*****
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.
Note that not all items here have links.
*****
Dear Friends:
With 2017 and the 500th anniversary
of the Reformation less than 3 years
away, it is timely to reproduce a lecture
from the Chair of Christian Thought
series, colleague Doug Shantz, chair.
That lecture was given at my university
this week by Dr. Hartmut Lehmann of
the University of Kiel in Germany.
Lutheran, Christian, Jew, Muslim or
non-believer alike could gain from
reading my notes of this lecture,
I believe.
I have made it my Special Item
for this issue of Colleagues List.
--
Colleague Contributions - this week
are from Don Moore of Ontario
who promotes a church renewal
series in Western Canada -
http://www.shiftingstats.ca (and)
Jim Taylor of British Columbia who
writes on friendships -
http://tinyurl.com/l5825pq
--
Net Notes:
"Jesus, a Pilgrimage" - a new book
by Jesuit James Martin offers us
some good Lenten reading
(America Magazine)
http://tinyurl.com/lk55c3q
"Best Poems of Robert Frost" - he
is my favorite American poet and
I share this list with you
(Englewood Review of Books)
http://tinyurl.com/lyy6ltd
"Colleges Should Teach Religion" -
an interesting article on why American
colleges should teach religion (as
perhaps they once did)
(Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/l8aee2n
"'Gravity' versus Richard Dawkins" -
a comparison of the Oscar-winning
movie with the views of Dawkins
(Sightings) http://tinyurl.com/mg9jwec
"Korean Unification Getting Closer" -
perhaps contrary to common wisdom,
here is a hopeful article on a difficult
political stand-off (Nikkei News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/nwyacrj
"Pope Francis: His First Anniversary" -
here are four links to articles and
photo collections to mark the first
anniversary of the pope's election
(MSN News, Religious News Service,
America Magazine, Guardian UK)
http://tinyurl.com/kzxwd63
http://tinyurl.com/k79vafw
http://tinyurl.com/pnsq3zy
http://tinyurl.com/pxyxz3d
"Americans Inch Toward Canadian Values" -
a bit of intercultural elitism on Canada's
part, but interesting nonetheless I think
(Vancouver Sun) http://tinyurl.com/la8u4e5
"Religious Schools in Quebec - Major Challenges"
- new legislation in Quebec is making it harder
to operate for religious schools of all types
(Christian Post) http://tinyurl.com/lc9whxy
"Orthodox Agree to a First Council in 1,200 Years"
- the Eastern Orthodox churches think in terms
of centuries, not years or decades, but this
story is significant (The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/nqommkj
"Millennial US Generation Less Religious, More Liberal"
- a Pew study suggests some significant changes
in the thought and practice of many young Americans
(The Christian Post)
http://tinyurl.com/kc3lu6w
--
Wisdom of the Week:
Hildegard of Bingen, Fred Rogers, Julio C. Ruibal,
Shadrach Kabango and Mother Teresa provide
insight for us.
--
On This Day:
From the archives of the New York Times -
March 9th - 15th
"Gorbachev Becomes Soviet Leader"
http://tinyurl.com/p987ltp
--
Closing Thought: Joan Baez
- the singer, song-writer concludes our
thoughts for the week.
(end)
FYI I include some classroom and study
links currently occupying my life -
My Current Church and University Teaching
St. David's Book Studies of Fifteen Years.
*****
SPECIAL ITEM
My Notes -
2017 - GERMANY'S QUINCENTENARY
CELEBRATION OF THE REFORMATION
IN AN AGE OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM
AND SECULARIZATION
Notes from a Lecture by Dr. Harmut Lehmann
Professor of Modern History
University of Kiel, Germany
March 11th, 2014
---
In three years, Germany plans to "celebrate"
or "commemorate" - the 500th anniversary of
the Reformation of 1517.
How will Germany deal with this event?
Will it be a "celebration" or a "commemoration?"
Will it focus on triumphalism or recognition?
What will be the central message conveyed to
Germans and the rest of the world?
In Germany, Luther remains heroic. His work
as the instigator of the Reformation has a
long and impressive legacy.
His greatness is recognized in multiple ways:
He was the translator of the Bible into German.
He was a great hymn-writer, and many of these
hymns continue to be sung today.
With his wife Katarina, he made a model of
German family life - and clergy family life -
in particular.
He made Bible-reading a central practice.
