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PUBLISHER EMERITUS EDITOR EMERITUS DIRECTORS EMERITI Walker Knight Jack U. Harwell Thomas E. Boland R. Kirby Godsey Ann B. Roebuck Guy Rutland III Mary Etta Sanders Mel Williams OUR COLUMNISTS Winnie V. Williams The Lighter Side – Brett Younger Nurturing Faith Journal (ISSN 1072-7787) is published bimonthly by: Baptists Today, Inc., Theology in the Pews – John R. Franke 988 1/2 Bond Street, Macon, GA 31201-1902 Questions Christians Ask Scientists – Paul Wallace Subscription rates: 1 year, $24; 2 years, $42; 1 year groups of 25 or more, $18; 1 year groups Being Church in Changing Times – Center for Healthy Churches of less than 25, $24; 1 year Canada, $42; 1 year foreign, $100. Periodical postage paid Diggin’ It – Tony W. Cartledge at Macon, Ga. 31208 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address correc- tions to: P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318 Nurturing Faith is a trademark of the autonomous, national publishing ministry Baptists Today, Inc., a 501(c)(3) All rights reserved. charitable organization founded in 1983 and guided by an independent Board of Directors. Baptists Today, Inc. and its subsidiary Nurturing Faith, Inc. produce Nurturing Faith Journal, Nurturing Faith Bible Studies, Nurturing Faith Books, Nurturing Faith Experiences and other resources. Daily news, blogs and other timely information, along with teaching materials and other resources, are available at nurturingfaith.net. RELIGION AND THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS Warren G. Harding (1921–1923) By Bruce Gourley INSIDE VOL. 36, ISSUE 5 52 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2018

FEATURES 6 HOW GOOD ARE WE? Christian Miller talks about our messy mix of virtues and vices An interview by John D. Pierce

15 WHAT COUNTS AS A TITHE? Expectations, practices vary among churchgoers

44 NEW MODELS Baptist churches are rethinking ordination By Rick Jordan 56 46 HOLY DIRT LOSING THEIR RELIGION: Younger adults are less religious, and not only in the Discovering academic and United States | By Yonat Shimron spiritual benefits in an archaeological dig By Tony W. Cartledge THOUGHTS 41 Chase and the persistence 60 Exploring what churches tell 5 Perils of preaching in highly of grace teens about science politicized times By Tony Vincent By Emily McFarlan Miller By John D. Pierce 42 When leaders fail us 62 FAITH/SCIENCE QUESTION 16 We need the church By Andrew Garnett What is Intelligent Design, and By Michael Smith what do you think of it? 50 Questions and answers about 18 The church as an instrument By Paul Wallace advancing a Jesus Worldview of the Kingdom By John D. Pierce By John R. Franke 58 Why “But the Bible says…” “LIFE IS 19 Increasing our intentional rings so hollow NOT OVER” interaction By John D. Pierce Writer shares By Ginger Hughes honest, insightful 64 Doing more with more 20 Money can buy happiness, but journey of By John D. Pierce widowhood you have to spend it right. Review by By Brett Younger John D. Pierce Cover photo by Tony W. Cartledge from an archaeological dig at Ein Jezreel, Israel. Participants 12 (top to bottom) are: Karie Parkes, Larry Turlington, and John Robert Harris. Story on page 46.

Worth Repeating ...... 4 Reblog ...... 19, 58 Classifieds ...... 40 Editorial ...... 5 Lighter Side ...... 20

3 Worth Repeating

“The very meaning of the phrases ‘religious liberty’ “One could argue that the e"ective demise of and ‘religious freedom’— traditionally understood evangelical leadership actually occurred sometime as referring to the right of Americans to practice between 9/11 and the Iraq war. It was in those anxious whatever faith they wish or no faith at all — is being moments that evangelical leaders had an opportunity altered to mean that government should foster a closer to preach that true security lay in higher realms — yet relationship with those who want to mix their Christian they instead chose en masse to embrace and promote faith with taxpayer dollars.” a sort of civil religion that begged for political relevance Susan Jacoby, writing in The New York Times and glory rather than promoting core commitments of a classically orthodox worldview.” Author and management consultant Rob Asghar, writing in Forbes “Jesus remains a troublemaker.”

Church historian Bill Leonard of Wake Forest University on a Baptist “When the heat is on and the pressure is high … I church in South Carolina removing from the building’s façade a statue of want to trust the way of Jesus, which unflinchingly Jesus deemed “too Catholic” (BNG) acknowledges, remarkably outlasts, and gradually transforms everything that threatens human flourishing.” “The proper role of Christians in politics is not to Minister/professor Guy Sayles of Asheville, N.C. Christianize America; it is to demonstrate Christian (From the Intersection) values in the public realm.” Columnist Michael Gerson (WaPo) “The use of rap music is not allowed in preaching.” Catholic Bishop Philip Anyolo on suspending Father Ogalo, “I believe that the label ‘evangelical’ has become toxic a priest in Kenya, for his unconventional preaching style used today, and I’m wondering how long before it will ever “to bring youth closer to the church” (CNN) not be associated with hypocritical, self-righteous political power-grabbers. Today, if I even use the label “We need to decouple the identity of the church from on myself, I’ll add ‘progressive’ before ‘evangelical’— particular political platforms about which there can be but I think the masses simply hear ‘evangelical’ and disagreement… What we need is not a change in label; lump me in with the ones even I reject.” what we need is a change of heart, a change in values.” American Baptist minister Ken Fong Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear (Forbes) on NPR’s Morning Edition

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4 Thoughts EDITORIAL Perils of preaching in politicized times By John D. Pierce

Hit-and-run sermons, as I call align with these often fear-driven beliefs concerns for human rights based on the force-fed via selective media rather than conviction that God’s image marks all them, are risk free. This is mostly match up with the convicting and challeng- humanity. the type of preaching I do: being ing gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastors have told me of being chastised invited to fill in for a pastor on And if the preacher doesn’t simply for simply affirming the values we all baptize these biases — even at the expense learned safely as children in Sunday school occasion. of Jesus’ life and teachings — they can find a — such as honesty, justice and compassion. here’s no real relationship with the church where the preacher does so or, more These have long been the kinds of attributes congregation beyond basic pleas- troubling, seek to replace the proclaimer in one might expect of devout Christians since T antries and my speaking and their this particular church with one who will. Jesus so often called for such things. listening. A check from the church treasurer Therefore, pastors — who already face So how does one mount the pulpit and is the limited transaction. And whether they the weekly demand of mining the biblical proclaim a biblical call to honesty, compas- liked what they heard or not will determine text for a relevant sion and the treatment of all persons as any return engagements. and applicable spiri- children of God — when so many listeners Sometimes longer pastoral vacancies tual message — must have been told to fear those unlike them? provide a more meaningful opportunity to also wonder if doing And, for some odd reason, more serve as an interim pastor — allowing for so faithfully will moderate/progressive Christians often feel an enjoyable, extended relationship that result in resistance or pressured to state that things aren’t as bad as goes deeper than “hit-and-run” preaching. rejection from those they really are — while more conservative/ Yet even an interim pastorate is a tempo- wanting affirmation fundamentalist Christians can sit firmly on rary relationship in which the congregation over conviction. any perceived fire alarm. doesn’t hold the livelihood of the messenger Of course, such times create no Some offer the counsel to simply “keep in its hands as with a full-time pastor. problem for some preachers — for example, politics out of the church,” and indeed overt Therefore, as one who fills the safer Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church of partisanship is a present danger in congre- roles rather than the riskier one, I hold in Dallas, who dresses God in an Uncle Sam gations with any hint of diverse thought. high regard my many friends who face the suit each Sunday and spews forth a politi- However, the reality is that what one perilous task of proclaiming a convicting, calized message that tickles the ears of his considers to be “political,” and therefore challenging and counter-cultural gospel to listeners who fill the pews. inappropriate, is often anything with which those who may not want to hear such. For many other preachers, however, they disagree. Now seems be a particularly peril- violating basic principles of religious freedom My appreciation runs deep for those ous time to preach for those who believe and digressing from the life and teachings of preachers who are faithful to the gospel the gospel should challenge rather than Jesus are a price too high to pay for public rather than simply affirming the prejudices accommodate our cultural comforts. Deep affirmation and access to power. What of their listeners in order to keep perceived political division makes the task more happens on Sunday has to be accounted for peace and personal security. challenging now. to God on Monday’s bended knee. Likewise, I strongly affirm those Too often influential members come While preaching sermons that go vitally important lay leaders who protect to church expecting religious justification against the grain of cultural trends has long the freedom of the pulpit so that from an for their deeply held, religious-political been challenging, this is a particular diffi- imperfect but dedicated and called voice ideologies forged throughout the week by cult time in that so many self-identified, might come a divine word that nudges those boisterous commentators on radio and TV. white American evangelicals hold politi- with ears to hear toward greater faithfulness Their expectation is that the sermon should cal perspectives greatly at odds with basic in following Jesus. NFJ

“Too often … [the] expectation is that the sermon should align with these often fear-driven beliefs … rather than match up with the convicting and challenging gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Thoughts 5 GOOD AND BAD — Each of us has a “character gap” that needs awareness and attention, says author/philosopher Christian Miller (left) whose interview was conducted by Nurturing Faith Journal editor John Pierce during the publishing ministry’s board meeting at Knollwood Baptist Church in Winston- Salem, N.C., last April. Photo by Tony W. Cartledge. How good are we? Christian Miller talks about our messy mix of virtues and vices

AN INTERVIEW BY JOHN D. PIERCE NFJ: You started your book with that Christmas decorations for his store. He had wonderful, annual, American event — a history of heart problems, and while in the not Thanksgiving, but the day after crowded store had a heart attack and passed WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Last Thanksgiving. What does Black Friday tell out. us about our moral character? year Oxford University Press There’s a question to ask at this point: released Christian Miller’s impor- Miller: Black Friday is not very conducive If you saw someone in a Target store passed tant book, The Character Gap: to the good sides of our character. Why? out on the floor, what would you do? I’m Because people get fixated on that new guessing you would say: I would stop my How Good Are We? The A.C. Reid TV or new refrigerator which they know is shopping and call someone or check on him Professor of Philosophy at Wake going to be deeply discounted and, if they or, whatever the case, I would help. Forest University and director of get there first, they can get it. Well, not so much in the case of the In the process, people’s vision often shoppers on Black Friday. What they did the Character Project, Miller also gets skewed. They lose sight of what really was keep on shopping. They turned to has written two academic books matters and get fixated on things that don’t look in the other direction. Somebody even on the subject of character. matter as much. So I begin the book with a stepped over his body to get to that TV or story to make that a little bit more concrete. whatever it was they wanted so badly. his conversation is adapted from an This is a really tragic story about Long story short: Eventually, some interview with Miller as part of the somebody named Walter Vance in a small nurses came along, administered CPR and T spring meeting of the Nurturing town in West Virginia about five years ago called for an ambulance. Unfortunately, he Faith/Baptists Today board of directors. or so. Vance, age 61, was shopping for some died on the way to the hospital. Could he

6 Feature have been saved if people had acted quickly? has dropped papers, when someone about saying this, is that it’s in our self- We don’t know for sure, but it’s more likely. collapses in the aisle of Target, when certain interest to be good. If you become a good So what’s the message from this story? charities have special needs or whatever it person, it’s actually good for you. Lots It’s not just that people in this small town in might be with your church or voluntary of studies find a relationship between West Virginia were acting badly, as if they organization. virtue and good things like life satisfac- were some exception to the rule. I use this But is that enough? Frequency over tion, decreased stress, health and academic story as a springboard to reflect that our time and diversity of situations? What if achievement. All these things we think are character is complicated and may have some you’re motivated just to make yourself look important are connected to virtue. good sides but also some bad sides that we good when you help other people or to get The more virtue goes up, the more should know about, learn more about, and a good tax write-off when you donate or to these good things go up. Then there is the that could be deeply troubling, too. So on get rewards in the afterlife or to alleviate opposite: When vice goes up, these things that cheery note, let’s dive into the book. your feelings of guilt or make your résumé go in that direction too. But I wouldn’t want look better? to just end there. NFJ: So we know what we’re talking about Is that compassionate? No. Motivation You might even think that’s kind of a here, what is character? matters. strange reason to give for being a virtuous Motivation is important to virtue, person — because being virtuous is often Miller: I’m thinking primarily about moral and behavior is important too. Both are not thinking about yourself but stepping character. What leads us to think, feel and essential elements: virtuous motivation and outside of yourself and caring about others. act in morally relevant ways? I’m a philoso- virtuous behavior. And if that’s generalized pher, so that’s where I want to start with an I think that’s true. So we want to go beyond to all virtues, then the same is true for abstract definition. But to make it a little bit that point. vices, except they’re oriented in the opposite more concrete, let’s think about how charac- Also, I would say there are religious direction. ter comes in two forms: good character and reasons. There are all kinds of consider- Instead of wanting to help people, bad character. ations we could appeal to depending on you might want to hurt people. So the Good character has to do with moral religion. But universally, in my experi- cruel person — the opposite of compas- virtues like honesty, kindness, courage, ence, religions care about character, about sion is cruelty — is motivated to hurt justice, temperance, fortitude, graciousness being a good person, and they think that’s people, and, over time, exhibits a pattern of and gratitude. On the flip side there are very important. It’s not enough just to be a hurting behavior. Sadly, a cruel person hurts vices like greed, envy, dishonesty, injustice mediocre character, and especially not bad animals, children and adults across a variety and cowardice. I like to move quickly from character; good character is celebrated. of situations over time. an abstract definition to specific examples of Also, it’s good for society. Don’t you So the orientation is different. In one good character and bad character that make want to live in a society where there’s more case it’s toward good things in response to it more concrete for people today. honesty than dishonesty, more compassion good considerations. In the other case it’s than cruelty, more justice than injustice? So trying to promote bad things to bad consid- NFJ: You write that vices and virtues have the more goodness — good character virtue erations, but they kind of work the same the same features. Can you explain that? — there is, the better it is for the society as way motivationally and behaviorally. a whole. Miller: They are not identical, yet they So those are the points I would make share some crucial features. Let’s start with NFJ: You confess to being stumped, not to my students. I’m still not sure about virtues. Is helping one person, just one time, by some great scholar or the brightest student in class, but by your 3-year-old answering my son. enough to be a compassionate person? son who asked, “Why be good?” Have Let’s say you pick up some dropped you come up with an answer yet? papers — a small, helping task. Is that NFJ: So how do you respond to the simple question, Are we good or bad? enough to be a compassionate person? No, Miller: After talking about what character it needs to be frequent, over time, more is, there’s a natural question: Well, who Miller: With a complicated answer. It’s than one occasion. cares? Why does it matter? So there’s this easy to divide people into two categories: But is frequently picking up dropped virtue thing and this vice thing, and people good people and bad people, and to say papers enough to be [considered] a compas- say virtue is great. But why should I care that’s everybody. And, on one hand there’s sionate person — if the only thing in life about it? Mother Teresa and Gandhi over here, and you ever do to help other people is to pick How do you explain that to a 3-year- on the other hand there’s Hitler and Stalin up dropped papers? No, right? old? I’m still wrestling with that. But when over here, and that’s true for them. So it has to be frequent over time and my students or other people ask me, “Why But what I found is that most people have some kind of diversity in a variety of be good?” I have a couple of things I can say. are complicated and messy. And I found this different settings — such as when someone One thing, and I have mixed feelings not just from human history or the news or

Feature 7 religious text, which would be true too. My They say, “Yes, we want those things.” That’s an emphasis on our potential to be focus has been on psychological research. We respond: “OK, here’s a means to help good people. That’s my starting point in thinking about you get there.” Of course, there’s another strand in the character. That’s crude and a little bit instru- history of Christianity having to do with I’ve read hundreds of studies going back mental, but sometimes you’ve got to meet sin, both personal sin and original sin — to the 1950s where people are put into differ- your audience where they are. Rather the fall — which is the negative side that ent situations, and they have an opportunity than talking about Plato or Aristotle, or taints or stains our character. You have two to help or not help, lie or not lie, cheat or not how being virtuous makes society better, opposing strands of thought: a positive and cheat, steal or not steal, and, lo and behold, they might consider: “You know, this will a negative, which, to my mind, actually fits they do some very surprising things. actually help me graduate and do some the data and the psychology of my research Sometimes they are willing to kill other things.” However, you don’t want to perfectly. innocent people. In other situations they are stay at that level. Christianity doesn’t say we’re already willing to sacrifice their own self-interest to The hope, as you said, is that over time virtuous or perfect or anything like that. But help complete strangers. In some situations by doing things you would not ordinarily do, Christianity is not saying, in general, that we they cheat with abandon. In other situa- you come to see there’s some deeper meaning are hopelessly mired in sin and are vicious tions they don’t cheat at all, even though and purpose and value to those activities. So people. This is exactly what the psycho- they can get away with it. you might initially go to the soup kitchen logical data says too. We’re somewhere in The emerging picture I found is one because that’s required or because it might between. So I actually find the psychological of mixed character: where it’s not black or look good on your résumé, but then you data to vindicate this aspect of the Christian white but very much gray; where we’re not start meeting people and caring for them and worldview. good enough, in general, to have the virtues, learning their stories and seeing how you’re to be honest or compassionate and not bad actually helping them. NFJ: Well, that’s good. It’s not as hum- enough, in general, to have the vices of And you think, “Forget those other bling as “such a worm as I,” but you do dishonesty, cowardice and cruelty. So we’re reasons; this is just worthwhile to do in and write that, “Our characters are piecemeal a messy blend of good and bad. That’s my of itself. And even after graduation when and fragmented.” Therefore, is it unpre- overall picture. those other considerations aren’t in play dictable, depending upon variables, how anymore, I want to keep doing this.” we might respond when facing a certain NFJ: You made some reference to motive That’s motivation that’s evolved over moral test? already, but what role does motive play in time. There’s no guarantee it’s going to Miller: I do think our character is understanding and improving moral char- happen that way, but it can happen. acter? And, can someone start out doing fragmented and has some good sides to something for a less noble reason and it and some bad sides. We might act in a NFJ: Here’s a question I bet you’ve not discover something more meaningful? I’m good way in one situation, and then if you been asked in an interview before. Some thinking about schools that require com- of us grew up with hymns that empha- change that situation in slight ways, we act munity service, for example. A student may sized how bad we were. I remember the complete opposite. That’s the general begin with the singular motive to gradu- singing repeatedly, “for such a worm ate, but using one’s gifts in such a way point. Let me give you some illustrations. as I.” Then there are other times in our might lead to a lifetime of volunteerism. Let’s think about honesty and cheating, Christian experience when we’re told What role does motive play in that? what wonderful children of God we are. since that’s relevant to me. I’m a professor Miller: It really depends on the audience. So how does our religious tradition, our and worry about this all the time with my If you have an audience of people whose religious experiences, shape our sense of students. There are studies in the last 10 goodness or badness? character is really good to start with, then years that are fascinating on the topic of you might try and motivate them or inspire Miller: You’re right: that’s a new one. cheating — where you give students a test them in one way. If you have an audience No questions about worms before. I’m a with 20 problems. They are told that they’ll whose character has lots of flaws or some philosopher who’s read a fair amount about get paid 50 cents per correct answer. The challenges, that’s a different story. religion, but I’m not a religious scholar. So person in charge grades the tests and pays I think it’s fine to start out by trying let me speak specifically to Christianity and them according to the number of correct to inspire teenagers or younger people with within that framework. answers. On average, they get about eight self-interest as a kind of hook or way to get The way I think about character from out of 20 correct. the ball rolling: “If you think more about a Christian perspective is that there are two Now, let’s change the situation. Take character and work on becoming a better strands or two thoughts. On one hand we’re another group of students with the same person, you might live longer or be health- created in the image of God, and that’s not test — so we’re keeping that constant — ier or graduate or do better in school or get lost today. So the image of God persists same monetary incentive of 50 cents per better grades. Don’t you want those things?” in human beings. That’s a positive strain. correct answer.

