Vol. VIII No. 24
*****
Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net
*****
This Edition:
HOLY WEEK and
THE MARTYRDOM OF OSCAR ROMERO
March 24th-30th, 2013
*****
Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com
Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Web Site:
http://tinyurl.com/ckvyc9z
"Quicklinks" are included with many items.
Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection
in the body of the blog.
*****
Dear Friends:
We begin the most solemn and significant week
of the church year. I hope that some of the
items in Colleagues List will be of help to you.
To begin, I offer a personal reflection entitled:
"Oscar Romero - Saint in Waiting" as March 24th
is the anniversary of his martyrdom 33 years ago.
Then, I provide a book notice on a new title by
Bart D. Erhrman of the University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill -
"Did Jesus Exist?
The Historical Argument for Jesus of Nazareth"
http://tinyurl.com/bvlzpzb
Ehrman believes that Jesus was a historical
figure but does not consider himself a Christian.
I am just completing the teaching of a course at
the university this winter entitled "Heresies
and Heretics" which uses as its main textbook -
"Lost Scriptures that Did Not Make It Into
the New Testament" by Ehrman, and I like the
clarity of his work.
--
Colleague Communications -
This week, we offer articles by two of
our standby writers:
Jim Taylor - writes on
"Unfair Portrayals of the Catholic Church"
http://edges.canadahomepage.net/
Ron Rolheiser - Discusses "Praying in a Crisis"
http://tinyurl.com/cm6qna4
Thanks again, friends.
--
Net Notes:
Here are a total of 14 articles gleaned from
the World Wide Web during the past week -
"Accounting for the Empty Tomb" - a truly
seasonal article on the meaning of the
resurrection (America Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/acvlmkj
"UK Church Opens Doors to Muslims" - a
signal that Christians in England are
trying to welcome Muslim neighbors
(Uca News) http://tinyurl.com/bthhq5u
"Archbishop of Canterbury Enthroned" -
Bishop Welby became the new Archbishop
of Canterbury this week and commented
that a woman would assume this role
(New York Times, The Guardian, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bfym7js
"Female Cleric to Install Canterbury" -
a first for a Canterbury enthronement,
a woman performs the intallation rites
(Uca News) http://tinyurl.com/cv6afhc
"Pope Extends His Hand to Non-Religious" -
Francis I continues to be his own man
and takes an open approach to reporters
of other faiths and no faith
(Religious News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/bwrm79r
"Is This a New Catholic Papal Springtime?" -
Early, hopeful signs appear that the
new pope will chart a positive course
(The Tablet, UK; National Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/ba7jwbd
http://ncronline.org/node/48196
"Francis I - His Role on the World Stage" -
The pope as credible "international conscience"
is a theme presented from America Magazine
http://tinyurl.com/ae76dba
"How the Internet Culture is Rewiring Us" -
the cyber-world is changing the way we live
says this interesting article from down under
(The Canberra Times, Australia)
http://tinyurl.com/ans9ut6
"India Passes Tougher Sexual Violence Laws" -
in the wake of the terrible rape tragedy
at year-end, laws are being tightened
(Uca News) http://tinyurl.com/aw4exud
"What We Talk About When We Talk About God" -
a video book launch by Rob Bell the author
who became famous for "Love Wins"
(The Christian Century)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG1CDec4qkg
--
Wisdom of the Week:
Sojourners offers us advice from -
Archbishop Oscar Romero, Mahatma Gandhi
and Pope Francis I
--
On this Day:
Tokyo Subway Gas Attack
http://tinyurl.com/yg67cyx
Martin Luther King Begins March to Montgomery
http://tinyurl.com/ygklbx6
--
Closing Thought:
Isabel Gibson shares the tenth of twelve
reflections entitled:
"The Gift of Familiarity"
http://tinyurl.com/b5kl437
--
Blessings on you this special season!
Wayne
(end)
******
Wayne's Study Programs:
ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES
St. David's and ACTS Ministry -
Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
THIS TOUR HAS 26 MEMBERS AND WILL
DEPART APRIL 23rd, 2013 (17 days)
Our major tour themes are: Classic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranean coast of SW Turkey.
*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.
*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.
*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)
*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.
*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna
---
The tour book will include reflection pages
with the itinerary as well as answers to many
traveller's questions.
Your tour hosts:
Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416
*****
OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 STUDY PROGRAMS
With more to be announced -
AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH
"WELCOMING THE STRANGER" WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S
THIS EVENT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL!