His treatise on the Freedom of the Christian was,
and continues to be, a masterpiece.
His emphasis on the Two Realms (kingdoms;
the "left" and "right" hand of God) is remarkable.
His courage and determination, under oppression,
continues to stand as a Christian example today.
Germany has launched what it calls "A Luther Decade"
in centers like Eisleben and Wittenberg.
But not all is going well with the lead-up to 2017.
The Evangelical (Lutheran) Church of Germany
tends to want to make this a time of "celebration."
This is not being well accepted ecumenically or in
terms of interfaith relations, to say nothing of the
secular reception it has been receiving.
Think about the Catholic and Turkish populations
of Germany and their possible responses.
Remember too that - in Wittenberg the heartland
of the Reformation itself - only ten percent of the
population is registered for church membership
and only 1% attends on any given Sunday.
So what is the central message of the event
and what might be a constructive response to it?
---
While Luther had unquestionably good qualities
and made significant contributions, like any human
he had his flaws. What were some of the negatives?
1. He was very intolerant of other reformers (like
Calvin) and other reform movements (like the
Anabaptists.) His view alone was correct.
2. He sided with the aristocracy when social
unrest developed out of his movement. He
detested the peasants, calling them "mad dogs."
3. He considered the Roman papacy "the antichrist"
and blocked any attempts (even by his colleague
Philipp Melanchthon) to compromise with Rome.
Things were black and white for Luther and he
burned Lutheran bridges lasting centuries and
affecting church relations in Germany and globally.
4. His writings against the Turks - who were
threatening to invade Europe in 1529 - declared
them demonic, corrupt and the devil incarnate.
Those who died in defense were "Christian
martyrs."
5. His views of the Jews were vitriolic. While
at first he thought they might follow his teachings,
when they rejected them, he turned on them -
calling them stubborn agents of satan. He
proposed that their books and synaguoges
should be destroyed (which indeed happened
during the dreadful era of the Nazis more than
four centuries later.)
While the great Luther scholar Roland Bainton
of Yale considered the last quarter of Luther's
life unimportant, the lecturer takes exception.
--
Consider the impact of his views on history.
Intolerance to Other Non-Conformists -
because of what his views perpetuated in
Europe, even American Lutherans rejected
these views, early on, and supported religious
pluralism. While Lutheran "superiority" is
still evident in modern Germany - this
attitude will not win friends among other
Protestants. Instead, other European
groups will hold their own Reformation
celebrations.
In 2010, the Lutheran World Federation
(LWF) asked forgiveness of the Mennonites,
who received this with great feeling and
reciprocation.
Why should this approach not be taken
as well by Lutherans in Germany?
The Peasant Wars - since Luther, many
socialists and leftists have opposed him
as a betrayer of the poor. Marx and
Engels were particularly critical.
Interestingly, the East German communists
'rehabilitated' Luther, calling him "one
of Germany's greatest sons. Whatever
their motives (whether for the sake of
tourism or the pacification of their youth)
the fact is that today, Luther's condemnation
of the peasants is a dead issue.
The Papacy - Anti-Catholicism lasted a long
time in Germany. Even into almost modern
times, the pope was considered an evil
figure who corrupted German minds.
Divisions took place between the confessional
churches and social classes based on a
continuing Lutheran prejudice and resentment
of "the other" - even in their own midst.
The ecumenical movement of the 20th century
and inter-migration changed all this. With some
forms of "confessional convergence" the
traditional resentments faded. But there
is still residual suspicion of Rome in some places.
Most German RC and Protestant theologians,
however, have moved "from conflict to communion."
That is a good reason for why the 2017
events should be "commemorations" not
"celebrations."
The Turks - Turkish nationalist or resistance
groups have not yet surfaced among the
2 million or so expatriates from Turkey. Yet,
the question stands "When will the Turks
become aware and begin to express
themselves?" It is only a matter of time.
Should not Lutherans sense now the
real problems on the horizon and move
to correct those views?
The lecturer believes that the German
Lutheran planners for 2017 are not yet
addressing these four issues.
Regarding the Jews - it should be recognized
by now that the Nazis used and (some would
say abused) Luther's writings against the
Jews to serve their own purposes.
German Lutherans need to become much
more aware of Luther's influence on such
disasters as Kristallnacht on the one hand,
and Bonhoeffer's martyrdom on the other.
--
All this points to the fact that we need to
address Luther's legacy in Germany and
the world for our time.