8 Feature But this time the students are going NFJ: So we are a mixed bag of good and to grade their own tests, not the person in evil that reveals a character gap. What charge, and then shred all the materials and can we do or become to get better? verbally report how many they got correct. Miller: That’s the big question. It would be You kind of expect what’s going to happen. really a shame if we were left with nothing, I’ve prepared you for some disappointing no hope. This brings in the title of the book, results here, and they are disappointing: The Character Gap. My idea was to visualize about 14 problems “answered correctly.” a gap between how we actually are — mixed So it was eight correct in the first group character — and how we should be — and 14 in the second group. Now, it could a virtuous character. be this is a much smarter group, but I don’t That could be understood in a secular think so. I think it’s pointing to the less way of having virtues or in a Christian way fortunate side of our character. of being the kind of persons God wants us Now a third group of students was to be or designed us to be. However you given the same test with the same monetary understand it, there is this gap. And one of setup and same opportunity to cheat except, the goals of the moral life is to reduce the before the test, they were asked to recall as gap, to become a better person — not to many of the Ten Commandments as they knows they’re part of a study. You walk past bring the standards down, but to bring the could. There was no cheating at all. a clothing store and are approached by a person up to the standards. Another group was tested, with the stranger who asks, “Can you help me with So how do you do that? In the last same setup, except instead of the Ten something?” It is a simple helping task. In three chapters I give a fair amount of atten- Commandments they signed their univer- that kind of situation about 20 percent of tion to that. I talk about things you don’t sity’s honor code. No cheating at all. It went people helped and 80 percent did not. want to do. These are unpromising strate- back down to the seven or eight correct Take the same day, same mall, same gies. Then I talk about some secular ideas problems. helping test, but target people who have and then some Christian ideas. So here is an example of that fragmen- just walked past Mrs. Fields Cookies or On the secular front I wanted the tation. You have one situation where people Cinnabon. The smell is the big difference. discussion to be accessible to everyone, cheat a lot and another situation where they In this situation helping jumps up to over not only for Christian readers. So I have don’t cheat at all. By changing one or two 60 percent. Think about that: 20 verses 60. a chapter about regardless of where you’re features, people behave very differently. That’s striking. coming from, here are some ideas. Does that mean it’s all kind of chaotic What explains that? We could talk Experimental evidence supports the and unpredictable? I would say not. Once about that for an hour and come up with already plausible thought that good role we learn about the psychology, and we do different theories. But the leading theory models can improve character. When you enough of these tests, we should actually is that it has to do with mood. That smell look to someone like Abraham Lincoln or expect that. puts people in a good mood, and then they Harriet Tubman, you often admire them We should expect when you give people want to maintain their good mood and keep but also want to become more like them. an opportunity to cheat and they know it going, and they see the chance to help as a They have an emotional impact on us and they can get away with it and there’s some way to maintain a good mood. inspire us to become more like them. reward, they’re probably going to do it. But Now, we don’t know that’s really the Not in every respect, however. I have if you provide them with a moral reminder, case. That’s a hypothesis, but it’s the leading no desire to become president, especially help them re-orient their perspective back one right now. And it’s pretty clever, pretty with all that comes with that, but when I to what really matters like the honor code or look to Abraham Lincoln’s honesty, I might the commandments, then you can predict interesting, and it also goes to the point be inspired to become more honest like he not as much cheating. about mixed character. And to make a nod to Winston-Salem here, Krispy Kreme dough- was honest. Or Harriet Tubman’s courage NFJ: Then maybe o!ering “moral remind- nuts would probably work the same way too. causes me to become more courageous. ers” is an important part of what ministry, It’s great that people helped. But is It doesn’t matter much whether the especially preaching, is about. Your book that a great motivation or reason to help, role models are fictional or real, histori- looks at many studies with all kinds of to maintain your good mood? No. It cal or contemporary, famous or local. It variables that impact moral decision-mak- shows mixed character and how behavior helps if they’re close to you, like a family ing. But how might even a Cinnabon or member, friend, coach, minister, colleague Mrs. Fields cookie impact virtue? is fragmented but also predictable. So, once you know this, you can actually predict that or neighbor, because then they can have a Miller: This has actually been tested. people behave differently when they’re in a more direct impact and can inspire you on a Imagine a shopping mall where no one good mood than when in an average mood. continual basis. But all kinds of role models

Feature 9 will have an impact like that. Fear of embarrassment is a big in character. So I focus on three things in Another suggestion has to do with hindrance to helping people, especially in particular. One is Christian practices. The education — learning more about the a group context. So I better be on guard, activities and rituals Christians engage in psychological research. If you don’t want to especially when in a group, to make sure can be very character building — things dive into the studies, at least learn some of that’s not holding me back. like prayer, fasting, tithing, volunteering, the takeaway messages about obstacles to reading scripture. becoming a good person that you might not NFJ: Your last chapter is titled, “Improving These things, if engaged in regularly Our Characters with Divine Assistance.” over time, can be habit forming. So you have realized are there all along. We who are Christian seek to follow Jesus We might not have realized the extent but admit we fail in doing that. How can think about tithing or fasting: these things to which people are motivated to cheat if our spiritual commitments and disciplines can be something that increases your grati- they think they can get away with it and help us become more Christ-like? tude and generosity, while decreasing your benefit themselves. Psychological research pride and selfishness. There is some empiri- Miller: That’s a huge topic. I’m not a theolo- cal evidence to support this. gives us more evidence of how widespread gian, so take what I say with a grain of salt. Another idea is Christians being in is the motivation to cheat. How can we But I have really grown to love philosophy community where they think about charac- combat that or work against it? and religion and philosophical theology and ter. It’s not like the individual Christian is This is something I didn’t know before learning more about religion and specifically left to his or her own devices thinking, “I’ve I read the psychology: Embarrassment can Christianity. So on the topic of Christianity, got to fix myself; there’s no one to help me.” be a big hindrance to helping people. I want to first stress a couple things. That would be really discouraging, knowing Why was it that so many shoppers at I make it clear to readers that I’m not my character flaws. Target didn’t help Walter Vance? We don’t saying you have to be a Christian in order Christian community can have all know for sure, but on a leading model in to be a good person. That could be a really kinds of significant impacts with role psychology part of what is going on is fear of misleading implication. I don’t even think models, inspirations and examples. Other embarrassment. This was surprising to me. you have to be religious to be a good person. people can share their experiences, talk Since no one else is helping, maybe You could be an atheist and be a really good there’s something going on that I don’t person. So I want to be up front about that. about where things went wrong and know. Maybe this is part of a movie or And other religions have lots of valuable provide lessons for us. They can even point this is an act or part of a sales promotion things to say about character too. out some flaws or areas of weakness. That’s or something like that. Since no one else What I do say, though, is that Chris- really important to us. is helping, I’m not going to help either tianity has lots of deep insights that could And then the final point: I can work because I don’t want to embarrass myself. help us think about character and grow on my own character and have other Chris- tians help me with that. But even that could be discouraging if the point is to eventu- ally become a really good person. But that’s What makes not the end of the story in the Christian’s picture because God is helping too. Nurturing Faith Publishing Shifting to a Christian way of speaking for a moment, the work of the Holy Spirit so unique? is sanctification. So the idea is that the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Trinity, is Nurturing Faith is a nonprofit ministry Authors are valued for their work and working in the life of the believer — helping that provides thoughtful resources involved throughout the process. the believer over time to become more like for Christian living in a fast-changing, First refusal on future books is never that person was designed to be in the first diverse culture. We’re interested in more required. We want the good experience place. It’s a mutual process, a cooperative than just throwing words on a page and to bring authors back for more. moving on to the next project. process between human beings and God. Built-in marketing allows for wider And that’s the most powerful idea of all, I An experienced team of editors, design- exposure of books equaling hundreds of think. ers and marketers — with expertise in dollars worth of advertising in print and theology, history, biblical studies, Chris- online at no cost to authors. NFJ: Thanks for raising our aware- tian formation and more — is engaged ness of the character gap in our lives. with each book. That perspective is better than feeling like a worthless worm or pretending to Visit nurturingfaith.net and click “Publish with us” be perfect. And thanks for helping us find constructive ways to improve our under “Books” in the pull-down menu. character. NFJ

10 Feature NURTURING FAITH EXPERIENCE: ISRAEL/WEST BANK MAY 11-23, 2019

Led by Tony W. Cartledge, writer of Nurturing Faith Bible Studies and professor at Campbell University Divinity School. Details to follow in upcom- ing editions of Nurturing Faith Journal and online at nurturingfaith.net. This experience is a collaborative e!ort of Nurturing Faith and Campbell University Divinity School. ‘Life is not over’ Writer shares honest, insightful journey of widowhood

REVIEW BY JOHN D. PIERCE honest rendering of facing loss and change. Ella’s story, while unique to her experi- Yet it is a mature approach that doesn’t ences, takes readers along familiar steps for lla Wall Prichard didn’t set out to pretend to offer easy answers or prescribe a many who travel the trail of this particular someday write a book about navigat- simple plan to escape the pain of loss. kind of loss. She concludes each chapter E ing widowhood. In fact, she admits “In the months after Lev’s death I found with a summarized “lesson learned.” being quite unprepared for this stage of life comfort reading the apostle Paul’s Letter to Amid the losses she also identifies gains thrust upon her when her husband Lev died the Philippians, along with the Psalms and that can be challenging yet freeing. Beyond in 2009. the Gospel of John,” writes Ella, confessing the overwhelming sense of loss of compan- “Nothing prepared me for widow- earlier in the book that she turned to prayer ionship, she notes, comes an independence hood, “ she confesses in Reclaiming Joy: and scripture in desperation. “In those quiet not of one’s own making. Yet she wisely A Primer for Widows, newly released by moments I found a peace that I could not warns: “The danger is that the line between Baylor University Press under its 1845 find anywhere else.” freedom and self-centeredness is a very fine Books imprint. one.” Ella, who lives in Corpus Christi, Texas, Hence this lesson learned: “In being acknowledges that some of her challenges more concerned for the welfare of others differ from others following the loss of than ourselves, we forget our own needs spouse. While overwhelmed with business and pain and discover the joy of serving and and other financial decisions, she had an giving.” aspect of security many widows do not. Astutely, Ella sheds needed light on However, the emotional shock and finding the benefits of solitude over the ensuing journey of being suddenly alone devastation of loneliness. Whether attend- have enough similarities that her empathetic ing church or social functions, traveling or heart, reflective mind and guiding hand being home alone in evenings — everything will be well appreciated. Ella offers each of changes. The courage to face new ways of those in her honest sharing of the struggles, daily living including social interactions, adjustments and points of peace over the Ella notes, will determine whether one past nine years. remains mired in loss or moves construc- Perhaps her most honest confession Ella is personal and practical in sharing tively into a new and different future. among many is this: “I never considered ways she faced the early challenges of “Life is not over,” she concludes in a myself a needy person, but now I needed widowhood, along with the winding ways “Letter to My Fellow Widows” that opens so much: to surround myself with advisors that followed. She doesn’t shy away from the book. “Make the years ahead good ones.” whom I trusted; to learn to ask for help; to terms such as “overwhelmed” and “bewil- Ella notes that abundant advice is lay aside my pride and admit that I did not dered” to describe honest feelings resulting often offered freely to widows from those understand; to extend and receive grace.” from navigating this stage of life. who know nothing of this particular experi- A focused look at widowhood, this book Yet she offers hope — not the shallow ence. So, wisely, she suggests looking for is drenched in honesty and wise insights as masking of feelings, but the reality of new trusted role models who have traveled or are Ella continues to move through stages of life experiences even when facing them traveling this newfound road of loss — then grief while adapting to new realities. These produced more anxiety. “Abundant living,” making the adjustments that can lead to are experiences and discoveries worth sharing she notes, comes not from the accumula- peace and joy. with fellow travelers who face such a reality tion of things but “from an abundance of This book is a helpful resource in pro- now — or will in the near future. good friends, meaningful relationships and viding such guidance and companion- Ella’s deep faith is appealed to in this purposeful life.” ship. NFJ

12 Media A CREDIBLE CASE FOR INCLUSION – Thanks to donors in Greenville, S.C., hundreds of copies of Jim Dant’s This I Know: A Simple, Biblical Defense for LGBTQ Christians were shared in Dallas. This small, insight- ful book may be purchased online or at a discounted bulk rate (for 10 or more) by calling (478) 301-5655. Publishing with Purpose Visit books.nurturingfaith.net to shop for all Nurturing Faith Nurturing Faith takes a unique approach titles and resources, and to learn more about this author- to book publishing by: friendly, collaborative publish- ing ministry.

LESSONS FOR LIVING — At the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship assembly in Dallas, Babs Baugh (center) signs a copy of a new book from Nurturing Faith, edited by Christian educator Bo Prosser, that honors her mother’s 60 years of faithful Bible teaching and provides insights for Christians today. Daniel Vestal, director of the Mercer University’s Baugh Center for Baptist Leadership that collaborated in the publishing of the book, looks on while Bruce Gourley of Nurturing Faith talks with Jackie Baugh Moore, granddaughter of Eula Mae Baugh. Have you checked out these GREAT RESOURCES

from the COOPERATIVE BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP?

Order now at nurturingfaith.net or (478) 301-5655 What counts as a tithe? Opinions vary among churchgoers about giving practices, expectations

BY ADELLE M. BANKS Religion News Service “For many churchgoers, ost Protestant churchgoers believe tithing is just another term that giving 10 percent of their for generosity.” M income is a biblical requirement they should follow — but they define the practice of tithing in a variety of ways, a new survey shows. About half say they can give their tithes to a Christian ministry instead of a church. One in 3 say tithes can go to help a person who is in need. And more than 1 in 6 say their funds can go to a secular charity. “For many churchgoers, tithing is just another term for generosity,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research in Nashville, Tenn., on the findings released in May. The evangelical research firm surveyed 1,010 Americans who attend a Protes- tant or nondenominational church at least monthly. It also queried 1,000 Protestant senior pastors. Pastors are less likely than people in the 87 percent of African-Americans and 80 churchgoers say they give — even if it’s a pews to view tithing as a continuing biblical percent of whites. struggle.” command. While 83 percent of church- Those with evangelical beliefs were Of those who do give, most often do goers say tithing is a current requirement, more likely (86 percent) to view tithing as a so in a personal way — contributing cash 72 percent of pastors agree. current biblical demand than those without or a check at church. Eleven percent use Pastors who affirm that tithing is a them (79 percent). Those attending church their church website for giving, and smaller biblical command don’t agree on how to services at least weekly were more likely (85 percentages use automatic payments or a define it. More than half (56 percent) say it percent) to have that view than those attend- church app, though some give using more should be one-tenth of an individual’s gross ing once or twice monthly (71 percent). than one method. income. Seventeen percent say it should be More than half of churchgoers (54 “Giving is considered an act of worship one-tenth of net income. percent) give a tenth or more of their income — and clicking on a mouse may not feel as Eleven percent say it is “whatever to their church, while 1 in 5 said they give holy as putting your offering in the collec- amount a person regularly sets aside to give” regularly but less than 10 percent and a tion plate,” McConnell said. and 7 percent say it is “whatever amount a similar number say they try to give but are The overall sample of churchgoers, person actually gives.” not always consistent. Eight percent say their surveyed Aug. 22-30, 2017, had a margin of Among churchgoers, large majorities in finances make it difficult to donate, and error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. different regions and of different races said 2 percent reported not giving to their church. The overall sample of clergy, surveyed Aug. tithing should continue today: 85 percent “Even those who can’t tithe believe that 30–Sept. 18, 2017, had a margin of error of of Southerners, 74 percent of Northerners, giving matters,” said McConnell. “Most plus or minus 3.2 percentage points. NFJ

Feature 15 “BEING CHURCH IN CHANGING TIMES”

This column is provided in collaboration with the Center for Healthy Churches (chchurches.org) We need the church

BY MICHAEL SMITH When I’m tempted to walk away and Left to ourselves, we work hard to shape our follow a solitary Christian life, Paul intrudes. surroundings to service our self-addiction. ixteen persons gathered at Fletcher’s I’ve pondered Paul’s letters and life choices Early Christians fought over proper Schoolhouse on June 9, 1843 and for decades, and I’ve often wondered why dress, when to meet, who could and could S founded First Baptist Church of Paul invested his life in the church. Think not speak in worship, theological theories Murfreesboro, Tenn. The church came into about it. Paul was about Jesus and salvation, baptism, money being because 16 persons could see what was one of the most and the like. not yet there and brought their vision to life. gifted and skilled Paul told them, “Turn loose of yourself Such a pattern played out repeatedly persons in all of and start to be freed of your self-addiction.” over the course of the church’s history, as Christian history. He Paul’s insight remains relevant. We live the church folk envisioned and brought into was a master of the in a culture that fosters addiction to oneself. being new ways of being Baptist, minister- scriptures of his day, A congregation is a community instituted ing to displaced persons, and renewed the immersed in prayer, by God in which we might break the church in the face of significant challenges. keenly aware of the addiction. The founders and later shapers of the Holy Spirit’s leader- Paul believed the church is where we congregation had one advantage over us: ship, and capable of making his own living. practice worshiping and working along- They lived and ministered in times when Why would Paul spend the better part side others in Christ-like ministry. He most everyone assumed we need the church. of his life not only founding but also nurtur- paired women and men, Jew and gentile, Kathleen Norris captures this reality ing congregations? I think I know some of free and slave, rich and poor, educated in the story of the time she was invited the answers. and uneducated in worship and ministry, by the English and religion faculties of a Paul believed God instituted the though such folk were sharply divided from small college to give a poetry reading. The church. That matters, since Christ follow- one another in cultures of the day. faculty members knew she had returned to ers assume God knows what God is doing. Why? Because they, as Christ follow- the church after a long absence, and many Apparently, God believes Christ followers ers, were now part of one body, and all of them seemed to feel a need to tell her need a community in which to discover and parts of the one body must learn to work in varied ways that they did not need the work on becoming God’s kind of people. well together, if the body is to live as it is church to be a Christ follower, that in fact The church is where we learn to love intended to live. What was true in Paul’s the church absolutely got in the way. others as God loves us. In Paul’s time, Jew time is true in ours. Their position is understandable. Who and Gentile, male and female, rich and poor, My hope is that a generation from now needs the church with its too frequent small- the conquered and the conquerors bumped Christians will look back upon us and say, mindedness, bickering, bullies, investments up against one another, as the church “They met the challenge of their time. They of time and money, and the aggravations gathered almost daily. This presented logis- proved by word and deed why we need the that inevitably come with walking, sitting, tical, relational and legal challenges. church.” NFJ worshiping, and ministering alongside Where most saw a problem, Paul saw others in all their variety? Why not simply an opportunity to learn to love as God loves. —Michael Smith is pastor of Central follow Christ as best one can without the The church is where we are weaned Baptist Church, Fountain City in Knoxville, burden of the church? from our addiction to ourselves. Paul saw Tenn., and the former pastor of First Baptist Who needs the church? Congregations clearly that though we set out to follow Church of Murfreesboro, Tenn., that just in the U.S. had best have a good answer. Christ, we remain addicted to ourselves. celebrated its 175th anniversary.

16 Thoughts This column is provided in collaboration with the Center for Healthy Churches (chchurches.org)

A collaborative venture by the Center for Healthy Churches, the Baugh Foundation and Nurturing Faith to provide relevant and applicable resources for congregational visioning and vitality

“Bob Dale’s voice has guided generations of congregational leaders; here he does it again.”

—Amy K. Butler, Senior Minister, Riverside Church, New York City

“Bob Dale and Bill Wilson have given us the prom- ising metaphor of the leadership loom that is help- fully based in strong theological threads that allow creative weaving for a lifetime in order to produce a beautiful tapestry of church life.”

—George Mason, Pastor Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas

Order today at books.nurturingfaith.net Print and digital books available. THEOLOGY IN THE PEWS The church as an instrument of the Kingdom By John R. Franke

The church is sent into the world fundamental to the mission of the church. the existing social order is actually altered. This emphasis throughout the Gospels Gospel-shaped liberation is holistic and by Jesus (John 20:21) in order to is on the work of delivering people, particu- encompasses not only the spiritual, but also continue his work in the power larly the poor and marginalized, from the the cultural and political. Together they are of the Spirit. While it is certainly forces of poverty and oppression. This part of a single, all-encompassing process emphasis suggests an understanding of the that takes root in temporal history and grows true that God is at work outside church as the community of Christ’s follow- into the world intended by God. This is the of the church, the New Testament ers who join with Jesus in his struggle for notion of salvation envisioned in scripture. characterization of the church the emancipation of humanity from these The church is sent into the world to partici- as the body of Christ leads to the forces of evil. pate in this historical process as it continues The mission of the church, in keeping the work of the Kingdom initiated by Jesus. conclusion that it is intended to with the mission of Jesus, is to proclaim and Now the mention of social justice as a be a focal point of the mission of live out the meaning of God’s liberating part of the mission of the church has often God in the world. activity so that those led to the charge that this detracts from who live under the evangelism, the proclamation of the good herefore, the mission of the church oppressive powers news. But this should not be the case. The should be shaped by the mission of this world will two go together. The church has been sent T and ministry of Jesus. However, it is see their deliverance into the world after the pattern of Jesus surprising that the ministry of Jesus described from these circum- to seek the lost and to proclaim the good in the Gospels has generally not been the stances as a central news of salvation in Christ. Evangelism is a focal point for thinking about the mission of element of the gospel central aspect of the reconciling mission of the church and has not been decisive in tradi- and the mission of God to a lost and broken world. tional theological and doctrinal conceptions God in the world. Those who have separated evangelism of Jesus, referred to as Christology. Concern for the poor and marginalized from the pursuit of social justice need look Such discussions have tended to focus is powerfully expressed in Matt. 25:31- no further than the story of Zacchaeus in on questions concerned with intra-trinitar- 40 which depicts those who inherit the Luke 19. His response to Jesus includes ian relationships, the relationship between Kingdom of God as people who feed the repentance, reformation and restoration. the divine and human natures of Jesus, and hungry, offer the thirsty something to drink, This leads to the kind of individual trans- the atonement. The shape of this conversa- welcome the stranger, provide clothing for formation that has a direct effect on the tion can seem to suggest that the details of the naked, take care of the sick, and visit social order. Jesus’ life are not of particular importance those in prison. Texts such as this, along with Evangelism and social justice are insep- for theology. In general, theology has been many others, demonstrate the calling of the arable elements of the good news that God developed more in line with the didac- church to participate in the temporal, here- is reconciling all things through the minis- tic structure of the Epistles than the story and-now activity of social ministry as basic to try of Jesus. The church, as the body of structure of the Gospels. the mission of the church as it follows Jesus. Christ, participates in this reconciling work This tendency has had the effect of The social concreteness of the gospel as an instrument of the Kingdom. NFJ seeming to situate theological discussions in narratives points beyond common inter- a more abstract context that can often seem pretations that construe the activity of —John R. Franke is theologian in residence to be removed from the day-to-day life of deliverance and freedom from the power of at Second Presbyterian Church of the witnessing community. Yet the depic- sin in primarily, or only, a spiritual sense. Indianapolis and general coordinator tion of the church as the body of Christ and Embedded in the Hebrew tradition, the of the Gospel and Our Culture Network. the commands of Jesus to follow him and vision of emancipatory change is to be He is also helping shape the Jesus Worldview do the things he taught suggest that this is enacted in the present in such a way that Initiative for Nurturing Faith.

18 Thoughts REBLOG Increasing our intentional interaction

BY GINGER HUGHES love in this way. Jesus made time to connect with I can’t tell you how many times I’ve people and in those moments shared God’s As Mom and I walked toward arrived at the grocery store grumpy because love, mercy and grace. Do I do the same? the kids have been arguing in the backseat Do you? the door of the cancer center, from the moment we left the Something about that a woman greeted us with the house. At other times I’m in a woman who greeted us at the most beautiful smile and a warm hurry as I run multiple errands. cancer center warmed my heart “hello.” Her eyes radiated joy I have places to be and feel as immensely. Something about though I’m running 10 steps that young lady at the restaurant and, somehow, I felt her empathy behind. taking a moment to reach out in and compassion extend through In my state of irritation and kindness, offering a hug, touched her words as she asked how we hurriedness I’ve missed opportu- me. These were such simple acts, nities to connect with people. I’ve but they made a profound impact were doing. missed the chance to look people in the eye on Mom and me. fter Mom’s appointment we went — giving them a warm and genuine “hello.” What can we do this week to touch to lunch — something we don’t I’ve missed chances to connect with a another’s heart? How can we show kindness, A often do since a few hundred miles heartfelt “How are you?” — prepared not compassion or perhaps cheerfulness to now separate us. We walked into the restau- just to hear, but to listen to their answer. In others today? How can we live a little more rant, the cool air a welcome respite from the my rush I’ve raced past people, giving them like Jesus did, never missing an opportunity Georgia heat blazing outside. a cursory glance or perhaps a quick smile to look into the eyes of another and listen to The young woman stepped from but little more. that person’s story? NFJ behind the hostess stand, took one look at Jesus didn’t miss these opportunities. mom, smiled warmly and asked, “May I Jesus always took the time to connect with —Ginger Hughes is the wife of a pastor, a give you a hug?” people. He stopped at the well and spoke mother of two and an accountant. Over the last few months I’ve seen with the woman there, asking questions, She is a Georgia native currently living in this happen numerous times. Strangers will listening and extending grace. He stopped the foothills of North Carolina. come up to Mom in the grocery store and when he saw Zacchaeus up in that tree, Her passion for writing is fueled by tell her she’s beautiful, while a scarf adorns asking him to come down and join him for the desire to offer encouragement, grace her head. Random people in random places a meal. and a deeper understanding that we will ask if they can hug her. Jesus stopped on his way to heal Jairus’ are all God’s children. Her blogging for Compassion. Cheerfulness. Kindness. daughter after a woman who had been Nurturing Faith is sponsored by a gift I have witnessed all of these and have begun bleeding for years touched the hem of his from First Baptist Church of Gainesville, to wonder if I’ve missed opportunities garment. He ministered to her by looking Ga. Additional writings may be found at through the years to spread God’s light and her in the eye and calling her “daughter.” nomamasperfect.com. “Jesus always took time to connect with people.”

