"Introduction" by jstevenharper for Monday, 16 October 2017
I have made the decision to re-activate Oboedire in order to present a new series of blogs and archive them all in one place--something not possible on Facebook. The theme is entitled, "The Prophetic Task,"'and in it I intend to explore God's call resist and confront "the principalities and powers" which are at work today to establish "the kingdoms of this world" in place of the Kingdom of God. I will write these posts with the writings of Walter Brueggemann as my reference point.
Brueggemann is deeply influencing me these days. His extensive study of the prophetic task is connecting dots in my theology, adding depth to my faith, and shaping my spiritual formation--particularly with respect to social holiness.
In addition to these personal benefits, Brueggemann is giving me renewed "eyes to see and ears to hear" the deformative attitudes and actions of 'empire' (his summary for the fallen-world system) and a fresh vocabulary for identifying 'empire' and resisting it--all in the larger context of God's purposes: to restore and renew what has lost.
I invite you to join me on the journey these posts will provide. If you already subscribe to Oboedire, future posts will come to you automatically. If you are not a subscriber, you can do so quickly and easily by going to the righthand sidebar and entering your email address into the subscription box.
Perhaps you know others who would like to be on this journey. Invite them to subscribe as well. May God help us all better to see and to embrace the prophetic task, with the intent described by the hymn writer, "grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living if these days....til we reach Thy Kingdom's goal." (Hymn: "God of Grace & God of Glory")
jstevenharper
Brueggemann is deeply influencing me these days. His extensive study of the prophetic task is connecting dots in my theology, adding depth to my faith, and shaping my spiritual formation--particularly with respect to social holiness.
In addition to these personal benefits, Brueggemann is giving me renewed "eyes to see and ears to hear" the deformative attitudes and actions of 'empire' (his summary for the fallen-world system) and a fresh vocabulary for identifying 'empire' and resisting it--all in the larger context of God's purposes: to restore and renew what has lost.
I invite you to join me on the journey these posts will provide. If you already subscribe to Oboedire, future posts will come to you automatically. If you are not a subscriber, you can do so quickly and easily by going to the righthand sidebar and entering your email address into the subscription box.
Perhaps you know others who would like to be on this journey. Invite them to subscribe as well. May God help us all better to see and to embrace the prophetic task, with the intent described by the hymn writer, "grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living if these days....til we reach Thy Kingdom's goal." (Hymn: "God of Grace & God of Glory")
"God of grace and God of glory" by Harry Emerson Fosdick (1930)
1. God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your power;
crown your ancient church's story,
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
2. Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
3. Cure your children's warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
4. Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Categories: The Prophetic Task
URL: http://wp.me/p101na-1Ho
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Oboedire "Calling Out Empire" by jstevenharper for Monday, 16 October 2017
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Oboedire
"Calling Out Empire" by jstevenharper for Monday, 16 October 2017
The prophetic task begins by calling out "the principalities and powers." One of the tasks of Christian social holiness is to identify and expose evil. It must always be carried out in light of an exhortation to righteousness; otherwise, prophetic ministry is only deconstructive. Un-building without re-building is not the way of God. [1]
The word 'redemption' is a focal sign of that fact. The "old order" must pass away, but it does so through the coming of the "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The trajectory of prophetic ministry is always set by the starting point of original righteousness (Genesis 1 and 2) and by the vision (telos) of the peacable kingdom (shalom).
The calling-out phase initiates the journey from darkness to light, but it is inevitably controversial and challenging. Walter Brueggemann has been emphasizing this in his more-recent writings (e.g. 'God, Neighbor, Empire: The Excess of Divine Fidelity and the Command of the Common Good'), but he has also noted it in his earlier writings as well (e.g. 'The Prophetic Imagination'). He uses the word 'empire' to name the personal and corporate evil infecting our souls. [2]
We are living once again in a generation when "naming the demons" is a necessary precursor to exorcizing them. If you follow my writing, you have read previous posts in which I have tried to do that as clearly and responsibly as I can. This post is another attempt.
President Trump's address at the ultra-conservative Values Voters Summit this past Friday was a moment which cannot be ignored. Steve Bannon's appearance there must also be included in this observation. While it would be easy to expose the Summit for the anti-Christ sham that it is, I am writing this post for a different reason. [3]
My aim is to add my voice to those who are doing all they can to say that the time has passed for excusing the words and actions of the current administration (and its allies inside and outside the government) as expressions born of inexperience, ignorance, or ineptness--with whatever amount of narcissism you want to add to that assessment. While these things may be in the mix, they are not the menu.
