Issue #4 - 2005 A Publication of Ransom Fellowship
CritHelpingique Christians Develop Skill in Discernment
04 The Darkened Room Million Dollar Baby raised a lot of discussion. As Drew Trotter reveals in this review, the real issue in this finely crafted film hasn’t received enough attention.
08 Reading the W orld Is arguing with people about right and wrong really engaging them with the gos- pel? The 13th in the Babylon series, about being in the world but not of it.
10 Tuned In 04 Bruce Springsteen’s latest CD can help us see reality more clearly—that is, if we are willing to see. A review of Devils & Dust.
07 Resources Reviews of The Sacred Cosmos; Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess- 13 Worshipers, and Other Pagans in America Today; and Dylan's Vision of Sin
14 The Discerning Life Asking someone to step down, either by firing them as an employee or replacing 02 Editor’s Note them as a volunteer is a painful process. It is also worth thinking about. 03 Dialogue 16 On the Web 15 Out of Their Minds Francis Schaeffer talked not just about art, philosophy, and faith, but about caring for the earth. Many conservative Christians might be shocked at what he said. Critique Issue #4 - 2005
Editor Denis Haack
Layout & Web John Hake
Contributing Editors Jennifer Disney, Steven Garber, Editor’s Note R. Greg Grooms, Donald Guthrie, Dialogue Marsena Konkle John Mason Hodges, Preston More than slogans Jones, David John Seel, Jr., he controversy serve as a foundation to the conclusion of the Andrew H. Trotter, Jr. around Clint film. As Andrew Trotter’s review in this Critique Board of Directors TEastwood’s film, reveals, more is at stake here than a political Steven Garber Million Dollar Baby agenda for end-of-life debates. In fact, the film Scholar-in-Residence (see the review on raises issues so foundational that, until they are The Evermay Project pages 4-7), was hard addressed thoughtfully, the arguments against Washington DC to miss. I think the euthanasia will make little sense. controversy suggests There was a curious lack of compassion in Donald Guthrie Vice President for several things. most of the debate that I heard. One of the rea- Academics at Covenant First, popular cul- sons I love the art of the cinema is that it allows Theological Seminary ture generates discus- me to be transported into someone else’s world, sion about things that matter. It’s not just seri- without for a moment giving up my own convic- Denis and Margie Haack ous novels or solemn essays that raise worthy tions and values. In Million Dollar Baby I was co-founders of Ransom Fellowship issues. I am always surprised at the number swept into the world of boxing, and came to care Rev. Ed Hague of people who dismiss popular culture is for several characters that, though fictional, Pastor of Adult Discipleship nothing more than shallow entertainment. were compellingly portrayed. The world Wildwood Presbyterian Church If we wish to be part of the conversations of the film seems to me to be a seamless that matter, we need to be aware of what continuation of the world Eastwood has Bonnie Liefer is generating them. shown us in Unforgiven and Mystic River. It Director of Communications Second, the controversy around Million is a dark world, with real suffering but few for Coalition for Christian Outreach Dollar Baby suggests that just because a answers, an impotent church, and a level debate in the public square is loud and furi- of injustice that seems to suck all mean- Henry Tazelaar MD ous, it may not be very persuasive. Did the ing from life. In that world, what Maggie Professor of Pathology, debate help people reflect thoughtfully on wanted and Frankie did, makes sense, and Mayo Medical School the deeper issues involved, or was it merely it grieved me that people created in God’s one more example of activists preaching to image could be so lost in so much darkness. Submissions the already convinced? I may be mistaken, Million Dollar Baby should move us, but Critique considers unsolicited but I think the answer is obvious. less to anger than to tears. manuscripts only for poetry. The controversy was also a reminder of I’m not sure the evangelical activists and [email protected] or mail with SASE to: how a technically correct answer might not conservative pundits are as helpful in sup- Ransom Fellowship be a sufficient answer. Million Dollar Baby is porting traditional Christian values as they 1150 West Center Street a rich story, richly told, not a simplistic tale with imagine. Rather than outrage, we should express Rochester, MN 55902 one-dimensional characters. To respond angrily delight at the chance to discuss things that mat- that euthanasia is wrong made me wonder if ter with those who do not share our deepest Correspondence people had seen the film, or if they had watched convictions and values. Those discussions should All other correspondence it thoughtfully. The problem with this response be thoughtful, warmly human, authentically and changes of address: is not that it isn’t correct, but that it gives the compassionate, and marked by careful listening. Critique impression that Christian faith is limited to sim- Technically correct slogans are not sufficient— 1150 West Center Street plistic answers. The film deserves careful watch- not just because they are not compelling, but Rochester, MN 55902 [email protected] ing, because it is a well-made, compelling story; because they make a mockery of the rich nuance it deserves careful discussion because it raises the and splendid depth that is built into the very Copyright © 2005 by issue of euthanasia within a story well-developed fabric of the world God created. ■ Ransom Fellowship enough to probe into ideas and assumptions that ~Denis Haack http://www.ransomfellowship.org
Critique #4 - 2005 2 Dialogue re: the Chosen People and Gnosticism s a Jew, I at times find Christians to be is true, because most evangelicals are dualist overly zealous (understandable in this when it comes to matter. David Naugle in Apost-Christian world, but insulting to Worldview: The History of a Concept raises the Jews, when we view ourselves as the “Chosen question of whether a sacramental view of Send e-mail to: People”—and not in “need” of “salvation” reality is in fact necessary for a thoroughgoing in any way) and perhaps blindly fanatical. Christian worldview. God came to redeem [email protected] Now, I am of course, stereotyping—but only not simply the spiritual life or the secular life, to explain that I approached your Ransom but the whole creation. There is an earthi- Fellowship website with trepidation. I was ness to the Gospel that is lost among those searching for discussions on a book, The who do not see the incarnation as God’s cos- Life of Pi which I’d just read for a book club mic Yes to His creation. Celtic Christianity and wanted to get some ideas on delving has this aspect of dirt-under-the-fingernails deeper into its meaning and message, etc. Christianity, a kind of “bawdy spirituality.” Your article on Life of Pi was truly excellent. Christians have little to say to the embodied You are invited to take part in Intrigued, I browsed thru more of the website. questions of sexual identity without such a Critique’s Dialogue. Address all Very impressive. Despite the fact that it is a physical view of God’s indwelling real pres- correspondence to: Christian website, your message of “discern- ence. Sex and spirituality are intrinsically con- ment” and living a Godly life is dead on and nected (see 1 Corinthians 6:12-20). Without Ransom Fellowship inspiring. Even to this Jew. So, that’s why I’m a sacramental view of reality, icons will not 1150 West Center Street writing. To thank you all for the wonderful make sense and we will not be able to bring Rochester, MN 55902 website and wish you much success. I intend the full redemptive aspect of the Gospel to a to come back to it often and recommend it practicing homosexual or to our own gender or e-mail: to my friends as well. Thank you for provid- confusions. This is an issue that goes beyond [email protected] ing a resource for moral people (even non- loving birds by understanding what God Christians) to practice and hone the discern- came to redeem. Paul says in Romans that Unfortunately, we are unable to ment and contemplative skills that seem so creation groans waiting for its redemption. It respond personally to all corre- lost to today’s secular society. probably also groans at our view of its groan- spondence received, but each one Shalom, ing. is greatly appreciated. We reserve Cindy A. Thielman It should also be remembered that the the right to edit letters for length. via email Nicene Creed (381), in the end, came down on the side of icons. The creed itself was viewed iconographically as seen in its official hank you for reviewing Windows to title, the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Symbol Heaven [Critique #2-2005]. Icons are of Faith. More than an affirmation of belief, T only meaningfully understood in light it was viewed as a picture or window into of a sacramental understanding of reality. the character of God. Ancient Gnosticism As most evangelicals have a nascent Gnostic coupled with modern rationalism has done mindset (see Philip Lee’s Against the Protestant much to weaken contemporary evangelicals’ Gnostics), it is almost impossible for them understanding of God’s real presence—in our to understand icons as anything other than own lives as well as His created order. idols. It is interesting that in the same issue of David John Seel, Jr. Critique you quote John Stott as saying that Cohasset, MA we have an inadequate view of creation. This