His true contributions need to be distinguished
from a long history of both the idolatry and
hatred of Luther that has dominated history.
We can no longer live with the excuses used
to defend or resist Luther in the past.
In the long view, his positive contributions
outweigh his shortcomings - but we need
to address his shortcomings now in order
to truly commemorate his contributions.
--
What message ought we to hear in 2017?
In 1817 - there were mixed messages about
Luther. While Goethe honored the 95 theses,
most Lutherans in North America didn't have
much to say.
In 1883 - the master narrative had changed.
Luther had become a household name in the
US. Many seminaries honored Luther. He
became an honored cultural hero who helped
prepare the way for "the New World."
Luther became the hero of a unified Germany
"who rescued Germans from foreign rule."
In 1917 - during WWI, Luther was viewed
as "courageous" in Germany, while there
was intimidation of Lutherans in North
America and things German were considered
negatively.
This quick review suggests that, over the
past two hundred years, commemorations
have adapted to political/cultural circumstances.
What should be the message for today?
1. Continue to restore the major Luther sites
in Germany as places of pilgrimage and
economic value.
2. Tell the world what Luther contributed
to humanity. Conscience, democracy,
education. This can be done while also
emphasizing the Catholic and Calvinist
contributions as well.
3. Make the commemorations events that
emphasize ecumenism and international
relations.
--
Here are some other possibilities:
1. Proclaim the "world religion of Luther"
now on all five continents, with contributions
from Germany and Scandinavia, but also
from countries like Tanzania, India, and
America. Link developed and developing
countries. Focus on the international
importance of the Bible for Lutherans.
2. Continue the good example of the LWF
in apologizing to the Mennonites in 2010
and make similar gestures to Roman
Catholics, Calvinists, other Anabaptists.
(can this be expanded to Muslims and
persons of no faith, I wonder.)
3. Work intentionally to overcome the
schism of 1517 by seeking to catch
a "new awareness" of Luther as a
universal human figure with a focus on
"blessed, reconciled, diversity" in the
spirit of Vatican II.
It is not too late to begin thinking about
contributions to be made - not only in
Germany - but wherever Lutherans
and non-Lutherans gather locally
to commemorate the 500 years.
*****
COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS
DON MOORE
Ariss, ON
2014 Church Leaders Forum
"Shifting Stats: Shaking the Church"
Churches are shaking in the midst of
massive change, both in and outside
their walls.
At this afternoon church leaders forum
you’ll gain a bird’s-eye view of Canada’s
new cultural context and a different lens
through which to re-frame the Gospel.
Using the latest Canadian statistics and
church research, Dr. Don Moore, World
Vision’s National Church Ambassador,
will paint the picture of our new cultural
and religious landscape. Bruxy Cavey,
author and Teaching Pastor at The Meeting
House, will then challenge our thinking on
how to not only present but also live out
the Gospel given these new realities.
Together we’ll explore the implications
for each of us in giving strategic leadership
to our churches and ministries. -
See more at www.shiftingstats.ca.
Saskatoon, March 18
Edmonton, March 19
Calgary, March 20
Ottawa, April 1
Montreal, April 2
Halifax, April 3
Toronto, April 8
Winnipeg, May 6
Langley, May 7
Victoria, May 8
--
JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC
Personal Web Log
March 12th, 2014
"Friendships"
http://tinyurl.com/l5825pq
--
NET NOTES
JESUS, A PILGRIMAGE
Jesuit Take on Jesus
America
March 13th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/lk55c3q
--
BEST POEMS OF ROBERT FROST
A Selection of His Finest
Publisher's Weekly
March 14th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/lyy6ltd
--
COLLEGES SHOULD TEACH RELIGION
Not Just Religious Studies
The Atlantic
March 14th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/l8aee2n
--
'GRAVITY' VS. RICHARD DAWKINS
Oscar Winner Challenges Atheism
Sightings
March 13th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/mg9jwec
--
KOREAN UNIFICATION GETTING CLOSER
It May Be Nearer Than We Think
Nikkei News Service
March 13th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/nwyacrj
--
POPE FRANCIS' FIRST YEAR IN PICTURES
He Has Caught the World's Imagination
MSN News
March 7th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/kzxwd63
Francis' Most 'Quotable Quotes'
A Year of Encouraging Comment
Religious News Service
March 13th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/k79vafw
The First Year With Francis
Impressive Series of Links
America Magazine
March 13th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/pnsq3zy
Francis Knows His Revolution Must Outlast Him
The Guardian
March 12th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/pxyxz3d
--
AMERICANS INCH TOWARD CANADIAN VALUES
Younger Americans More Like Canadians
Vancouver Sun
March 14th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/la8u4e5
--
RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS IN QUEBEC
FACE MAJOR CHALLENGES
Secular Agenda is Clear
Christian Post
March 13th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/lc9whxy
--
ORTHODOX AGREE TO FIRST
COUNCIL IN 1,200 YEARS
Historic Gathering of Fourteen
Independent Churches
The Tablet
March 14th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/nqommkj
--
MILLENNIAL GENERATION
LESS RELIGIOUS. MORE LIBERAL
Pew Study Shows Value Shift
of New American Generation
The Christian Post
March 8th, 2014
http://tinyurl.com/kc3lu6w
*****
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
Provided by Sojourners Online
and The Daily Dig, Plough Press:
"Rivers of living water are to be poured out
over the whole world, to ensure that people,
like fishes caught in a net, can be restored
to wholeness."