Blogs, daily news, events, social media connections and more may be found at nurturingfaith.net

Thoughts 19 THE LIGHTER SIDE Money can buy happiness, but you have to spend it right By Brett Younger

Groucho Marx said, “While much of anything. In the same experiment they gave money can’t buy happiness, it money to people to give to others to see certainly lets you choose your if that would make them happier. Along own form of misery.” with the money came a slip of paper with the words, “By five p.m. today spend this ne of your college roommates — money on somebody else.” with worse friendships than they had before not the one you like, the other one The results were completely different. O — the one whose job you would they won the lottery. One woman purchased a stuffed animal for love to have, the one who makes three times When we hear this news, we do not her niece. Some gave money to homeless as much as you, the one who speaks four think, “I hope I never win the lottery.” We people. Some bought coffee for someone languages, the one whose spouse looks like fantasize about what else. People who spend money on others get a model, the one whose children are so we will do when we happier. precocious, so photogenic, so constantly on win — buy a bigger Gertrude Stein said, “Whoever said Facebook, skiing in the Alps, running on a house, a nicer car, or money can’t buy happiness didn’t know beach in Rio, invites you to dinner. our own little island. where to shop.” You go to a stunningly expensive steak Will Rogers, Giving our money away — rather than house. Your rich friend picks up the check. Will Smith, the doing what the world tells us to do with it You would like to pick up the check, but it Weeknd and Ludac- — keeps us alive. Money can buy happiness is a big check. Your old roomie’s money does ris have all been if we are trying to buy something bigger not make you happy. given credit for this line: “Too many people than happiness. Money will not buy happiness if we spend money they haven’t earned, to buy One of the best reasons for churches to spend it badly. In the United States, luxury things they don’t want, to impress people ask for money is to help people save their spending has been increasing at a rate four they don’t like.” souls. This is not about getting a ticket to times greater than overall spending. In the It was Ludacris, don’t you think? heaven in exchange for a big gift — though 1950s, luxury objects had a hint of shame Michael Norton, a Harvard business that might be an effective slogan. Our to them. People are no longer embarrassed school professor, conducted an experi- happiness is at stake in how we share what to spend just for the pleasure of spending. ment in which he gave money to people we have been given. James Twitchell writes, “The defining to spend on themselves. Researchers went Al Yankovic is on the right track: “If characteristic of today’s society is the average to the University of British Columbia and money can’t buy happiness, then I guess I’ll person’s embrace of unnecessary consump- handed students envelopes that contained have to rent it.” tion, superficial indulgence, wretched excess the words: “By five p.m. today spend this Being generous is a way for us to and endless status-seeking.” money on yourself.” experience happiness, to discover that deep James Twitchell is not much fun at That night they were asked, “What did down we are not selfish, that if we look deep Christmas. you spend it on, and how happy do you feel enough we will find generosity. People who Lottery winners are famous for wasting right now?” live from deep within share what they have their newfound money. When they win the Apparently, if you give college students been given. If we think money cannot buy lottery, they think their lives are going to be $5 it looks like coffee. They run to Starbucks happiness, we are not spending it right. NFJ amazing. Most of the time they spend all and spend it as fast as they can. Nothing the money and go into debt. Everyone they happens in terms of their happiness. It does —Brett Younger is the senior minister have ever met asks for money. They end up not make them less happy. It does not do of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, New York.

20 Thoughts LESSONS FOR SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2018

™ BIBLE STUDIES

The Bible Lessons that anchor the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are written by Tony Cartledge in a scholarly, yet applicable, style from the wide range of Christian scriptures. A graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div) and Duke University (Ph.D.), and with years of experience as a pastor, writer, and professor at Campbell University, he provides deep insight for Christian living without “dumbing down” the richness of the biblical texts for honest learners.

Scripture citations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) ATTENTION TEACHERS: unless otherwise noted. HERE’S YOUR PASSWORD! IN THIS ISSUE IN THE NEXT ISSUE > The updated Nurturing Faith web site Doing and Being Nov. 4, 2018 (nurturingfaith.net) provides a fresh Deuteronomy 6:1-9 look and easy access to the Teaching Sept. 2, 2018 Remembering Always Resources to support these Weekly Deuteronomy 4:1-14 Following Through Nov. 11, 2018 Lessons. Subscribers may log into 1 Kings 17:8-16 the online resources (video overview, Sept. 9, 2018 Doing Faith lesson plans, Digging Deeper, Hardest Psalm 146 Question) by using the password. Trusting God Nov. 18, 2018 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Sept. 16, 2018 Singing Joy > Simply click the “Teachers” button in the Isaiah 50:4-9 orange bar at the very top of the home- Standing Firm Nov. 25, 2018 page. This will take you to where you Daniel 7:1-14 Sept. 23, 2018 enter the September password (think) Dreaming Hope Psalm 1 or the October password (teach) and Living Wisely Advent: Someone’s Coming access the Teaching Resources. You will find the current password on page 21 Sept. 30, 2018 Dec. 2, 2018 (this page) in each issue of the journal Psalm 124 Luke 21:25-36 for use by subscribers only. Offering Praise Coming to Reign Oct. 7, 2018 Dec. 9, 2018 Genesis 2:18-25 Malachi 3:1-4 Adult teaching plans Being Equal Coming to Judge by David Woody, Minister of Faith Oct. 14, 2018 Dec. 16, 2018 Development at Psalm 90 Isaiah 12:1-6 Providence Baptist Gaining Perspective Coming to Save Church in Charleston, Oct. 21, 2018 Dec. 23, 2018 S.C., are available at Isaiah 53:1-12 Hebrews 10:1-10 nurturingfaith.net Redeeming Love Coming to Sanctify

Youth teaching plans Oct. 28, 2018 Christmas by Jeremy Colliver, Jeremiah 31:7-9 Dec. 30, 2018 Minister to Families Saving Grace Colossians 3:12-17 with Youth at Smoke All in the Name of Jesus Rise Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Ga., Thanks, sponsors! These Bible studies for adults and youth are sponsored through are available at generous gifts from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Eula Mae and John Baugh nurturingfaith.net. Foundation. Thank you!

21 Bible Study

Sept. 2, 2018 occupy the land that the LORD, the God Deuteronomy 4:9 – of your ancestors, is giving you” (v. 1). But take care and watch your- In Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, Deuteronomy 4:1-14 selves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes Moses mainly gave commands, but in Following Through have seen nor to let them slip from Deuteronomy he speaks of “statutes your mind all the days of your life; and ordinances.” The awkward placement of the abor Day weekend leads naturally make them known to your children and your children’s children … sermon and the shift in vocabulary are to thoughts about work – and literary indications that this material a day off from work – but also L was a later development, as commands marks the season when some children it was probably composed many years of the Decalogue give way to “statutes and college students go back to school later as Israel’s scribes cited Mosaic and ordinances” that have the ring of after summer vacations. traditions to encourage the troubled interpretive judgments and rules that Parents often have parting words people of their own day. developed in the priestly tradition. of advice for younger children when As such, the book has multiple The order to “give heed” to Moses’ they drop them off at school or the audiences. It was written as an address commands is followed by a charge that bus stop. “Behave yourself” or “Listen to Israelites who had survived the to the teacher,” they say, along with nothing should be added or taken away wilderness and stood on the edge of the hopeful encouragement to “Have fun!” from the covenant provisions (v. 2) promised land, but also spoke to those Older children going off to college and a warning that failing to follow Israelites who were facing the possibil- the commands would lead to serious ity of exile, as well as a smaller group speeches replete with warnings, encour- trouble, as they should know well. who had returned to Judah after the agements, and often a few tears. They’re The warning concerns what would exile. off on a great new adventure in which have been a fairly recent incident Finally, the book speaks to readers they will succeed or fail on their own. described more fully in Num. 25:1-15, of every following generation, includ- Parents want children to remember ing us. and be true to the values they’ve been 16, and recalled in Hosea 9:10 as a - taught. detestable memory, though it does not Today’s text, from Deuteronomy onomy portray Moses as reciting a appear in Moses’ historical summary of 4:1-14, is presented as Moses’ farewell summary of the Israelites’ deliver- speech to the Israelites as they prepared ance from Egypt, their rocky time in The account in Numbers 25 relates to leave the plains of Moab and enter the wilderness, and their arrival in the that, after arriving in the plains of the promised land – without Moses to plains of Moab. They conclude with Moab, some of the people were drawn lead them. Moses announcing that he would not into having illicit sexual relations with There were things he wanted them be allowed to enter the land of promise Moabite women, joining them in offer- to remember. but would appoint Joshua to lead in his stead. “Baal of Peor.” Yahweh reportedly Take heed The reader expects the commis- grew angry and told Moses to execute (vv. 1-4) sioning of Joshua to follow, but the the leaders of the affair. The story then Although the book of Deuteronomy narrative shifts abruptly to a sermon on shifts awkwardly to an Israelite man purports to be the very words of Moses, the subject of faithfulness. having sex with a Midianite woman. “So now, Israel, give heed to the The priest Phinehas killed them both, Additional information at statutes and ordinances that I am teach- possibly while in the act of intercourse, nurturingfaith.net ing you to observe,” Moses reportedly as the text says one thrust of his spear said, “so that you may live to enter and pierced them both through the belly.

22 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. 22 Feature Phinehas’ act put an end to a plague, endure, but also live among other “heard the sound of words but saw no not previously mentioned, that had peoples as a shining beacon of a people form” as Yahweh declared the covenant reportedly killed 24,000 Israelites. who lived close to God: “For what stipulations that came to be known as Moses’ speech in Deuteronomy other great nation has a god so near to it 4 reminds the people that all who as the LORD our God is whenever we Yet, the Israelites were to remem- followed the Baal of Peor had died call to him?” (v. 7). ber it and live as if they had been there, Moses insisted that Yahweh was present in the DNA of their ancestors. fast to the LORD your God are all alive present in a way that no other peoples’ Furthermore, they were to make the today” (v. 4). This reinforces the basic gods could be. Yahweh was no idol shut memories known to their children and theme of Moses’ speech: the purpose of up in a shrine, but living and active and their children’s children, so none would following God’s covenant commands present among the people, ready to hear forget (v. 9b). and respond to their pleas. The writer’s audience might not live to enter and occupy the land (v. 1). The statutes and ordinances Moses have been at Sinai, but he wanted Christian believers also seek commanded were not to be thought of them to relive the experience of having life, not just life in a particular place, as a burden, but as evidence of a God assembled beneath the mountain so but the kind of life Jesus described as who cared enough to provide guide- God could “let them hear my words, so abundant and eternal. Such life comes lines for living in respectful harmony that they may learn to fear me as long through trusting in God’s grace through with others and with God (v. 8). as they live on the earth, and may teach Christ and following his teachings, their children so” (v. 10). notably the “new commandment” to Watch yourselves People of a certain age will remem- love one another as Christ loved us (vv. 9-14) ber a “golden oldie” from 1969 by Moses’ purported speech is clearly Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. During intended to speak across the genera- the late 1960s, during the height of the Be diligent tions in a way that recognizes Israel’s Vietnam War, Graham Nash expressed (vv. 5-8) corporate identity with the ancestors his concern that children were learning In vv. 5-8, not included in the lection- as well as one another. Verse 9 warns more about war than peace when he ary, the writer has Moses offer a second the people to “take care and watch wrote the song “Teach Your Children.” and somewhat surprising rationale for yourselves closely” lest they forget “the The lyrics encouraged parents to “teach why Israel should keep the “statutes things that your eyes have seen nor to your children well,” lest they experi- and ordinances” he was teaching (v. 5). let them slip from your mind all the ence “your father’s hell.” Following them diligently, he said, days of your life.” Like Israel, we are called to teach “will show your wisdom and discern- Moses was about to recite an our children what they need to experi- ment to the peoples, who, when they example that the vast majority of his ence life at its best. Moses taught words hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely audience had not seen. If we take the of the law in order that the people might this great nation is a wise and discern- narrative at face value, only Moses, live and inhabit the land (v. 1). John’s ing people!’” (v. 6). Joshua, and Caleb remained alive from gospel speaks of Christ as God’s Word When these words were likely the generation that had witnessed the written, whether during the exile or on giving of the Ten Commandments live eternally (John 1:14). either side of it, the Israelites were far and making of the covenant at Mount As Israel was called to be an inspi- from being a great nation. The northern Horeb (an alternate name for Sinai) that ration to other nations (vv. 5-8), John kingdom had fallen to Assyria and the he recounts in v. 10. said of Christ that “In him was life, southern kingdom to Babylonia. The So, Moses’ audience in Deuter- and the life was the light of all people” people were scattered far and wide: onomy 4 would not have personally (John 1:4). Israel’s identity and purpose they might claim to be an ethnic people “approached and stood at the foot were found in knowing and living out but were no longer a nation. of the mountain while the mountain The Deuteronomist, however, was blazing up to the very heavens, their identity and purpose in knowing believed that if the remaining Israelites shrouded in dark clouds,” (v. 11). They Jesus and following his teachings – and would fully trust in God and follow would not have heard Yahweh speak- in passing them on to their children. God’s teaching, they would not only Teach your children well. NFJ

LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 23 Feature 23 Bible Study

Sept. 9, 2018 The psalmist’s personal praise serves Psalm 146:2 – as a public challenge for the worship- I will praise the LORD as long as I ing congregation to join him in song. Psalm 146 live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long. The psalmist’s invitation to praise calls us to recall the many things for Trusting God which we can give praise to God – and worship. We don’t know what his or it also reminds us how our own testi- t’s not uncommon, especially in the her problems were: the psalm itself monies of praise may encourage others comics, to see a depiction of someone to trust in God and to sing hallelujahs who has sought out a guru living on I nature of God’s assistance, and that’s of their own. good: the generic nature of the psalm meaning of life. A quick Google search allows us to incorporate it more easily Invitation to trust turns up a page full of them. in our own praise and worship on (vv. 3-4) One guru responds: “The meaning troubled days. Why should we worship God? The of life? Gee, that’s kind of a toughie The poet’s praise is unadulterated. psalmist believes there is no other …” Another says, “I don’t know: the source of sure and lasting help – computers are down.” A Bizarro strip uses repetition to intensify words of especially in other humans, even royal has the guru respond to the question by adulation. He begins by calling the ones. A few “royal” psalms offer both saying “Have you tried Googling it?” congregation to praise the Lord, then praise and prayer for the king, but the Another person asks the meaning of immediately calls himself to offer poet advises against putting too much life, only to be told “You do the Hokie praise, as well: “Praise the LORD! trust in royalty or in other mortal Pokie and you turn yourself about, Praise the LORD, O my soul!” (v. 1). beings, “in whom there is no help” (v. that’s what it’s all about.” “O my soul” translates the My current favorite has a shiver- Hebrew word napshî, from the noun good intentions, but they all have at ing guru saying “If I knew the meaning nephesh. The Hebrews did not share least one failing in common: they die of life, do you think I’d be sitting here the Greek concept of a soul that was (v. 4). on top of a mountain?” separate from the body. The concept Given the reference to “princes,” As we study a series of Old Testa- of a nephesh refers to one’s innermost we wonder if the psalmist was writing ment texts this fall, we come time and being or truest self. So, the psalmist in the aftermath of a popular king’s challenges himself to offer praise from death. Many were doubtless dejected, takes to live a meaningful and happy the deepest part of who he is. for example, when young King Josiah, life. The author of Psalm 146 believed The psalmist then moves to a who had followed the teachings of he knew the answer. declaration that he will not only praise Deuteronomy to institute many cultic God with all of his life, but also for all Invitation to praise of his life: “I will praise the LORD as with Pharaoh Necco of Egypt. Prophets (vv. 1-2) long as I live; I will sing praises to my and others had hoped Josiah’s reforms Psalm 146 is the prayer of an individ- God all my life long” (v. 2). would lead to a national revival and ual who has experienced divine aid Having used the same word for encourage God to keep the nation safe and who desires to give public testi- “praise” (halal despite the growing power of Babylon. mony of God’s help through corporate of his invitation, he switches in the With Josiah’s death, hope faded. last line to a special word for singing The observation that every- Additional information at praise (zamar). “I will sing praises to one dies (v. 4) may provide a clue to nurturingfaith.net my God all my life long,” he says – the psalmist’s personal experience. literally, “in all of my continuing.” Perhaps someone he loved or leaned

24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. on for support had died, and he had happiness? Because it is God who psalm assures the ongoing presence known the feeling of abandonment created the great triad of heaven, earth, and comfort of God. In addition, it is a that comes when that happens. Grief- and sea – and all that lives within them reminder that those who worship God stricken persons often have a vague (v. 6). If God is the author of life, then and understand God’s call to love their sense of anger at their loved ones God can be trusted to keep faith with neighbors may become the instrument for dying and leaving them. Human the results of his creation. of God’s care to those in need (See relationships can be wonderful and Yahweh’s credibility is seen not “The Hardest Question” online for supportive. None of us could enjoy only in God’s creation, but also in God’s more on this). life without them. But, we must also relations with humankind. In vv. 7-9, remember that human support is the poet reminds his hearers of God’s A doxology for eternity continual kindness toward his people. (v. 10) Those who are wise will also seek a Yahweh gives justice to the The poet has offered praise to Yahweh connection with the one source of help oppressed and food to the hungry, sets as the only one who gives lasting help, whose being has no bounds. prisoners free and gives sight to the as Israel’s true and eternal king. While Jeremiah knew this truth. He blind. The LORD lifts up those who earthly rulers are temporary, “the declared that those who trust in are bowed down by the burdens of life. Lord will reign forever” over count- mortals alone would be like lonely Yahweh cares for those who cannot less generations of his people (v. 10). shrubs in the desert, experiencing the help themselves. In ancient society, the Hebrews living during the Old curse of dry hearts and empty lives. most helpless were those who had no Testament period did not have the same On the other hand, he believed that family to support them: immigrants, concept of eternal life in heaven that people who put their ultimate trust in orphans, and widows. God has the became popular by New Testament God would be like trees in the fruit- power to bless the way of the righteous times. For them, “forever” implied an ful community of an eternal oasis and to ruin the plans of the wicked. unending presence of God’s special (Jer. 17:5-8). The themes mentioned here are people on earth. Most of us have experienced echoed in Isa. 61:1, often interpreted as The psalmist concludes in the something like that. Maybe someone a description of the coming Messiah: same way he began, “halelu-yah – we loved and depended on has died, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Praise the Lord!” We can imagine that leaving this life on earth. Or maybe me, because the Lord has anointed me; the congregation might have joined someone just left us, choosing another he has sent me to bring good news to path and essentially becoming dead the oppressed, to bind up the broken- The depth of feeling in this psalm to us. We’ve known what it is like to hearted, to proclaim liberty to the suggests that the psalmist had personal love someone and to lose them. We’ve captives and release to the prisoners ...” experience with the hard side of life. learned that we need the support of one Jesus, apparently familiar with this text, He knew what it was like to be pressed who will never leave us or forsake us, took it as his own mission statement down by trials and abandoned by those even by death, and we can rejoice that who had promised help. Yet, the testi- God is present and willing to supply synagogue (Luke 4:18). mony of this psalm is that he found that need. A problem with reading and inter- God to be present in the darkness, preting vv. 7-9 is the reality that many perhaps even in the valley of the Celebration of deliverance people remain oppressed, needy, blind, shadow of death. (vv. 5-9) or imprisoned, while wicked people His words offer comfort to the In vv. 5-9, the worshiper shows the may prosper and not face ruin. hurting, assurance that Yahweh is Psalm 146 is no promise that personally concerned – especially everyone who looks to God will be concerned – for those who suffer – trust in God experience happiness, he delivered from trouble and restored to and that even in our suffering we can says: “Happy are those whose help is praise God as we discover that praise the God of Jacob, whose help is in the – or that every evildoer will get a itself brings strength and courage to LORD their God” (v. 5). comeuppance in this world. face another day. And why does the psalmist believe Can you speak a little Hebrew? Yahweh is so trustworthy as to bring selves downtrodden or in need, the Hallelujah! NFJ

LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 9, 2018 25 Bible Study

Sept. 16, 2018 What the servant was called to Isaiah 50:4a – do in these verses, God’s servants The Lord GOD has given me the today may still do. We don’t have to Isaiah 50:4-9 tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary let trouble turn us into victims but with a word. may learn from suffering and turn our Standing Firm pain into wisdom and share it. Have you faced hard times and learned from ave you ever known some A teacher who learns them? Have you ever passed on that aged saint who possesses a (vv. 4-5) wisdom to others? steady faith in God, even in H The words of Isa. 50:4-9 were proba- That kind of learning does not the face of hardship or loss? I have bly written late in the exilic period by come easy: working through grief is a known people whose lives have a prophet who wrote in the tradition daily task. The prophet wrote that God of Isaiah. He is often called “Second “wakens my ear” morning by morning have ample cause to accuse God of Isaiah,” or “Isaiah of the Exile” (See “to listen as those who are taught” abandoning them or failing to care for “The Hardest Question” in the online (v. 4b) – to become a student of them as they expected. Yet, they perse- resources for more on this). suffering. vere in faith and devotion, pressing on The prophet’s audience consisted Isaiah was not describing an with daily prayers and looking to God mainly of people who were born angelic alarm clock, but a daily for strength. in Babylon and knew of life in and openness to God’s Spirit. Whether Some might say that such steady around Jerusalem only from stories suffering or not, there is much God faith is the key to survival for people told by their parents or grandparents. can teach us every day if only we facing hard times. Rather than blaming The lead-in to the third Servant Song pay attention, thinking theologically God for the trials that come their way, follows the literary form of a lawsuit through all the activities of daily life. they trust in God for the strength to If we don’t learn something about endure them. Instead of complain- people’s “mother” (a corporate refer- God’s care every day, we’re not paying ing that God has allowed them to ence to their ancestors) was guilty of attention. Our natural tendency is to suffer, they seek what lessons God iniquities and transgressions, for which be so caught up in ourselves and our might teach them through the painful the time in exile was punishment. needs (or wants) and our duties that experience. The prophet speaks in the voice we overlook the many ways in which This is precisely the picture we of the servant, as one who has also God may be speaking. suffered. Rather than complaining, For the servant, the key was commonly regarded as the third of four he said the experience had taught him seeking to be constantly faithful to “Servant Songs” in Isaiah (the others something, and he sought to encour- God. The conjunction of “the Lord age others by passing on what he had GOD has opened my ear” and “I was even though the word “servant” does gained. “The Lord GOD has given not rebellious” (v. 5) is not random: the not appear in the text. Like the second me the tongue of a teacher,” he wrote, two are intimately related. The servant Servant Song (49:1-6), the prophet’s “that I may know how to sustain the “did not turn backward” from God, weary with a word” (v 4a). but faced forward, looking toward if he is the servant. The servant had learned to make God, listening with open ears. the most of his suffering – not letting his The servant, however, was talking pain be wasted but transforming it into about more than hearing. The Hebrew Additional information at growth and greater maturity. And what nurturingfaith.net the servant learned, he taught: “how to for “obey,” but uses the word that also sustain the weary with a word.” means “to hear.” We understand this.