3 Critique #4 - 2005 The Darkened Room
for the view it purportedly presented A review of in support of assisted suicide. Frankie Dunn, an over-the-hill trainer played by Million Dollar Baby Eastwood, reluctantly takes on the job of helping Maggie Fitzgerald, portrayed by by Drew Trotter Hillary Swank in a deserving Academy Award winning performance, an older female boxer whose life has never allowed A thoroughly surprising plot twist in her to get the coaching that would match this film will be openly discussed in the heart and physical ability she has for this review. If you have not yet seen the game. Much of the film builds the rap- the film, and still hold out hope of port between the two, thoroughly depicting seeing it without knowing about this Dunn’s reluctance and Fitzgerald’s desire Baby Credits: turn in its story, first I’d like to ask, as the classic irresistible force meeting the Starring: What have you been talking about for unmovable object, and subtly creating one Clint Eastwood the last four months? Second, I suggest of the most memorable non-father and (Frankie Dunn) Hilary Swank you put the review away until after non-daughter father/daughter relation- (Maggie Fitzgerald) you’ve seen the film. ships in film history. All this prepares us Morgan Freeman (Eddie Scrap-Iron Dupris) for the heart-wrenching event at the end Brian F. O’Byrne illion Dollar Baby, Clint Eastwood’s of the movie when Frankie sneaks into the (Father Horvak) latest movie and the 2004 Academy hospital at night and injects Maggie with Jay Baruchel (Danger Barch) M Award winner for Best Picture, adrenaline, ending her life. This prompted Mike Colter has stirred controversy in two ways. First, protests by everyone from the leading dis- (Big Willie Little) Lucia Rijker reviewers have complained that those who abilities rights organizations in the country (Billie “The Blue Bear”) advertised the film pulled a “bait and to the woman upon whose similar rise to Director: switch” on the audience. Advertising the prominence and tragic end to her career Clint Eastwood movie as if it were a female Rocky about a the story was based, though, obviously with Producers: gritty, female boxer’s over- a different conclusion. Clint Eastwood Paul Haggis coming of adversity to rise Both these protests have Writers: (or maybe not) to the top, some merit; most people F. X. Toole (Rope Burns) instead the movie focuses its I have encountered who Paul Haggis (screenplay) emotional power on major knew nothing about the Consultant: ethical questions arising from film but the advertising Paul Rusesabagina a startling plot twist about they encountered, felt that Cinematographer: Tom Stern two-thirds of the way through they saw a movie that was the film. The controversy was very different from the one Film Editing: Joel Cox so widespread that Michael they thought they were Production Design: Medved, perhaps the chief going to see. Similarly, Henry Bumstead recipient of the criticism of though Eastwood, when Original Music: those who in turn criticized confronted with the Clint Eastwood
DevelopingDiscernment Baby in this vein, actually had accusation that the film Runtime: 132 min. to write a lengthy column in the Wall Street promotes mercy killing, has stated publicly Rated PG-13 for violence, Journal, clarifying his position and defend- that he just wanted to tell a good story, some disturbing images, the- matic material and language. ing himself against his attackers. and that he is not really teaching a moral Secondly, many condemned the film directly in Million Dollar Baby, it is dif-
D D D D Deepening Discipleship 4 Million Dollar Baby subtly creates one of the most mem- orable non-father and non-daughter father/daughter relationships in film history. ficult to believe audience members are not sense of purpose; being encouraged to think very sympatheti- Christianity calls it cally of Frankie and the choice he makes. idolatry. A character’s ability to make us get inside Frankie Dunn’s become the father she hasn’t his shoes, and feel that he is real, is exactly ultimate joy is the had for years, will now be bur- what good filmmaking is all about. Anything daughter he has dened with caring for her, and that character does is thus a paradigm for now found, but the she knows that. He will not us to consider, and the more attractive the movie really fails get his title fighter, not get the character is, the more we will be drawn to ethically when it portrays Maggie as giving pleasure of managing her through the subtle- agree with his actions. To look at it another up on life because she can no longer box. ties of however many years she would have way, nothing in the film remotely encourages From having a worth of $1M had left in the ring. the viewer to decide to continue life in the to having a worth of nothing, A third aspect of the But most of all, she makes circumstances presented at the end of Baby; Maggie sees herself as useless it clear that she has lost everything promotes the view that it is legiti- to any and everyone, and film is what Chris- her worth to herself, that, mate to take life when it’s “not worth living.” begs to die. It is true that her tians ought to be most as she puts it early in the The “mercy killing” at the end of Baby seems efforts to love her despicable film, “the only thing she a tragic, but necessary, good. white-trash family are shock- concerned about, and ever felt good doing,” is A third aspect of the film, though, is ingly rejected; she has only there were no protests now denied her. She makes what Christians ought to be most concerned enabled them to become even about it. a long list of all the joys she about, and there were no protests about it. more evil as the film goes on. has experienced that she Million Dollar Baby assumes, and its contro- It is true that the crowds will no longer never thought possible: being in magazines, versial relationship and resolution is based get the pleasure of watching Maggie triumph traveling the world, staying in fancy hotels, upon, the legitimacy of making something in the ring, and her Irish fans won’t be able getting a title shot. Now, she says, all that other than God Himself our ultimate basis to root for her with cheers of the pet name, is slowly draining away from her, as she has for living. No Christian should expect any- bestowed on her by Eastwood, “Mo Cuishle,” her leg amputated, and any hope of recovery thing different from those outside the faith, which we find out later is Gaelic shorthand departs. Maggie does not want those memo- but Baby not only assumes this, the film for, “My darling, my blood.” ries to fade, so she begs Frankie to let her go emphasizes it. The world calls this having a It is even true that Eastwood, who has out while they are still fresh in her mind, and
Q UESTIONS FOR R EFLECTION AND D ISCUSSION
1. What do you think of the controversy surrounding the advertising of the film? Was it justified? Is it ever justifiable to create trailers and posters that entice viewers to see one thing, when you know that it will be something else? 2. How important is it to you to know what the filmmakers were trying to do with their story? Does Million Dollar Baby actually advocate assisted suicide? Justify your answer with reference to specific scenes and dialogue in the film. 3. It is generally accepted that Baby was a very powerfully emotional film. How did it affect you? What scenes were the most powerful? Why? 4. No positive reviewer of the film has used the word “murder” to describe what Frankie does at the end of the movie. Would you? Why or why not? Questions continued on page 7...