Friday March 1st - Sunday, March 3rd, 2013
Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.
Mary Jo's presentations will take place
at St. David's church.
Other guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and as seminar leaders. These
activities will be held on the university
campus.
Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
and how Christians might respond.
See Reflections on this event,
Colleagues List, March 10th, 2013.
*****
MONDAY NIGHT STUDY
THIS STUDY ENDS THIS WEEK!
From Monday, January 14th
through Monday, March 25th.
7:00 - 9:00 PM TM Room.
We close, March 25th, holding a phone
conference call with Mary Jo Leddy
of Toronto to reflect on her books
and her weekend with us.
Study Book:
"Radical Gratitude" by Mary Jo Leddy
Review of book links:
http://tinyurl.com/bemfdms
(Western Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/awu94eq
(Gospel and our Culture)
Cost of the course: $50.00
Buy only the book: $20.00
We have a few remaining copies
of "The Other Face of God" and
have sold a total of 110 copies
of Mary Jo's books at St.David's.
If interested, call the office
403-284-2279.
*****
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
"Wisdom in the Books of Song of Solomon
and Ecclesiastes"
Thursday, January 17th - April 11th, 2013
THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.
All welcome. No cost.
*****
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
THIS COURSE WILL SOON BE COMPLETED!!
Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:
HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001
Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013
Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu
---
THIS COURSE IS CONCLUDING SOON!!
Faith and Spirituality Centre Winter Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary
TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.
Fridays - March 1st - April 5th
12 noon - 1:00 PM
Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.
12 noon to 1:00 PM: Cost of the book: $15.
*****
SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS
Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/
Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html
*****
STUDY ARCHIVES
An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4
This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!
You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.
*********************
SPECIAL ITEMS
OSCAR ROMERO - SAINT IN WAITING
A Personal Reflection
It just so happens this year that the
beginning of our remembrance of the
passion and martyrdom of Jesus (during
Holy Week) coincides with the martyrdom
of Central American archbishop Oscar
Romero on May 24th (and the days following.)
I find this happy conjunction fascinating
because each man's witness and death helps
to honor and shed light on the other.
My reflection will focus on Romero.
We are quite familiar with the Gospel
accounts of Jesus' story, but Romero's
may be less familiar. For some help
here, you may wish to click this link:
http://tinyurl.com/kerw3
Achieving the status of a declared "saint"
in the Catholic Church may not be all that
necessary, but it would do no harm, and perhaps
a lot of good, if Romero's cause for sainthood
would soon be officially recognized by Rome.
In reality, Romero is already considered a
saint by the people of El Salvador, his home
country, and by many others around the world.
Official canonization would only confirm what
many recognize.
Other communions like the Anglican and Lutheran
honor him and, as time goes on, ecumenical
recognition is becoming a growing reality.
The thought came to me this year - the 33rd
anniversary of Romero's death - that with the
election of the first Latin American pope,
it would be an ideal time to press for the
completion of Romero's cause. What better
way for a Latin American pope to recognize
a fellow bishop whose concern for the poor
is mutually shared?
Of course, Romero has been associated with
liberation theology, the unique gift to
the churches that originated in Latin America.
Even though John Paul II was a great fan of
Romero's, there was some hesitance in Roman
circles to endorse a man with "Marxist
leanings." Rome is suspicious when priests
side with the poor 'against the establishment'
because, as in Latin America, the church seems
often in league with the political powers
that be. Also, Catholics in Europe and other
parts of the world have suffered mightily
from persecution under Marxist regimes.
In truth, the life of Francis I suggests that
even though he sided with Rome in his concern
about liberation theology, he has always shown
great empathy with the poor.
Not only does he talk about it. He lives it!
His record shows that Francis was never too
comfortable in the Argentinian halls of political
power. His record could be described as reflecting
a 'soft' rather than a 'hard' confrontational
approach to established political power.
Perhaps we can now welcome a pope who can bring
two conflicting theologies together for the
greater good of many.
Francis does not share the tragic experience
of some of his predecessors with 20th century
Communism and various forms of Fascism in
Europe. Francis could bring a fresh vision to
the debate, both within and outside the
Catholic Church.
I sense from initial impressions at least,
that Romero and Francis are actually very
close in their natures and sympathies.
