeg, MB

January 17th, 2015

Hi Wayne:

Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg recently
uploaded a video interview I conducted with
a patient last fall. Check it out. This man was
uncommonly winsome and wise. 

Cheers, Doug
 
Thanks for sharing this helpful exchange.
 Wayne

--

LORNA DUECK
Toronto, ON

January 21st, 2014

Wayne:

We've posted our Context interview with
Karen Armstrong.

It  is up on the web now, and is available
ongoing online or podcast - she was fascinating.

Thanks so much for continuing to mull over our
need for a voice on how to describe the kind of
evangelism we do … 

Youtube link:

Lorna

--

JOHN GRIFFITH
Calgary, AB

January 19th, 2015

Hi Wayne, you may already know this.

April 24 - 26, Ilia Delio, OSF will be

presenting lectures in Calgary, sponsored
by Mount St. Francis and the FCJ Christian
Life Centre.

Friday April 24th she will be speaking on

"Christ and Evolution" $25
        

Saturday April 25th she will be at the
FCJ Centre speaking on  "God, Evolution
and the Power of Love."
$100 includes lunch.
        

Sunday, April 25th, her topic will be
Catholicism in an Evolving Universe $25.
                

Pre-registration only. 

Find all this and more at: 
http://tinyurl.com/kjlynnr


Blessings, John

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

TOM RYAN
Washington, DC

His bio:
http://tinyurl.com/plv2n4s

Winter 2015 Newsletter Link,
Paulist Center for Ecumenism
http://tinyurl.com/lr6chh2

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio,TX

Personal Website
January 19th, 2015

"Looking for the One God Amid Our
  Denominational and Faith Divisions"
  http://tinyurl.com/lwbhgmf

--

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, IL

Sightings
January 19th, 2015

"Religious Headlines"
  http://tinyurl.com/qap4ma5

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Personal Web Log
January 18th, 2015

"The Underlying Tactic of Terrorist Acts"
  http://tinyurl.com/ncpr96w

*****

NET NOTES

MARCUS BORG DEAD AT 72
Leading Historical Jesus Scholar

Religious News Service
January 22nd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/p9evtwq

Huffington Post Religion
January 22nd, 2014

http://tinyurl.com/q5rtobc

--

BLASPHEMY IN HINDUISM
and Censorship in India

Sightings,
January 22nd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/lvo9ytj

--

VAN GOGH: A POWER SEETHING
Book by Julian Bell Reviewed

New York Times Review of Books
January 25th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/qgabvy7

--

THE POPE'S AIRPLANE INTERVIEWS
Well Received in an "Age of Spin"

Aleteia
January 22nd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/ogkgenl

"In the Philippines, Francis Celebrates
  Possibly the Biggest Mass in History
  With Six to Seven Million Attending"

America Magazine
January 18th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/lg8f97q

--

RESPONDING TO ISLAMIC EXTREMISM
Lorna Dueck/Shema Khan Dialogue

Globe and Mail
January 15th, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/npjuv7v

--

VANIER: "DEMONSTRATIONS
ONLY DIVIDE FRENCH SOCIETY"
English House of Lords Event

The Tablet, UK
January 23rd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/m7y6tt8

--

EVOLVING PALESTINE-CHRISTIAN
IDENTITY IN ISRAEL
Sense of Purpose is Maturing

Assist News
January 23rd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/og96r8c

--

MOST SIGNIFICANT RELIGIOUS 
NEWS STORIES OF 2014
An Evangelical Christian
Canadian Perspective

Christian Week Online
January 21st, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/knld7vj

--

CANADIAN INTERFAITH STATEMENT
ON SYRIAN REFUGEES
Discrimination Based
on Religion is Unacceptable

Citizens for Public Justice
Ottawa, ON
January 21st, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/n5ju8qn

--

MANILA HOMELESS REMOVED FROM
STREETS DURING PAPAL VISIT
Kept in Luxury Accommodations

Asia Free Press
January 23rd, 2015

http://tinyurl.com/kkqbhcs

*****
 

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners
and Bruderhof online:

True peace is not merely the absence
of tension; it is the presence of justice.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

--

As a conductor and musicians are part
 of one orchestra, as limbs and muscles,
sinews and blood part of one body, help
us to see that each of us is important to
creation as a whole.