5 Critique #4 - 2005 Darkened Room cont.
he accedes to her wishes. things as opposed to God who is not cre- however, whatever we would define for As Christians, when we try to wrestle ated, but on the side of God, as opposed ourselves as “normal.” The movie gets it with what we would have done in this to all other created wrong in portraying situation, we recognize first that this is things in that we alone Maggie as not having not an unrealistic anything left to live for. question. The Terri Million Dollar Baby presents a Her life has changed, Schiavo case, which but it is not over. One remarkably cap- relentlessly hopeless view that can come up with a tured so much of we have no one else to help us, million ways in which our attention just she could have led a at the moment this that we are trapped in this vale worthy life; Frankie film was playing of tears, powerless and alone. Dunn even investigates and garnering its some of those for her. awards, shows us that. Birth and death bear his image. In this She has decided that in an age of genetic engineering will only space we cannot go into her own life is only increasingly become life events that we the very thorny question worthy if it is lived in have more and more responsibility for. of what the image of the “natural” mode Just a few days ago, I spoke with a friend God actually consists of, within which she was in NYC who knows a young woman her but we do know this: it able to box, and that age who has two children. My friend bestows on every man, is where Christians remarked to her that her two children, woman and child who exists today on the should weep at the ideas this movie two years apart in age, looked amazingly face of the planet—and whoever existed, assumes. We are not our own, we are alike, almost as if they were twins. The or ever will exist for that matter—a worth bought with a price, as St. Paul puts woman replied: “That’s because they that is infinite in value. We are immea- it, and so we do not have the right to are.” The surably valu- determine our own worth. That right is woman and able, no matter God’s alone. Maggie worships an idol and her husband what our sex, when that idol is taken away, life is not had frozen the race, color or worth living. Ironically, both Maggie and fertilized eggs, even creed, and Frankie seem to feel that gods outside and implanted that includes themselves are more important than they them two years our physical are, but they have the wrong gods. apart resulting state, as well. Baby also presents a relentlessly in twins who But the fact hopeless view that we have no one else to are two years that we are of help us, that we are trapped in this vale In The Sacred Cosmos, Terence Nichols, theology professor at St Thomas University (St Paul) argues that apart in age. worth does of tears, powerless and alone. At the end, philosophical naturalism is an insufficient basis for science, and that evolution is compatible with Christian
The kinds of not answer the Scrap, Frankie’s friend played by Morgan k theology. “I will maintain,” Nichols writes, “that evolution does not have to be understood naturalistically, c
decisions we question of the Freeman, says he never saw Frankie again, a that is, as a purely natural and unguided process. Instead, I maintain that evolution has a direction, and is face in a world in which such things are worth of our continued existence on this but that he guessed he was “probably a ultimately guided by God. But God does not determine every detail of evolution. Rather God allows an ele- H
possible are innumerable. earth, i.e. the worth of our “life.” Who somewhere between nowhere and good- s ment of freedom (which may appear to us as chance) in that process. Thus both nature and God, or, more i
So what is a million dollar baby determines when that worthy life should bye.” We see Frankie sitting in the diner n exactly, God’s Spirit, are causal elements in the process of evolution. Evolution can therefore be seen by e
DevelopingDiscernment worth? The Scripture is quite clear. At the end? How do we determine it? that he had wanted to buy some day, Christians as a journey, whose end is the free uniting of persons and creation with God in the resurrection.” D very beginning of the Bible, we are told The Scripture teaches that we should drinking his coffee and eating his lemon Those who follow the ongoing discussion of science, faith, and naturalism might find this book of inter- y
that humans, apart from all the other fight to preserve life at all times, but that pie. No hope is coming, and none is b est. ■ animals, are created in God’s image. This life is not simply continuing to make expected. Frankie is shattered, and that is puts us on the side of all other created the heart pump blood. Neither is it, the end of it, as it is of the film. Book reviewed: The Sacred Cosmos: Christian Faith and the Challenge of Naturalism by Terence L. Nichols (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press; 2003) 227 pp. + notes.
D D D D Deepening Discipleship 6 This bleak conclusion is bad enough, and with it Christianity, and ultimately, but what is worse is that Eastwood makes Christ—doesn’t understand, doesn’t want to a strong point of portraying the church as understand, and actively refuses to under- actually having an answer for Frankie’s dilem- stand, Frankie and his dilemma. It is one of ma—but having the starkest condemnations none of the grace It is one of the starkest of the irrelevance of the to help him under- church in films of recent stand it, implement condemnations of the ir- memory, and it hurts to it, or transfer it relevance of the church in see it because, for one to Maggie. The films of recent memory, and thing, it is too often true priest, a prominent of Christians, but, for excellence in filmmaking that is stunning. Its minor character it hurts to see it because it is another, it flows from a use of lighting, for instance, is as beautiful in the movie, is a too often true of Christians. lack of understanding who and true as that of any color film in memory. stereotype of the Jesus is as the very source One only wishes its ideas were of the same unfeeling, doctrinally correct, smiley-faced of Hope. stature. ■ jerk that too many people outside the church Like many award-winning films last ~Drew Trotter project onto the priesthood. The church— year, Million Dollar Baby demonstrates an
...Q UESTIONS C ONTINUED 5. Scrap, Frankie’s friend played by Morgan Freeman (who also won the Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor), is a powerful presence in the film. How does he move the story and influence Maggie and Frankie? What role does he play in their lives? What significance do you attribute to his presence at the end of the film? 6. Discuss, if you can using examples of which you have some firsthand experience, the issues surrounding the death of an infirm or comatose person. What are the similarities, for instance, between this movie and the Terry Schiavo case? What are the differences? 7. Why do you think the characters in this movie seem so real? Is it the writing, the direction, the acting, some combination of these? What other elements make this film so successful in helping you “get inside the skin” of Scrap, Frankie and Maggie?
