Great Bible Study NF IS IN YOUR HANDS!J
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FOR SHORT!TERM BIBLE STUDIES NURTURING FAITH BIBLE STUDY SERIES
Revelation: All Things New Ephesians: Upward Faith Psalming the Blues: At the Intersection of Praise and Pain A Place for Praise: Ancient Psalms for Modern Times Five Scrolls for All Times: Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Eccelesiates, and Esther
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Nurturing Faith Journal, Bible Studies, Books, and Experiences are trademarks of the publishing ministry Baptists Today, Inc. OUR MISSION THE MISSION of Nurturing Faith Journal is to provide relevant and trusted N information, thoughtful analysis and inspiring features, rooted in the historic Baptist tradition of freedom of conscience, for reflective Christians seeking to F live out a mature faith in a fast-changing culture. J BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Turner, Richmond, Va. (chair) William T. Neal, Peachtree City, Ga. OUR TEAM (vice chair) Sheri Adams, Asheville, N.C. Nannette Avery, Signal Mountain, Tenn. EXECUTIVE EDITOR Hal Bass, Hot Springs, Ark. John D. Pierce Kelly L. Belcher, Asheville, N.C. Don Brewer, Gainesville, Ga. [email protected] Jack Buchanan, Kings Mountain, N.C. Kenny Crump, Ruston, La. MANAGING EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR Doug Dortch, Birmingham, Ala. Susan Fendley, Knoxville, Tenn. Jackie B. Riley Vickie Frayne Jack Glasgow, Zebulon, N.C. [email protected] [email protected] Wayne Glasgow, Macon, Ga. Frank Granger, Athens, Ga. CONTRIBUTING EDITOR / CURRICULUM WRITER BOOK PUBLISHING MANAGER Jake Hall, Macon, Ga. Tony W. Cartledge Lex Horton Cynthia Holmes, St. Louis, Mo. [email protected] [email protected] Becky Matheny, Athens, Ga. Bill McConnell, Knoxville, Tenn. Debbie Waters McDaniel, Huntsville, Ala. ONLINE EDITOR / CONTRIBUTING WRITER CHURCH RESOURCES EDITOR David Cassady Cynthia Mitchell, Alpine, Ala. Bruce T. Gourley Renée Lloyd Owen, Marietta, Ga. [email protected] [email protected] Ron Perritt, Baton Rouge, La. Jim Qualls, Peachtree City, Ga. DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Gary Skeen, Duluth, Ga. John F. Bridges Jannie Lister Nathan Taylor, Richmond, Va. [email protected] [email protected] Tamara Tillman Smathers, Rome, Ga. Charlotte Cook Smith, Winston-Salem, N.C. * * * Carol Boseman Taylor, Rocky Mount, N.C. Nathan Taylor, Richmond, Va. PUBLISHER EMERITUS EDITOR EMERITUS Jim Thomason, Anderson, S.C. Walker Knight Jack U. Harwell Monica Vaughan, Greensboro, N.C. (1932–2019) Laurie Weatherford, Winter Park, Fla.
DIRECTORS EMERITI Thomas E. Boland R. Kirby Godsey OUR COLUMNISTS Ann B. Roebuck Guy Rutland III The Lighter Side – Brett Younger Mary Etta Sanders Mel Williams Theology in the Pews – John R. Franke Winnie V. Williams
Questions Christians Ask Scientists – Paul Wallace Nurturing Faith Journal (ISSN 1072-7787) is published bimonthly by: Baptists Today, Inc., Being Church in Changing Times – Center for Healthy Churches 988 1/2 Bond Street, Macon, GA 31201-1902 Diggin’ It – Tony W. Cartledge Subscription rates: 1 year, $24; 2 years, $42; 1 year groups of 25 or more, $18; 1 year groups of less than 25, $24; 1 year Canada, $42; 1 year foreign, $100. Periodical postage paid Nurturing Faith is a trademark of the autonomous, national publishing ministry Baptists Today, Inc., a 501(c)(3) at Macon, Ga. 31208 and additional mailing charitable organization founded in 1983 and guided by an independent Board of Directors. Baptists Today, Inc. offices. POSTMASTER: Send address correc- and its subsidiary Nurturing Faith, Inc. produce Nurturing Faith Journal, Nurturing Faith Bible Studies, Nurturing tions to: P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318 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. All rights reserved. MUSIC & MINISTRY A conversation with Bob Morrison By Barry Howard INSIDE 56 VOL. 37, ISSUE 6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019
THOUGHTS ‘ELEPHANT IN 5 Losing a preference for THE YARD’ whitewashed history Advocate still calls By John D. Pierce church leaders to protect sexual 10 The most disobeyed abuse victims, commandment not predators By Mark Mofield By John D. Pierce