So, as we remember the martyrdom of both
Jesus and Romero during these next days, I
hope that global Christianity will make some
bold new gestures to show its identification
with the poor and to stand against oppression
in whatever form that takes.
--
Book Notice:
DID JESUS EXIST?
THE HISTORICAL ARGUMENT FOR JESUS OF NAZERETH
by Bart D. Ehrman,
HarperOne, paperback. $18.99 CAD.
2013. ISBN # 978-0-06220644-2.
Publisher's Promo:
In "Did Jesus Exist?" historian and Bible expert
Bart Ehrman confronts the question, "Did Jesus
exist at all?" Ehrman vigorously defends the
historical Jesus, identifies the most historically
reliable sources for best understanding Jesus’
own message, and offers a compelling portrait of
the person at the heart of the Christian tradition.
Known as a master explainer with deep knowledge of
the field, Bart Ehrman methodically demolishes both
the scholarly and popular “mythicist” arguments
against the existence of Jesus. Marshaling the
evidence from within the Bible and the wider
historical record of the ancient world, Ehrman
tackles key issues that surround the mythologies
associated with Jesus and the early Christian
movement.
In "Did Jesus Exist?: The Historical Argument for
Jesus of Nazareth" Ehrman establishes the criteria
for any genuine historical investigation and
provides a robust defense of the methods required
to discover the Jesus of history.
--
Author's Words:
Every week I receive two or three emails asking me
whether Jesus existed as a human being... I began
to wonder: Why are so many people asking...
I decided to look into the matter and discovered,
to my surprise, an entire body of literature
devoted to the question of whether or not there
ever was a real man, Jesus... I was almost
completely unaware - of this skeptical literature.
I should say at the outset that none of this
(skeptical) literature is written by scholars
trained in the New Testament or or early Christian
studies...
Of the thousands of scholars of early Christianity...
(teaching in recognized schools) none of them,
to my knowledge, has any doubts that Jesus existed.
But a whole body of literature out there, some of it
highly intelligent, makes this (skeptical) case...
These sundry books are of varying quality...
When mythicists (who do not believe in the existence
of the historical Jesus) use the term (myth) they
often seem to mean simply a story that has no
historical basis, a history-like narrative that
in fact did not happen. In this sense Jesus
is a myth because even though there are plenty of
ancient stories told about him, they are not
historical. His life and teachings were invented
by early storytellers. He never really lived...
The reality is that whatever you may think about
Jesus, he certainly did exist. That is what this
book will set out to demonstrate...
The view that Jesus existed is held by virtually
every expert on the planet...
I am not a Christian, and I have no interest in
promoting a Christian agenda. I am an agnostic
with atheist leanings, and my life and views of
the world would be approximately the same whether
or not Jesus existed...
But as a historian, I think evidence matters.
And the past matters. And for anyone for whom
both evidence and the past matters, a
dispassionate consideration of the case makes
it quite plain: Jesus did exist. He may not be
the Jesus your mother believes in, or the Jesus
of the stained glass window, or the Jesus of
your least favorite televangelist or the Jesus
proclaimed by the Vatican, the Southern Baptist
Convention, the local mega church, or the
California Gnostic. But he did exist, and we
can say a few things, with relative certainty
about him...
Jesus existed, and those vocal persons who deny
it do so not because they have considered the
evidence with the dispassionate eye of the
historian, but because they have some other
agenda that this denial serves...
From a dispassionate point of view, there
was a Jesus of Nazareth.
- from the Introduction
In my view humanists, agnostics, atheists,
mythicists and anyone else who does not advocate
belief in Jesus would be better served to stress
that the Jssus of history is not the Jesus of
modern Christianity than to insist - wrongly
and counterproductively - that Jesus never
existed. Jesus did exist. He simply was not the
person that most modern believers today think
he was.
- from the Conclusion
--
My Thoughts:
One thing I learn from my reading of Ehrman's
book is that one can believe in the historical
Jesus without accepting him as Lord and Saviour.
Many conservative Christians today link the
historicity of Jesus to his role as Son of God.
Ehrman, who began as an evangelical Christian
believes that Jesus was indeed a historical
person but he does not accept him as Lord.
A second thing I learn from my reading of
Ehrman's book is that one can believe in
Jesus as a mythological figure, created
in the imaginations of humans, but have
little ground to stand on if that belief
denies Jesus was a real human being.
For my part, I believe that Jesus was indeed
a historical figure but that much of what we
know of him is mythological in nature. I
believe that much good myth is historically
grounded.