In The Sacred Cosmos, Terence Nichols, theology professor at St Thomas University (St Paul) argues that philosophical naturalism is an insufficient basis for science, and that evolution is compatible with Christian
k theology. “I will maintain,” Nichols writes, “that evolution does not have to be understood naturalistically, c
a that is, as a purely natural and unguided process. Instead, I maintain that evolution has a direction, and is a ultimately guided by God. But God does not determine every detail of evolution. Rather God allows an ele- H
s ment of freedom (which may appear to us as chance) in that process. Thus both nature and God, or, more i
n exactly, God’s Spirit, are causal elements in the process of evolution. Evolution can therefore be seen by e Christians as a journey, whose end is the free uniting of persons and creation with God in the resurrection.” D Those who follow the ongoing discussion of science, faith, and naturalism might find this book of inter- y
b est. ■
Book reviewed: The Sacred Cosmos: Christian Faith and the Challenge of Naturalism by Terence L. Nichols (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press; 2003) 227 pp. + notes.
7 Critique #4 - 2005 Reading the World
magine you are sitting with some Christian in the group. “What do you to be won back to Christ. friends—perhaps at work or a coffee think I should do?” he asks. Still, I have a two problems with this I shop—and one says he’d like some What do you say? approach. advice. “Ashley and I have been going out I suspect that many Christians will My first problem is that, in my expe- for almost a year,” Justin says. “We really explain why they think it would be rience at least, such conversations always hit it off, love the same music, and enjoy wrong for Justin to move in with Ashley. turn out badly. I realize that as Christians hanging out. So, we’re thinking of mov- They will assure Justin that God loves we dare not only say things that everyone ing in together. One of us is always stay- him, that God’s law defines what is best likes. Sometimes the truth hurts, and ing at the other’s apartment anyway, so for people created in God’s image, and though we must exercise care at such we could save time and a pile of money that things work out better when we live moments, being certain of what, when, if we consoli- according to and how we speak, Christian faithfulness dated living The rhetoric in many Christian his word. They includes speaking the truth, even when arrange- may mention unpopular. My problem is not that non- ments. Here’s magazines and on Christian radio the sanctity of Christians might dismiss the truth, but where I need stations suggest this is precisely the marriage, the that they are told too little of the truth your help: problems with to actually understand what they are I’d like to stand required if America is to be promiscuity, and dismissing, so end up merely turned off move in with won back to Christ. the fulfillment by a caricature of the truth. Can Justin Ashley, but possible when really understand the 7th commandment don’t know if I should. My mom says I men and women live faithfully together if he has no sense of the character of the shouldn’t, but then you know how moth- as God intended. And they might men- God who commanded it? Does the pro- ers are. What do you think?” tion that this might not be easy to hear, hibition of promiscuity make sense if he Imagine the conversation that but that friends don’t let friends hurt knows nothing of the deep human and results. Someone tells how some friends themselves without warning them of the spiritual meaning of sexuality? Is telling knew when to move in together, and how danger. Justin he is wrong going to be convinc- it turned out. Someone else tells how I also suspect that the Christian ing if it is based on an authority which the last time she moved in with some- who says these things does it with good Justin does not accept? It is one thing if one it was a disaster, and recommends intentions: a desire to speak the truth Justin hears the gospel, understands it, that Justin hold onto his apartment for in love, to stand for righteousness, and and rejects it. It is another if he is turned a few months after he and Ashley move to pray that God will use this to draw off by an appeal to a command that in together. And someone who knows Justin to himself. As a dutiful Christian, when taken out of context sounds like Ashley tells Justin he’s crazy not to marry they may even wonder if anything except little more than an up-tight puritanical her. “You shouldn’t let her get away, this can be said. To not say it feels like a view of sex, and the very antithesis of a Justin,” she tells him. betrayal of the truth, and they certainly life-affirming conception of human rela- “Nope,” Justin responds. “Ashley and don’t want to be so anxious for Justin to tionships. And that is precisely how, in I have talked about that. We don’t intend like them that my experience, to stay together forever. We need to they sacrifice such conversa- concentrate on our careers, and marriage the truth. “Ashley and I don’t intend to stay tions usually would complicate that. We both need to Certainly together forever. We need to con- turn out. be free to move if an opportunity comes the rheto- centrate on our careers, and mar- My second
DevelopingDiscernment up, and neither of us wants to be tied ric in many problem— down. Marriage isn’t an option.” Christian riage would complicate that.” closely related Now imagine that Justin turns to magazines and to the first—is you, the only person who hasn’t said any- on Christian radio stations suggest this is that this usual “Christian” response is less thing, and, as far as you know, the only precisely the stand required if America is than fully biblical. Consider, for example,
D D D D Deepening Discipleship 8 when Jesus was talking to the woman by the 7th commandment, but by helping him see our life will be drawn to Christianity. We live well in Samaria (John 4). She had been mar- what is behind it: “Let me tell you what I in a fallen world, and no “approach” should ried five times, and was living with a man to believe about sex as a Christian,” we could be made into a technique that “works.” On whom she wasn’t married. Not only did Jesus say. “I believe sex is the coming together of the contrary, I write this because I wonder if never tell her this was wrong, he affirmed two people made in God’s image in a way we have thought deeply enough, and bibli- her, and used her admission to reveal her that is both phys- cally enough, about deep spiritual thirst, not her guilt. Consider ical and spiritual, There is a difference between argu- these all-too-com- how Paul talked about the truth when he both mystical ing over what is right and wrong, mon encounters was in Athens (Acts 17). He was talking to and time-bound. in our pluralistic people who did not share his deepest convic- When two people and truly engaging someone with world. There is a tions, so he appealed not to his authority (the have sex they the gospel. difference between Scriptures) but to their’s (pagan writings and become one in arguing over what shrines). And finally consider how often Jesus the deepest core of their being so that ripples is right and wrong, and truly engaging some- did not answer the immediate question that are set up in their lives that flow out beyond one with the gospel. someone asked (for example, John 12:34-36), space and time. It is an act that takes us We should think about this creatively, but instead said something that probed into beyond the here and now to a deeper level of because if we’re engaged with the culture to the issues which lay behind their question. reality.” Hopefully that will prompt discus- any degree, the scenario about Justin isn’t all He said what they needed to hear, addressing sion that touches on real issues of the heart. that farfetched. ■ deeper foundational issues which they needed And if Justin asks whether Christians ~Denis Haack to understand before the answer to their spe- believe sex outside of marriage is wrong, we cific question would make sense. could once again respond by addressing the This is the 13th in a series of articles on living faith- When we weave these biblical threads reality of grace which lies behind his ques- fully in Babylon, in the world but not of it. together, another tion: “There is approach to My problem is not that non-Chris- something unique responding to tians might dismiss the truth, but in Christianity,” we Justin becomes could say, “some- Order From: apparent. that they are told too little of the thing that is utterly First, we truth to actually understand what different from any could ask some they are dismissing. other religion or questions, ques- religious impulse. tions designed to take him seriously as some- In every other religion, people obey the one made in God’s image, and to discover god in order to gain the god’s blessing, in the authority he follows in his life. Why is it order to merit the god’s attention or care. important for him to know what we think? In Christianity, however, all that is turned What does he see as the pros and cons of upside down. In Christ we receive the bless- moving in with Ashley? Why does he think ing of God, so that he becomes our heavenly his mother disapproves? How does he usu- Father and Christ our elder brother. He puts ally decide what is right and wrong? What his grace on us, unites us with him, so that authority does he base his decisions on? we obey his word not because we have to, or What does his mother base her opinions on? to earn merit, but out of love and gratitude. Is he satisfied with his approach to right and Unless you understand that, talking about his All books mentioned in Critique wrong? How does it work out in daily life? law simply doesn’t make any sense.” may be ordered directly from Would he commend it to us? I do not write this because I think that if Hearts and Minds. A portion of If Justin presses us for what we think as we approach things this way every conversa- the proceeds will be donated to Christians, we could respond not with the tion will turn out well, and all the Justins in Ransom Fellowship.