11 Discovering more in a hospital room than needed treatment By George W. Braswell Jr.
12 Running with the bu"alo By Mitch Randall
14 An empathetic response to why younger persons aren’t in church 52 By Andy Jung FEATURES 59 IS THE OFFERING OFF? 16 Signs of hope for the church in Church leaders consider changing times 6 HIGH EXPECTATIONS impact of tax law, other factors By Matt Cook Do we really have to love on charitable giving everyone? By Bruce Gourley 18 Jesus the Lord By E.B. Self By John R. Franke 60 Global Baptists a!rm 42 RELIGION AND women in church leadership 19 Fully known, fully loved THE AMERICAN By Tony W. Cartledge By Ginger Hughes PRESIDENTS John F. Kennedy 62 QUESTIONS CHRISTIANS 41 Reading scripture through the (1961–1963) ASK SCIENTISTS lens of faith development By Bruce Gourley What was the Star of By Andrew Garnett Bethlehem? By Paul Wallace 54 A bad day frozen in time By Tony W. Cartledge Worth Repeating ...... 4 Lighter Side ...... 20 55 It’s a calling, not a formula Editorial ...... 5 Classifieds ...... 40 By John D. Pierce Reblog ...... 19, 55, 61 Diggin’ It ...... 54
61 Ninety years a servant Cover photo by John D. Pierce. Changing seasons in the Montana backcountry remind us of By Tony W. Cartledge the rhythms of life and faith, including the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons.
3 “How do we help form ministers in both the black and white church traditions in ways that serve the purpose of God and bring healing and community?” Worth President David Cassady of Baptist Seminary of Kentucky that collaborates with historically black Simmons College Repeating in Louisville, Ky. (EthicsDaily.com)
“With the exception of current law enforcement “This may surprise you, but God is a big supporter of o"cers, the carrying of lethal weapons on church naps. In the Hebrew language, Sabbath means simply property, concealed or otherwise, is prohibited.” ‘to rest’… After God creates the universe, God rests; Updated policy from the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ and that day was made holy.” of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake Tribune) Kate Hanch, associate pastor of youth and families at First St. Charles United Methodist Church in St. Charles, Mo. (BNG) “Our hope is that it will bring a very di#erent audience into the cathedral. I mean, look around now; “Theological patriarchalism may not be a there’s a lot of young people.” stated belief, but it’s revealed in the absence of Jane Hedges, dean of the Norwich Cathedral in the U.K., women in leadership roles and pulpits. on the large carnival slide brought into the nave of the ancient When patriarchal theology is allowed to prevail over cathedral for a summer festival (NBC News) protecting the victims of abuse, then I contend perpetrators are guilty of theological “Roughly three-quarters of religious ‘nones’ malpractice.” in the U.S. were raised as Christians.” Mitch Randall, executive director of EthicsDaily.com Senior writer/editor Dalia Fahmy of the Pew Research Center on findings from the center’s 2014 Religious Landscape Survey “The values that Americans say define the national character are changing, as younger Charity is essential and I’m still actively part of generations rate patriotism, religion and having charitable e#orts in hunger. But charity can only do so children as less important to them than did young much … To end hunger — even to reduce hunger — people two decades ago.” we’ve got to get the whole nation behind it.” WSJ writer Chad Day on findings from a Art Simon, 89, founder of Bread for the World and author of Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey Silence Can Kill: Speaking Up to End Hunger and Make Our Economy Work for Everyone (RNS)
“Staying silent helps to avoid conflict and keeps What’s driving a wedge down the middle of American people from getting upset… But when there is urgent Christianity is a failure to see the world as God sees it danger and when something can be done, one needs — a world where all life is precious and all are beloved to speak up. And so it is time, as people of faith, to talk children of God.” about the climate crisis.” Mark Wingfield, associate pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church Ruth Lofgren Rosell, associate professor of pastoral theology and in Dallas (BNG) counseling at Central Baptist Theological Seminary (EthicsDaily.com) Subscribe to Nurturing Faith E-Newsletter Want to stay up to date on the latest Nurturing Faith news and happenings? Would you like to receive discounts on books and sneak peeks into upcoming stories and events? Just email [email protected] and say, “Put me on the list.”