Thus, I guess I differ with both Ehrman
and many he criticizes as mythicists!
Frankly, I am not sure that Ehrman really
understands the meaning of myth as I have
come to appreciate it.
--
Modern theological debates are not unlike the
debates that went on during the first Christian
centuries. Back then, some denied Jesus ever
existed but only 'seemed' to exist. We might
call such believers Docetic. At the same time,
there were those who thought Jesus did exist
as a real human being, but was not a savior in
the sense that his death and resurrection
offered humans the grounds for their eternal
salvation. We might consider such believers
Gnostic.
Many Gnostics held that Jesus was a wise
teacher who could link humans to divine reality,
but he is not Savior in the classic Christian
understanding.
The church, through its foundational ecumenical
creeds, declares that Jesus was both human and
divine but defining that further was impossible.
So, in essence, the centre of my faith continues
to be a mystery. I am invited to accept this
mystery by faith, not human understanding.
--
Ehrman views Canadian religion journalist
Tom Harpur as a mythicist. To understand a
little of what Erhman means, you may wish
to read my review of Harpur's book "The
Pagan Christ."
(Harpur liked my review of his book and posted
it to his website. Scroll down past the book
cover promos to my full review.)
http://www.tomharpur.com/books/paganchrist/
--
Ehrman differs from Harpur in that he does
not think Jesus was essentially a mythical
figure. He was a real human being. Still,
he, like Harpur, has moved from conservative
Christianity to agnosticism, even atheism.
I think it is important to read a book like
Ehrman's "Did Jesus Exist" - not because I
share his agnostic or atheist belief but
because he helps me to appreciate that
modern debates about the person and work
of Jesus are not that new. Most of this
ground was already covered during the
first centuries of Christian history
and that resulted in the formulation
of those ancient creeds.
I think that we need to continue struggling
with these issues today, to to formulate
creedal statements befitting our times as well.
Consider this book because it is written by a man
who has a good understanding of history and
contemporary spirituality. I have learned much
from my study and teaching of his books.
Differ with him if you will, but I think
that like me, you will emerge the better
and more enlightened for having done so.
--
Buy the book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/bvlzpzb
*****
COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS
JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC
"Unfair Portrayals of the Catholic Church"
http://edges.canadahomepage.net/
--
Ron Rolheiser
San Antonio, TX
"Praying in a Crisis"
http://tinyurl.com/cm6qna4
*****
NET NOTES
ACCOUNTING FOR THE EMPTY TOMB
A Historical Interpretation
America Magazine
April 1st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/acvlmkj
--
UK CHURCH OPENS DOORS TO MUSLIMS
Interfaith Gesture a Positive Move
Uca News
March 21st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/bthhq5u
--
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ENTHRONED
"One Day A Woman Will Fill This Role"
New York Times
March 21st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/bfym7js
New Archbishop a Tough Leader
Welby Focused as Canterbury Head
The Guardian, UK
March 21st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/a99ycty
--
FEMALE CLERIC TO INSTALL CANTERBURY
Symbolic Action has Much Significance
Uca News,
March 21st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/cv6afhc
--
POPE EXTENDS HAND TO NON-RELIGIOUS
Meets Non-Catholics, Jewish Leaders
Gesture of Openness is Welcomed
Religious News Service
March 21st, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/bwrm79r
--
IS THIS A NEW PAPAL SPRINGTIME?
Francis Begins With Much Support
The Tablet, UK
March 23rd, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/ba7jwbd
Is Vatican Reform Now Possible?
John Allen Offers Five Tests
National Catholic Reporter
March 22nd, 2013
http://ncronline.org/node/48196
Signs, Signals Pointing to a New Era
National Catholic Reporter
March 23rd, 2013
http://ncronline.org/node/48176
--
THE POPE'S ROLE ON THE WORLD STAGE
He is an International Conscience
Catholic News Service/America Magazine
Video Presentation - March 20th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/ae76dba
--
HOW INTERNET CULTURE IS RE-WIRING US
The Cyber World Has Major Influence
The Canberra Times, Australia
March 17th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/ans9ut6
--
INDIA PASSES TOUGHER SEXUAL VIOLENCE LAW
In Response to Major Public Outcry
Uca News
March 22nd, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/aw4exud
--
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT GOD
Trailer of New Book by Rob Bell
Christian Century
March 18th, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG1CDec4qkg
*****
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
Offered from Sojourners Online
I have frequently been threatened with death.