9 Critique #4 - 2005 Tuned In
fc. Lynndie England has through a veil of tears marked by the smell of stale agony and bitterness of life not going as planned, the In the title track, “Devils & become the notorious sym- beer, we have squeezed reality into the lie of sanitized questions left hanging in the air. Dust,” Springsteen explores the P bol of the moral corruption superficial suburban respectability. There will be those who will write off the thoughts of a U.S. soldier on guard of the Abu Ghraib prison abuse Life is not like a TV sitcom—neatly wrapped artistry of Springsteen’s album by remembering his duty in Iraq—the kind of young scandal. Pictures of her holding a up in 25 minutes. Life is much more like Shake- high profile support for Democratic Presidential eighteen-year-old who has seen so hooded prisoner on a dog lease, speare’s Hamlet, where pride, murder, infidelity, and candidate, John Kerry, through many of his comrades standing next to a pyramid of revenge leave the main characters dead on the floor organizing last summer’s Vote For killed in random acts of naked Iraqi prisoners, or pointing as the curtain falls. Life this side of eternity is messy Change concerts. A similar mistake premeditated violence, at a prisoner’s genitals have filled and open-ended. Doubts persist. Temptations linger. would be to fail to heed the lessons charged with mak- the nation’s newspapers. Moral Dreams go unfulfilled. We live with the radical learned by Jane Fonda as revealed in ing the split second outrage is an automatic response disconnect between our longings and our living. her new book, My Life So Far. decision of whether the The from the distanced reader, who How much reality can the gospel stand? I sus- There will be those who will approaching car is a ter- then turns the page and pours pect a lot more than most Christians. object to the deeply human and rorist intent on taking Latest another cup of coffee. Bruce Springsteen’s latest studio album, Devils moral message of Springsteen his life or a family of She originally pled guilty to the charges, but & Dust (2005) is a good case study and is worthy because the album has an “Adult Iraqi mourners or Ital- now questions are being raised about her compe- of our close attention as it is an antidote to our reli- Imagery” warning label for its sexu- ian journalists. CD tence to determine the rightness or wrongness of giously-sanctioned hard hearts. Dylanesque in style ally explicit depiction of a man’s her actions. The and feel, this album encounter with a Reno prostitute. I’ve got my finger on the trigger by legal wrangling will Where is our profound sense of tragedy? has been compared to There will be others who object But I don’t know who to trust go on, but what Why is it not more than coffee that we his earlier folk-rock to the “f-word” used in “Long Time When I look into your eyes Bruce of Lynndie—the albums, Nebraska Comin’,” when a homeless father There’s just devils and dust person? The West spill on the morning paper? (1982) and The Ghost looks at his pregnant wife and sleep- We’re a long, long way from home, Springsteen Virginia girl born of Tom Joad (1995). ing children and promises to do Bobbie with a speech-impediment and learning disability? The music’s sparseness matches the lyrics’ gritty better. (Apparently the first use of Home’s a long, long way from us The accused prisoner-abuser who gave birth to an realism and haunting reflections about longing and the word in Springsteen’s oeuvre.) I feel a dirty wind blowing infant son out of wedlock, allegedly by convicted loss. Many of the songs were written while touring There will be those who object Devils and dust co-conspirator Pvt. Charles Graner? (Graner, now in support of The Ghost of Tom Joad and predate his to his theologically vague descrip- in prison, recently married another woman.) Who recent political tion of God as “the soul of the universe” in the song, Though he reassures himself that “God is on our is taking care of Lynndie’s baby as she awaits her activism. They “Jesus Was an Only Son.” side,” the requirements of survival make him wonder sentencing? Where is our profound sense of tragedy? are universal in And all of these reactions will cloud the spiritual if it’s all worth it if it kills the things you love. Over Why is it not more than coffee that we spill on the their message perception needed to understand the implications time, the price is one’s soul—“It’ll take your God morning paper? and appeal. of Jesus’ statement, “It is not the healthy who need filled soul fill it with devils and dust.” There is something seriously wrong with many Hank Kalet de- a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this In such a pressure cooker so far away American Christians. We fail to acknowledge the scribes the col- means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice.’ For I have not from all that is familiar and safe, political evil lurking in every human heart. We fail to see lection of songs come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew and religious verities melt into profound ourselves as sinners. Instead, we adopt the hubris of in Pop Matters, 9:12-13). Springsteen’s Devils & Dust provides an self-doubt. thinking like Pharisees. as “a search for opportunity to go and learn what this means. “I like Humanity is deeply wounded, broken, and redemption to write about people whose souls are in danger, who Now every woman and every man scarred. The sins of fathers are morally and emotion- through the are at risk. In every song on this record, somebody’s They want to take a righteous stand ally passed on from generation to generation. And minefield of in some spiritual struggle between the worst of Find the love that God wills
DevelopingDiscernment yet we categorize, demonize, and politicize rather broken dreams themselves and the best of themselves, and every- And the faith that He commands than see neighbors or ourselves as we really are. In and frayed relations, chance encounters and tempo- body comes out in a slightly different place. That I’ve got my finger on the trigger doing so, we make the gospel irrelevant to both. rary salvation that lies, ultimately, just out of reach.” thread runs through the record, and it’s what gives And tonight faith just ain’t enough When we see life merely through narrow moral Just as life is ambiguous and unresolved, so too these the record its grounding in the spirit,” he told Jon When I look inside my heart categories, precise doctrinal abstractions, rather than songs often end with little or no resolution—the Pareles in a recent The New York Times interview. There’s just devils and dust