The menu is a strategic effort engineered by intelligent and intentional people--in the society, the government, and the church to enthrone white-supremacy/nationalism (predominantly white-male power) and to try to convince us that God is for it--a modern-day manifestation of 'empire' as Brueggemann defines it.
Compared to others in this movement, Donald Trump may be a minor-leaguer, but his attitudes and actions (even before he became president) contribute to the white-nationalist agenda that is seeking to dominate our common life. To keep defaulting to explanations which tilt the conversation toward dumbness, or even farther toward pathology, overlook the fact that the insanity we are seeing is born of cold, calculated, and ruthless design. Some of nationalism's most prominent spokespersons couch their effort in "war" language.
Newsweek's willingness to name Donald Trump as the most dangerous man in the world (October 6th issue) is no diatribe, but rather an assessment made by behavioral experts who are willing to identify themselves in print and stand by their evaluations. When responsible people sound an alarm, it is irresponsible for us to ignore it.
The connection of dots is further corroborated by in-depth studies of nationalistic ideologies and movements, showing how they come into being and what philosophical, theological, and ethical pillars they exist and operate on (e.g. Anatol Lieven's 'America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism,' second edition, 2012). Other nationalist groups in other parts of the world are espousing similar principles and engaging in comparable practices.
It is no longer possible (if it ever was) to go through the days of our lives attributing what we are seeing to accident or arrogance. We are witnessing "organized chaos," and the many manifestations of it by determined people to enthrone egotism and ethnocentrism--the two major expressions of sin, original and ongoing, the main ingredients that give rise to 'empire' in state or church. A carefully crafted plan is playing out right before our eyes. Comments over the weekend by Steve Bannon verify this, and show that the nationalists are no longer hesitant to say so.
Maya Angelou's words ring true, "When people tell you who they are, believe them." The nationalists are themselves telling us who they are. And they are engaged in a process to establish 'empire.' This is why I find Brueggemann to be a prophet himself and a needed guide in knowing how to resist the nationalist agenda.
In making this claim, I must be clear to state that the prophetic call to righteousness (whether mine or those made by others) is not an attempt to justify President Obama's administration, or any other one, for that matter. This is the straw-man, knee-jerk reaction made by those who would have you believe that people like me are little other than "sore losers." Let me be clear--I am not writing this because certain candidates were not elected (or because certain ones have been elected the past few weeks), nor am I advocating an idealized return to any alleged "good old days."
I am not looking to either major political party (or the growing number of sub-sets within them) for the solution to the downward spiral we are witnessing. In fact, as Brueggemann notes, the socio-political-religious 'empire' is itself the problem, and it resists reformation at every turn. Those in power in church or state intend to remain in power.
My concerns rest on the conviction that many of our elected leaders and influential ideologues are taking us away from righteousness, not toward it--no matter how much they use the Bible and "God talk" to try to justify what they are saying and doing. Sadly, visible and vocal Christian leaders, churches, colleges, universities, seminaries, and parachurch associations are endorsing 'empire' through various attitudes and actions that demean and discriminate--which, Brueggemann says, is always the case. 'Empire' always wraps itself in a religious-liturgical garment, masquerading as light.
But rallies, rhetoric, and showmanship cannot hide the fact that Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16 CEB). We cannot survive on the waxed fruit the 'imperialists' are handing out. They are doing harm, particularly to the weak, vulnerable, and marginalized. And washing their waxed fruit down with the snake oil they are peddling will only hasten our demise.
[1] One of Brueggemann's latest book is focused on the reconstructive nature of the prophetic task: 'Restoring the Foundations: Social Relationships in Ancient Scripture and Contemporary Culture.'
[2] Brueggemann's term 'empire' is what the Bible describes as "the principalities and powers" and "the kingdoms of this world." In his book, 'God, Neighbor, Empire...' cited above, he provides the four major characteristics of 'empire' using examples from the Old Testament, but showing how imperialism has continues right up to the present-- (1) wealth is extracted from the vulnerable and put in the hands of the powerful, (2) everyone and everything is a commodity that can be bought and sold, traded, possessed, consumed, and discarded, (3) violence is practiced on whatever scale is needed to insure the success and survival of the powerful, and (4) imperialists use religious language and liturgy to legitimize their actions, courting religious leaders for their endorsement.