- Hildegard of Bingen
--
“Love isn't a state of perfect caring.
It is an active noun like struggle. To
love someone is to strive to accept
that person exactly the way he or
she is, right here and now.”
- Fred Rogers
--
"Our greatest victories are won on our knees
and with empty stomachs."
- Julio C. Ruibal
--
"It's in death and new life when love is made.
It's when you're unashamed and finally unafraid.
When you confront the pain, face death, and
you'll see in the end, only love remains."
- Shadrach Kabango
--
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,
has to be extraordinary. What we need is to
love without getting tired. How does a lamp
burn? Through the continuous input of small
drops of oil. If the drops of oil run out, the light
of the lamp will cease, and the bridegroom will
say, “I do not know you” (Matt. 25:12).
What are these drops of oil in our lamps? They
are the small things of daily life: faithfulness,
small words of kindness, a thought for others,
our way of being silent, of looking, of speaking,
and of acting. These are the true drops of love
that keep your religious life burning like a living
flame."
Mother Teresa:
Source: Daily Readings with Mother Teresa
*****
ON THIS DAY
From the Archives of the New York Times
Gorbachev Becomes Soviet Leader
http://tinyurl.com/p987ltp
*****
CLOSING THOUGHT - JOAN BAEZ
"You don't get to choose how you're going to die.
Or when. You can only decide how you're going
to live. Now."
- Joan Baez
(end)
************
CHURCH AND UNIVERSITY TEACHING
Contact Wayne Holst
403-286-2416
waholst@telus.net
WINTER CLASSES
At St. David's:
LINK TO OUR CURRENT MONDAY NIGHT STUDY
50 Book Sets Sold; 35 Course Registrants
NEAR DEATH AND LIFE AFTER LIFE - Course Design
http://tinyurl.com/kvmu8o5
Study Books:
"The Light Beyond" by Raymond Moody and
"Eternal Life" by Bishop John Shelby Spong
Audio and Video Links Added as Class Develops
Moody Series:
http://tinyurl.com/kq6ukpd
http://tinyurl.com/kjkltd2
http://tinyurl.com/kdxchff
Spong Series:
http://tinyurl.com/kyfuqo8
---
At the University:
LENTEN FRIDAY NOON FACULTY,
STAFF AND STUDENT STUDY
"In Search of Deep Faith" -
A Pilgrimage Among People and Places of Europe
by Jim Belcher, IVP, paperback. 2013.
February 27th - April 3rd, 2014
Six Fridays, 12-1PM. Native Centre Board Room,
Mac Hall.
Co-sponsored by St. David's United and the
U. of C. Faith and Spirituality Centre.
At the University:
LENTEN FRIDAY NOON FACULTY,
STAFF AND STUDENT STUDY
"In Search of Deep Faith" -
A Pilgrimage Among People and Places of Europe
by Jim Belcher, IVP, paperback. 2013.
February 27th - April 3rd, 2014
Six Fridays, 12-1PM. Native Centre Board Room,
Mac Hall.
Co-sponsored by St. David's United and the
U. of C. Faith and Spirituality Centre.
THIS CLASS HAS NOW BEGUN
*****
ST. DAVIDS BOOK STUDY ARCHIVE
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