D D D D Deepening Discipleship 10 fc. Lynndie England has through a veil of tears marked by the smell of stale agony and bitterness of life not going as planned, the In the title track, “Devils & become the notorious sym- beer, we have squeezed reality into the lie of sanitized questions left hanging in the air. Dust,” Springsteen explores the P bol of the moral corruption superficial suburban respectability. There will be those who will write off the thoughts of a U.S. soldier on guard of the Abu Ghraib prison abuse Life is not like a TV sitcom—neatly wrapped artistry of Springsteen’s album by remembering his duty in Iraq—the kind of young scandal. Pictures of her holding a up in 25 minutes. Life is much more like Shake- high profile support for Democratic Presidential eighteen-year-old who has seen so hooded prisoner on a dog lease, speare’s Hamlet, where pride, murder, infidelity, and candidate, John Kerry, through many of his comrades standing next to a pyramid of revenge leave the main characters dead on the floor organizing last summer’s Vote For killed in random acts of naked Iraqi prisoners, or pointing as the curtain falls. Life this side of eternity is messy Change concerts. A similar mistake When we see life premeditated violence, at a prisoner’s genitals have filled and open-ended. Doubts persist. Temptations linger. would be to fail to heed the lessons merely through charged with mak- the nation’s newspapers. Moral Dreams go unfulfilled. We live with the radical learned by Jane Fonda as revealed in ing the split second outrage is an automatic response disconnect between our longings and our living. her new book, My Life So Far. narrow moral decision of whether the from the distanced reader, who How much reality can the gospel stand? I sus- There will be those who will categories rather approaching car is a ter- then turns the page and pours pect a lot more than most Christians. object to the deeply human and rorist intent on taking another cup of coffee. Bruce Springsteen’s latest studio album, Devils moral message of Springsteen than through his life or a family of She originally pled guilty to the charges, but & Dust (2005) is a good case study and is worthy because the album has an “Adult a veil of tears Iraqi mourners or Ital- now questions are being raised about her compe- of our close attention as it is an antidote to our reli- Imagery” warning label for its sexu- marked by the ian journalists. tence to determine the rightness or wrongness of giously-sanctioned hard hearts. Dylanesque in style ally explicit depiction of a man’s her actions. The and feel, this album encounter with a Reno prostitute. smell of stale beer, I’ve got my finger on the trigger legal wrangling will has been compared to There will be others who object we have squeezed But I don’t know who to trust by go on, but what his earlier folk-rock to the “f-word” used in “Long Time reality into the lie When I look into your eyes of Lynndie—the albums, Nebraska Comin’,” when a homeless father There’s just devils and dust Dr. person? The West (1982) and The Ghost looks at his pregnant wife and sleep- of sanitized super- We’re a long, long way from home, Virginia girl born of Tom Joad (1995). ing children and promises to do ficial suburban Bobbie David with a speech-impediment and learning disability? The music’s sparseness matches the lyrics’ gritty better. (Apparently the first use of Home’s a long, long way from us respectability. The accused prisoner-abuser who gave birth to an realism and haunting reflections about longing and the word in Springsteen’s oeuvre.) I feel a dirty wind blowing John infant son out of wedlock, allegedly by convicted loss. Many of the songs were written while touring There will be those who object Devils and dust co-conspirator Pvt. Charles Graner? (Graner, now in support of The Ghost of Tom Joad and predate his to his theologically vague descrip- Seel, in prison, recently married another woman.) Who recent political tion of God as “the soul of the universe” in the song, Though he reassures himself that “God is on our is taking care of Lynndie’s baby as she awaits her activism. They “Jesus Was an Only Son.” side,” the requirements of survival make him wonder sentencing? Where is our profound sense of tragedy? are universal in And all of these reactions will cloud the spiritual if it’s all worth it if it kills the things you love. Over Jr. Why is it not more than coffee that we spill on the their message perception needed to understand the implications time, the price is one’s soul—“It’ll take your God morning paper? and appeal. of Jesus’ statement, “It is not the healthy who need filled soul fill it with devils and dust.” There is something seriously wrong with many Hank Kalet de- a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this In such a pressure cooker so far away American Christians. We fail to acknowledge the scribes the col- means: ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice.’ For I have not from all that is familiar and safe, political evil lurking in every human heart. We fail to see lection of songs come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew and religious verities melt into profound ourselves as sinners. Instead, we adopt the hubris of in Pop Matters, 9:12-13). Springsteen’s Devils & Dust provides an self-doubt. thinking like Pharisees. as “a search for opportunity to go and learn what this means. “I like Humanity is deeply wounded, broken, and redemption to write about people whose souls are in danger, who Now every woman and every man scarred. The sins of fathers are morally and emotion- through the are at risk. In every song on this record, somebody’s They want to take a righteous stand ally passed on from generation to generation. And minefield of in some spiritual struggle between the worst of Find the love that God wills yet we categorize, demonize, and politicize rather broken dreams themselves and the best of themselves, and every- And the faith that He commands than see neighbors or ourselves as we really are. In and frayed relations, chance encounters and tempo- body comes out in a slightly different place. That I’ve got my finger on the trigger doing so, we make the gospel irrelevant to both. rary salvation that lies, ultimately, just out of reach.” thread runs through the record, and it’s what gives And tonight faith just ain’t enough When we see life merely through narrow moral Just as life is ambiguous and unresolved, so too these the record its grounding in the spirit,” he told Jon When I look inside my heart categories, precise doctrinal abstractions, rather than songs often end with little or no resolution—the Pareles in a recent The New York Times interview. There’s just devils and dust
10 11 Critique #4 - 2005 Tuned In cont.