4 Thoughts EDITORIAL Losing a preference for whitewashed history By John D. Pierce
A series of Washington Post articles destroying connections people have already his subscription because Bruce did not steer made between the past and the present,” the course of history in the direction he this year addressed how the brutal she noted, “connections that may be based preferred. Another reader asked why we had realities of African slavery in on no evidence at all, but that are an to keep digging up all of that negative stuff. America — that began four centu- integral part of how they understand what However, both ignoring and revising ries ago — are largely unknown the world is like, how it came to be that history get us off the hook — reducing the way, and what their place is in all of it.” possibility we will see current systems of by white Americans today. In other words, many people prefer discrimination and injustice that historians cant attention is given to that comfort over truth. And historical truth is later will recount, revealing our failure to horrific, yet significant, part of our often uncomfortable. live up to the goodness we claim. Shistory in much of the curriculum That should be especially conflict- Perhaps worse than ignoring or rewrit- taught in American schools. ing and troubling, however, for those who ing history is pretending that all injustice Such is not surprising, considering claim to follow Jesus, who is the truth — has been rectified now. how quickly many of us are prone to “get and said that the truth will set us free. Pastor Ken Wytsma, in his book, The past” those things that bring us well- Not everyone argues with the truth, Myth of Equality: Uncovering the Roots of deserved shame — keeping open the however. Many just want to ignore it. Injustice and Privilege, tells of being invited opportunity for current injustices to remain On the 150th to speak on justice at a Christian university. conveniently tucked within our blind spots. anniversary of the However, the chaplain passed along the One Post article addressed the American Civil War, president’s prohibition of using the term negative feedback often received following we published in this “white privilege.” tours of Southern plantations when the journal a series of Apparently, he wanted justice-light, information provided included an honest articles (that became the nice kind that doesn’t convict us or call retelling of the horrors of human bondage the Nurturing Faith for significant change. and exploitation. book, Crucible of Of course, “dwelling on the negative” “That’s not what we came to hear,” Faith & Freedom) doesn’t lead to hope. But understanding said one visitor. related to that historical event. Drawing and seeking to make right the wrongs of the Similar responses — or well-rehearsed from a deep well of research from his past and present are important for building and regurgitated, yet fact-free arguments doctoral dissertation, writer Bruce Gourley the road to hope. — are often received by interpretative gave an unfolding account of how Baptists Some still maintain the nice idea that rangers at Civil War military parks. One reacted to the war. if we don’t talk about something it will ranger-friend pointed me to an article in The articles were primarily the actual go away. But, no: if we don’t face up to Contingent Magazine that addressed this words from sermons, editorials and resolu- something, we can too easily face it again. reality. tions offered by Baptist leaders at the time Facing our past and present failures at Writer Erin Bartram considered “why” — with little or no interpretation. Yet some human equality is not a matter of manners, historians are so often challenged — even of the same argumentative feedback that but of justice — a call of such importance when historical evidence for their conclu- interpretive rangers and plantation guides to God that it flows throughout the biblical sions is clearly verified. hear came our way: primarily that the war revelation. “The discomfort comes from the was not primarily about slavery. It is as clear as, “Do unto others…” fact that historians are often disrupting or One Deep South subscriber dropped and love your neighbor as yourself. NFJ
Thoughts 5 HIGH EXPECTATIONS Do we really have to love everyone?
