Colleagues List, January 13th, 2013

Vol. VIII No. 15

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

Now "Quicklinks" are included with many items.
Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection
in the body of the blog, as in the past.

*****

Dear Friends:

In this first issue of the New Year, I
share with you a book notice of "Open
Heart" by the famous Jewish author,
Elie Wiesel. Secondly, I offer a book
review of a collection of essays by a
group of Canadian Anglicans - "Guide
for the Christian Perplexed" edited by
Thomas Power of Trinity and Wycliffe
Colleges, University of Toronto.

I hope you enjoy both books.

--

Colleague Comment this week is from an
old friend we first met in France. He
is Fr. Ned Carolan of Dublin, Ireland.
Nice to hear from you Ned!

--

Colleague Contributions are from -
Martin Marty, Jim Taylor, Monica Kilburn
Smith and Doug Shantz

http://tinyurl.com/9wkn5l5
http://tinyurl.com/b6adbq6
http://tinyurl.com/6ux24o8
http://www.ucalgary.ca/christchair/

--

Net Notes:

"Why Aren't Christians Funny?" - here is
an article by an evangelical Christian
that challenges the sober approach to faith
he finds around him (Relevant Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/bedhpzh

"The Most Redeeming Films of 2013" - here
is a list of the most meaningful films of
2012 accordeing to Christianity Today.
http://tinyurl.com/a9murhw

"Christians Claim Hindu Repression" - as
what might be expected as India marches
toward modernization, traditional faith
groups are in conflict (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/b886msx

"A Mother's Love for Son was Prophetic" -
one of the women pioneers in the liberation
of gay, lesbian and transgendered people
died this week (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/bgm5w2r

"First Church for Atheists Opens in UK" -
as Atheists become more visible and grow
in the need for community, this development
is natural (Huffington Post Canada)
http://tinyurl.com/a3b8vmu

"Large Cross Erected on Site of Violence" -
a sign that Christians in Pakistan are
growing bolder in their quest for rights
is noted in this story (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/a28wc6d

"Guru Provokes Reaction With His Comments" -
here is evidence that male patriarchs in
any faith tradition can be totally out of
touch (The Daily Mail, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/bjdkm6o

"Noting How India has Risen Up Against Rape" -
continuing a theme presented by colleague
Jim Taylor, this article reflects on the
same issue (The Tablet, UK)
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/163674

"John Banzhaf's Fatwas Against RC University" -
as Islam grows more at home in the West, the
following development and story is predictable
(Sightings) http://tinyurl.com/apjwtjd

"Justin Welby Officially Canterbury Archbishop' -
officially now, the Anglican Community has a
new leader approved by church authorities
(Anglican Journal) http://tinyurl.com/aqzu3l7

--

Wisdom of the Week - is provided by Sojourners
online and includes ideas worth pondering by -
Gustavo Gutiérrez, Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn,
Martin Luther, Margaret Mead, Margaret Wheatle,
and Lisa Lofland Gould.

--

On This Day is offered through the archives
of the New York Times and includes events
that occured between January 6th - 12th:

First UN General Assembly Meets in London
http://tinyurl.com/aawe7td

Amelia Earhart Makes First Solo Woman
Flight Across Pacific
http://tinyurl.com/afnancm

--

Closing Thought - is provided by colleague
Isabel Gibson based on themes from the twelve
days of Christmas. I will add one a week for
the next several months. Thanks, Isabel!

--

May 2013 have gotten off to a good start
for all of you my readers!

Wayne

******

ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

St. David's and ACTS Ministry Announce -

Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

April 23rd - May 9th, 2013

Tour sale requires a $300 deposit, with
full payment due, and of January, 2013.

Our major tour themes are: Classic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranian 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

---

Details such as costs and prep notes have been
edited into a beautiful travel brochure. This
was just sent to all who have thus far expressed
interest. If you are interested, let us know!