26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. When parents give children an instruc- contempt: “He might as well have spit eyes. They may sling mud or throw tion and don’t get a quick response, in my face!” stones, but the mud doesn’t stick and they often ask “Did you hear me?” Despite persecution experienced the stones bounce away. It was the Theoretically, to hear is to obey. The at the hands of those he sought to help, servant’s accusers who were guilty implication is that if one truly hears the servant said he persevered because God speak, he or she will obey, and “the Lord GOD helps me.” he had remained faithful to God. not turn back. The servant understood that what Jesus would later suggest a similar is shameful or disgraceful in human his perseverance would lead to God’s thought, for many who were within eyes may be honored in God’s eyes. preservation. Trials would come, but the sound of his voice did not hear his Thus, he was able to say “I have set he would endure. In contrast, a more words to the point of understanding tenuous fate awaited his opponents: or obedience. Thus, Jesus was prone rain of blows or spit or painful tugs “All of them will wear out like a to punctuate important teachings with at his beard. Other people may have garment; the moth will eat them up” “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” sought to humiliate him, but it was not (v. 9b). His accusers might have felt their opinion he valued: it was God right in their own eyes and powerful While the translation “let him hear” he sought to please. “Therefore,” he in their own strength, but they were implies permission, Jesus’ intent was said, “I have not been disgraced … no more permanent than a cloak that imperative: “Whoever has ears to hear and I know that I shall not be put to appears impressive today but is destined had better listen!” (NET). shame; he who vindicates me is near” to become worn out and moth-eaten. (v. 7-8a). And what does the servant have to A su!erer who perseveres do with us? Images from Isa. 50:4-9 are (vv. 6-8a) A God who vindicates often applied to Christ as the ultimate The servant of Isa. 50:4-9 said he (vv. 8b-9) awakened to learn from God each day. - servant. The third Servant Song begins Apparently, on some of those days he ance of vv. 6-7 into a challenge for by describing the servant as a teacher awoke with a raw back and sore cheeks others. Like a boxer who beckons who learns daily from God. “Teacher” from being attacked by detractors. “I his opponent to aim another blow at was perhaps the most common title gave my back to those who struck me,” his already-bloodied face, the servant attributed to Jesus during his adult he wrote, “and my cheeks to those who challenged those who had beaten and ministry, and he spoke of spending time pulled out the beard; I did not hide my insulted him. In a pair of correspond- in prayer and of what he had gained face from insult and spitting” (v 6). ing poetic lines, he cried “Who will from the Father (Luke 10:22). Apparently, the prophet’s mixed contend with me? Let us stand up condemnation and consolation were together. Who are my adversaries? Let that he would be mocked, beaten, and not always welcome. He described them confront me” (v. 8). spat upon. Accounts such as Mark physical abuse at the hands of detrac- The servant may have been down, - tors: public beatings, pulling of the but not out. He was bloodied, but not ecy in line with what the servant of beard, spitting in the face (v. 6). beaten. Words, blows, and insulting 50:7-8 endured. All of these actions suggest spittle might come his way, but he Although many Christians rightly typical ways of shaming and humili- was able to shake them off and feel no ation in the ancient Near East. Cutting disgrace, because he knew something life and ministry of Christ, we must or pulling the beard, for example, was his tormentors did not understand. be careful not to limit the prophet’s designed to call one’s masculinity into They did not know the God he knew. message to what happened in Jesus. question, leading to public embarrass- They did not comprehend true nobility. Isaiah held forth an ideal for all who ment (2 Sam. 10:4; Isa. 7:20, 15:2; The servant’s persecutors could treat him as worthy of punishment, and identity in the eyes of God rather face was a ritual means of insulting but he knew “It is the Lord GOD who than the world’s view. That challenge another person, causing public shame helps me; who will declare me guilty?” remains: are we listening, follow- (Num. 12:14, Deut. 25:9). Even today, (v. 9a). No man or woman can impose ing, and trusting God no matter what we think of it as an expression of gross guilt on one who is upright in God’s others do? NFJ

LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 27 Bible Study

Sept. 23, 2018 “foolish,” but leaves no doubt that Psalm 1:1 – law-abiding righteous people are wise Happy are those who do not and destined for happiness, while the Psalm 1 follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread or wicked are foolish and headed for Living Wisely sit in the seat of sco!ers. judgment. The walk of the wise o you like the notion of being The beginning of wisdom (vv. 1-3) wise? We spend years of our Israel’s wisdom teachers focused The psalm begins its praise of the wise lives in school seeking an D their teaching on men, and so does in reverse fashion, by focusing on education in knowledge, and that’s Psalm 1, though it is masked in the what they don’t do. “Happy are those important. But we sometimes forget translation. The text routinely refers who do not follow the advice of the that knowledge and wisdom are not to “the man” or “he,” but the NRSV wicked, or take the path that sinners necessarily the same thing. and other modern versions recognize tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers ...” Knowledge deals with the realm that the advice does not apply to men Like other psalms, this one is of facts, concepts, or ideas garnered only. Thus, they convert “man” and written as poetry, and Hebrew poetry through study, observation, research, masculine pronouns to language that is characterized by repetition rather or experience. Wisdom, on the other than rhyme. While doublets (two lines hand, relates to what we do with the “happy is the man” becomes “Happy echoing a similar theme) are most knowledge we have. It is the ability are those” (NRSV) or “blessed is the common, v. 1 is a triplet: those who to make practical judgments based on one” (NIV 11, NET). would be happy reject the advice of available knowledge, to make good We don’t know what kind of the wicked, avoid the sinner’s way, and decisions, to choose wisely the proper schooling was available in the ancient course of life. world, but such as it was, it was All three phrases capture the same Wisdom was an important theme probably only for the elite, and only idea, but through different angles. in the Hebrew Bible. The entire for boys. The book of Proverbs is Allowing sinful people to lead one books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesi- astray and disrespect the law would astes were dedicated to the pursuit and to follow “Lady Wisdom” and avoid be a sure road to misery, while one dissemination of wisdom – as were “Dame Folly,” along with practical several of the psalms. Our text is one advice for a successful life. highway to happiness. The traditional wisdom found in We note that different translations Proverbs and Psalms was based on describe the righteous as “happy” or the common Old Testament belief “blessed,” because both are possible in the Psalter suggests that a scribe that obedience to God’s law promised translations of the Hebrew word . associated with the “wise” may have prosperity and long life, while dis- The same is true in Jesus’ “Beatitudes,” edited the canonical collection of obedience would earn one trouble of where the Greek makarios can be trans- psalms as we now have them. all kinds. As such, “The fear of the lated as either “blessed” or “happy.” In LORD is the beginning of wisdom” English, we tend to think of happiness was a mantra of the wise (Prov. 1:7 as the result of being blessed, but for and 9:10, among others). the ancients the two concepts were It comes as no surprise that Psalm more closely intertwined. Additional information at 1 draws a sharp contrast between the The wise are happily blessed nurturingfaith.net righteous and the wicked. It does because “their delight is in the law not use terminology for “wise” or of the LORD, and on his law they

28 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. meditate day and night” (v. 2). The The closing verse lays out the they lived in a particular covenant blessed life begins with a mindset or ultimate destiny facing those who relationship with God that promised an attitude: we intentionally orient choose wisdom or folly, God’s way or blessings for obedience and curses for ourselves toward behavior that puts self’s way: “... for the LORD watches disobedience. God at the center of our lives. over the way of the righteous, but the As Christian people, we live under How could the blessed joy of such way of the wicked will perish” (v. 6). a new covenant through Jesus Christ, wise folk be described? They are like There are two ways, the psalmist and must be very careful not to assume trees planted by plentiful waters, so says, with lasting consequences. Faith- that God’s covenant with Israel neces- that their foliage is verdant and their ful people walk beneath the umbrella sarily applies to us. There is certainly truth in the they do,” the psalmist claims, “they comes, God is with them always. claim that persons who avoid wicked Stubborn and unrepentant people walk ways and follow God’s teaching will Always? alone, destined to perish, with no hope be better people, and more content, to Of course not. The psalmist, like of divine succor beyond. - other wisdom teachers, was aware Though the world’s temptations that the righteous may suffer and the are ever-present and highly persua- in keeping close to God, even when wicked may prosper: that’s why we sive, the choice should not be hard. times are hard and the road is rocky. have the books of Job and Ecclesias- We close by noting that Christians Consider Moses. Consider Jere- tes, which speculate on such matters. must be very careful in reading texts miah. Consider Jesus. Could anyone be Still, adherents of wisdom held such as Psalm 1, because “prosper- more faithful? All of them suffered, and that such instances were an aberration, ity preachers” such as Joel Osteen, none of them were rich – but they also and believed the principle remained knew the presence and comfort of God true that wise people who faithfully have led thousands of people into in ways that wicked people, whether the dangerous and faulty theology of wealthy or not, cannot fathom. inner satisfaction and outward success, believing that God wants everyone to be rich, and that the key to receiving the value of being planted by a steady riches is to donate to their ministries. source of water is that the psalmist The fall of the foolish Prosperity preachers love to recite knows that dry years come. The very (vv. 4-6) similar poem in Jer. 17:5-9 expands Unlike obedient followers whose the description of the righteous: “They with an insistence that every word in shall be like a tree planted by water, well-watered tree, “The wicked are the Bible must be literally true – in sending out its roots by the stream. It not so, but are like chaff that the wind support of their bogus promises. shall not fear when heat comes, and its drives away” (v. 4). The contrast is When gullible people trust their leaves shall stay green; in the year of sharp: a living and fruitful tree on the slick temporizing and send away drought it is not anxious, and it does one hand, the dry husks of dead wheat their meager funds but do not receive not cease to bear fruit” (Jer. 17:8). on the other. The faithful are stable Jeremiah’s version of the psalm and deeply rooted, while the wicked they may be tempted to give up on acknowledges the dry years yet are insubstantial and blown away by God altogether. promises both life and growth. Here the slightest breeze. How do we trust the scriptures is no promise that gypsy moths or As a result, the wicked cannot while also avoiding their abuse? We killer bees will never bug us, that the endure God’s judgment, nor can they begin by recognizing that the texts weather will always be to our liking, we now call scripture were written by or that every person we meet will be (v. 5). Those who live only for self- people who lived in particular contexts mature and responsible and loving. enrichment and personal pleasure may and often expressed their beliefs in exaggerated or hyperbolic fashion as trials do come, we can continue to but in the long run, their hearts are a characteristic means of emphasis. live and to grow because we have a bankrupt, their lives are empty, and We also note that these texts were dependable source of nourishment and they face the darkness of death alone. written for Hebrews who believed life. NFJ

LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 29 Bible Study

Sept. 30, 2018 ’adam, a Hebrew word that can mean Psalm 124:8 – “man,” “mankind,” or in a corporate Our help is in the name of the sense, “people.” KJV and NET trans- Psalm 124 LORD, who made heaven and earth. late as “men,” and NIV 11 uses the word “people.” O!ering Praise The hostility demonstrated by path – if not for a miraculous deliver- these people is unclear. The Hebrew never would have made it ance wrought by God. verb can carry the sense of an attack, without the Lord.” Perhaps you Such a description brings to mind but literally means “rose up.” Someone have heard someone speak like “I Jerusalem’s survival in 701 BCE who must have been quite power- when the Assyrian king Sennacherib ful rose up against the poet and his rampaged through the country of Judah community, someone so strong that your own experience has led you to and destroyed many cities, includ- defeat was a foregone conclusion – “If say something similar. ing Lachish, second only to Jerusalem it had not been the LORD who was on in size. Both biblical and Assyrian our side.” in the belief that God not only cares accounts speak of this event. The certainty of danger is about us but also is on our side. We Most commentators believe the expressed metaphorically through the shouldn’t carry this belief into prayers psalm dates from much later, during before sports events, as if God favors the postexilic period, possibly to part of Israel is dry for months at a one team over another, and certainly celebrate the return from exile after time, and the landscape is scarred not into prayers that we might win Cyrus the Persian conquered Babylon by large gullies that can be tens or the lottery. Still, it’s a good feeling to and allowed formerly disenfranchised hundreds of feet deep. know that, through all the vicissitudes peoples to return to their homelands. Most of the gullies, called of life, God is for us. While we might wish for a clearer “wadis,” are dry and dusty during This is precisely the feeling picture of what happened, the psalm’s the summer months, and may serve expressed in Psalm 124, often labeled ambiguity serves a positive purpose as common paths for travelers. When as a “community thanksgiving psalm” and one of 15 psalms denoted as a ourselves in the psalm – to relate it to our own life situations when we water rushing through the wadis and possibly sung by pilgrims coming to longed for divine aid or comfort. overwhelm any unfortunate people or worship at the temple in Jerusalem “If it had not been the LORD who animals who aren’t smart enough or during the postexilic period. was on our side ...,” the poet begins, quick enough to get out of the way. then pauses to invite others to join in: The psalmist speaks of how A confession of deliverance oppressors “would have swallowed us (vv. 1-5) “ – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when up alive when their anger was kindled An initial reading of vv. 1-5 seems to our enemies attacked us ...” (vv. 1-2). describe a time when Israel as a nation Recall that “the LORD” translates “waters”) would have swept us away, was attacked by enemies who could the torrent would have gone over us; have swept over the people like a then over us would have gone the confessing a belief that Yahweh came to the rescue in a time of dire need, Have you ever felt overwhelmed Additional information at “when our enemies attacked us.” by some situation that was not of nurturingfaith.net A closer look reveals that the word your own making? Pressures within translated as “enemies” is actually families, work, or school can be so

30 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. intense that we may have the feeling of or net that broke, allowing its prey to name of the LORD, who made heaven escape. and earth” (v. 8). trying to keep our heads above water. The imagery of escaping from One aspect of this verse is clear: Others involved may not necessarily a fowler’s snare is what leads many the psalmist stands before the congre- be “enemies” who wish us harm: their readers to think of the poet as someone individual expectations may indeed who had returned from the Babylonian inspiration for others to believe that be reasonable, but the combination of exile. The metaphor is not precise, the same God “who made heaven and them can leave us struggling to stay however. Though many Hebrews were earth” is capable and caring enough forcefully deported from their homes to be “our help” in times of trouble. In those times we can’t expect and required to live in Babylon, few He believes that he and others have God to do our work for us, or meet the of them were either imprisoned or escaped grave danger for just one demands of our families, or write our impoverished. They were given land reason: because God has helped them. essays – but we can trust that God will on which to settle and allowed to have But why doesn’t he give credit be present with us and rejoice that we businesses. Cuneiform documents directly to Yahweh (the LORD)? He belong to a believing community of from that period speak of people with says, “Our help is in the name of the other people who can support us. Hebrew names who lived in “Jehud- LORD” (emphasis added). This community aspect reminds town” and carried on business like The psalmist would probably us of another important truth: while other residents of Babylonia. be puzzled by the question. For the many people think of religion or seek By the end of the exile, few if Hebrews, God and God’s name were so any of the original captives survived. closely intertwined that to invoke one a more mature faith recognizes that Virtually all of the Hebrews in was to invoke the other. To say our help God’s love is not just for me, but Babylon had been born there. They is in the name of the LORD is to say for us. Sometimes others can be the had heard stories about Jerusalem, that the LORD is our help, period. answer to our prayer. Sometimes we however, a once-splendid city that What, then, are we to take away can be the answer to others’ prayers. no doubt had grown more resplen- from this psalm? On the one hand, we dent with the telling. As Palestinian are assured that no matter what calam- A hymn of praise refugees today long to return to land ity threatens, we can hope in God, (vv. 6-7) in Israel taken from them in 1948, so trusting that God is on our side. God In v. 6, the poet turns from confession many of the exiles yearned for Jerusa- does not have to deliver us from every to praise combined with a further testi- peril in order to be present with us. mony of God’s delivering power. Here to return, some may have imagined A second reminder from this the oppressors are no longer portrayed psalm is the importance of giving free from Babylon’s captive net. thanks and public praise to God for hungry hunters. The oppressed are no Have you ever experienced narrow seeing us through our trials. Like the longer in danger of drowning, but of escapes? You may have walked away psalmist, we can testify that “If it had being caught in a trap and eaten. from an automobile accident that could not been the LORD who was on our “Blessed be the LORD,” the poet easily have killed you, or both survived side,” we wouldn’t have come through sings, “who has not given us as prey and surprisingly thrived after a divorce our troubles as well as we have. to their teeth. We have escaped like a that you once thought would have done We live in a scary world, with bird from the snare of the fowlers; the you in. We can often move on from threats of serious harm to the environ- snare is broken, and we have escaped” treacherous situations, not because of ment, economic uncertainties, and (vv. 6-7). a miraculous deliverance, but because concerns about ideological terrorists Modern hunters use shotguns to or random shooters bearing grudges or bring down birds of prey: the ancients God’s people are with us, and for us. mental illness along with their guns. could go after large birds with a bow But despite it all, we can trust that or spear but had to rely on snares or An a"rmation of confidence God is for us. We need not lie awake nets for smaller birds such as quail or (v. 8) at night or sweat through each day but wild pigeons. The psalmist feels like The poet concludes his psalm with an a bird that had been caught in a snare is on our side. NFJ

LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 31 Bible Study New password for online teaching resources is: teach. Oct. 7, 2018 expressing the belief that God created all Genesis 2:18 – things, but with different emphases. Then the LORD God said, “It is Genesis 2:18-25 not good that the man should be An unsatisfactory situation alone; I will make him a helper as (vv. 18-20) Being Equal his partner.” The Yahwist’s account of creation begins “In the day that the LORD quality is a concept that’s easier That long-held tradition, which God made the earth and the heavens” to love in theory than in prac- many people still believe, cannot pos- (v. 4b), before rain had fallen or any tice, for there have always been sibly be accurate. A careful reading of E the text, even in English, reveals that plants had grown, with a statement that those who consider themselves to “the LORD God formed man from the be more “equal” than others. We are many hands played roles in the devel- dust of the ground and breathed into familiar with ongoing struggles for opment, recording, and editing of these his nostrils the breath of life; and the equality between racial and ethnic stories. man became a living being” (v. 7). groups, or between the entrenched rich The most obvious example of The word used for “man” here and the aspiring poor. multiple authors is right here before is ’adam Nowhere has the issue of inequal- us, for Gen. 1:1–2:4a and Gen. 2:4b- the word “ground” (’admah) in vv. 5, ity been more pervasive than between 25 are manifestly two entirely differ- 6, and 7. Throughout the story, he is men and women. With few excep- ent stories of creation. Traditionalists referred to as “the man” (ha’adam). tions, men dominate most societies. have often sought to explain the obvi- Only in 4:25, in the account of Seth’s Even in countries that claim to believe ous discrepancies by claiming that the birth, is the generic ’adam in equality, men commonly have more second story is simply a more detailed a proper name, “Adam.” power, make more money, and enjoy version of the creation of humans, but From the same ground that had more freedom than women. even a cursory reading shows that they formed the man, “the LORD God Sadly, many Christian lead- are very different. planted a garden in Eden” as a habita- ers through the years (almost always tion for him (vv. 8-9). men) have grounded and perpetu- very formal and repetitive style, God The next few verses, which prob- ated inequality through claiming that (always called “Elohim”) is a distant ably represent a separate tradition Gen. 2:18-25 teaches the subservience deity who rules over a council of heav- incorporated into the story, are an of women as God’s plan, when in fact enly beings and creates all things by imaginative attempt to locate Eden by the text is all about equality. the spoken word alone. In the second story, written in a simple, earthy man- listing four rivers that emerged from An ancient text ner, God (called “Yahweh Elohim”) it, though no place on earth matches appears on the earth in human form that description. Let’s begin by looking at the broader With v. 15 we return to the narra- context of our story. An early tradition man from clay. tive, in which “the LORD God took the among both Jews and Christians held man and put him in the garden of Eden that Moses wrote all of the Pentateuch format, while the second account por- to till it and keep it” (v. 15). The many (Genesis–Deuteronomy), inspired by trays as taking place in a single day. trees there included a “tree of life” God to write of things – such as creation The two stories cannot be recon- and a “tree of the knowledge of good – for which there were no witnesses. ciled, and they don’t need to be: like and evil.” God instructed the man to other biblical meditations on creation enjoy the tree of life but to avoid fruit Additional information at from “the tree of the knowledge of good nurturingfaith.net and evil.” This is a symbolic way of