BY E.B. SELF LESS LOVABLE What is to be our attitude toward people who do horrible things? How is it Some people are not at all likable, much less even possible to love our enemies? Many Christians give great lovable. It is even possible to lose faith in attention to salvation through people in general. UNLIKABLE A striking cartoon appeared in a believing in the redemptive death magazine many years ago. To the best of my Part of our difficulty is that we often think and resurrection of Jesus. Some recollection, there was a glum man sitting love always involves liking. Love frequently is considered to be very strong liking — but Christians share these beliefs but in what appeared to be a transparent cube. The man was saying, “People are no damn not always. also think we should not neglect good.” There is a kind of love that does not the life and teachings of Jesus. You may not be as negative as the man necessarily include liking. Jesus did not say in the cartoon, but surely there are people that we have to agree with everyone or feel hat might Jesus expect of us in you do not like. good about everyone or approve everything how we are supposed to live? What do you feel about people who do someone does. W Would he, for example, expect not treat you with respect and kindness or Jesus did not say that we have to like us to love everyone? even common courtesy? Do you like those everyone. who jump ahead of you in line or cut you Let us consider Jesus himself. Did he COMMANDMENTS off in traffic? like it when his disciples did not understand A big part of Jesus’ teaching was love. He Do you have positive feelings for him? What did he think when they had little thought the second greatest commandment, obnoxious people who try to force their faith? after loving God, was to love your neighbor unwelcome opinions on you? What do you What were his feelings when his disci- as yourself (Mark 12:28-31). think about those who gossip about you? ples deserted him? What was going through He told his disciples he was giving If you believe you are forgiving and Jesus’ mind and heart when Peter denied them a new commandment, that they have high tolerance for unlikable people, him three times? should love one another as he had loved consider some special cases. I doubt that Jesus was very happy them (John 13:34). Jesus even taught about How do you feel about those who about any of this. But remember that love loving your enemies (Matt. 5:44). physically torture others? What is your does not always involve liking. Nowhere in the New Testament do we opinion of someone who has raped and Love can be an expression of goodwill find that Jesus specifically said we are to love murdered a young girl? even toward those who do not like us or everyone, but his teachings definitely point What do you think of mass murderers who harm us or others. in that direction. If we are supposed to love who slaughter many — including children our neighbors, fellow disciples, and even — in schools or in places of worship? RIGHT HEARTS our enemies, is anyone to be left out? Where do suicide bombers stand in your Our responsibility is to think not only about Jesus disagreed with scribes and Phari- estimation? what other people may or may not deserve. sees, but he never said they should not be Did Jesus mean that we are supposed We should also consider whether our own loved. Love sounds good, and there are to love absolutely everyone, including hearts are what they should be. people who are easy to love, but how can people we do not like and who may not like Think of it this way: A doctor is you love people you do not like? us? supposed to help everyone, even crimi-
6 Feature not rejoice in wrongdoing?” Why did Paul make what seems to be an odd statement for his message on love? Perhaps he was saying that we do not have to approve of wrongdoing in order to act properly ourselves. Christians are still expected to behave in a loving way even when encountering bad actions.
RESPECTFUL CONCERN What should we think of love when we consider loving our neighbors as ourselves? How do I love myself? I am not always happy about what I say or do or what I do not say or do. Yet I always have love for myself in the sense of being concerned for myself. Perhaps this attitude is the minimum of the love we should have for everyone. Yes, police should arrest those who commit criminal acts. Law enforcement officials may need to kill a mass murderer before he takes more lives. And it is certainly reasonable to defend ourselves and our country. But Christians are called on to act out of goodwill, not ill will. Also, let us not forget the possibility of change. nals. A doctor should not go by the moral If our hearts are right, then we will have Matthew was apparently hated as a tax worth of a patient or feelings for or against the proper kind of love for people. We can collector but is traditionally thought to have the person. The doctor may not like the be concerned about the welfare of people, written one of the Gospels. Saul was a feared patient, but the doctor is expected to render including their spiritual welfare, whether we and disliked persecutor of the earliest Chris- aid regardless. Perhaps not every doctor like them or approve of them or not. tians. He became Paul the missionary and actually behaves in this way, but the ideal author of many New Testament writings. for doctors is clear. HIGH STANDARD Christian love may and often does What special examples should involve liking, but we should have respect- Christians consider? But does love without necessarily liking ful concern even for those we may not like. Jesus was concerned about his disciples meet the standards of love expressed by Paul Loving everyone, at least in this way, is an even though he probably greatly disliked in 1 Corinthians 13? I think so. ideal for Christians. their betrayal of him. Jesus even gave Peter Paul’s account of love does not empha- Salvation through Jesus is easy to three chances to reaffirm his devotion (John size the presence or absence of the likability accept. Living according to the teachings of 21:15-17). of the recipient. Paul’s concern is with the Jesus can be challenging. Jesus taught that God provides sun and heart and mind and actions of the one doing How are you doing, for example, rain for all, the evil and unrighteous as well the loving. with loving your enemies? I myself have a as the good and righteous (Matt. 5:44-45). Paul indicates in 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 long way to go, but I know I should keep Paul said that God showed his love (NRSV) how a Christian is supposed to trying. NFJ for us in that Christ died for us while we love: “Love is patient; love is kind; love is were yet sinners — and presumably not too not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. —E.B. (Ben) Self is a retired professor likable (Rom. 5:8). It does not insist on its own way; it is not and pastor with degrees from Baylor, Love may and often does involve irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in Yale and Vanderbilt universities. He is the strong liking. But love, especially for Chris- wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.” author of Ways of Thinking About God: tians, may express concern and goodwill Did you notice that, in addition to The Bible, Philosophy, and Science even without liking. many noble statements, Paul said love “does (Nurturing Faith, 2013).