[3] On its website The Southern Poverty Law Center has provided an extensive look at the Forum and speaker's at last week's conference. It is a chilling parade of bigotry and discrimination.
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Here's what speakers at the 2017 Values Voter Summit actually value
*Organizations with an asterisk are listed by the SPLC as hate groups. View the full list.
Stephen Bannon
Executive Chairman, Breitbart News
In his words
“We’re the platform for the alt-right."
"Are there anti-Semitic people involved in the alt-right? Absolutely. Are there racist people involved in the alt-right? Absolutely.”
Tony Perkins
President, Family Research Council*
In his words
“The videos are titled 'It Gets Better.' They are aimed at persuading kids that although they'll face struggles and perhaps bullying for 'coming out' as homosexual (or transgendered or some other perversion), life will get better. …It's disgusting. And it's part of a concerted effort to persuade kids that homosexuality is okay and actually to recruit them into that lifestyle."
"Jerry" Boykin, Jr.
Executive Vice President, Family Research Council*
In his words
“No mosques in America. Islam is a totalitarian way of life; it’s not just a religion.”
Mat Staver
Founder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel*
In his words
“Now [the Boy Scouts of America will] allow homosexual young boys in the Scouts and allow homosexual leaders in the Scouts, and what are you going to have? You are going to have all kinds of sexual molestation. This is a playground for pedophiles to go and have all these boys as objects of their lust."
Brigitte Gabriel
Founder and Chairman, ACT for America*
In her words
“If a Muslim who has—who is—a practicing Muslim who believes the word of the Koran to be the word of Allah, who abides by Islam, who goes to mosque and prays every Friday, who prays five times a day—this practicing Muslim, who believes in the teachings of the Koran, cannot be a loyal citizen to the United States of America.”
Frank Gaffney, Jr
President, Center for Security Policy*
In his words
“There is mounting evidence that the president [Obama] not only identifies with Muslims, but actually may still be one himself.”
Roy Moore
Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice
“Homosexual behavior is crime against nature, an inherent evil, and an act so heinous that it defies one's ability to describe it.”
Gary Bauer
Founder of American Values and the Campaign for Working Families PAC
“If the United States is going to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees, they should be Christians and we should make no apologies for that.”
Peter Sprigg
Senior Fellow for Family Studies, Family Research Council*
-------
jstevenharper
The word 'redemption' is a focal sign of that fact. The "old order" must pass away, but it does so through the coming of the "new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The trajectory of prophetic ministry is always set by the starting point of original righteousness (Genesis 1 and 2) and by the vision (telos) of the peacable kingdom (shalom).
The calling-out phase initiates the journey from darkness to light, but it is inevitably controversial and challenging. Walter Brueggemann has been emphasizing this in his more-recent writings (e.g. 'God, Neighbor, Empire: The Excess of Divine Fidelity and the Command of the Common Good'), but he has also noted it in his earlier writings as well (e.g. 'The Prophetic Imagination'). He uses the word 'empire' to name the personal and corporate evil infecting our souls. [2]
We are living once again in a generation when "naming the demons" is a necessary precursor to exorcizing them. If you follow my writing, you have read previous posts in which I have tried to do that as clearly and responsibly as I can. This post is another attempt.
President Trump's address at the ultra-conservative Values Voters Summit this past Friday was a moment which cannot be ignored. Steve Bannon's appearance there must also be included in this observation. While it would be easy to expose the Summit for the anti-Christ sham that it is, I am writing this post for a different reason. [3]
My aim is to add my voice to those who are doing all they can to say that the time has passed for excusing the words and actions of the current administration (and its allies inside and outside the government) as expressions born of inexperience, ignorance, or ineptness--with whatever amount of narcissism you want to add to that assessment. While these things may be in the mix, they are not the menu.
The menu is a strategic effort engineered by intelligent and intentional people--in the society, the government, and the church to enthrone white-supremacy/nationalism (predominantly white-male power) and to try to convince us that God is for it--a modern-day manifestation of 'empire' as Brueggemann defines it.
Compared to others in this movement, Donald Trump may be a minor-leaguer, but his attitudes and actions (even before he became president) contribute to the white-nationalist agenda that is seeking to dominate our common life. To keep defaulting to explanations which tilt the conversation toward dumbness, or even farther toward pathology, overlook the fact that the insanity we are seeing is born of cold, calculated, and ruthless design. Some of nationalism's most prominent spokespersons couch their effort in "war" language.