- Giles Harcourt

--

People may come to our communities
because they want to serve the poor;
they will only stay once they have
discovered that they themselves are poor.

- Jean Vanier

--

Many people seem to think it foolish,
even superstitious, to believe that the
world could still change for the better.
And it is true that in winter it is sometimes
so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say,
“What do I care if there is a summer; its
warmth is no help to me now.” Yes, evil
often seems to surpass good by far. But
then, in spite of us, and without our
permission, there comes at last an end
to the bitter frosts. One morning the
wind turns, and there is a thaw.

And so I still have hope.

- Vincent van Gogh

--

Christians were never meant to be normal.
We’ve always been holy troublemakers,
we’ve always been creators of uncertainty,
agents of dimension that’s incompatible
with the status quo; we do not accept the
world as it is, but we insist on the world
becoming the way that God wants it to be.
And the Kingdom of God is different from
the patterns of this world.

- Jacques Ellul

--

Never burden yourself by looking far ahead.
Always live one day at a time. If you can do
this, you will live like children, birds, and
flowers. For them each day is a lifetime.
Every day unfolds new joy, new hope,
even if every day may have brought you
new shadows and new nightfall. Every day
you may have broken down in guilt and
failure. Every day may have shown you your
helplessness a thousandfold. Yet each new
day brings new sun, new air, and new grace.

- Eberhard Arnold

*****

ON THIS DAY

From the Archives of the
New York Times

"Lenin Dies at Age 54"
  http://tinyurl.com/a7f9ha7

"Reagan Takes Over from Carter'
  American Hostages Freed in Iran"
  http://tinyurl.com/l3aphz8

"Winston Churchill Dies in London"
  http://tinyurl.com/nae7hu7

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Dorothy Day

What we would like to do is change the world –
make it a little simpler for people to feed, clothe,
and shelter themselves as God intended for them
to do.…

We can, to a certain extent, change the world;
we can work for the oasis, the little cell of joy
and peace in a harried world. We can throw our
pebble in the pond and be confident that its ever
widening circle will reach around the world. We
repeat, there is nothing that we can do but love,
and, dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love
each other, to love our neighbor, to love our
enemy as well as our friend.

(end)

*****

Winter 2015 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry Programs at St. David's
and at the University of Calgary:


MONDAY NIGHT STUDY - WINTER SERIES

January 12nd – March 23rd, 2015
7-00-9:00PM TM Room. Ten Weeks.
(Family Day Monday exempted)

“Fields of Blood: Religion and

  the History of Violence”
  by Karen Armstrong

Led by Jock McTavish and Wayne Holst

Registration $60.00. Book only $25.00

This study is now in progress.
Forty books sold.

Youtube link:

---
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
January 22nd - March 26th, 2015. Ten Weeks.
10:00-11:00AM TM Room

"Romans and James -

  Foundations for Christian Living"
  Study Leader: Wayne Holst

No charge.

Study resource -
The DK Complete Bible Handbook
http://tinyurl.com/odxlv7q

This study has begun.

---

ST. DAVID'S SPIRITUAL TRAVELERS'
SPECIAL 2015 SIXTEEN DAY TOUR

"Jerusalem and the Land of Three Great Faiths"
  October 16th - 31st, 2015

Tour Company: Rostad Tours Calgary

Tour Hosts: Wayne and Marlene Holst
Sponsored by: St. David's ACTS Ministry
Endorsed by: St. David's Church Council

(Tour itinerary/costs brochure available in

  the church lobby. Talk to Marlene and Wayne)

Save $300. if deposit paid by March 31st.
http://tinyurl.com/plg4sgo


---

UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY CENTRE


Interfaith Chaplains' Book Studies
for faculty, students, staff, and
campus guests - Winter, 2015


"Simply Christian" by N.T. Wright

Book Study Co-Sponsored by:
The Faith and Spirituality Centre,
University of Calgary and
The ACTS Ministry,
St. David's United Church, Calgary

Native Centre Board Room
McEwan Student Centre
Fridays, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Five sessions.
Feb. 20th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th

Participants are encouraged to attend
all five sessions. However, you may attend
one or more sessions on a drop-in basis.

Study Leader: Dr. Wayne A. Holst
Book cost $20.00

http://tinyurl.com/l8lxc35

 
*****