Feature 7 The year is ending — our mis- sion is not. Your generosity can help us into a hopeful future.
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NURTURING FAITH EXPERIENCE: ISRAEL/WEST BANK MAY 18-28, 2020
#ering a unique opportunity to Other sites and experiences include visit the land of patriarchs and the Roman capital of Caesarea Mari- Oprophets, to walk where Jesus tima, Megiddo, Nazareth, Caesarea walked, and to breathe the fresh air of Philippi, Golan Heights, Mount of ALL!INCLUSIVE COST OF $4,350 Galilee, this customized experience will Beatitudes, Capernaum, Magdala, covers the experienced guidance be expertly hosted by Nurturing Faith Scythopolis, Masada, the springs of and insightful interpretation, all Bible Studies writer Tony Cartledge and Ein Gedi, Qumran where the Dead Sea lodging (double occupancy), meals, veteran guide Doron Heiliger. Scrolls were found, and the Garden tips, ground transportation and Tomb. international flights starting from O#ering much more than typical tourist Raleigh-Durham International Air- agendas, the highlights will include an Take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, port in North Carolina. archaeological dig at Tel Mareshah, wade through the ancient Hezekiah’s exploration of the Valley of Elah where Tunnel and float in the Dead Sea if OPTIONS: David fought Goliath, and conversa- you choose. Explore the Old City of $800 surcharge for those want- tions with Palestinian Christians at Jerusalem including the Temple Mount, ing a private room for one for the Bethlehem Bible College. the Western Wall, the pools of Beth- entire trip. saida and Siloam, Via Dolorosa and the Visits to numerous historical sites, Church of the Holy Sepulcher. exceptional lodging overlooking the $4,150 total cost for those pro- beautiful Mediterranean Sea and the REGISTER: Visit nurturingfaith.net/ viding their own travel to and Sea of Galilee, as well as at the kibbutz experiences or call (478) 301-5655. from the domestic departing city hotel Ramat Rachel in Jerusalem, and (Toronto) for the international delicious local dining while making QUESTIONS: Email Tony at flight to Tel Aviv (rather than new friends enhance this cultural and [email protected]. starting at RDU). spiritual experience.
Your generosity can help by calling (478) 301-5655 or by mail to P.O. Box 6318, Macon, GA 31208-6318. us finish this year well, and Please note if your gift is made in move into a hopeful future. honor or memory of someone so we can include that notice in the journal. Words matter. The spoken Word. The And please reach out to us by phone, written word. The Word made flesh. mail or email (office@nurturingfaith. net) to discuss ways of supporting this The expanded publishing ministry of ministry through monthly giving, estate Nurturing Faith has but one goal: to planning, stocks, charitable trusts, etc. provide the kind of trusted and inspiring information and meaningful experiences that cause us to learn and grow. Each *** is a step in the faithful direction of our The Board of Directors and staff of primary commitment: to follow Jesus! Nurturing Faith, the publishing ministry of Baptists Today, Inc., express deep apprecia- Charitable gifts to Nurturing Faith tion for your faithful readership and (Baptists Today, Inc.) may be made support. We wish you a meaningful and online at nurturingfaith.net/give-now or joyful Advent and Christmas! The most disobeyed commandment By Mark Mofield
“Fear not!” may be the most “We learned that smiles and hugs were about all we could communicate,” said one ignored commandment in nursery worker. “But that was enough.” scripture. Often, we connect those Eventually we discovered the Says words to angels at Christmas. were facing two more relocations after already flying halfway around the world. ut throughout the entire narra- So, we offered to let them remain with us tive of Scripture — from the time until their permanent housing was ready B Abram set out from his father’s land — making the transition easier, especially through the establishment of the church for the children. Hosting the Says seemed — God has asked God’s people to not be a scary prospect at first, but now we wanted afraid. It is safe to assume God is asking the them to stay. same thing of the church today. God is not just telling us to buck up At the end of May, I was copied on and get over whatever makes us afraid. an email asking for help. Receiving similar God is telling us to not fear what God is emails on a regular basis makes it easy to doing to address our doubts, worries and block out the various requests, but this one uncertainties. caught my attention. The command to “Fear not!” is an Marc and Kim Wyatt, Cooperative invitation to step out of what is comfortable Baptist Fellowship field personnel working into the kingdom God is