I must say that, as a Christian, I do not believe
in death but in the resurrection. If they kill me,
I shall rise again in the Salvadoran people.
Martyrdom is a great gift from God that I do not
believe I have earned. But if God accepts the
sacrifice of my life, then my blood will be like
the seed of liberty, and a sign of the hope that
will soon become a reality.
- Archbishop Oscar Romero
--
The atomic bomb brought an empty victory ...
but it resulted for the time being in destroying
the soul of Japan. What has happened to the soul
of the destroying nation is yet too early to see.
- Mahatma Gandhi
--
We live in the most unequal part of the world,
which has grown the most, yet reduced misery the
least. The unjust distribution of goods persists,
creating a situation of social sin that cries out
to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller
life for so many of our brothers.
- Pope Francis
*****
ON THIS DAY
Provided from the Archives
of the New York Times:
March 17th - 23rd, 2013
TOKYO SUBWAY GAS ATTACK
Fringe Group Responsible
http://tinyurl.com/yg67cyx
MARTIN LUTHER KING BEGINS WALK TO MONTGOMERY
Early Steps in Civil Rights Movement
http://tinyurl.com/ygklbx6
*****
CLOSING THOUGHT - Isabel Gibson
The Gift of Familiarity
In the kitchen, reach for the paring knife without
thinking or looking. In the shower, reach for the
face cloth in its accustomed spot without having
to open eyes covered in suds.
Wheel the car into the garage, stopping at the one
spot that allows the overhead door to close, yet
that doesn’t bump the tools piled against the wall.
Plan vacation stops with on-the-ground knowledge of
ferry schedules and affordable (and clean!) local
motels.
Cook up the same old Christmas feast. Hide Easter
eggs in the same old places, to the same old squeals
of the children finding them.
Enjoy again winter’s snowy crunch, spring’s fresh
breeze, summer’s plaintive cry from the loon, fall’s
angled light. Ruefully note the same behaviours in
ourselves that we deplored in our parents.
Moving through a present that carries the past,
may we enjoy the familiarity that eases our
day-to-day routine, simplifies our logistics,
warms our celebrations, and enriches all the
seasons of our lives.
http://tinyurl.com/b5kl437
Check out Isabel's Blog "Traditional Iconoclast"
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/
(end)
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Colleagues List, March 17th, 2013
Vol. VIII No. 23
*****
Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net
*****
Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com
Canadian Anglicans Goodle Groups Web Site:
http://tinyurl.com/aqml3qr
"Quicklinks" are included with many items.
Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection
in the body of the blog.
*****
Dear Friends:
Almost two weeks ago I heard an interesting
lecture, sponsored by the Chair of Christian
Thought at my university. Colleague Doug
Shantz is chairholder, and he brought
Dr, Heather Coleman from the Univeristy
of Alberta to speak on the theme:
"Studying Russian Religion Since
the Collapse of Communism"
I took notes, and would like to share
Heather's presentation with you now.
--
This week, our Colleagues' Communications
are from -
Marjorie Gibson - who writes:
"Life is What Happens"
http://tinyurl.com/abpzusd
Jim Taylor - tells us about:
"The Invisible People Around Us"
http://tinyurl.com/cbjr5gd
Lorna Dueck - offers:
"Prayer for a New Pope"
http://tinyurl.com/bbbz36b
--
Net Notes:
"Why Be A Liberal Catholic?" - this item
appeared in the British press during the
week of the papal election. It has a
special meaning in the UK, but not only
there (The Guardian)
http://tinyurl.com/b46mbwh
"Francis I Faces Big Challenges" - this
article introduced Pope Francis I to the
world (New York Times)
http://tinyurl.com/cs938du
"The Real Winner of the 2013 Conclave" -
Recognized Catholic columnist John Allen
says that St. Francis of Assisi was the
guiding image for the newly elected
pontiff (National Catholic Reporter
http://ncronline.org/node/47661
"Stanley Hauerwas Comments on New Pope" -
Here is a Protestant perspective on the
election of the Jesuit the papacy this week
(Englewood Review of Books - video)
http://tinyurl.com/alce4xa
"Who are the People Waiting for Francis?" -
Sr. Joan Chittister, always worth reading,
adds her views to those listed above -
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://ncronline.org/node/47586/
"Many Canadian Catholics are New Ethnics" -
This was a week where Catholicism grabbed
most of the headlines, even in Canada. Where
do many new Canadian Catholics come from?