We do well to remember that truth does “Matamoros Banks,” the story of an not change based on whether we believe illegal immigrant’s unsuccessful attempt it or not, but that our convictions are sus- to swim the Rio Grande River into ceptible to the plausibility of our context. Texas. The story of his drowning is told It is a human reality that demands far in reverse—from death realized back to more compassion for doubt and confu- dreams anticipated. sion. We have not stood guard at an Iraqi checkpoint. Our response should not For two days the river keeps you down be catechetical instruction, but human Then you rise to the light without a sound reassurance, making real the incarnate Past the playgrounds and empty switching presence of God. yards The controversial song, “Reno,” The turtles eat the skin from your eyes, so describes the thoughts of an older man they lay open to the stars making a visit to a Nevada prostitute. Its lyrics are graphic in detail and yet there The stories here do not have happy has rarely been a more poignant critique endings or neat resolutions. A child runs of casual sex. Springsteen explains in The away from a drug-laden home. A retired New York Times, “He’s in this room with boxer, bruised and battered, asks his this proxy, because he couldn’t handle the mother to let him lie down for a while real thing. The physicality, the sexual con- before returning to his violent world. A tent of the song was important, because thirteen-year-old muses on the mean- rooms; if it were not so, I would have told casual sex is kind of a closing the book on ing of his mother’s unexpected death. A you. I am going there to prepare a place you. It’s ecstasy, and it’s release. Sex with mother struggles with the death of her for you” (John 14:2). C.S. Lewis writes someone you love is opening the book on only son. in Till We Have Faces, “Do you think it you, which is always a risky and frighten- Life is deeply tragic if viewed only all meant nothing, all the longing? The ing read.” from birth to death. Herein is the flaw longing for home?” Life only makes sense While the lyrics will make a Chris- in Springsteen’s depiction of the human in the light of eternity and all our deepest tian listener wince, his memories of his condition. He leaves the movie early and longings only find their final fulfillment former love, Maria, contrast powerfully wonders at its meaning. His songs end al- in the home He provides. the difference between sex and love. most mid-sentence. When he sings of the But until we can identify with those Blessed Mary’s loss in “Jesus Was an Only who live on the edge of hope and face the I was sure the work and the smile coming out Son,” he captures her human emotion, tragedy of sin, we will never be able to ‘neath your hat was all I’d ever need but not her spiritual understanding. connect emotionally long enough to point Somehow all you ever need’s, never really those most in need of grace to its Source. In Dylan’s Vision of Sin, Christopher Ricks, humanities professor at Boston University and author of works on Milton, quite enough you know Now there’s a loss that can never be replaced Keep Lynndie and her son in your prayers. Tennyson, Keats, Beckett, and T. S. Eliot, examines Bob Dylan’s lyrics. “Dylan’s is an art,” Ricks argues, “in which sins are
You and I, Maria, we learned it’s so A destination that can never be reached Far more than religious sacrifice, God k
c laid bare (and resisted), virtues are valued (and manifested), and the graces brought home.” The chapters follow that order,
A light you’ll never find in another’s face wants our hearts of mercy. ■ a
a the first seven on the seven deadly sins (envy, covetousness, greed, sloth, lust, anger, pride), then four on the cardinal virtues Now years later, as he stares out the motel A sea whose distance cannot be breached ~John Seel
H (justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude), and three on the heavenly graces (faith, hope, charity). One of the interesting blinds he thinks about the sunlight on s
i aspects of this book is that Ricks, who identifies himself as an atheist, has such deep appreciation for the values which form
her hair, and horseback rides they took There is in every human heart a deep John Seel is the headmaster of South Shore n
e the foundation of Dylan’s music. “One delight of Dylan’s Christian songs,” he says, “can arise from finding (to your surprise DevelopingDiscernment together with the cowboys down into longing for home—in its most profound Christian Academy. His most recent book D and not chagrin) that your own system of beliefs doesn’t have a monopoly of intuition, sensitivity, scruple, and concern.” the cool rivers of green. Sexual passion is metaphysical sense. And it was of this is Parenting Without Perfection: Being y
released, while the memory of love lost home that Jesus spoke, “Do not let your b Dylan’s Vision of Sin is probably too detailed a study of Dylan’s lyrics for all except Dylan fans and those who want to a Kingdom Influence in a Toxic World
reflect with care on his legacy in popular music. But for those of us who fit that category, Ricks’ book is a fascinating read. ■ painfully remains. hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust (Navpress). He lives with his wife, Kathryn,
The final song on the album is also in me. In my Father’s house are many in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Book recommended: Dylan’s Vision of Sin by Christopher Ricks (New York, NY: HarperCollins; 2003) 490 pp. + indices.
D D
D D
Deepening Discipleship 12
Resources
first heard her name on National Public is the story of that Pagan resurgence.” of joys and sadness where we live out our days is Radio as she signed off as the correspondent If we have eyes to see and ears to hear, the where the sacred lives.” I on a report that impressed me as fair and neo-pagan resurgence occurring around us is Christians need to take this growing move- balanced. The story had caught my attention not news. It can be spotted as a theme weaving ment seriously. We need to understand what it because it touched on questions of faith, and its way throughout film, music, is neo-pagans believe and do, and I remember thinking she must be sensitive to television shows, science, medi- why. We need to reflect on how such things to take such care in her reporting. cine, and Super Bowl half-time we can engage them as friends A correspondent based in New York, Margot shows, to name just a few of the and neighbors, how we might Adler is host of NPR’s weekly “Justice Talk- more obvious venues. If you both learn from them, and how ing,” which explores the various cases and issues haven’t met a neo-pagan yet, you we can live and speak of our faith facing America’s courts. Margot Adler is also a will soon. in a way they might be able to Wiccan priestess. “The Earth-based traditions,” understand. And we need to ask In Drawing Down the Moon, Adler gives us Adler says in one of her columns why a generation which tends to an in-depth, clearly written glimpse into a world on Beliefnet.com, “those religions find Christianity negative, judg- of ritual, belief, and deep yearning for spiritual- that are based not in scripture mental, uncreative, withdrawn, ity and personal meaning that but in seasonal and unauthentic, tends to find for most of us is a world we celebrations and neo-paganism to be positive, wel- know little or nothing about. customs of peoples, have never coming, creative, involved, and deeply human. ■ “If you go far enough back,” understood our odd Western ~Denis Haack she writes, “all our ancestors dichotomies: how we split play practiced religions that had nei- and seriousness, mind and Source: Drawing Down the Moon p. ix; “All of a ther creeds nor dogmas, neither body, light and dark, earth and Piece: A reminder that the sacred and the secu- prophets nor holy books. These sky, black and white, spirit and lar are not separate” by Margot Adler (http:// religions were based on the cel- matter. These religions have www.beliefnet.com/story/1/story_122_1.html). ebrations of the seasonal cycles always understood that matter of nature. They were based on and spirit both partake of the Book reviewed: Drawing Down the Moon: what people did, as opposed sacredness and vitality of life. Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshipers, and Other to what people believed. It is these polytheistic One of the great lessons of the Earth traditions Pagans in America Today by Margot Adler (New religions of imminence that are being revived is that the world is something to embrace, not York, NY: Penguin Compass; 1979, 1986) 442 and re-created by Neo-Pagans today. This book to escape from. This land, this earth, this place pp. + appendices + notes + index. In Dylan’s Vision of Sin, Christopher Ricks, humanities professor at Boston University and author of works on Milton, Tennyson, Keats, Beckett, and T. S. Eliot, examines Bob Dylan’s lyrics. “Dylan’s is an art,” Ricks argues, “in which sins are k
c laid bare (and resisted), virtues are valued (and manifested), and the graces brought home.” The chapters follow that order, a
a the first seven on the seven deadly sins (envy, covetousness, greed, sloth, lust, anger, pride), then four on the cardinal virtues
H (justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude), and three on the heavenly graces (faith, hope, charity). One of the interesting
s
i aspects of this book is that Ricks, who identifies himself as an atheist, has such deep appreciation for the values which form n
e the foundation of Dylan’s music. “One delight of Dylan’s Christian songs,” he says, “can arise from finding (to your surprise
D and not chagrin) that your own system of beliefs doesn’t have a monopoly of intuition, sensitivity, scruple, and concern.”
y
b Dylan’s Vision of Sin is probably too detailed a study of Dylan’s lyrics for all except Dylan fans and those who want to
reflect with care on his legacy in popular music. But for those of us who fit that category, Ricks’ book is a fascinating read. ■
Book recommended: Dylan’s Vision of Sin by Christopher Ricks (New York, NY: HarperCollins; 2003) 490 pp. + indices.