The brochure will also be posted to the St.
David's Spiritual Travelers Discussion List Group.
which is your place to express yourself!

To join this unique internet discussion contact:
Deb. Charnusaki - debcharnuski@hotmail.com

Your tour hosts:

Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com
403-286-7416

*****

OUR WINTER AND SPRING 2013 PROGRAMS

With more to be announced -

AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH

"WELCOMING THE STRANGER" WEEKEND AT ST. DAVID'S

Friday March 1st - Sunday, March 3rd (confirmed)

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.

*****

MONDAY NIGHT STUDY

From Monday, January 14th
thru Monday, March 26th.
7:00 -9:00 PM TM Room.

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

The course and books are now
on sale at the church lobby.

*****

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Begins Thursday, January 17th, 2013

Theme:

"'Wisdom' in the Biblical Literature"
A six week series running through
the winter. 10-11 AM

All welcome. No cost.

*****

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

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

---

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

BOOK NOTICE:

OPEN HEART
by Elie Wiesel,
Knopf Canada, 2012
79 pages. $24.00 CAD.
ISBN #978-0-307-96184-6.

Publisher's Promo:

Elie Wiesel delivers a message of hope
and tolerance in Open Heart. A successful
husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and
writer, he is an asset to humankind. He has
turned despondency into a message of approval
and optimism.

Mr. Wiesel packages equal parts beauty and
astonishing description in an impossibly
concise manner. Few authors have possessed
such capacity for succinctness and brevity
with magnificent dexterity.

At 82 and ill, Mr. Wiesel remains a powerful
ambassador of tolerance and hope, for humanity
will always require this message, a bright
light in the darkness of despair, a signpost
on humanity's road toward destruction and
"turn to tolerance and survive."

This is Elie Wiesel's eternal message. We
are each a spark of light in the darkness
of destruction.

- Charles S. Weinblatt

--

Author's Words:

A team of specialists is waiting for me in
the emergency room. The very first blood test
instantly reveals the gravity of my condition.
There is a definite risk of heart attack.

"You have five blocked arteries. You require
open heart surgery..."

My wife and son are not good at hiding their
anxiety. Their smiles seem forced. My wife
Marion says "The doctors are optimistic. The
surgeon they propose is world-renowned..."

Through the tears that darken the future, a
thought awakens, a deeper concern, a deeper
sorrow. Shall I see them again...?

The door to the OR closes. I am alone...

I panic. They are going to put me to sleep -
and I shall never wake up again.

I recite to myself. "Shema Yisrael, hear
o Israel, Adoshem Elokeinu, God is our God,
Adoshem e'had, God is one and unique."

To my doctors I said weakly "Now I am your's,"
"Count to ten," one said.

I think I stopped before I reached ten.

--

My Thoughts:

If you desire more info on this author click:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elie_Wiesel

Elie Wiesel continues to remain among us, even
at age 82, as one of the great writers of the
Shoah (Holocaust) and of memory - calling us
ever again to never forget that tragic moment
in the history of humanity.

After learning that he had, in fact, escaped
death, Wiesel writes: "I belong to a generation
(of Jews) that has often felt abandoned by God
and betrayed by mankind. And yet, I believe that
we must not give up on either.

If Wiesel could go through what he did and still
believe in God and in humanity, there may yet
be hope for you and I.

Wiesel realizes that he has come from this
experience a changed man.

"Life may diminish me, but it will not destroy
me. The body is not eternal, but the idea of
the soul is. The brain may be buried, but
memory will survive it."

From this we learn that Wiesel has been
given a new gift of discernment. He can
more clearly distinquish between the
importance of this life, and of eternity.

While some things have changed, he realizes
that he remains much the same.

"What is different," he says, "is that I know
that every moment is a new beginning, every
handshake a promise..."

He concludes: "I know that eternities ago, the
day after the liberation (from the camps) when
some of us had to choose between anger and
gratitude, my choice was the right one..."

"My life? I go on breathing from minute to
minute, from prayer to prayer."