(CBC) http://tinyurl.com/cq8f4x6
"Why Priests? (Gary Wills) A Second Review" -
Several weeks ago I introduced a new book
on the priesthood by Catholic writer Gary
Wills and provided a New York Times review.
Here is a Protestant take on that book
from The Englewood Review of Books.
http://tinyurl.com/abedjem
"Hindu Shrine in India Addicted to Alcohol" -
here is another video report, this time from
India with a highly unusual twist to it
(Uca News) http://tinyurl.com/c3wdlf7
"Six Big Consequences of Higgs Boson Discovery"
- The great CERN labs in Geneva Switzerland
have been making history with their study
of Higgs Boson. Here is an important update
(Christian Science Monitor)
http://tinyurl.com/b4x74sh
--
Wisdom of the Week:
St. Maria Skobtsova, Saint Teresa of Avila and
Simone Weil share their thoughts with us.
--
On this Day:
A Newsworthy event, March 16th -
Viet Cong Claim 567 Killed in Mi Lai Massacre
Many were unarmed Men, Women and Children
http://tinyurl.com/ycyo8gd
--
Closing Thought: Isabel Gibson
"The Gift of Surprise"
http://tinyurl.com/a8mro93
--
As always, I conclude with my best wishes
as we approach the most important season
of the church year - the pending arrival
of Holy Week and Easter.
Wayne
(end)
******
Wayne's Study Programs:
ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES
St. David's and ACTS Ministry -
Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
THIS TOUR HAS 26 MEMBERS AND WILL
DEPART APRIL 23rd, 2013 (17 days)
Our major tour themes are: Classic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranean coast of SW Turkey.
*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.
*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.
*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)
*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.
*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna
---
The tour book will include reflection pages
with the itinerary as well as answers to many
traveller's questions.
Your tour hosts:
Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416
*****
OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 STUDY PROGRAMS
With more to be announced -
AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH
"WELCOMING THE STRANGER" WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S
THIS EVENT WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL!
Friday March 1st - Sunday, March 3rd, 2013
Special Guest:
Mary Jo Leddy, Romero House, Toronto.
Mary Jo's presentations will take place
at St. David's church.
Other guests are presently being secured for
panels, workshop and as seminar leaders. These
activities will be held on the university
campus.
Watch for new information on this
special weekend focused on Canada's
policy for welcoming new Canadians
and how Christians might respond.
See Reflections on this event,
Colleagues List, March 10th, 2013.
*****
MONDAY NIGHT STUDY
THIS STUDY IS NEARING COMPLETION!
From Monday, January 14th
through Monday, March 26th.
7:00 - 9:00 PM TM Room.
We close, March 25th, holding a phone
conference call with Mary Jo Leddy
in Toronto to reflect on her books
and her weekend with us.
Study Book:
"Radical Gratitude" by Mary Jo Leddy
Review of book links:
http://tinyurl.com/bemfdms
(Western Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/awu94eq
(Gospel and our Culture)
Cost of the course: $50.00
Buy only the book: $20.00
We have a few remaining copies
of "The Other Face of God" and
have sold a total of 110 copies
of Mary Jo's books at St.David's.
If interested, call the office
403-284-2279.
*****
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
"Wisdom in the Books of Song of Solomon
and Ecclesiastes"
Thursday, January 17th - April 11th, 2013
THIS SERIES HAS BEGUN!!
Drop-ins welcome.
All welcome. No cost.
*****
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
THIS COURSE WILL SOON BE COMPLETED!!
Tuesday Night University Study sponsored
by the Faculty of Continuing Education:
HERESIES AND HERETICS - The Real Story of
Early Christianity. Cont Ed Course 198-001
Ten Sessions - Jan. 22nd - Mar. 26th, 2013
Click this link for books, costs and details:
http://tinyurl.com/77xuwnu
---
THIS COURSE IS UNDERWAY!!
Faith and Spirituality Centre Winter Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary
TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.
Fridays - March 1st - April 5th
12 noon - 1:00 PM
Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.
12 noon to 1:00 PM: Cost of the book: $15.
*****
SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS
Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/
Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html
*****
STUDY ARCHIVES
An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4
This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!
You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.