Newsweek's willingness to name Donald Trump as the most dangerous man in the world (October 6th issue) is no diatribe, but rather an assessment made by behavioral experts who are willing to identify themselves in print and stand by their evaluations. When responsible people sound an alarm, it is irresponsible for us to ignore it.
The connection of dots is further corroborated by in-depth studies of nationalistic ideologies and movements, showing how they come into being and what philosophical, theological, and ethical pillars they exist and operate on (e.g. Anatol Lieven's 'America Right or Wrong: An Anatomy of American Nationalism,' second edition, 2012). Other nationalist groups in other parts of the world are espousing similar principles and engaging in comparable practices.
It is no longer possible (if it ever was) to go through the days of our lives attributing what we are seeing to accident or arrogance. We are witnessing "organized chaos," and the many manifestations of it by determined people to enthrone egotism and ethnocentrism--the two major expressions of sin, original and ongoing, the main ingredients that give rise to 'empire' in state or church. A carefully crafted plan is playing out right before our eyes. Comments over the weekend by Steve Bannon verify this, and show that the nationalists are no longer hesitant to say so.
Maya Angelou's words ring true, "When people tell you who they are, believe them." The nationalists are themselves telling us who they are. And they are engaged in a process to establish 'empire.' This is why I find Brueggemann to be a prophet himself and a needed guide in knowing how to resist the nationalist agenda.
In making this claim, I must be clear to state that the prophetic call to righteousness (whether mine or those made by others) is not an attempt to justify President Obama's administration, or any other one, for that matter. This is the straw-man, knee-jerk reaction made by those who would have you believe that people like me are little other than "sore losers." Let me be clear--I am not writing this because certain candidates were not elected (or because certain ones have been elected the past few weeks), nor am I advocating an idealized return to any alleged "good old days."
I am not looking to either major political party (or the growing number of sub-sets within them) for the solution to the downward spiral we are witnessing. In fact, as Brueggemann notes, the socio-political-religious 'empire' is itself the problem, and it resists reformation at every turn. Those in power in church or state intend to remain in power.
My concerns rest on the conviction that many of our elected leaders and influential ideologues are taking us away from righteousness, not toward it--no matter how much they use the Bible and "God talk" to try to justify what they are saying and doing. Sadly, visible and vocal Christian leaders, churches, colleges, universities, seminaries, and parachurch associations are endorsing 'empire' through various attitudes and actions that demean and discriminate--which, Brueggemann says, is always the case. 'Empire' always wraps itself in a religious-liturgical garment, masquerading as light.
But rallies, rhetoric, and showmanship cannot hide the fact that Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16 CEB). We cannot survive on the waxed fruit the 'imperialists' are handing out. They are doing harm, particularly to the weak, vulnerable, and marginalized. And washing their waxed fruit down with the snake oil they are peddling will only hasten our demise.
[1] One of Brueggemann's latest book is focused on the reconstructive nature of the prophetic task: 'Restoring the Foundations: Social Relationships in Ancient Scripture and Contemporary Culture.'
[2] Brueggemann's term 'empire' is what the Bible describes as "the principalities and powers" and "the kingdoms of this world." In his book, 'God, Neighbor, Empire...' cited above, he provides the four major characteristics of 'empire' using examples from the Old Testament, but showing how imperialism has continues right up to the present-- (1) wealth is extracted from the vulnerable and put in the hands of the powerful, (2) everyone and everything is a commodity that can be bought and sold, traded, possessed, consumed, and discarded, (3) violence is practiced on whatever scale is needed to insure the success and survival of the powerful, and (4) imperialists use religious language and liturgy to legitimize their actions, courting religious leaders for their endorsement.
[3] On its website The Southern Poverty Law Center has provided an extensive look at the Forum and speaker's at last week's conference. It is a chilling parade of bigotry and discrimination.
-------
Here's what speakers at the 2017 Values Voter Summit actually value
*Organizations with an asterisk are listed by the SPLC as hate groups. View the full list.
Stephen BannonExecutive Chairman, Breitbart News
- Bannon has legitimized the “alt-right” – a white nationalist movement – by giving it a platform on his news site.
- Bannon then brought alt-right views to the White House.
- Breitbart's comments section has become a haven for anti-Semitism.
In his words
“We’re the platform for the alt-right."
"Are there anti-Semitic people involved in the alt-right? Absolutely. Are there racist people involved in the alt-right? Absolutely.”