--

I encourage you to buy and live with this
book - rereading it again and again - as
I have. While we struggle with the meanings
of life after life and life after death,
Wiesel is a good guide.

--

Buy the Book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/ctaty2x

__

BOOK REVIEW:

This review will appear in Faith Today -
the official journal of the Evangelical
Fellowship of Canada later this winter.

--

GUIDE FOR THE CHRISTIAN PERPLEXED
Edited by Thomas P. Power, with Study Guide
Pickwick Publications. Wipf and Stock,
2012. Papercover. $31.00.
ISBN #978-1-61097-458-5.

People of faith cherished Maimonides the Jewish
philosopher whose book “Guide to the Perplexed”
was published in 1190 CE. In our times they
continue to seek help from spiritual guides
much like him.

Thomas P. Power and fifteen others, writing
mainly from an evangelical Anglican tradition,
will not disappoint the modern conflicted reader.
Their topics include: what we know of Jesus, the
meaning of suffering, the function of doctrine,
the pleasures and complications of sexuality,
and diverse forms of spirituality.

Thoughtful Christians are always legitimately
perplexed. Sadly, many moderns have not found
safe places to address their confusions with
intellectual candor and integrity. But this
book will help.

The writers of these chapters, largely from
Wycliffe College Toronto, add substance to
the theologies they espouse. “We have called
the book a guide. We are not advocating a
particular theological tradition or presenting
the manifesto of a school of thought,” declare
Alan Hayes and Thomas Power in the Introduction.
Each writer has a point of view but all try to
recognize the legitimacy of other points of
view and they respect the reader’s right to
weigh the evidence freely.

One of the first chapters to which this reviewer
was drawn was Ephriam Radner’s “God Bless the
Atheists: Faith and Anti-faith Today.” Radner
gives helpful background to the rise of what has
been termed “the New Atheism.” While clearly
opposed to many perspectives of modern atheists
(Radner considers them not that new) he offers a
balanced critique and includes counter-arguments
from outside the church.

There will always be people of faith and anti-faith.
Atheism today should not be viewed as an enemy, but
as an encouragement to more clarity and substance
on our part.

Many of the other topics discussed in this book
reflect the same careful thought as the chapter
just described. Readers will be engaged to grow
through exposure to other perspectives from
spiritual guides demonstrating solid faith
grounding.

---

Reviewer's Bio:

Wayne A. Holst teaches religion and culture
at the University of Calgary and  helps  to
coordinate Adult Spiritual Development at
St. David’s United Church in that city.

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT

To Marlene and Wayne -

To wish you all the blessings of the coming
of Christ and the New Year!

Thanks you ever so much for the regular
installments (of Colleagues List) in my
e-mail. I look forward to them each week -
you have a real apostolate.

Fr. Ned Carolan, omi Retreat, Dublin.

*****

COLLEAGUES CONTRIBUTIONS

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, IL

"Pastors Suffer Fools Gladly"

Sightings
January 7th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/9wkn5l5

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Personal Weblog

"Rape Has Nothing to do With Love"

http://tinyurl.com/b6adbq6

--

MONICA KILBURN-SMITH
Calgary, AB

"The Jewishness of Jesus"

PBS Video
March, 2012

http://tinyurl.com/6ux24o8

--

DOUG SHANTZ
Calgary, AB

Chair of Chritian Thought Event

The Iwaasa Lecture on Urban Theology

Panel on Homelessness
Bringing Many Perspectives
to Bear on a Human Tragedy

Monday, January 21, 2013 at 7:30pm
Cathedral Church of the Redeemer
7th Ave and 1st St SE, Calgary

His Worship Mayor Naheed Nenshi (Mayor of Calgary)
Opening Remarks

Dr. John Rook (CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation)
homelessness as a social problem

Bishop Fred Henry (Roman Catholic Bishop of Calgary)
homelessness as a spiritual problem

Mr. John Bodman (homeless for years)
homelessness as a personal problem

Book Signing by Susan Scott, Author of
"The Beginning of the End" with a
Free copy of the book to first 100 people.