32 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. confessing that humans had the option as his partner” (vv. 19-20). man expresses his belief that they are to obey or disobey from the beginning. On the surface, the narrative seems intimately related as having shared The picture of Eden appears to to imply that God was so inept as to think represent a true paradise except for that an animal could possibly serve as The statement in v. 24 is not from one thing: the man was alone. No mat- the man’s life companion, but the author the man – who would have no knowl- ter how beautiful the landscape or how has a different intent. By showing that edge of fathers, mothers, or marriage abundant and delicious the fruit, life every other living creature was inade- customs – but a comment by the narra- can feel empty when there is no one to quate, the narrator builds suspense and tor: “Therefore a man leaves his father share it with. sets the stage for the arrival of what the and his mother and clings to his wife, man really needs. A creative resolution This may seem a bit odd, because (vv. 20-25) Israelite society was “patrilocal,” God recognized this, the writer said, surgery: “So the LORD God caused a meaning that married men generally acknowledging that “It is not good that deep sleep to fall upon the man, and stayed near their families in an adjoin- the man should be alone; I will make he slept; then he took of his ribs and ing house or tent, while women left him a helper as his partner” (v. 20). their families to live with their new Let’s examine some of these The word “rib” is not in v. 21, which husbands. The point is that the man’s words more carefully. First, the word literally says that God “took one from - “helper” is not intended to suggest his side,” probably to be taken as ship is no longer to or with his parents, that the man needed an aide or a maid. “a part of his side.” The following verse but his wife: they have become “one The word is ‘ezer. Elsewhere in the says God used “the side he had taken Old Testament, it is used only of God from the man” and used it to “build” – which should come as a surprise to the woman before bringing her to the many readers. man, who had presumably awakened. The narrator’s descriptive com- The word most commonly Details of how God “built” the mentary continues in v. 25, adding describes God acting as a deliverer woman are not given, any more than that “the man and his wife were both or protector or sustainer, the one who the process by which Adam was made naked, and were not ashamed.” does what man alone cannot do. The from dirt. The point is that God is the On the one hand, this is a setup “helper” God has in mind is not to be creative force. for the next chapter, in which the man below the man, but to correspond to After a fruitless inventory of and woman disobey God and their him. The word translated as “partner” animals, the man is overjoyed to meet resulting shame is symbolized by an in the NRSV, kenegdo, is a combina- his true mate, saying “This at last is bone awareness that they are naked. On the tion of a preposition, a noun, and a other hand, it is a reminder that human masculine pronoun – and used only one shall be called Woman, for out of sexuality is part of God’s good creation here. Literally, it means something like and something to be celebrated, an “as across from him.” The sense, then, readers will note a careful wordplay important aspect of intimacy between is “corresponding to,” or “suitable for.” between the words for woman (’ishah) committed partners. The “helper” is not to be a servant, but a and man (’ish). The two terms are not Only with the creation of both partner; not a subordinate, but an equal etymologically related, but sound alike, male and female could humankind be – the “helper” is needed so the man will complete. More conservative inter- not be alone, but whole. announcement. preters who lean on the apostle Paul The man’s need for a partner is The following verse makes it for a more male-dominant view may followed by a fanciful description of clear that the author’s purpose is not argue that this text puts the woman in God’s creation of all animals and birds just to express his beliefs about the a secondary position because the story – also from “out of the ground,” allow- creation of men and women, but about ing the man to view each one and to give the ideal of marriage, as well. In this however, the woman’s creation from a it a name. Of all the living creatures, marriage, God is at work, bringing part of the man suggests a model that however, “there was not found a helper the man and the woman together. The is new and improved. NFJ

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 7, 2018 33 Bible Study

Oct. 14, 2018 perceives the passing of a millennium Psalm 90:12 – in precisely the same way we experi- So teach us to count our days, that ence a single day. Psalm 90 we may gain a wise heart. The psalmist’s point is the belief that for God, life and time are eternal, Gaining Perspective some loose similarities to the “Song while for humans the experience is ephemeral, hardly more than a dream, e know what it is like to because of its apparent references to as short-lived as grass that springs up have good days, and we’ve in the morning but withers away by all experienced bad days. W to have been written by Moses. evening (v. 6). When you look back at your life, would Portraying the psalm as having more you say you have had more good days ancient roots would also suggest Respect and perspective than bad, or bad days than good? What- greater authority. (vv. 7-12) ever the answer, to what do you attri- The psalm begins with a famil- And why is human life so short? For bute your sad or happy days? the psalmist, it is due to God’s anger: The author of Psalm 90 was con- goodness. “Lord, you have been our “For we are consumed by your anger; vinced that his days had been few and dwelling place in all generations. by your wrath we are overwhelmed. hard. As he prayed, it seemed, the most Before the mountains were brought You have set our iniquities before he could hope for was that his good and forth or ever you had formed the earth you, our secret sins in the light of your bad days would come out even. and the world, from everlasting to countenance” (vv. 7-8). In modern times, portions of everlasting you are God” (vv. 1-2). Why would the psalmist attribute Psalm 90, with its reference to typical One might think this is going to be human mortality to God’s anger? The human lifespans and to “counting our a song of praise. theology underlying most (but not days,” is often read at funerals, and for One would be wrong, for the tenor all) of the Old Testament is the belief, good reason. It reminds us of both our of the psalm goes downhill from there. portrayed most clearly in passages mortality and our hope. The attribution of God’s supremacy such as Deuteronomy 28, that God and over creation and everlasting nature is Israel lived in a covenant relationship. Eternity and mortality a setup, designed as a marked contrast (vv. 1-6) If the people of Israel were faithful and to human frailty and mortality. obedient to God, they could expect Psalm 90 has a superscription associ- “You turn us back to dust,” the material blessings and happy lives. If ating it with “Moses, the man of God.” - they proved disobedient, all manners Like other ascriptions in the psalms, it of curses and diseases would fall on is probably a scribal notation rather God’s judgment on Adam and Eve for their heads. than original. It is highly unlikely disobedience in the garden: “By the While the psalmist would have that Moses would have written the sweat of your face you shall eat bread been informed by this belief, it seems psalm, which probably originated in until you return to the ground, for out more likely that his reference here also the postexilic period, a thousand years of it you were taken; you are dust, and after Moses would have lived. to dust you shall return.” the story of Adam and Eve choosing to The prayer probably came to be From God’s perspective, even eat forbidden fruit in hopes of gaining associated with Moses because it has 1,000 years “are like yesterday when it knowledge known only to God. In is past, or like a watch in the night” (v. response, God expelled them from the Additional information at 4), the psalmist claims. The language garden and ordained that they should nurturingfaith.net is, of course, poetic. There is no die and return to the dust from which they were created.

34 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. From this perspective, the psalm- he took a decidedly negative attitude trouble and is due a balancing quota ist appears to believe that humans from toward the days allotted to him. Even of better days: “Make us glad as many that time forward lived and died under for those who live to an old age, the penalty of God’s wrath over human he said, “their span is only toil and many years as we have seen evil” presumptuousness. “For all our days (v. 15). pass away under your wrath; our years away” (v. 10b). This could be a clue to the psalm- come to an end like a sigh” (v. 9). Again, the psalmist is being poetic. ist’s life setting: his prayer, offered How does the psalmist come He does not expect to take wings at the corporately, would have been appro- up with the numbers in v. 10? “The moment of death but sees the brevity priate if offered for a people who had days of our life are seventy years, or of life as being like a bird that is here spent many years in exile, but longed perhaps eighty if we are strong …” for release. It could be just as apropos, (v. 10b). The Bible contains no divine Hymn-writer Albert E. Brumley gave however, for any time of prolonged injunction that humans can live only a more positive spin to the theme in suffering and trial. 80 or 90 years. Indeed, the genealogies 1929 with “I’ll Fly Away,” a catchy of Genesis 5 attribute to early genera- and optimistic gospel hymn that has tions exaggerated lifespans extending been frequently recorded. own times of suffering and trial and for centuries, with the famous Methu- Despite his apparently negative utilize this psalm in our own prayers selah topping them all at 969 years. for better days. Like the ancient poet, An introduction to the story of the valuable in associating short and we may also pray “Let your work be troubled lives with God’s anger: manifest to your servants, and your to human lifespans: “My spirit shall not he believes connecting the two can glorious power to their children” abide in mortals forever, for they are become a source of wisdom. (v. 16). Israel’s sages taught that “the Such a prayer does not assume that fear of the LORD is the beginning of God owes a quota of good times to all individuals are credited with much wisdom” (Ps. 111:10, Prov. 9:10), and people but comes from the standpoint longer lives after that: Noah report- the author of Psalm 90 put two and of people who think of themselves edly lived 950 years (Gen. 9:29), Eber two together: “Your wrath is as great as God’s servants, as people who are as the fear that is due you” (v. 11b). He devoted to God and trusting in divine 11:18-19), Abraham 175 (Gen. 25:7), concludes, “So teach us to count our mercy to bless their efforts: “Let the Jacob 147 (Gen. 47:28), and Eli 98 days, that we may gain a wise heart” favor of the Lord our God be upon (1 Sam. 4:15). (v. 12). All of our lives are limited: us and prosper for us the work of our Note that the ages trend down- perspective is a valuable thing. hands – O prosper the work of our ward. Even the great Moses was hands!” (v. 17). Prayer and prosperity? In the classic movie Star Wars, Most kings of Israel and Judah died (vv. 13-17) the robot R2D2 carries a video between 40 and 70 years of age. Having bemoaned the shortness of life message from the rebel Princess Leia The psalmist’s reference to life- and the wrath of God – while trying to to a famed-but-reclusive Jedi knight: spans of 70 or 80 years is drawn from gain wisdom from meditating on it – “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi,” she personal experience. Average life the psalmist shifts to a plea that God says. “You’re my only hope.” expectancy in the ancient world was would relent and look to his particular Humans – in life as in science quite short, because many children situation of suffering with compassion (and mothers) died young. Those who other people, but there are things even survived childhood were unlikely to “Satisfy us in the morning with the most loving and capable humans live more than eight decades. Even your steadfast love,” he prays, “so that cannot do for us. Our true hope for with today’s medical advances, living we may rejoice and be glad all our joyful living is in the one who created into one’s 90s is considered an accom- days” (v. 14). life: “Let the favor of the Lord our plishment. The psalmist does not expect all God be upon us and prosper the work The psalmist was not concerned joy in life but seems to believe he of our hands – O prosper the work of with length of life alone, however: has already experienced his share of our hands!” NFJ

LESSON FOR OCGTOBER 14, 2018 35 Bible Study

Oct. 21, 2018 as grass, I was told, but God’s promises Isaiah 53:4 – endure forever (Isa. 40:1-8). Surely he has borne our infirmities It was hard to imagine, and harder Isaiah 53:1-12 and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, to believe. God had not forgotten us! I struck down by God, and a"icted. was hesitant, but when God gives you a Redeeming Love message, it comes with a tickle on your tongue that nothing will scratch other o liven up today’s lesson, let’s even richer, and people of every stripe than proclaiming the word. invite Isaiah of the Exile to tell began to follow the idolatrous ways of As I began to preach God’s us about his life and the events T our pagan neighbors. message of comfort and hope, a strange leading to one of his most famous Isaiah of Jerusalem was called by thing occurred to me. King Cyrus of prophecies, while leaving some of our God to tell the truth, and the truth was Persia was threatening Babylon. Could more traditional commentary for the trouble: the people had lost their fear Cyrus be the instrument of God’s online resources. This prophet who of God, had lost their focus for living, deliverance? If God had used a pagan preached in Isaiah’s name lived in the had lost their future in the land. king to judge Israel, couldn’t a pagan latter stages of the exile and may have He charged that their faithfulness king also deliver God’s people? joined others in returning home. had turned to harlotry and justice to I began to proclaim that Cyrus We can’t know exactly what was murder, and the only way to purify the was God’s anointed deliverer (cf. Isa. in Isaiah’s mind, but we can imagine nation was through more trouble, like 45:1; 48:14-15, 28). People laughed at that if the old prophet could stand in me, but not for long. Cyrus did indeed one of our pulpits and speak today, it might sound something like this ... Isaiah predicted that Assyria would become the instrument of we could return to Jerusalem. He even Trouble, past and present God’s judgment on Israel, and he was offered us a military escort and money Isaiah’s my name, and preaching’s right. In the year you call 722 BCE, to help rebuild the temple. Can you my game, and sometimes I prophesy, the northern kingdom was conquered, believe it? and the people were scattered. I thought God was probably The Babylonians overpowered through with me as a prophet then, but be called Isaiah, and I do not expect to the Assyrians some years later, and I continued to listen. I often walked out be the last of either. I am what I am, then decimated Judah in 597, sending what God called me to be. the desert to ponder the old wind-bitten between the Tigris and the Euphrates, trees out there – they reminded me that you know as “Isaiah” lived back in wondering what was next. We were the present age of suffering was about the old days, preaching in Jerusalem pitiful: when I came of age we had been to pass, and that a new age was coming. during the eighth century, when Israel in bondage for over a generation. was strong and free, made great by The future looked dark when the A root from dry ground God and the envy of other nations. LORD gave me a message to proclaim, (vv. 1-3) But then too many people turned a vision for the future. God called me I was wrong about my prophetic days too strongly to their own ways. The rich to comfort the exiles, to announce that being over, for God spoke to me again. oppressed the poor to make themselves their sentence was up and their penalty I was walking in the desert’s edge one paid. I was to declare that a way would day, leaving a small cloud of dust with Additional information at be made through the wilderness and every step, when I tripped over a root nurturingfaith.net Yahweh’s glory would be revealed. sticking out of the ground. It hurt, too, and it was bleeding – sandals don’t

36 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. provide much protection for a busted its roots in suffering and not in glory, be lost, and his death would lead to toe. and that’s hard to believe. victory. This is what God told me: I sat on a stump to nurse my toe So I went on to ask “Who has “Out of his anguish he shall see and to curse the root when this thought believed what we have heard? And to occurred to me – a root out of dry whom has the arm of the LORD been his knowledge. ground revealed? For he grew up before him “The righteous one, my servant, that stuck in my head and wouldn’t like a young plant, and like a root out of shall make many righteous, and he go away. “A root out of dry ground.” dry ground; he had no form or majesty shall bear their iniquities. And then I noticed that a new shoot that we should look at him, nothing in “Therefore I will allot him a had sprung up and was well on its way his appearance that we should desire portion with the great, and he shall to becoming a tree. It was ugly and him. He was despised and rejected divide the spoil with the strong; misshapen, and there was nothing to by others; a man of suffering and because he poured out himself to commend it except that it had grown death, and was numbered with the from old roots in dry ground and had from whom others hide their faces he transgressors; yet he bore the sin of survived despite the hot desert winds. was despised, and we held him of no many and made intercession for the I hated that the brave tree would transgressors” (vv. 11-12). probably be cut down to serve the Did you catch this new thing? needs of men. A servant who su!ers There is something greater than And there it was: a thought that (vv. 4-12) justice: there is love. There is grace. had to be from God. There was more Now, here is the amazing part, and I And it brings peace. that people needed to hear. God’s plan assure you it’s nothing I would have I admit this was not a popular was bigger than Cyrus and bigger than ever made up. The LORD told me to message when I began to proclaim a simple return to the promised land. say: it. It was only later, after the servant There is a bondage that goes deeper “Surely he has borne our actually came, after he suffered, died, than handcuffs or shackles. There is and won the victory – only then did a prison of the soul, and our problem yet we accounted him stricken, struck they put my words together with his through the years had been our life: “But God proves his love for us in inability to overcome the sinful nature “But he was wounded for that while we were yet sinners, Christ that had imprisoned us. our transgressions, crushed for died for us” (Rom. 5:8). I saw a root out of dry ground, our iniquities; upon him was the Now, I do not know what keeps a twisted tree standing strong in the punishment that made us whole, and you in bondage. I do not know what wind, a tree cut down for the sake of by his bruises we are healed. sins so easily beset you. But I do know the people, a faithful servant of God “All we like sheep have gone that the servant has come. Like a root who would overcome adversity and astray; we have all turned to our own out of dry ground he grew up. Like a way, and the LORD has laid on him bent tree in the desert wind he suffered. people from their sins. the iniquity of us all” (vv. 4-6). Like a tree that is needed for a greater As quickly as the message came to Can you imagine such a thing? That purpose he was cut down. And he did me, I realized that few would believe a faithful servant would arise to suffer that for you. it. But God would not let me keep it in, our pain and take our punishment? To And just as that stump quickly and so I began to proclaim to all who turn our perversity into peace? sprouted and broke out into new would listen that God would send forth God gave me even more to life, just so he can give you a new a servant who would appear marred say: I spoke of the servant as being life. He has lived and died to take away your iniquities, to cleanse your raised up and highly exalted. “Kings uncomplaining lamb led to the transgressions, to forgive your sins and will shut their mouths because of him,” slaughter, an undeserved death for the bring hope to your life, to send you I said, when they come to understand transgressions of others (vv. 7-9). out with a determination to love others Could such a thing be God’s plan? even as he loves, even when it hurts. What could silence a politician? And yet it was (v. 11). A righteous man Who has believed our report? I Nothing but a vision of power that has would die for the unrighteous but not hope you have! NFJ

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 21, 2018 37 Bible Study

Oct. 28, 2018 And what was that message? It Jeremiah 31:7 – began with a call to “Sing aloud with For thus says the LORD: “Sing gladness for Jacob and raise shouts for Jeremiah 31:7-9 aloud with gladness for Jacob and raise shouts for the chief of the the chief of the nations” (v. 7a). Jacob Saving Grace nations; proclaim, give praise, and was remembered as the one whose say, ‘Save, O LORD, your people name was changed to “Israel,” and whose sons gave rise to the 12 tribes. ave you ever felt like giving up the remnant of Israel.’” “Chief of the nations” seems an hope? All of us may have felt odd way to describe Israel, which beyond hope at some point, but H with the new governor Gedaliah for at that time was no nation at all, at we didn’t give up. Even in the worst of some time, but a rebellious cabal assas- least from a political standpoint. Still, times, as long as we wish for a good sinated the governor and made plans to there was a bond that held the people future, or pray – or even complain – we lead many remaining Judeans to Egypt. together, an ethnic heritage with one are expressing hope for better days. Jeremiah encouraged them to stay and another despite being scattered across The prophet Jeremiah had a lot to submit to the Babylonians, predict- the known world, and a covenant con- say about judgment, believing that God ing trouble if they went to Egypt. The nection with the God they believed had already exiled the northern king- rebels would not listen, however: they ruled over all. From a theological or dom of Israel, and would soon bring migrated to Egypt and forced Jeremiah covenant perspective, then, Jeremiah the Babylonians to defeat the south- to go with them, where he continued to could speak of the dispersed Israelites ern kingdom of Judah and send them prophesy (Jeremiah 40–44). as the “chief of the nations.” into exile, too. He had no patience The point was that God had prom- with people who violated their cov- A prayer ised to return them from exile and enant with Yahweh and turned to other (v. 7) bring them back together as a people: gods, or who failed to keep the law by Today’s text is only three verses long, Jeremiah called the scattered exiles to mistreating one another. but they are fairly lengthy verses, and “proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘Save, Jeremiah lived to see Jerusalem they constitute a self-contained oracle. O LORD, your people, the remnant of destroyed and several waves of leading In context, it is found in a hopeful sec- Israel’” (v. 7b). Hebrew citizens forced to leave their tion of Jeremiah sometimes called the His oracle, then, begins with a homes and take up residence in Baby- call for hope and trust that God would lon. The prophet Ezekiel, who was reverse their fate and redeem them also a priest, had been carried away two other oracles promising that God from captivity, instructing the people to among the exiles, and did not begin his would not forget those who remained pray for that very thing to happen. The prophetic career until he arrived in from Israel and Judah but would look prayer, which calls upon God by the Babylon. past their former rebellion and return covenant name Yahweh, is a reminder Jeremiah had counseled submis- them to the land of promise. that the remnant had been exiled, but sion to the Babylonians as God’s will, The oracle begins in typical fash- not excommunicated: they were still and possibly for that reason the Baby- ion: “For thus says the LORD …” One Yahweh’s people, and Yahweh was still lonian “captain of the guard” allowed of the marks of a true prophet was the a God of steadfast love. him to choose whether he would stay belief that they heard from God directly In the previous oracle, Jeremiah or go. Jeremiah remained in the land and related God’s word without alter- declared that Yahweh had appeared to ing it. There is no indication as to how Israel, saying “I have loved you with Additional information at Jeremiah received such revelations, but an everlasting love; therefore I have nurturingfaith.net the prophet clearly believed his mes- continued my faithfulness to you” sage had come straight from God.

38 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. the people should cry out in repentance about all descendants of the Hebrews and hope in a God who would not let and would “gather them from the There is no straight path along them go. farthest parts of the earth.” brooks of water between Babylon and God’s promise did not extend to Jerusalem, so we must read Jeremiah’s A promise the strong alone: those who returned promise as a metaphorical vision of (v. 8) would include the blind and the lame, God leading the people directly home, Have you ever longed for good news, women who were pregnant and even in providing for them and encouraging and rejoiced when it came? Have you labor – people one would not expect to them along the way. ever imagined what it would be like set out on a long and arduous journey The NRSV’s “for I have become by foot. a father to Israel” may appear mislead- you would be freed? Verse 8 is the Jeremiah’s promise offers hope to ing, as it seems to imply that God has good news the exiles had been waiting anyone who feels distant from God. only recently adopted the people. A for. Speaking for Yahweh, Jeremiah We may sometimes think of ourselves more literal translation is “because I am declared “See, I am going to bring as spiritually blind or crippled, or Israel’s father” (NIV 11, NET, HCSB, them from the land of the north and so burdened by other things that we KJV, and NASB 95 have variations on gather them from the farthest parts of this). the earth, among them the blind and This verse assures us that no one is so It was God who had called Abraham the lame, those with child and those in far from God or so handicapped by to begin a new nation, and God who labor, together; a great company, they had entered into a covenant relation- shall return here.” when we cry out with Israel, “Save, O ship with Israel. Stories in Exodus, Babylon was slightly north, but LORD, your people …” Leviticus, and Numbers describe how mostly east of Jerusalem. One could God had brought Israel through the not journey from one to the other in a A return desert wilderness and into the promised straight line, however, because the great (v. 9) land: now Jeremiah saw God bringing stretch of the Arabian desert could not Jeremiah believed that God’s promised the exiles through another desert and be crossed, even with camels. Travelers deliverance would take place in back to their homeland. from Babylon to Palestine used roads connection with the repentance of The reference to Ephraim as “my that followed the “Fertile Cresent” God’s people. “With weeping they north along the Euphrates River, and shall come,” Jeremiah said in Yahweh’s was one of Joseph’s two sons. A tradi- east toward Phoenicia before turning behalf, “and with consolations I will tion in Gen. 49:22-26 has Jacob giving south to the narrow land bridge that lead them back” (v. 9a). a special blessing to Joseph’s sons. Israel had occupied. While one might imagine joyful Ephraim became the most populous Since both armies and peaceful tears at the prospect of returning home, travelers from the east arrived from the Jeremiah had in mind the sorrowful kingdom, and its territory encompassed north, Jeremiah sometimes referred to weeping of people who had realized the the capital city of Samaria. Babylon as the “land of the north” – but gravity of their sins and grieved over Jeremiah does not suggest that the he did not stop there. While exiles from them. Later, he spoke of Ephraim (the descendants of Ephraim will get special Judah had been relocated to Babylon largest of the tribes) pleading with God, treatment over others, or that the north- in the early sixth century, and some admitting past wrongs, and repenting in ern kingdom of Israel will dominate (including Jeremiah) had migrated to shame (vv. 18-19). the southerners from Judah. Here, as in Egypt, they were not the only Hebrews. Thus, the prophet saw God offering vv. 18-19, Ephraim is a metaphorical The northern kingdom of Israel had consolation to the sorrowful, penitent stand-in for all of the Hebrew children been conquered by the Assyrians in 722 people, assuring them of forgiveness that God would bring back home. BCE, with its people scattered across a and hope for a new day. For all who feel isolated from God, wide area: the Assyrian practice was to Indeed, God would ease their exiled by sinful choices or overwhelmed journey, Jeremiah said: “I will let them by circumstances, today’s text offers defeated territories, not just bringing walk by brooks of water, in a straight hope for forgiveness and a renewed them all to Nineveh. path in which they shall not stumble; fellowship with God, whose steadfast Jeremiah believed God cared for I have become a father to Israel, and love never changes. NFJ

LESSON FOR OCTOBER 28, 2018 39 CLASSIFIEDS Baptists Today / Nurturing Faith Minister to Children and Families: First Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ala., is seeking has received gifts a full-time minister to children and families. This ministerial sta" position is responsible In memory of … for the spiritual development of children in grades 1-6. Located in North Alabama, we Robert Cates are geographically situated in the heart of From Willis and Glenda Potts downtown Huntsville and have a heart for ministry to this city we call home. A full job Mrs. H.C. (Ruth) Conner description and more information about our From Martha Brook church are available at #chsv.org/employ- ment. Résumés and inquiries may be sent Omega Wood to search@#chsv.org. From Donna and Eddie Wood Associate Pastor to Youth and Families: Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, At- ! lanta, Ga., is seeking a full-time associate Baptists Today / Nurturing Faith pastor to youth and families who will be welcomes gifts of tribute at P.O. Box responsible for planning and implement- 6318, Macon, GA 31208. Please ing ministry programs and activities for designate “in memory” or “in honor” 6th-12th graders and their families. See the and the honoree’s name. full job description at https/spdl.org/jobs. Submit resumes to dhollingsworth@spdl. org before August 31.