*********************
SPECIAL ITEM
STUDYING RUSSIAN RELIGION
SINCE THE COLLAPSE OF COMMUNISM
A Lecture by Dr. Heather Coleman
Canada Reseach Chair in Imperial Russian History
Deptartment of History and Classics,
University of Alberta
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
University of Calgary
Introduction:
In the twenty years since the end of the Soviet
Union, religion has emerged as one of the most
vibrant fields in Russian studies.
This renewed interest in religion has led to a
reconceptualization of the history of Orthodox
Christianity in Russia and the place of religion
in late Imperial (Czarist) Russia, as well as
Soviet and post-Soviet Russian society.
This presentation will survey this lively field
and suggest how the stury of Eastern Christianity
illuminates the place of Christianity in the
modern world.
A Big Change Occurred:
With the fall of Communism, Russian historical
archives opened up and demonstrated that (contrary
to the perceived notions of foreigners) the Russian
people continued to be very interested in religion -
during the pre-Soviet era, in the 70 years the
Soviets held power, and in the time since 1994.
We are tempted to ask "Where did all this religion
come from?" The fact is, in many ways it was
always there. Orthodoxy was already going through
a period of transformation before the revolution,
and this has continued since before 1917.
After it became possible, twenty years ago, for
people to openly investigate it, research has
blossomed. The Russian people have been engaged
in a major identity quest and this has caused them
to revisit their culture and history. They have
been liberated from the need to deal with "Soviet"
interpretations.
What is being discovered is truly amazing. A lot
of "embedded" religion existed in the Imperial,
as well as the Soviet era.
We will consider briefly the state of religion
during the twentieth and early twenty-first
centuries. We will reflect on church-state
relations into modernity, and the impact of
all this upon broader European history.
As researchers looked into the period of the
pre-1920s, for example, the study of religious
history was strikingly underdeveloped. It was
happening but it was not being studied.
The view of the time in Russia was that there
was very little religious history to speak of,
and that "the church was dead" and unimportant.
Orthodoxy had been so identified with the
monarchy that when the latter went down,
religion was perceived to have gone down
with it. There were few in the West who
objected to this view although some scholars
perceptive scholars did.
What we know now was that religious life was
quite vital below the surface. This was true
for those in the priesthood and the laity.
What we discover is that a church continued to
exist "parallel to" but not "subject to" the
state. Many people clearly disassociated
themselves from the religion of the state
(or the lack of it.)
What was happening, unheralded and unknown
to many within and outside Russia, was a
re-Christianization of the country and a
redefinition of clergy and lay roles.
Church life changed from being primarily
"liturgical" to "instructional." This meant
popular religion began to develop outside of
church structures. Priests, in turn, moved
from being functionaries in the church system
to much more engaged in society.
Many educational and charitable organizations
were formed. Popular piety, often characterized
by dissent from the official church, flourished.
A charismatic quality began to appear in the
laity and priesthood alike.
This expressed itself in efforts to protect
believers from the authorities, and attempts
to proselytize unbelievers.
Many communities across the nation created
icons, and established parish life - even
though much of this was covert activity.
The result was that, in many ways, the
Russian Orthodox Church moved beyond
engagement with the official "structures
of church and state into communities made
up of the common people.
This raises questions about what, in fact,
was the core of Christianity in Russia -
the official, or the unofficial church?
The nature of local authority began to
be re-evaluated and new pastoral
theologies were developed. A number of
"Billy Graham-styled" evangelists emerged.
The eucharist moved from the sanctuary to
the gathered "community of believers."
All the sacraments of the church were
retained, but there was much experimenting
with new and more meaningful ways of
practicing them.
"Holy Men" with special appeal to the
people (prophetic rather than priestly
figures) engaged the people and their
needs directly. The question emerged
"How do we deal with these living saints
rather than dead ones?"
Liturgy and icons were not abandoned, but
the concern was refocused to shape godliness
and Christian identification on the ground.
Westerners observing this often viewed it
critically. American Protestants, for
example, discounted this piety and did not
consider it "real faith." (Note-taker's
comment - perhaps this is why there were
efforts on the part of Southern Baptists
to send missionaries to "convert Russians
to Christianity.")
The fact is, outsiders failed to understand
to true nature of the Russian people and
their classic faith traditions. These
"missions from outside" were often met with
stiff objections and resistance from
Russian Christians themselves.
Now, a more mature understanding is
emerging of what the Russian Church
really is. Orthodoxy has encouraged the
people to read and study the scriptures.