*****

NET NOTES

WHY AREN'T CHRISTIANS FUNNY?
Religion Seems Serious Matter

Relevant Magazine,
January, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bedhpzh

---

MOST REDEEMING FILMS OF 2013
Evangelical Christian Perspective

Christianity Today
January 8th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a9murhw

---

CHRISTIANS CLAIM HINDU REPRESSIONS
Indian Religious Intolerance Grows

Uca News
January 9th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/b886msx

---

MOTHER'S LOVE FOR HER SON WAS PROPHETIC
Pioneer in GLT Movement Dies at 92

Uca News
January 11th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bgm5w2r

___

FIRST CHURCH FOR ATHEIST OPENS IN UK
New Movement Sees Need for Community

Huffington Post Canada
January 7th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a3b8vmu

--

LARGE CROSS ERECTED ON SITE OF VIOLENCE
Strong Symbol for Christians in Pakistan

Uca News
January 5th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/a28wc6d

--

INDIAN GURU PROVOKES REACTION WITH COMMENTS
"She Should Have Been More Friendly to Killers"

The Daily Mail
January 7th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bjdkm6o

--

NOTING HOW INDIAN HAS RISEN UP AGAINST RAPE
New Attidue has Eemrged - Major Implications

The Tablet, UK
January 12th, 2013

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/163674

--

JOHN BANZHAF'S FATWA AGAINST CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY
the Meaning Behind the Legal Suit

Sightings
January 10th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/apjwtjd

--

JUSTIN WELBY OFFICIALLY NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
British Approvals Now Completed

Anglican Journal
January 11th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/aqzu3l7

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online:

If there is no friendship with [the poor]
and no sharing of the life of the poor,
then there is no authentic commitment
to liberation, because love exists only
among equals.

- Gustavo Gutiérrez,
  "A Theology of Liberation"

--

In keeping silent about evil, in burying
it so deep within us that no sign of it
appears on the surface, we are implanting
it, and it will rise up a thousand fold
in the future. When we neither punish nor
reproach evildoers, we are not simply
protecting their trivial old age, we are
thereby ripping the foundations of justice
from beneath new generations.

- Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn,
  "The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956"

--

When it comes to faith, what a living,
creative, active, powerful thing it is.
It cannot do other than good at all times.
It never waits to ask whether there is
some good work to do, rather, before the
question is raised, it has done the deed,
and keeps on doing it.

- Martin Luther

--

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead

--

I have learned that when we begin listening
to each other, and when we talk about things
that matter to us, the world begins to change.
Human conversation is the most ancient and
easiest way to cultivate the conditions of
change — personal change, community, and
organizational change.

- Margaret Wheatley

--

To be fully human, we must recognize the
full humanity of all other people.

- Lisa Lofland Gould

*****

ON THIS DAY

Provided from the Archives
of the New York Times

First UN General Assembly Meets in London
http://tinyurl.com/aawe7td

Amelia Earhard Makes First Solo
Woman  Flight Across Pacific
http://tinyurl.com/afnancm

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT

Isabel Gibson

The Gift of Motivation
Short reflections on 12 gifts

The best is the enemy of the good.
Voltaire, in a letter to Frederik
of Prussia

Voltaire’s words come as a bit of
a shock: we are more accustomed to
motivational speakers who exhort
us to aim high, to pursue excellence,
to visualize the win.  But at least
one Canadian General (now retired)
adapted the phrase for his own time,
place, and project environment.

As he used to tell his staff, The
perfect is the enemy of the good enough.

May even the perfectionists in the crowd
(ahem...) enjoy the gift of motivation,
overcoming the paralysis that often results
from pursuing the impossibly distant goal
of perfection, and instead pursuing an
achievable ‘good enough’.

(end)