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40 Information Chase and the persistence of grace

BY TONY VINCENT

ike many churches, Trinity Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C., often selects L one Sunday a year for a “youth-led service.” Students plan the service, read scripture, sing songs, lead prayers, all that normally happens in a worship setting. Our tradition for the past few years is to give the seniors of the bunch an opportunity to speak, preach or reflect in some way on their experience at Trinity and their own faith journey. This year was no different. It was a beautiful, energizing day, with many proclaiming their hope in the future of the church based on the church’s future (and present) so wonderfully on display. But what stood out to me the most were the words of one of our seniors, 17-year-old Chase, as he stood before us to speak. Chase is a young man who has grown by leaps and bounds in his 10-12 years at RECOGNITION AND REFLECTION — (Left to right) Recent graduates Chase Duncan, Ryan Nation, Samantha Faires and Zoe Patton of Trinity Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C. Trinity. Elementary school aged Chase was, quite honestly, a handful, full of energy, often erupting in destructive and sometimes at church also, and his destructive personal- the church didn’t give up on him or push quite aggressive ways. ity changed into something else. It became him away. The persistence of grace had an He was brought most often to church edifying. impact on him. Wrapped up in his apolo- by his grandfather, and would frequently be Chase was (and is) still quirky, but getic words was a deep appreciation that found roaming the church property rather in ways that add to, not take from, the was both recognizable and authentic. than taking part in the group activities or group. Even after his grandfather chose to Speaking to the Cooperative Baptist studies of the day. More than once things got attend a different church, for Chase, Trinity Fellowship gathered in Atlanta in 2017, out of hand and volunteers (and ministers) remained his home, his place to be himself. author Brian McLaren, addressing what would frustratingly have to intervene and He sings with our youth choir and occasion- church should offer people, suggested we have difficult conversations with him and his ally helps out our sanctuary choir with his say this when inviting people to be a part family. But Chase kept coming, and folks at beautiful baritone voice. of our fellowship: “Come join us and we’ll church kept encouraging him to come. So on Youth Sunday, when it came help you to become a more loving version of As Chase entered the youth group time for Chase to reflect on his life and yourself.” in middle school, his role as an outsider relationship with God through Trinity Chase’s “I’m sorry” and “Thank you” slowly changed. Yes, slowly. There were Baptist Church, this young man who for epitomize that journey. Chase is most still issues and damaged relationships (and years couldn’t look anyone in the eye, let definitely still “Chase”— that interesting, occasionally property), but Chase began to alone speak to a group of adults, stood quirky guy. However, through his time at find himself and his place within a group at the pulpit with confidence and deep Trinity he’s been shaped and formed into a of other awkward, often emotional, and emotional connection, and said “I need to more loving version of himself. occasionally irrational young people. say two things to my church today: ‘I’m That’s what the persistence of grace When Chase got to high school, he sorry,’ and ‘Thank you’.” does. Let’s all try to do more of that. NFJ seemingly found his “place” within his As many of us choked back tears, Chase school’s outstanding choral program. This noted his difficult journey as a youngster in —Tony Vincent is associate minister at sense of “place” in music impacted his time the halls of the church, and yet, he noted, Trinity Baptist Church in Seneca, S.C.

Thoughts 41 When leaders fail

BY ANDREW GARNETT will rejoice because I am shaken” (13:4). LOOK FOR GOD Themes of resentment or vindica- eople of faith need trusted relation- tion over enemies appear in many psalms. This psalm reminds believers to look for ships with mature Christians. Ordinarily these are some of the verses God in every situation of life. God is found Mentoring and modeling have been to which Christians — who have been in moments of happiness and joy. In horrific P moments God is there too. a key aspect of spiritual formation from the constantly encouraged to love their enemies earliest days, with even Paul encouraging — have the most difficulty relating. Even though the psalmist feels the Corinthian Christians to “follow my In the aftermath of a leadership broken and forgotten, he still talks to God. example, as I follow the example of Christ” scandal, however, Christians may begin to Although the psalmist feels like God is (1 Cor. 11:1). connect with these verses. When a leader is absent, he cries out to God anyway. It is key Biblical principles remain abstract caught in sin, the talking heads pontificate for disappointed Christians to remember unless we see them incarnated in the life of a and the online message boards light up — that God is always there, even if it feels that leader. Yet we are more cognizant than ever of often suggesting faith is part of the problem. their prayers are directed toward an empty leaders who fail to uphold those principles. We can empathize with the psalmist that heaven. We can learn from the psalmist’s It seems each day brings news of a our enemies not be vindicated in their example and continue talking to a God who priest who has abused a child, a minister critical opinion of us. feels absent. accused of sexual harassment, or a trusted Psalm 13 demonstrates that the lay leader who has misused church funds. full range of human emotions is normal. FINDING HOPE We seem to be working at cross purposes: Sometimes we make wrong choices about This scripture reminds disappointed believ- We want Christians to have spiritual role what we do with our feelings, but the ers that they will see and experience God’s models, yet we are wary of encouraging too feelings themselves are never wrong. God is love and comfort again — even if they can’t much trust in any one leader lest that leader always big enough to handle our feelings. imagine it at the moment. It seems that the disappoint us. author of psalm 13 has not seen hope yet How can we teach Christians to trust, PERMISSION (v. 5: “my heart will rejoice in your salva- while also preparing them for the dis- The exact crisis faced by the psalmist is not tion”). But because God has been bountifully appointment that inevitably comes in clear. But whatever the problem, this psalm good to him in the past (13:6), he knows human relationships? We can do it by does not sugarcoat it. It offers no simple that he can trust God’s love for the future. encouraging them to trust their leaders, answers to a difficult situation. If you have ever experienced a deep while simultaneously teaching them how to There is some hope at the end, but grief or a loss, you probably know of what cope when leaders fall. mostly this psalm just sits with the pain. the psalmist is speaking. After the loss of Psalm 13 is a useful guide for respond- Weathering long periods of pain is necessary someone very close, it seems that the world ing when a trusted leader lets us down. In in times of grief and deep disappointment. is hopeless. All of life is a pale shadow, and this psalm of lament the author prays for Indeed, it is helpful to think of a moral it seems that the grief will never lift. But deliverance from a dark situation. Along failure by a leader as a form of grief. When eventually, it does; in time you find meaning the way we see several key principles for a leader does something either criminal or and purpose again. helping believers navigate their disappoint- exceptionally immoral, Christians must This is a truth that believers need to ment when a leader exhibits a serious moral accept that the person they knew is, on remember when a leader disappoints them. failure. some level, gone. The mental image of the Though it may seem hard to imagine in the leader must pass away, and a more realistic aftermath, there will come a day when they NATURAL FEELINGS one must emerge. It is a long and painful experience God’s bountiful goodness again. Psalm 13 gives voice to negative feelings of process to grieve the loss of the leader they grief, frustration, abandonment and anger. thought they knew. BIGGER STORY All of these are natural in the wake of a Christians do not need to worry if When walking with Christians who are serious moral failure by a leader. they are upset or angry. They should worry, disappointed in a leader, it is important to This psalm also carries a theme of however, if they have those feelings one day remind them that the church has always resentment directed toward enemies: “My and the next day everything seems back to considered the Christian message to be enemy will say, ‘I have prevailed;’ my foes normal. That is not how grief works. independent of the Christian messengers.

42 Thoughts One moment when the church most with the body and blood of the Lord, and The church’s saving activity did not dramatically affirmed this was in the after- then betrayed them, had that bishop really depend on any one person. The church’s life math of the Diocletianic Persecution. The celebrated communion at all? Was everything depended on God. The church recognized early fourth century saw the most severe done by an unworthy leader really false? that the Christian story was true, regardless persecution that Christians ever faced in the Eventually the church decided in the of the flaws of the leader who told the story. Roman Empire. Even many church leaders negative. Baptism, communion or worship That was true for the church 1,700 surrendered to the Roman authorities. performed by a fallen leader was authentic years ago, and it is still true for us today. Bishops and priests renounced their faith, and holy. It was holy not because the failings Christians can be comforted with the handed over copies of the Scripture to be of the church leaders were unimportant; on knowledge that our faith ultimately rests burned, and even betrayed lay Christians in the contrary, the sin of those church leaders not on any one leader, but on God. NFJ order to save their own lives. was incredibly serious. But, the church —Andrew Garnett is a minister at Forest Eventually the persecution ended. said, the sins of leaders simply did not have Hills Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C., who Christians — and former Christians — came anything to do with the larger message of previously served at a Christian peace and out of hiding. The church faced a difficult the church. reconciliation center in Northern Ireland. choice: what to do with those who had given in and done terrible things during the perse- cution. Could Christians who abandoned the The place to go between issues of the Nurturing Faith Journal is faith really come back to the church? On a deeper level the church was NURTURINGFAITH.NET troubled by what the failings of priests and > Blogs, breaking news, and the latest books, resources bishops meant. If a priest had baptized a and experiences from Nurturing Faith Christian but later betrayed that Christian to > Daily religion news from around world, handpicked save his own life, was that baptism still valid? by online editor Bruce Gourley Had it even been a real baptism if performed > Teaching resources, including video overviews and lesson by a leader who had fallen so short? plans, for the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies by Tony Cartledge If a bishop had served a congregation GO WEST Guided by Bruce Gourley, writer, historian and adventurer based in Bozeman, Montana SABBATICALS CHURCH GROUPS Want to spend time in the Rockies Want to bring a group out West? being refreshed? Bruce can plan just Bruce can plan and host a unique the experience you want — for as few and memorable experience for as one person. Options are endless. various age groups.

Bruce Gourley is the online editor and contributing writer for Nurturing Faith, an award-winning photographer and owner of the popular web site yellowstone.net. To explore these opportunities, contact Bruce at [email protected].

Thoughts 43 New models Baptist churches are rethinking ordination

BY RICK JORDAN in Winston-Salem have many Wake Forest calling to ordained ministry before proceed- divinity school students as members and ing with an ordination council, he said. eing ordained for ministry is now a interns. Because of this, these churches have “That council always involves Baptist simple, free, five-minute process at more opportunities to ordain persons for and Christian leaders from beyond Knoll- B getordained.org. Its website notes: ministry. wood because we recognize this is an “The Universal Life Church offers the world Shortly after Bob Setzer became Knoll- ordination not just to our church, but to a convenient, nondiscriminatory process that wood’s pastor, the church implemented a new the larger church of Christ,” he said. “In a allows anyone to utilize the Get Ordained™ ordination process. “The church’s leadership couple of cases, the candidates decided they online tools to receive his or her certification, wanted to craft an ordination policy that were not called to the ordained ministry of bypassing the traditional ‘brick and mortar’ had real meaning and integrity, both for the the church. We and they considered that a religious education establishments.” candidates and the church,” he said. success of our ordination process because Most of us hope to have a minister “Under the new policy, there can be no it is in large measure a discernment process with more training, spiritual depth and ‘drive-by’ ordinations,” Setzer continued. and not a de facto path to ordination.” experience than offered by the ULC. Three “The policy requires active participation in Nathan Parish, pastor of Peace Haven, North Carolina Baptist churches have been the life of the congregation where a candi- leads a part-time staff made up of divinity experimenting with different processes. date’s gifts and calling can be observed, students. In the 10 years he has been pastor “I was ordained in the traditional stretched and tested.” there, 11 persons have been ordained and Baptist way with an association’s ordina- An applicant for ordination must be continue to serve in ministry. tion council,” said Scott Hagaman, pastor a member of Knollwood for a minimum “I will talk with students about their of First Baptist Church of Marion. When of one year before applying. The appli- ministry aspirations and how licensing he joined the ministerial staff, however, the cant meets first with a staff member, then as well as ordination are matters for their church had a completely in-house process. makes a written request to the staff and consideration,” he said. “Licensing changes “I was uncomfortable with that deacons. A three- to five-person mentoring the way the congregation sees the student. model,” he noted. “I felt we should include committee is then appointed, which certi- They aren’t just part-time employees. They the larger Baptist community.” fies prerequisites (including completion of are candidates for ministry, and the congre- When Matt Roberts, newly called a divinity degree) to be met before becom- gation has the opportunity and responsibility to the Marion church, was ordained, the ing a candidate. Once a candidate, there is to shape a person’s ministerial formation.” council included leaders within the church a long period of discernment facilitated by Parish said this process reframes the along with other persons influential in the mentoring committee. evaluation to give a more informed process Matt’s faith journey, a prior interim pastor, During this phase the candidate in the ordination council later. The diacon- a pastoral counselor, two local pastors and will be introduced to a variety of ministe- ate is the recommending body in both a convener — Ka’thy Chappell, at that rial roles and tasks along with supervision licensing and ordination cases, and candi- time Leadership Development Coordinator and feedback. At the end of this period dates are asked to meet with the deacons for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of the mentoring committee may advise the for conversations about call, ministry and North Carolina. deacons that the candidate is now ready for related matters. “Ordination should not be taken the examination stage. Then the diaconate recommends to lightly,” said Hagaman. What we are doing “In the last few years we have done the church and the church votes to support represents the best practices as they have seven ordinations under this new policy,” the recommendation (majority votes for been passed down to us, although we are in said Setzer. “Without exception, the candi- licensing and 2/3 for ordination). Candi- a new landscape. So there may be changes dates and the mentoring committees have dates approved for ordination meet before a from the traditional associational council. found their engagement with one another a council that ratifies the action of the church For example, we want women to serve on rich and rewarding experience.” and upon approval an ordination service our councils.” Candidates usually emerge from the is scheduled. Throughout the year Peace Knollwood and Peace Haven churches process with a clearer sense of their gifts and Haven keeps up with those ordained. NFJ

44 Feature Preserve your church’s memories Let Nurturing Faith be your partner in publishing an excellent history of your church or organization.

Whether you’ve just started thinking about the concept, or have already written a manuscript, Nurturing Faith is here to provide the level and detail of service you need. Contact our managing editor Jackie Riley today to begin a conversation: [email protected]. DIGGIN’ IT Holy Dirt Divinity students discover academic and spiritual benefits in archaeological dig

STORY AND PHOTOS (CUDS) and Nurturing Faith Experiences rather than digging random holes. BY TONY W. CARTLEDGE (NFE). When the CUDS/NFE team arrived SKILLS AND SWEAT KIBBUTZ YIZRE’EL, ISRAEL — midway through the four-week dig, expedi- Larry Turlington, who is bi-vocational tion leaders were pessimistic of reaching Students preparing for ministry pastor of Fort Run Freewill Baptist Church their goals for the year. Eight team members in Snow Hill, N.C., also works as a general often long to visit the land of the had left after planning to dig the first two contractor. With his contracting skills and Bible, and find it to be a meaning- weeks only. So our team, plus two additional strong work ethic, Turlington quickly ful, inspiring, and sometimes volunteers, brought much-needed reinforce- emerged as a leader, articulating walls with ments to a larger group that ultimately life-changing experience. care and then removing the large stones numbered about 40. when instructed to see what was beneath. alking where Jesus walked, He was often soaked with sweat before naming mountains known to the BEYOND THE CLASSROOM 6 a.m. but would say, “I’m just keeping up.” W patriarchs, standing in the Sea of Six members of the team had taken an archae- “Larry,” said area supervisor Noga Galilee and the River Jordan, or viewing the ology course at CUDS during the spring Blockman of Haifa University, “is in a class lush Jezreel Valley from Megiddo can inspire semester, and the others had been prepared by himself.” a rush of imagination that will long fuel both through advance orientation and the reading Other team members weren’t far devotion and proclamation. of the Jezreel Expedition Field Manual. They behind. Whether clearing an ancient But what about getting even closer to knew the workday started at 5 a.m., and were pavement; uncovering a workshop for basalt the land — indeed, getting into the land prepared to give it their best. implements; articulating mudbrick; lower- and its history? That’s where archaeology Supervisors were amazed at how well ing a surface; identifying and preserving comes in. team members took instruction, how skill- pottery, flint, and bones; or washing and ful they became, and how hard they worked. reading ceramic finds, the team worked HELPING HANDS Field Director Ian Cipin, an Englishman efficiently and cooperatively with supervi- For some it may come as a surprise to learn and research associate at the University of sors and other students, mostly from the that physically able students and lay persons Evansville, said that after the first week, he University of Evansville and the University are welcome to join most archaeological thought working two shifts would be needed College of London. digs. Many of those digs, in fact, could not to get the job done. After the second week, he Even when assigned to the less glamor- operate without volunteers willing to pay thought the season’s goals were out of reach. ous and physically demanding work of their own way to spend from two to six “Then you guys came,” he said, “and backfilling squares that had been fully weeks as members of an expedition team. really shifted some dirt. You pulled us out of excavated with dirt from the spoil pile, team While professional archaeologists strat- the poop.” members worked without complaint. egize and supervise, volunteers are trained Co-directors Norma Franklin of Haifa The excavation reached a level that on site and do most of the actual digging. University and Jennie Ebeling of Evansville had been settled by people living in the Such is the case with the Jezreel Expedi- University were equally effusive. Frank- Early Bronze Age (about 3600–2600 BCE), tion, which benefitted this summer from lin described the team as “phenomenal,” a thousand years before Abraham’s time. the efforts of 13 participants associated noting how members learned to dig both “Robber trenches,” where later peoples had with Campbell University Divinity School quickly and carefully, keeping a level surface repurposed stones from earlier building

46 Feature Campbell University Divinity School and Nurturing Faith Experiences will sponsor a study tour of Israel May 11-22, 2019 — which will include a half- day dig experience at Tel Mareshah. Details will be forthcoming in Nurturing Faith Journal and Bible Studies, and on the CUDS and Nurturing Faith websites. To receive direct updates, please notify Tony Cartledge of your interest at [email protected].

EIN YIZRAEL — The archaeology team pauses and poses after breakfast before heading back up the tel for several more hours of digging. Left to right (back row): Rick Hollings, Victor Knight, Ryan Craddock, David Brantley, Tony Cartledge, John Robert Harris, Dale Belvin. Front row: David Helms, Larry Turlington, Karie Parkes, Muriel Lasater, Susan Cartledge, Steve “Woody” Woodall. foundations and filled in the gaps with dirt Iron Age. Other peoples were there before and refuse, produced broken pottery from them, with them, and after them. the Middle and Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, David Helms, pastor of First Baptist Persian and Hellenistic periods, as well as Church of Southern Pines, N.C., and an Roman and Mamluk times. adjunct professor at CUDS, joined the team “Even though archaeological digging while on a brief sabbatical. can be strenuous and exhausting, it can also “The experience of digging in the be very enlightening,” said Muriel Lasater, dirt, separating stones, and placing pottery who will graduate in December and also shards aside brings me closer to those works as financial aid assistant for CUDS. ancient people the Bible calls ‘the people of “I love how this process connects us the earth,’” said Helms, “reminding me that to humanity at large and allows us to gain we are all simply ‘people of the earth.’” insight into their lives by studying pottery, David Brantley of Raleigh, who left artifacts and figurines. It’s amazing how this the world of business to study at CUDS, connects us to people who lived thousands believes the dig will prove helpful in his and thousands of years ago.” future ministry. He had previously come to Israel on a study tour but said “the practical CONNECTIONS experience of participating in an actual dig BREAKING GROUND — Steve “Woody” Wood- all, a retired hydrologist and a Quaker from Digging through the Bronze Age reminded has not only been an experience of a lifetime, Atlanta, who learned of the dig through Nurtur- participants that the Israelites controlled the but has provided insights into Canaanite, ing Faith Journal, helps begin a new square. land for only a few hundred years during the Israelite and even Roman history that will

Feature 47 surely assist my ministry in the future.” is the land of the Bible,” he reflected. “Nearly Participants engaged in a three-day every city, town, village, landmark, mountain “mini-tour” of southern Israel, Jerusalem, or other area has significance. I have found Qumran and Samaria prior to the dig. John the work of excavating to be very spiritual as Robert Harris, a CUDS student and associ- we have gotten into the dirt and put in a good ate pastor of Faith Fellowship Church in day’s work.” Kinston, N.C., found visiting those sites to be a memorable prelude to the dig experi- REALITIES, INSIGHTS ence, both of which brought him closer to the For Ryan Craddock, a CUDS student who biblical narratives. works as a counselor in a halfway house, “Stepping into an ongoing archaeologi- getting to Israel was the primary goal, “and I cal dig in Jezreel has furthered my connection would have washed camels to reach it.” with the Bible as well as scratched my itch for “My main desire was to step into the discovery,” he said. Like several other partici- scenery of the stories I love, that formed pants, Harris kept a journal of his experiences. my faith, ancient tales that have shaped the “My time here will forever stay with me,” he world,” he said. “I was quickly immersed in said, “and I pray will continue to teach me a place where the past meets the present, and years from now.” where people from all nations, faith tradi- tions and ideologies converge to experience SPIRITUAL BENEFITS and discover something uniquely human and For Victor Knight, the spiritual benefit of the deeply personal.” dig came as a surprise. After taking divinity Craddock found that the experience school courses during his last semester as went even deeper: “For me, the whole trip FINDS — Left to right: Karie Parkes, Rick an undergraduate at Campbell University, is like an excavation of the soul. With some Hollings and John Robert Harris wash pot- tery in the Ein Jezreel spring. Knight began work on a master’s degree at work, guidance and gracious assistance from Yale University in late summer. others, stone and soil are cleared away to “For me, coming here was an academic reveal ancient realities and bring new insight.” affair,” he said, noting that his academic side Karie Parkes, a CUDS graduate and was indeed challenged through lectures and current director of student activities for the field experience. “Nevertheless, in a much Campbell’s undergraduates, found the more unexpected way, the trip has affected community aspect of living in a kibbutz and me spiritually. From standing on the Mt. of getting to know other people to be gratify- Olives to watching pilgrims driven to tears, I ing. Her favorite part was washing pottery have come to have a more complete picture of late each morning, rinsing and scrubbing the Bible.” hundreds of shards while talking with people Dale Belvin, a CUDS graduate and who were working in other parts of the dig. pastor of the Rose of Sharon Freewill Baptist The community aspect became partic- Church in Bear Grass, N.C., also appreciated ularly helpful when Karie’s grandmother that “This has been both an academic experi- unexpectedly died four days before our sched- ence and a spiritual experience.” uled return. She did not have to grieve alone. “It is academic because I have learned so Rick Hollings, a retired psychologist and much; I have learned about Israel and Jerusa- CUDS graduate who took the archaeology lem in biblical times as well as modern-day course for fun, also appreciated the commu- Israel,” said Belvin. “I have learned some of nity aspect of working with people from other the finer details about some of my favorite places and other countries, as well as the biblical stories like David fighting Goliath CUDS/NFE team. and some of the traditions around the death, “I particularly appreciate the chance to burial and resurrection of Jesus. I have learned get to know members of our group,” said a great deal about Neolithic, Bronze Age and Hollings, “to hear their stories, and to make Iron Age living.” friendships that will go beyond the two weeks CHECKING — Muriel Lasater, both student we have together in this amazing country.” and Assistant for Financial Aid at CUDS, Yet Belvin discovered more than fresh using a “Dumpy” to measure the level of a knowledge. An amazing country it is: from the find inside the square. “It is a spiritual experience because this ground up — and down. NFJ