13 Critique #4 - 2005
The Discerning Life
ne of the finest training seminars (NBC) proves anything, it is that manag- Don’t: I ever experienced was led by a ers should give some thought to how they - sympathize or be defensive; O consulting fire employees. Wired - begin by saying “How are you?”; firm which specialized magazine published - tell them you disagree with the deci- in preparing people a brief list of tips for sion to fire them; for management managers as to how to - say inappropriate things such as positions. I remem- best accomplish this sad “This hurts me as much as it hurts ber being dubious task. The tips were from you” or “I know just how you feel”; about it when my Drake Beam Morin, an - make promises about contacting supervisor asked me HR firm about which them if another position opens up; & to attend, but was I know nothing except - be apologetic since this decision, quickly won over by to appreciate the text though painful, is good for the com- the thoughtfulness of on their home page: pany and will also allow them to find the leaders and the “In transitions, facts are a position which better fits them. quality of the mate- more than just figures. rial. I’m still grateful Behind the numbers If you think that reflecting on how for what I learned are people...” That’s to fire someone is a task only professional that week: how to correct: firing someone managers need consider, please reconsider. read a resume, lead a is not merely a financial Parents telling a baby-sitter they will no team, conduct an evaluation, how to hire business decision, but a human interac- longer be calling them, a leader telling a vol- and fire. After the seminar, I spent several tion which will deeply impact, for blessing unteer they are being replaced, or asking an days with my supervisor and his manager so and for curse, both the company and the ineffective small group leader to step down the training I had received could be applied employee. The tips from DBM fall into two are tasks we all will face at some point. specifically to my situation. Since I worked categories, things to do and things to avoid: So, let’s try to be discerning about how for a Christian ministry, we processed the to tell someone they’re fired. ■ material in light of Scripture. In most in- Do: stances the principles meshed with biblical - invite the person to sit down; standards, but not in every case. Our desire - raise the topic immediately instead was not to conform to the newest ideas in of chatting first; management theory, but to live faithfully - use notes so you don’t ramble; as Christian managers, eager to learn all - keep the meeting brief, about 15 we could without being squeezed into the minutes is recommended; & world’s mold. - invite and listen to their response to If Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” the bad news. ~Denis Haack
Q UESTIONS FOR R E FLECTION AND D ISCUSSION 1. Have you been fired? How was the news communicated to you? How did you respond? What did you learn from the experi- ence? Should the news have been communicated differently? Why?
DevelopingDiscernment 2. Remembering that DBM’s training for managers is much more complete than the few tips listed here, consider each of the tips in turn. What is your immediate response to the list of Dos and Don’ts? Why do you think you responded as you did? Could you follow them? Why or why not? 3. Have you ever had to fire someone? How did you do it? If you had to do it again, would you do it differently? Questions continued on next page...
D D D D Deepening Discipleship 14 Out of Their Minds
Francis Schaeffer on creation ...Q UESTIONS CONT . agan beauty, Christian ugliness rees, rocks and people 4. What biblical principles should inform “Some years ago I was lecturing in a cer- “Christians, of all people, should not be and shape a Christian’s approach to firing Ptain Christian school. Just across a ravine T the destroyers. We should treat nature someone (in whatever context)? from the school there was what they called with an overwhelming respect. We may cut a ‘hippie community.’ On the far side of the down a tree to build a house, or to make a fire 5. Those supervising volunteers in church ravine one saw trees and some farms. Here, to keep the family warm. But we should not ministries often face added hurdles in try- I was told, they had pagan grape cut down the tree just to cut down ing to deal with volunteers who either are stomps. Being interested, I made my the tree. We may, if necessary, bark not gifted for the task, or who fail to do the way across the ravine and met one of the tree in order to have the use of necessary work, or who don’t fit well in the the leading men in this ‘Bohemian’ the bark. But what we should not position for which they volunteered. What community. do is bark the tree simply for the hurdles are those? How should they be dealt “We got on very well as we sake of doing so, and let it dry and with? Have you ever been hurt in a situa- talked of ecology, and I was able to stand there a dead skeleton in the tion like this? Have you ever hurt someone speak of the Christian answer to life wind. To do so is not to treat the else? What problems arise when a volunteer and ecology. He paid me the com- tree with integrity. We have the is allowed to remain in a position for which pliment (and I accepted it as such) right to rid our houses of ants; but they are unsuited? How would you want to of telling me that I was the first person from what we have not the right to do is to forget be treated if your church elders believed you ‘across the ravine’ who had ever been shown the honor the ant as God made it, in its right- were in the wrong position as a volunteer? the place where they did, indeed, have grape ful place in nature. When we meet the ant 6. A Christian manager disagrees with some stomps and to see the pagan image they had on the sidewalk, we step over him. He is a aspects of her company’s policy guidelines there. This image was the center of these rites. creature, like ourselves; not made in the image for firing employees. In particular, she The whole thing was set against the classical of God, but equal with us as far as creation is believes that the news is communicated too background of Greece and Rome. concerned. coldly, with employees viewed primarily in “Having shown me all this, he looked “One does not deface things simply to financial terms instead as human beings, across to the Christian school and said to me, deface them. After all, the rock has a God- and with little attention to the employee’s ‘Look at that; isn’t that ugly?’ And it was! I given right to be a rock as future since the company has little difficulty could not deny it. It was an ugly building, He made it. If you must recruiting qualified, motivated workers. Her without even trees around it. move the rock in order request that the company reconsider the “It was then that I realized what a poor to build the foundation guidelines was denied, and she was told she situation this was. When I stood on Christian of a house, then by all was expected to follow them. She otherwise ground and looked at the Bohemian people’s means move it. But on a likes the company, its products and poli- place, it was beautiful. They had even gone walk in the woods do not cies. Should she follow the guidelines or to the trouble of running their electric cables strip the moss from it for quietly subvert them when she fires some- under the level of the trees so that they no reason, and then leave one? Why? To what extent are Christians couldn’t be seen. Then I stood on pagan the moss to lie by the side required to act Christianly when we are ground and looked at the Christian com- and die. Even the moss has a right to live. It is employed by non-Christians who hold munity and saw ugliness. Here you have a equal with man as a creature of God.” ■ values and convictions different from our Christianity that is failing to take into account ~Francis A. Schaeffer own? man’s responsibility and proper relationship to nature.” ~Francis A. Schaeffer Sources: “Come In, Sit Down, You’re Fired” in Wired (June 2001) p. 75; Drake Beam Morin Francis A. Schaeffer in Pollution and the Death of Man (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books; 1970) pp. (www.dbm.com). 43-43, pp. 74-76.
15 Critique #4 - 2005 On the Web
A Stick Becomes the Staff of God: Reflections on Faithfulness in the Ordinary & the Routine—a reprinted article by Denis Haack http://www.ransomfellowship.org/Article_StaffOfGod.htm
Like Water for Chocolate—a movie review http://www.ransomfellowship.org/M_LikeWater.html
Robin & Linda Williams: Deeper Water—a music review http://www.ransomfellowship.org/Music_Williams_DeeperWaters.htm
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Critique #4 - 2005 16