Tony PerkinsPresident, Family Research Council*
- Perkins has claimed that gay men are more likely to molest children. This is false.
- Perkins has written that “only 16 percent of Islam is a religion.” The rest, he claims, is made up of economic, judicial, political and military systems.
- Perkins claims that gay rights advocates intend to round up Christians in "boxcars."
In his words
“The videos are titled 'It Gets Better.' They are aimed at persuading kids that although they'll face struggles and perhaps bullying for 'coming out' as homosexual (or transgendered or some other perversion), life will get better. …It's disgusting. And it's part of a concerted effort to persuade kids that homosexuality is okay and actually to recruit them into that lifestyle."
"Jerry" Boykin, Jr.Executive Vice President, Family Research Council*
- Boykin has called Islam “evil” and said it should not be protected by the First Amendment.
- Boykin threatened physical violence against people who don't use the bathroom of the gender they were assigned at birth.
- Boykin has said the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy would lead to the destruction of the American military.
In his words
“No mosques in America. Islam is a totalitarian way of life; it’s not just a religion.”
Mat StaverFounder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel*
- Liberty Counsel works to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination under the guise of "religious liberty."
- Staver has stated that he would personally advocate for disobedience to any U.S. Supreme Court that favored marriage equality.
- Liberty Counsel claimed that the brutal murder of Matthew Shepherd in Laramie, Wyoming, was not an anti-LGBT hate crime but rather a bungled robbery.
In his words
“Now [the Boy Scouts of America will] allow homosexual young boys in the Scouts and allow homosexual leaders in the Scouts, and what are you going to have? You are going to have all kinds of sexual molestation. This is a playground for pedophiles to go and have all these boys as objects of their lust."
Brigitte GabrielFounder and Chairman, ACT for America*
- Gabriel heads the largest grassroots anti-Muslim group in the country.
- She a regular guest on the radio shows of anti-LGBT figures such as Sandy Rios, who has a lengthy history of demonizing Muslims.
- Gabriel promotes wild anti-Muslim conspiracy theories that portray all Muslims as the enemy.
In her words
“If a Muslim who has—who is—a practicing Muslim who believes the word of the Koran to be the word of Allah, who abides by Islam, who goes to mosque and prays every Friday, who prays five times a day—this practicing Muslim, who believes in the teachings of the Koran, cannot be a loyal citizen to the United States of America.”
Frank Gaffney, JrPresident, Center for Security Policy*
- Gaffney has repeatedly opposedallowing LGBT people to serve in the military.
- The Center for Security Policy has called for congressional hearings, reminiscent of the McCarthy era, to expose the infiltration of the U.S. government by Muslim extremists.
- Gaffney co-authored the "Team B Report," claiming that Islam itself, rather than a tiny minority of violent extremists, is a threat to American democracy.
In his words
“There is mounting evidence that the president [Obama] not only identifies with Muslims, but actually may still be one himself.”
Roy MooreFormer Alabama Supreme Court Justice
- Moore claims Islam is a false religion.
- Moore has stated same-sex parents are "detrimental to children."
- Moore has appeared on the radio show of Pastor Kevin Swanson, who being gay should be punishable by death.
- Moore wrote that Muslim-Americans should not be allowed to serve in Congress.
“Homosexual behavior is crime against nature, an inherent evil, and an act so heinous that it defies one's ability to describe it.”
Gary BauerFounder of American Values and the Campaign for Working Families PAC
- Bauer led anti-LGBT hate group Family Research Council from 1988 to 1999.
- Bauer has cited junk science and stated “homosexual conduct is three times more deadly than smoking.” This is false.
- In 2010, Bauer voiced anti-Muslim sentiments at VVS, saying: “Islamic culture ... keeps hundreds of millions of people on the verge of violence and mayhem 24 hours a day.”
“If the United States is going to take in 10,000 Syrian refugees, they should be Christians and we should make no apologies for that.”
Peter SpriggSenior Fellow for Family Studies, Family Research Council*
- Sprigg supports conversion therapyfor LGBT people.
- Sprigg wrote that “homosexuals are less likely to enter into a committed relationship” and “less likely to be sexually faithful to a partner.”
- Sprigg has long defended his anti-LGBT claims by citing junk science or cherry-picking from reports.
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jstevenharper
Monday, October 16, 2017
URL: http://wp.me/p101na-1Hr
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