48 Feature Helpful

Available in print or as digital downloads — along with many other good titles — at books.nurturingfaith.net / (478) 301-5655 Why? What? When? Questions and answers about advancing a Jesus Worldview

BY JOHN D. PIERCE can do so more effectively in collaboration with those who share this important and The evolving Jesus Worldview timely mission. Initiative, guided by Nurtur- WHEN? ing Faith in collaboration with In many ways the Jesus Worldview Initia- others, was not the result of long- tive is already making an impact. Bruce and range, strategic planning. Rather I have made presentations at churches and organizational gatherings across the country it resulted from a rude awaken- and have more on our calendars. ing to the stark reality that the We also held a retreat with some key life and teachings of Jesus are hardly mentioned at all. church leaders to gain insight and additional advocates. Two other retreats are in the largely absent from American The question was not with Barna’s research methods but with its clearly faulty works. Also, we held a planning retreat with evangelicalism. premise. So I wrote an editorial early in 2017 participants across denominational lines since this mission is broader than any one or more than a year this important titled, “How about a Jesus worldview?” Christian expression. matter has been explored in writings Then online editor and contributing Two books are in the works — one as in this journal, casual conversations, writer Bruce Gourley and I dug more deeply F into this troubling reality of how the term an overview of the Jesus Worldview and the engaging retreats and workshop presenta- other that advocates for Jesus as the “lens” tions. More of those are in the works as “worldview” is being used to intentionally through which the Bible is to be read and we seek to widen the engagement, clarify redefine the Christian faith as a politi- cal agenda apart from Jesus. The evidence interpreted. the mission and find the support needed to We are seeking sponsorships, grants provide resources for addressing this crucial mounted quickly, and we began express- ing alarm in the various forums available and other funding sources that will allow need. for the fullest possible impact of this timely through and beyond Nurturing Faith. One way to get a sense of this mission initiative. The timing and size of such is to speak of the Jesus Worldview Initiative support is the primary determining factor WHAT? in response to these three basic, one-word in what is done and when. questions: The overwhelming response was that we Those interested in engaging in and have to do something about this. Of course, advancing the Jesus Worldview Initiative WHY? we are not the only ones to make this are encouraged to let us know — whether On the surface it seemed like just another troubling discovery. Other voices are express- inviting us to give a presentation, explor- press release with more information about ing concern too. ing a partnership with your church or other shifting religious belief and practice in Recently, various Christian leaders organization, or providing resources that America. The headline blasted the startling signed a public statement on “Reclaiming allow us to move boldly ahead with this news that only a small percentage of Jesus.” That indeed is what needs to be mission. “practicing Christians” hold a “biblical done. But how? Please let me know of your interest at worldview.” In exploring the possibilities for the [email protected]. Any gifts for the My closer look at the report from Jesus Worldview Initiative we have concluded Jesus Worldview Initiative should be noted as Barna revealed some major problems with that developing and providing thought- such and sent to Baptists Today, Inc., P.O. that conclusion. Primarily, both the defini- ful, helpful resources for congregations and Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318 or made tion of a “practicing Christian” and the individual Christians is the best approach. online with the JWVI designation. defining criteria for “holding a biblical These will take various forms in terms This is a big, timely and important worldview” were completely void of the of publishing and experiences — things mission that needs as much engagement basic call to follow Jesus. In fact, Jesus was Nurturing Faith is well positioned to do and and support as possible. NFJ

50 Thoughts Hopeful

Available in print or as digital downloads — along with many other good titles — at books.nurturingfaith.net / (478) 301-5655 RELIGION AND THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS Warren G. Harding (1921–1923) By Bruce Gourley

abor unrest. Xenophobia. Ethnic hatred. Fears of Russian conspiracies. L One year following U.S. leader- ship in the 1918 defeat of Germany during World War I, Americans turned upon one another. The year 1919 evolved into what labor historian Eric Foner refers to as “one of the most militant in United States labor history.” More than 3,600 strikes involv- ing some four million American workers led one publication to note: “One strike is scarcely over when another one begins.” Labor unrest reached back into the late 19th-century Gilded Age, a period of massive income inequality and widespread poverty that revealed the weakness of American capitalism. In response, worker- oriented socialist movements, parties and labor organizations dotted the landscape in the decades following, especially in the American West. A massive labor strike in Seattle in December 1919 capped off a tumultuous year. As many as 100,000 workers went long championed by Democratic President president Theodore Roosevelt, the greatest on strike, paralyzing the city for five days. Woodrow Wilson and designed to facili- progressive of all and a national hero, had Peaceful throughout, the strike ended tate the spread of world peace. The stiff tragically died the previous year at a young without incident. Yet the protest of oppres- headwinds of conservative retrenchment age. sive capitalistic policies, influenced by thus stalled two decades of advances in Venturing upon the barren and socialism and the workers-led, communist workers’ rights and social policies. foreboding national political landscape, a Russian Revolution of 1917, frightened Meanwhile, President Wilson large field of dark horse candidates jockeyed many Americans and generated a “Red celebrated the achievement of national for position in the 1920 presidential season. Scare.” women’s voting rights through the ratifica- Sensing opportunity, a U.S. senator and A federal crackdown on dissident tion of the 19th Amendment in the summer Baptist layman, largely unknown outside his political parties quickly resulted. Tensions of 1920. This landmark milestone marked a home state of Ohio, denounced the heroics, soared; labor strikes continued. Fear and last gasp of progressive advances. revolution and drama of the progressive past hatred of immigrants mounted. Exhausted from post-war ideological in favor of national healing, restoration and Internationally, the U.S. took an isola- battles, Wilson chose not to seek a third normalcy. tionist stance in refusing to participate in term in the White House. Adding to the Born to an abolitionist family in 1865, the League of Nations, an organization gravity of the times, former Republican months after the end of the American Civil

This is the 29th in a series of articles by historian Bruce Gourley on the religious faith of U.S. presidents. Gourley is online editor and contributing writer for Nurturing Faith Journal and director of Nurturing Faith’s Jesus Worldview Initiative.

52 Feature War, Warren G. Harding was the son of a suffrage and prohibition of alcohol. Tacking presidential candidate, from prison lost for small town but successful doctor-turned- first to the right on women’s suffrage, he the last time. A young political up-and- journalist. His father was a nominal Baptist, shifted left when Ohioans moved left. comer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt, his mother a devout Methodist. In similar calculated fashion, the cousin of former president Theodore Following in his father’s footsteps as alcohol-loving senator initially opposed Roosevelt, rounded out the defeated a Baptist and a newspaper editor, Harding Prohibition, but then threw his support Democratic ticket as the vice-presidential at a young age in Marion, Ohio, joined a behind the 18th Amendment, believing it candidate. He would later point to the 1920 Baptist church, became a deacon, achieved would fail to achieve ratification. Upon presidential campaign as laying the ground- local renown as a journalist, and obtained ratification of the amendment and recog- work for his successful presidential run as a financial security. A marriage of convenience nizing its popularity with the public, he progressive in 1932. to an older woman, socialite Florence King, voted to override President Wilson’s veto For his part, newly-elected President furthered Harding’s ambitions. of a congressional measure to carry out the Harding concluded his inaugural speech on Harding’s mother had chosen his intent of the amendment. a seemingly progressive note encapsulated middle name, Gamaliel, from the Bible The ideological flexibility continued as within a biblical quote: “I have taken the (Acts 5:34). Rejecting her religious fervor, Senator Harding largely supported Wilson’s solemn oath of office,” he declared, “on that however, the worldly son became a hard war-era legislation yet stopped short of passage of Holy Writ wherein it is asked: drinker, high-rolling gambler and woman- voting for bills deemed anti-business. After ‘What doth the Lord require of thee but izer, acquiring the nickname “Wobbly the war he initially supported the Treaty to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk Warren.” of Versailles and League of Nations during humbly with thy God?’ This I plight to God Francis Russell, Harding’s biographer, a period of widespread approval, then and country.” said of the future president: “After his opposed both as public favor waned. Despite evoking visions of justice and first college encounter with the doctrine Harding’s pattern of careful calibra- mercy, and joining Calvary Baptist Church of evolution, he imagined himself a free tion amid changing political winds thus of Washington, D.C., Harding, working thinker, even an atheist, although he would earned him the respect of Republican and hand-in-hand with a solid Republican soon relapse into a mild Baptist conformity Democratic colleagues alike. congressional majority, set about abolishing untouched by his mother’s zeal.” Ambitious for more, Harding in late achievements of the previous progressive Political advances followed. Harding’s 1919 declared his candidacy for the presi- era and combating a postwar economic oratorical skills increasingly garnered state- dency, one of seven Republican hopefuls. depression. wide attention and led to his election as a In a wide-open Republican Convention, Together, Harding and Congress Republican Ohio state senator from 1900 to delegates, seeking a centrist candidate, enacted pro-business policies, passed large 1904. A two-year stint as the state’s lieuten- coalesced around the moderately conserva- tax cuts for wealthy Americans, reduced ant governor came next. In both offices he tive Ohio senator. corporate taxes, passed protective tariffs, embodied a steady conservatism against During the general election Harding and legislated harsh immigration policies. the backdrop of the ascendant progressive used nationalist language to connect with Using religious imagery, the president movement, grounded in an allegiance to fearful and restless voters. Adopting the insisted that business owners were more old-guard political machines. slogans of “America First” and “American- humane than social welfare programs. Although well connected and ism,” he called for “absolute control of the “We must awaken the conscience of ambitious, Harding in the years follow- United States by the United States.” the ignorant and misguided to the fact that ing failed in a quest to become governor Throughout the entire campaign the best social welfare worker in the world of Ohio. Success finally arrived in his 1914 season the former newspaper editor garnered is the man or a woman who does an honest election as a U.S. senator from Ohio. His good publicity by maintaining a friendly day’s work,” Harding had declared during victory took place the first year in which relationship with the press. In November his senatorial career. “We must awaken U.S. senators were chosen by popular vote. 1920 Harding easily and ironically defeated their conscience to recognize that American Reflecting his unsensational, non- Democrat James Cox, governor of Ohio, an business is not a monster, but an expres- confrontational and insider politics style, office Harding had earlier coveted but never sion of God-given impulse to create, and Harding, according to biographer Richard attained. the savior and guardian of our happiness, Downes, ran “a campaign of such sweetness His landslide triumph marked the of our homes and of equal opportunity for and light as would have won the plaudits first time women had the right to vote for all in America. Whatever we do for honest, of the angels. It was calculated to offend president. Harding’s presidency both sealed humane American business, we do in the nobody except Democrats.” the death of the first progressive era and name of social welfare.” Reliably Republican but savvy, Senator portended the arrival of a later progressive Harding also pointed to God’s will Harding followed the prevailing political era. to explain his belief in inherent economic winds on two big issues of the time: women’s Eugene Debs, five-time Socialist Party inequality.

Feature 53 “We cannot get on all alike. God racial injustices. Traveling to the heart of West Coast in the summer of 1923, the Almighty never intended it to be so, else He the Old South in Birmingham, Ala., in popular president developed pneumonia, had made us all alike. But we may get on October 1921, he delivered a speech to a serious illness in an early era of largely according to our talent, our capacity, and an audience of black and white citizens in ineffective antibiotics. our industry, and out of the advancement of which he praised the patriotism and valor Seemingly on the mend, Harding those who lead, must come higher standards of black troops who had served in uniform died suddenly on August 2, shocking the for all.” during World War I. nation. Millions of people stood alongside In order to pay for tax cuts for the Abroad, Harding noted of black soldiers: the railroad tracks as the casket bearing his wealthy and corporations, Harding and “Their color raised less of antagonism than body made the long journey to Washington, the Republican Congress dramatically it does here. Many of them aspire to go to D.C., for funeral services and then on to reduced federal spending by ending most Europe to live.” In military service many Marion, Ohio, for burial. of the nation’s military outlays. Messaging experienced “their first real conception of With death, however, came infamy. fiscal responsibility, they established annual citizenship — the first full realization that the Salacious sex scandals, previously covered federal budgets. flag was their flag, to fight for, to be protected up, burst into the public conscious. One Tax cuts alone, however, did not allevi- by them, and also to protect them.” consisted of a steamy affair with a 20-year- ate a national depression or eradicate high One can now hope, he continued, “that old woman involving regular intercourse in unemployment. To stimulate the economy, we shall find an adjustment of relations the White House office and the birth of a the president and Congress lurched left by between the two races, in which both can love child. boosting federal spending. Responding to enjoy full citizenship.” Black attendees Administrative scandals also emerged. the rapid ascendance of the automobile cheered. Whites in the audience, stone- The president had granted federal industry, the Federal Highway Act of 1921 faced and stunned, remained silent. appointments to many of his friends and pumped massive federal money through- Then the deft politician tacked back acquaintances, some of whom served out the U.S. to generate jobs and build a to the right. The time for social “equality” incompetently. As their ill deeds came to national highway system. remained in the distant future and should light, posthumous blame fell upon Harding Other federal outlays took the form not be discussed at the present, the socially for having knowingly allowed corruption of foreign loans to assist European nations conservative president insisted. within his administration. in buying American products and goods. Social equality aside, and discount- “After his death,” wrote Harding Newly developing commercial technolo- ing the possibility of integrated schools, biographer Russell, “his reputation gies also merited Harding’s attention and Harding nonetheless declared he “would plummeted so quickly that only with the elicited a leftward response. The president, insist upon equal educational opportunity greatest reluctance could a Republican for example, called for federal regulation of for [blacks and whites].” It might take successor be persuaded to dedicate his nascent radio broadcasting and aviation. “a generation or two generations or ten tomb.” Nonetheless, the largely right-leaning generations” to achieve segregated but equal Shortly before his death Harding, an policies of Harding and Congress ensured educational opportunities for black citizens. opportunistic man of complexities, contra- that the progressive era was but a distant Remaining cautious, the president stated dictions and few ethical qualms, penned memory by 1923. Business interests reigned. that “Providence” had “endowed men with a greeting to the 1923 gathering of the Labor unions were in retreat. Immigration widely unequal capacities and capabilities Baptist World Alliance in Stockholm. plunged. Tax cuts exacerbated economic and energies.” In words detached from the reality of inequality. The wealth gap between rich and Harding’s vocal opposition to lynch- his own ambivalent faith, refusal to attend poor stood poised to skyrocket throughout ing and openness to improving the lives church communion services, and unbridled the remainder of the decade. of black citizens disturbed much of white sexuality, the president expressed hope that Even so, President Harding and America. In apparent retribution the Ku Baptists would “be able to continue in Republican legislators tacked left on certain Klux Klan in 1922 spread the false claim the Christian devotion and the conscious social issues. Supportive of the women’s that the president secretly was a Klans- working for God. I believe with all my heart rights movement, they passed legislation man. Harding’s denial notwithstanding, that nothing is more needed in the world desired by women’s rights activists. Vocal the smear campaign served the purpose of today than the practical application of the on racial issues, Harding and the Republi- boosting Klan enrollment. spirit of Christ.” can Congress supported an anti-lynching Taken together, by 1923 Harding’s Rarely one to write or speak of his own bill that Southern Democrats subsequently calculated and collective policies, achieve- religious beliefs, Warren Gamaliel Harding thwarted with a filibuster. ments and positions produced greater lived a life far more reflective of his own Undaunted, the son of an abolition- prosperity for many Americans. Then the worldly desires and ambitions than of the ist went out of his way to publicly address unexpected happened. While touring the “spirit of Christ.” NFJ

54 Feature Insightful

Available in print or as digital downloads — along with many other good titles — at books.nurturingfaith.net / (478) 301-5655 Losing their religion Younger adults are less religious, and not only in the US

BY YONAT SHIMRON importance of religion to people’s lives, people has fallen ever since. Religion News Service daily prayer and weekly worship attendance Another intriguing finding is the differ- — found some surprises. ence between Christians and Muslims when here are few spots around the While it is generally true that in Africa, asked about the importance of religion in world where parents don’t have to the Middle East, South Asia and Latin their lives. The survey found that the gap T drag their young adult children to America the gap in religiosity between between younger and older Christians is worship: Ghana, a predominantly Chris- young and old is narrower, it’s not true for far wider than the gap among younger and tian county is one; Chad, a predominantly every measure. In Lebanon, when younger older Muslims. Muslim country, is another. and older adults were asked if religion was One reason may be that when Christians In both African nations, younger “very important” in their lives, there was a disaffiliate they typically become “nones” adults are 3 percentage points more likely 20 percentage-point difference; in Iran it — people who answer “none of the above” to identify with their faith than their was 9 points and in Nigeria 6 points. when asked about their religion. In contrast, elders, according to a new study by the Pew The survey offered a number of in Muslim-majority countries, it’s harder to Research Center of religious feelings among intriguing theories, besides economic well- publically reject the Muslim faith; those who older and younger adults. being, for why young people so often lag in do typically designate another faith. The study, which finds that younger religion. Education also plays a role. Rising Philip Schwadel, a professor of sociol- people the world over are generally less educational opportunities usually — but ogy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, religious than their elders, determined not always — are associated with lower suggested an additional reason. The smaller that the pattern is generally reversed where levels of religious adherence. faith gap in Muslim-majority countries may prosperity and life expectancy lag. Life expec- To some extent, life changes may be a be due to the fact that Islam — despite tancy in Chad and Ghana is among the reason for the change. As people age, begin its Sunni and Shiite divisions — is more lowest in the world. rearing children and start facing their mortal- homogeneous than Christianity. The survey of 106 nations, drawn ity, they become more religious. The survey “We’re a predominantly Christian from 13 studies undertaken over the past suggests that even if today’s younger adults nation but there are many different Chris- decade, shows that nearly everywhere else, become more religious over time, they will tian denominations,” he said. “But there’s a young adults are drifting away from the likely be less religious than previous genera- lot of variation. When you have less diver- faith commitments of their elders. The gap tions. sity, there’s more uniformity of expectations appeared to be widest in most economically One noteworthy theory was the and that might lead to less changes across developed countries. impact of war, natural disasters and large- the life course or generations.” “We’re not able to say, ‘This is the scale catastrophes. The survey cites a study Does this mean the world is becoming law of religious change that we can deduce that showed that after the 2011 earthquake more secular? Not necessarily, according to from this evidence,’” Conrad Hackett, the in Christchurch, New Zealand, researchers the survey, since the most religious areas of lead researcher for the Pew study, said. “It’s found a net gain in religious affiliation of the world are experiencing the fastest popula- rather, ‘These are the general patterns we 3.4 percent in the region where the quake tion growth because they have high fertility see.’ There are exceptions for sure.” hit, compared with a 1.6 percent net drop rates and relatively young populations. Canada leads all countries with a in religious affiliation across the rest of New But the persistence of an age gap does 28 percentage-point difference between Zealand during that same period. deserve further study. One area the survey younger and older people on the question Then there’s the example of the United doesn’t touch on is the effect of technology, of whether they affiliate with a particular States: In the post-World War II years, the Internet and social media on religion, or religion. Denmark, South Korea, Australia younger Americans reported attending more generally, the effect of secularization. and Norway follow. In the United States, at least as often as their elders, as battle- “We’re not suggesting religious change younger adults aged 18 to 39 years are 17 weary veterans married and started their is unidirectional,” Hackett said. “But it percent less likely to claim a religion than own families. That trend peaked in the late seems that in many countries there is a adults aged 40 and over. 1950s, when people ages 30 to 39 attended pattern of lower religiosity among younger The study, which examined three church as frequently as people age 60 and generations that may be the unfolding of additional measures of religiosity — the over. But church attendance among young secularization.” NFJ

56 Feature Why millennials are really leaving religion

AN ANALYSIS BY JANA RIESS Religion News Service

A couple of decades ago, when young adults began showing their dissatisfaction with organized religion by voting with their feet, it was fashionable for pundits to say this was happening because those religions weren’t conserva- tive or demanding enough.