The Orthodox liturgy is no longer considered
"pagan" but "connected to the Word."
A new side of Orthodoxy is indeed revealing
itself to investigators. There is not
so much a focus on "individual conversion"
here but on "communal autobiography."
Modern scholarship is helping to normalize
Russian religious experience. The Orthodox
Church with its married priesthood offers
interesting comparisons with Anglicanism,
for example.
Conclusion:
We miss much of what Russian religious
experience and the Christian revival there
means if we view these developments through
Western eyes. In Russia, the church today
is highly visible, well respected and yet
undeveloped on the parish level. In that
respect, it has still not yet recovered
from its association with the late monarchy
or Communism.
*****
COLLEAGUE COMMUNICATION
MARJORY GIBSON
Vancouver, BC
Marjorie Remembers Blog
March 12th, 2013
"Life is What Happens"
http://tinyurl.com/abpzusd
--
JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC.
Personal Blog
March 10th, 2013
"The Invisible People Around Us"
http://tinyurl.com/cbjr5gd
--
LORNA DUECK
Toronto, ON.
Context Blog
March 12th, 2013
"Prayer for a New Pope"
http://tinyurl.com/bbbz36b
*****
NET NOTES
WHY BE A LIBERAL CATHOLIC
When You Could Be an Anglican
The Guardian (UK)
March 12th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/b46mbwh
--
FRANCIS I FACES BIG CHALLENGES
Entrenched Vatican System Big Problem
New York Times
March 14th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/cs938du
--
THE REAL WINNER OF THE 2013 CONCLAVE
John Allen Says it is St, Francis
National Catholic Reporter
March 15th, 2013
http://ncronline.org/node/47661
--
STANLEY HAUERWAS COMMENTS ON NEW POPE
His Solidarity With Poor is Important
A Video Presentation
Englewood Review of Books
March 15th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/alce4xa
--
WHO ARE THE PEOPLE WAITING FOR POPE FRANCIS?
Chittister Says Pope Appeals to Some Catholics
National Catholic Reporter
March 14th, 2013
http://ncronline.org/node/47586/
--
MANY NEW CANADIAN CATHOLICS ARE NEW ETHNICS
African/Asian Catholic Groups are Flourishing
CBC News
March 13th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/cq8f4x6
--
"WHY PRIESTS" (GARY WILLS) - A SECOND REVIEW
Englewood Review of Books
March 15th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/abedjem
__
HINDU SHRINE IN INDIA ADDICTED TO ALCOHOL
Devotees Offer Alcohol to Appease Deities
Uca News
March 11th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/c3wdlf7
--
SIX BIG CONSEQUENCES OF THE HIGGS BOSON DISCOVERY
"God Particle" Key to Understanding the Universe
Christian Science Moniter
March 14th, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/b4x74sh
*****
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
At the Last Judgment I shall not be asked whether
I was successful in my ascetic exercises, nor how
many bows and prostrations I made. Instead I shall
be asked if I fed the hungry, clothed the naked,
visited the sick and the prisoners.
- St. Maria Skobtsova
--
Let nothing disturb you, nothing dismay you. All
things are passing, God never changes. Patient
endurance attains all things. God alone suffices.
- Saint Teresa of Avila
--
Today it is not nearly enough merely to be a saint;
but we must have the saintliness demanded by the
present moment, a new saintliness.
- Simone Weil
*****
ON THIS DAY
March 16th
VIET CONG CLAIM 567 KILLED IN MI LAI MASSACRE
Unarmed Men, Women and Children
http://tinyurl.com/ycyo8gd
*****
CLOSING THOUGHT - ISABEL GIBSON
The Gift of Surprize
"When I was born, I was so surprised
I didn’t talk for a year and a half."
- Gracie Allen
The older we get, the less surprise there is in
our lives. After all, we’ve seen it all before:
the good, the bad, the ugly. As familiarity
descends into jadedness, what a gift is the truly
new, the unexpected, the surprise. Whether it’s
as fleeting as the punchline we didn’t see coming
— All day long, it was hit the ball, drag Harry —
or as permanent as a new way of looking at things
— Receive them ignorant, dispatch them confused.
(Weschler’s teaching motto)
— may we remain open to surprise.
http://tinyurl.com/a8mro93
Check out Isabel's Blog "Traditinal Iconoclast"
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/
(end)
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Colleagues List, March 10th, 2013
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)