ecause the exodus was initially Congregation members talk during a service at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn. most pronounced among liberal, Photo courtesy of Grace Lutheran Church/Creative Commons mainline Protestants like Episcopa- B If the political alienation theory fully in religion, the fact that fewer Americans are lians and Presbyterians, it was easy to point at liberalism as the root of the problem. explained what’s going on in American getting married is worrisome news to clergy. If churches just held fast to their religion, millennials would be leaving standards, the thinking went, they would conservative religions in favor of ones that Fertility changes are liberal and LGBT-affirming. Plenty be fine, because strictness was what the The number of children a family has is of churches like that exist, where those on masses secretly wanted. But now the “strict related to the couple’s religious involvement the political left would feel welcome and churches” theory is crumbling because some — couples without kids are a bit less likely comfortable. But they are not growing. strict denominations are now charting losses, to be religious. So the fact that fertility is Instead, folks are just leaving religion, or at least slower growth. Southern Baptists on the decline is, again, worrisome news for full stop, especially if they’re young. have lost more than a million members over organized religion. (To say nothing of the So if the “strict churches” theory the last decade, according to LifeWay, while long-term implications for things like Social doesn’t explain why many conservative giving and attendance are down. Security.) Meanwhile, the Church of Jesus Christ denominations are experiencing losses, and the “political alienation” theory doesn’t of Latter-day Saints has seen its once- Growth of the nones enviable U.S. growth rate slow to under account for why people are exiting religion 1 percent in each of the last two years. entirely rather than merely switching to a This seems like a circular argument: The Mormonism is barely keeping pace with the faith that’s more suitable, what does? nones are growing because the nones are growth of the U.S. population. Four in 10 younger millennials (18-29) growing! But sociologically, it makes a kind Now liberal pundits are quick to point are nones, which is four times what it was of sense. the finger. A HuffPost headline last year in the 1980s. In fact, the fastest-growing Some nonbelievers might have stayed screeched that “Evangelical Christianity’s religion in America is no religion at all. in organized religion in previous genera- Big Turn-Off” was its relentless pursuit of The problem is that the real explana- tions just because it was socially expected, a conservative political agenda. Millennials tion for this is complicated. But here are and there were consequences for not joining want nothing to do with them. three factors that all play a role: the religious crowd. The numeric growth of There’s evidence to support the politi- the nones has removed some of those barri- cal alienation theory, to a point. Millennials Delayed marriage and ers, so that other closeted nones feel more are leaving religion in droves, and some of it more single adults comfortable leaving religion too. There is an is related to politics. People who vote or lean One of the biggest demographic trends infrastructure and support system for them. Democratic are more likely to be “nones,” of our time is that millennials are delay- defined as people who have no religious ing marriage or not getting married at So while political frustration is a factor, affiliation. But that’s the key: no religious all. And since there’s a strong correlation the reality of millennials leaving organized affiliation. between being married and being involved religion is more complicated. NFJ

Feature 57 REBLOG Why ‘But the Bible says . . .’ can ring so hollow

BY JOHN D. PIERCE to the Bible and often misrepresent their Therefore, it’s amazing how often interpretations of holy texts as being clear, proclaimed “biblical truth” is completely at t doesn’t mean much to say one believes perfect and beyond questioning. odds with Jesus who somewhere along the the Bible. Just consider all the conflicting However, the Bible is not clear about way got pushed aside. I and often awful stuff said over the centu- much other than the big stuff that those And let’s face it: Most so-called ries, and even recently, by those claiming who claim the highest allegiance tend to group Bible study is primarily ideology biblical authority. diminish: God is love. Everyone is made sharing — that begins with reading a few Not surprising, there are many people in the image of God. Jesus is lord. Grace is Bible verses and quickly asking, “What who reject the Bible without ever reading wide, but following Jesus is hard. The great- do you think?” An honest search for fresh it because of its widespread misrepresenta- est commandment is to love God with all biblical insights — with mind- and heart- tion by those seeking some divine cover for one’s being and others as oneself. changing capabilities — is much rarer than their misguided thinking and self-serving The Bible is no catalog or rulebook quick proof-texting of one’s predetermined misdeeds. that can be read thematically and followed perspectives and values. In fact, no widespread act of injustice succinctly. To treat it as such is to use the Little serious exploration is given to and discrimination throughout the history Bible for a personal purpose rather than to what a biblical text meant at the time of its of this nation has lacked the backing of seek divine direction. occurrence and how its truth might rightly those with a firm finger wedged somewhere Rather the Bible is an odd assemblage transport to one’s contemporary Christian in the Bible. of varied ancient literature with inspir- living in a very different time and place. But here’s the real truth about the ing and often surprising accounts of God’s However, with a good dose of humil- Bible: One tends to come out where one revelation that culminates in the life, death ity and the guidance of God’s Spirit, the goes in. and resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, as the Bible can indeed be a lamp unto our feet That truth is easy to test: When is the fullest revelation of God, Jesus is rightly the and a light unto our paths — but not if we last time someone changed his or her mind lens through which all truth is to be inter- treat it like a steppingstone to the divine about a passionately held opinion concern- preted and measured. justification of our personal predetermined ing a contemporary issue as a result of It is wise to use great caution before preferences. actually reading the Bible? claiming (or accepting the claims of others) And how might we know the differ- Such entrenched perspectives are rarely a distinctively biblical position on social ence? Perhaps by noting if we ever come out changed and, when so, usually grow out of issues not specifically addressed in the of the Bible at a different place than where relational experiences that then lead to revis- Bible. Too often we seek justification for we went in. NFJ iting the Bible in order to align newly selected our opinions rather than fresh revelation. texts with the newfound conclusions. And, honestly, those on opposing Often the Bible gets abused in order to sides of a hot topic tend to take the same Reminder: Superb scholarly, yet justify abuse. Attorney General Jeff Sessions approach: that is, to embrace a position applicable, Bible studies by Tony — appealing to Romans 13 to justify family with which one feels comfortable, and then Cartledge are included within this separation — provided a prime example construct an often shaky biblical case for the journal and as his small volumes recently. predetermined conclusion as if that provides of short-term series (includ- Nothing rings more hollow than “But some godly legitimacy. ing Patriarchs, Matriarchs and the Bible says…” The Bible says a lot of That’s why the term “biblical” has Anarchs, a new 13-week study in things and can be manipulated for just little meaning within modern discourse. It Genesis). Check these out online about any cause one desires. usually refers to the opinion of someone at nurturingfaith.net or call (478) And cocksure believers who manipu- who claims allegiance to the Bible whether 301-5655 for great bulk pricing late it the most for their own purposes such a conclusion resembles the actual life for even small groups. are those who claim the highest allegiance and teachings of Jesus or not.

58 Thoughts While others may dodge or dismiss the most challenging issues facing churches and individual Christians today, Nurturing Faith publishes credible and thoughtful resources for exploring them.

REAL ISSUES Reliable resources Immigration, Race, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientatiton

Available as PRINT or DIGITAL books at books.nurturingfaith.net. Call (478) 301-5655 for special bulk pricing for classes or discussion groups. ‘Jesus Rode A Dinosaur’ Exploring what churches tell teens about science

BY EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER of the Science for Youth Ministry team, Religion News Service which included creating a video curriculum for youth groups, speaking at conferences, DINA, Minn. — Growing up a teaching classes, and writing books on conservative Southern Baptist, Mike subjects related to religion and science. E McHargue loved science. He would What Science for Youth Ministry did drive his youth pastor and Sunday school not want to do was rehash the debate over the teachers “insane,” he said, with difficult theory of evolution and creationism, a belief questions in his quest to reconcile his faith that the seven days of creation in Genesis with science. are a literal account — which is where the Eventually, his youth pastor handed him discussion about Christianity and science too a book, said McHargue, whose questions led often defaults, according to Jones. him to embrace atheism before he returned Even the most conservative of speakers to a more progressive Christianity. at the conference believed evolution was in But what he needed, said McHargu — disorders, but they won’t talk about science, no way opposed to Scripture, he said. Topics host of “The Liturgists” and “Ask Science even though kids are learning about it in at “Jesus Rode a Dinosaur” included climate Mike” podcasts — weren’t necessarily school and carrying $700 computers in their change and the environment, technol- answers but a listening ear and an ability to pockets,” said Jones, who teaches theology ogy, astrophysics and helping teens pursue assume a less defensive crouch: “I needed at Fuller Theological Seminary and United scientific careers. someone to help me lower my guard.” Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Several speakers also explained how Getting comfortable with questions was More than half (56 percent) of youth they view the relationship between science a theme shared by many speakers at “Jesus surveyed by Science for Youth Ministry said and religion: They’re not enemies or strang- Rode a Dinosaur and Other Silly Tales,” a they “have a lot of questions” about God ers or even friends, according to Paul youth ministry conference aimed at talking and science. Wallace, who teaches physics and astron- to teenagers about science held at Colonial Meanwhile, the survey of 761 youth omy at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga. Church of Edina outside Minneapolis. leaders, conducted online and in person That assumes they’re equals. About 200 people attended the May in 2014, showed 32 percent don’t address Instead, Wallace said, faith is large conference, the capstone of a four-year science at all in their youth groups, and just enough to “completely contain” science. Templeton Foundation grant for Science over half teach one to three lessons about it “Science simply does not stand on its own. for Youth Ministry, administered by Luther over the course of a year. It requires, it demands us to do what human Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., to get Christian Nearly 82 percent said when they do beings always do, which is to interpret those youth leaders to take science more seriously. talk about science, they have to prepare their facts and to put them into a larger context,” It started with a hunch — that youth own lessons; about 7 percent said they were he said. pastors in America weren’t ready to talk satisfied or very satisfied with the resources Krista Tippett, host of the popular about faith and science with the students that have been published. NPR show “On Being,” shared her experi- in their churches, said Tony Jones of The youth surveys were sent home ence of growing up Southern Baptist and Science for Youth Ministry. Focus groups with and administered to more than 1,400 attending youth group three times a week. and a nationwide survey of students and students by the youth leaders who took part In a conversation with Jones, she spoke youth leaders from a number of Christian in Science for Youth Ministry’s focus groups. about millennials looking for mentors who denominations — evangelical, mainline and It’s important for youth pastors to be are “walking with them in wisdom rather Catholic — backed that up. able to talk about science, Jones said, because than telling them what to do” and asking Science raises some big issues for the students are — at school, at the kitchen questions they don’t always feel they have students, he said, “and youth pastors aren’t table, online. If they’re hearing about it permission to ask in church settings. great at talking about it. everywhere except at church, they’ll get the Addressing technology, Tippett “They’ll talk about the Bible, they’ll message those two things don’t go together. acknowledged computers are better at talk about sex, they’ll talk about eating The grant also supported the work finding answers than humans are. What

60 Feature makes humans unique, she said, is the ability to ask good questions, and Christianity has not stressed the quality of its questions. King of Jordan honored with Templeton “If God is God and made us the way Prize for fostering Muslim cooperation we are — the askers of questions — God can’t be scared of your questions, whatever BY CHRIS HERLINGER they are,” she said. Religion News Service That was the theme, too, of a workshop about using the scientific method as a tool ing Abdullah II of Jordan has for faith formation led by public theolo- won the 2018 Templeton Prize gian and life and leadership coach Rozella for promoting dialogue and Haydee White. K cooperation between Muslims of differ- “Our God is big enough to hold the ing traditions. curiosity, to hold the questions, to hold the Abdullah, king of Jordan since critique, to hold the anger. Our God is big 1999, “has led a reclamation of Islam’s enough for all of that,” she said. moderate theological narrative from White encouraged participants to start King Abdullah II of Jordan addresses the the distortions of radicalism,” the John from a place of asking questions to engage European Parliament on March 10, 2015. Templeton Foundation said June 27. Photo by Pietro Naj-Oleari/© European their own faith and the faith of their students, The annual prize honors “a person Union 2015 - European Parliament/Creative to construct a hypothesis and to test it, Commons who has made an exceptional contri- mimicking the steps of the scientific method. bution to affirming life’s spiritual marks during the first week of Febru- After that workshop, Melissa Acker- dimension, whether through insight, ary “to stress the moral imperative of mann, the youth ministry coordinator discovery, or practical works,” the promoting and understanding the values at First Lutheran Church, an Evangelical foundation said in a statement. of peace inherent in all religions,” the Lutheran Church in America congregation Among Abdullah’s contributions foundation said. in Lake City, Minn., said, “I’m really imagin- to religious understanding is his 2004 These and other efforts have “come ing this shifting my whole ministry and how “Amman Message,” which “articulated with great personal cost including I deal with high schoolers in particular.” a clear understanding of the central condemnation and death threats from With a background in science, Acker- elements of Islam, and affirmed that radical terrorist groups,” the foundation mann said, she realized her default is to rush terrorism and violence have no place in said. Abdullah is the second Muslim to to answer students’ questions. the religion,” said the foundation. win the Templeton Prize. Inamullah Douglas Kersten, who works in student That message, developed when the Khan, founder of the Modern World ministry at Community Fellowship Church Iraq War worsened relations between Muslim Congress, was the first, in 1988. in Lancaster, Pa., said students definitely Sunni and Shiite Muslims, was expanded The king is a member of the have questions about science. Kersten has the next year when the king invited Hashemites, Jordan’s royal family, and been at the church since October 2017, 200 Islamic scholars from 50 countries a direct descendant of the Prophet but in that time it has solicited anonymous to Jordan. From those consultations Muhammad. Abdullah was also praised questions from students, and a lot of them emerged “Three Points of the Amman for making Jordan a place of welcome for “tended toward a science-faith conflict,” he Message,” which recognized the valid- refugees fleeing war and conflict in the said. ity of all eight of Islam’s legal schools Middle East and for taking a lead role What’s at stake in those conversations, and explicitly forbade declarations of in Jordan’s protection of Christian and said podcaster McHargue, is Thanksgiving. apostasy, the foundation said. Islamic holy sites. “Faith transitions, of which 44 percent In 2007, the king funded an initia- The Templeton Prize is valued at of Americans will go through at least once tive called “A Common Word Between 1.1 million British pounds, or about $1.4 in their life, are tearing families apart and, Us and You,” in which Muslim leaders million, one of the largest individual along with it, dialogue, discourse, civic addressed their Christian counterparts, prizes in the world. Previous Temple- institutions,” he said. “Unless we can have calling for cooperation between the two ton laureates include Mother Teresa, informed, civil conversations about faith religions based on the shared traditions of Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Billy Graham, and science, we can’t hold society together love of God and love of neighbor. From Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. anymore.” NFJ that initiative came a 2010 proposal at Abdullah will formally receive the prize the United Nations: World Interfaith in a public ceremony in November in —This story was written as part of a grant Harmony Week, which the U.N. now Washington, D.C. NFJ supported by the Templeton Foundation.

Feature 61 Questions Christians ask scientists What is Intelligent Design, and what do you think of it? —Douglas Rawls, Atlanta, Ga. am opposed to Intelligent Design. To God. He understood that God will do what explain why, I’d like to introduce my God will do. But he also understood that Ifavorite scientist. science is a rule-bound enterprise, that it is a Johannes Kepler was born in 1571 in search for physical explanations for physical Weil-der-Stat, a small village in modern-day phenomena. Germany. He was brilliant, brave, self- Kepler’s science was pledged to an assured, honest, creative and ever hopeful. unorthodox and deeply-held, religious The following quote from James Connor’s faith that undergirded his belief in hidden popular biography sums it up nicely: order. His Christian inheritance informed “In 1620 Kepler’s mother was being him that the universe is not accidental. For tried for witchcraft. Germany was well into him creation was not only good; it had been the Thirty Years’ War. Kepler had already blessed by the Incarnation, raised up and lost his first wife and little boy to disease, made worthy of a life’s study. and in the years following he lost three more BY PAUL WALLACE Moreover, just as God had laid out the children. In his adult life he was chased out orbits of the planets, God also had marked of one town after another by the Counter- Paul Wallace is a Baptist minister with the human soul with the imprint of divine Reformation. He was excommunicated by a doctorate in experimental nuclear intelligence. Therefore human beings had his own church. And yet, throughout most physics from Duke University and the capacity to discover and share in the of these years he was writing a book called post-doctoral work in gamma ray joyful harmony of creation. astronomy, along with a theology The Harmony of the World. This is a man These were Kepler’s fundamental degree from Emory University. He worth knowing.” beliefs. He had intended to be a Lutheran teaches at Agnes Scott College in Kepler was open and fair. He shared Decatur, Ga. Faith-science questions minister, but when his scientific work began his discoveries with anyone who would for consideration may be submitted to to show promise, he wrote an elated letter listen (few did, not even Galileo), asked [email protected]. to his former professor, saying, “Just as I for help when he needed it (he never got pledged myself to God, so my intention it), confessed when he was wrong (he was remains. I wished to be a theologian, and wrong a lot), and admitted ignorance when orbits. He was sidetracked from this study for a while I was anguished. But behold, he didn’t know. This open attitude and lack to comment on a new star, or nova, which now God — who wants to be known from of hubris led him to scientific greatness. appeared that month in the southern sky. the Book of Nature — is glorified also in He was the first to combine astronomy In his short work, De Stella Nova, astronomy through my work.” and physics into what we today call astro- published in 1606, he wondered what could Kepler’s refusal to call the new star a physics. He wrote the first science-fiction have caused such an event. He considered a miracle did not flow from a desire to push story. He insisted that scientific theories number of possibilities, but he didn’t know. God out of science but from an insistence match data with unprecedented accuracy Kepler began to consider that it may that God’s creation is not founded in confu- and precision. have been special creation, meaning a delib- sion. We may here state Kepler’s fundamental Kepler was the first to seriously erate, separate act of God unconnected axiom: “The universe has been designed; consider that the planets’ orbits may not with any other natural event — what we therefore it must be comprehensible.” be circular, and was therefore the one who today would call a miracle. But in the end Over the last 20 years or so a group of discovered that they are not. His Astronomia he withdrew from that conclusion, writing, people has tried to play the special-creation Nova, published before Galileo ever picked “Before we come to [special] creation, card that Kepler refused. Their unifying up a telescope, was sufficient to convince which puts an end to all discussion, I think idea (and the movement itself) is called the world that the earth moved around the we should try everything else.” Intelligent Design (ID). The organiza- sun. And he refused to ascribe miracle status At the beginning of the scientific tion most directly responsible for ID and to scientifically unexplainable events. revolution Kepler understood that to claim its promotion is the Discovery Institute, a In October 1604 Kepler was living in a miracle (special creation) is to put an Seattle-based think tank. Prague and was deeply into work on Mars end to scientific inquiry. He did not reject On their web site they post their central that would later reveal the planets’ elliptical special creation because he put limits on thesis: “The theory of Intelligent Design

62 Feature holds that certain features of the universe wrote: “It is a shock to us … to discover, science seriously but not too seriously, and a and of living things are best explained by an from observations science has made, that the strong bulwark against the lull of material- intelligent cause, not an undirected process fundamental mechanisms of life cannot be ism. such as natural selection.” ascribed to natural selection, and therefore Looking upon the new star in Septem- Many ID supporters are bewildered were designed. But we must deal with our ber 1604, could Kepler have envisioned by the complexity of certain cellular mecha- shock as best we can and go on.” Type 1 supernovas, mass-transfer binary nisms or by the sheer unlikelihood of certain Behe may “deal with his shock and go stars, stellar evolution, and explosive carbon events that had to happen for life to be possi- on” all he likes, but he has jumped the rails fusion — the processes, we have found, that ble. They claim that they cannot explain of science. In sharp contrast to Kepler, Behe power novas? No. these phenomena by natural selection — the has led us to the fundamental axiom of ID: But his belief in the richness of dominant mechanism by which creatures The universe is incomprehensible; there- creation and his expansive faith allowed evolve — or by any other natural processes. fore, it must have been designed. him to admit ignorance while freely leaving But the large majority of biologists Here’s what is happening: In the face the door of science wide open. ID denies its disagree, saying natural selection does a of a difficult scientific problem ID propo- proponents that freedom. perfectly fine job with these problems. As nents, mostly Christians, are taking the Having opted to close the door on a non-biologist, I do not know who is right path that Kepler refused; they are following science, they steal from themselves the (although as a scientist I tend to side with the path of special creation, declaring divine opportunity to see nature more deeply. In the biologists). intervention. so doing they dig in their heels, refusing to But it doesn’t matter, because dis- That Kepler refused that road out of be drawn, Kepler-style, closer to the creator proving “theory A” doesn’t prove “theory reverence for God’s creation is ironic. God they all believe in. B,” as there may also be theories “C” and For a person of faith, ID is an unnec- This is a fundamental irony about ID, “D” to deal with. Therefore, disproving essary choice. Religious people do not need and it is an irony, I believe, that would have Darwin does not, indeed cannot, prove ID. to shrink from science and its naturalistic been perceived by Johannes Kepler, whose But ID proponents think that it does. methods, because they more than others faith made him unafraid to chase, every Biochemist Michael Behe, author of Darwin’s have a rich tradition in which to locate these day of his life, after the thoughts of his Black Box and a prominent ID supporter, things, a context that allows them to take creator. NFJ

Feature 63 Together, we can do more with more BY JOHN D. PIERCE WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT: here is value in doing “more with less” as the old saying goes. We know possible, make it part of a multi- T that firsthand at Nurturing Faith year pledge so we know what to — the now well-branded and expanded expect. publishing ministry of Baptists Today, Inc. Fast-changing technology and cultural gift — by credit card or by check shifts in recent years have afforded new when paying your bills. opportunities to be grasped. On those rare occasions when I reflect rather simply face When money comes your way through the sale of property or the next deadline or other item on my to-do inheritance or another source, list, I marvel at the many changes. think of how directing some of In just a brief time we have moved those funds to Nurturing Faith can from publishing a monthly tabloid-format family of supporters who make our ministry make a huge di"erence. news journal to an expanded bi-monthly, possible. magazine-quality journal with a superb Often I am asked how we do so much estate plans. This generous act Bible study curriculum within. This with so little. These friends are the answer. ensures your influence and this signature publication is complemented However, more wonderful opportuni- ministry’s extension beyond the by a daily-updated website with timely ties are coming our way than we have the needs of today. news, blogs, teaching materials and other human and financial resources to fulfill. We resources. are looking for ways to better use the gifts of tools for supporting this ministry Speaking of resources, Nurturing Faith our staff and to add services we need to be that your advisor can suggest. Or contact us and we’ll arrange for has published more than 75 books within even more effective. someone to discuss the options a brief span — many in collaboration with While doing more with less is good, that best serve your purposes organizations or with the support of individ- the reality is WE CAN DO MORE WITH and provide the kind of generous uals who share our values and mission. Each MORE! support you wish to share. year we host a variety of in-person events Therefore, I am asking for your support including the Judson-Rice Award Dinner — or an increase in support — of Nurturing Most of all, THANKS! Thanks for and Nurturing Faith Experiences. Faith through charitable giving to Baptists sharing this journey thus far and To the journal we’ve added popular Today, Inc., a 35-year-old non-profit with a for being so faithful. And thanks for columns on congregational health and future as bright as our resources allow. sharing in the dreams, hopes and faith/science matters. Through these multi- We need these gifts in both the short reality that will enable us to continue ple publications and events we address the term and long term, and included here are to embrace new opportunities and real issues facing thoughtful Christians and some good ways to help. And, by scale, make a greater impact in all that congregations today. what is considered a small gift to some large we do. Reflecting on all that has occurred organization is considered a very impactful during my 18 years as editor, I feel deep gift to our ministry. CONTACTS: appreciation for those who’ve made it I am asking you to make that kind of Baptists Today, Inc. possible: a talented staff willing to continu- impact through Nurturing Faith — where P.O. Box 6318 ally take on new responsibilities; a board of I assure you of the highest level of steward- Macon, GA 31208-6318 directors that gives wise counsel and encour- ship and a commitment to using your gift (478) 301-5655 agement; a growing number of trusting, to address the real issues facing Christian o%[email protected] [email protected] collaborating organizations; and a broader living today. NFJ

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