building in our with refugees in the Triangle area of to the family over the course of those 2½ midst. North Carolina, had learned that a Karen weeks. We were greeted with smiles, but Hosting the Says led our congrega- refugee family of five, including three small were never sure if the time was convenient. tion to learn more about the persecutions children, was arriving in a week. Permanent I wondered if we were failing as hosts, the Karen people have faced for decades in housing would not be available until July 1. somehow messing up their entrance into their homeland. It made us aware of the The Wyatts reached out to churches to see if our community. thousands who are still waiting in refugee any would be willing to host this family. Then, on the second Sunday they were camps in Thailand and other countries, My church has a recently remodeled with us, the Says showed up for morning unable to return home but unable to move and repurposed house used primarily for worship. When I saw them standing outside on to permanent housing. youth gatherings and to host mission teams. the door I was convicted to the heart. Recently, we prayed with a represen- What was being asked of us was much They were coming to church where tative from World Relief for the children bigger, however. no one spoke in a language they could who are trying to find a home here in our I tried to ignore the email because I understand. We were all strangers to them, community right now. I don’t know if we was afraid of it, but God is very persistent. yet they were willing to be a part of our would have had such a time of prayer if God A local family had agreed to take these community. had not removed the blinders of fear from refugees into their home for the last half of I realized how many times I have let our eyes. June, so housing would be needed for about fear stop me from doing something, how Today, only one half of 1 percent of the 2½ weeks. That calmed my fears enough many times as a church we had allowed fear world’s refugees are being resettled. to take the request to our church leadership to prevent us from stepping out in faith. Today, I am learning how to stop where there was unanimous affirmation. As refugees who have fled their giving God excuses out of fear. Less than a week later, we welcomed homeland where they had faced persecu- Today, I am trying instead to listen to the Say family into our Hospitality House. tion, the Says had much more to fear. God and ask, “What’s next?” NFJ And, soon, we ran into things that had Yet they were willing to take a bold step. caused my fear. No one in our church spoke And something in what we had done had —Mark Mofield is pastor of Karen, and the Says spoke no English. communicated they were welcome to Temple Baptist Church in Church members brought dinner worship with us. Durham, N.C.
10 Thoughts Beyond Medicine Discovering more in a hospital room than needed treatment
BY GEORGE W. BRASWELL on me and discuss further the life in Iran. George Braswell speaks during a seminar at Campbell University I asked her if she attended a church. We uring a nine-day stay in a local Divinity School in 2018. Photo by discussed the possibilities. hospital, I met some very fascinat- Andy Wakefield. The day I was discharged she was D ing people. down the hall, saw me leaving in a wheel- I am known for initiating conversa- chair, ran to me and hugged my neck, and tions, and asking a multitude of questions said we would continue conversations about of strangers. life. Two of my hospitalist doctors who The cardiologist assigned to me the had, I guessed, Middle Eastern-sounding first day came to check on me each morning. names on their white jackets, lingered as I Our conversations revealed that his wife was conversed with them about their training on the staff of a local Presbyterian church. and families and birthplaces. I asked where she received her theological One was from India, and the other training. from Pakistan. We spoke about the religion He replied, “Yale University Divinity Islam. They asked me how I knew “so School.” I told him I was a graduate of YDS much” about it. too, in 1961. He said that he would tell his I told them I taught young ayatollahs wife. in a Muslim seminary in Teheran, Iran, as She later called to arrange for me to the only Christian and American on the speak on Iran to 50-plus seniors. I did, and faculty of Islamic studies. I also told them across Europe and arrived in Teheran, Iran, sold books whose royalties went to scholar- my Ph.D. dissertation was on “Religion and where they worked at an international ships for graduating high school seniors in Politics in Iranian Shiite Islam.” school. my local church in memory of my deceased Their eyes widened. Then I asked if It was 1978. She said they were at a granddaughter at age 14. they knew the imam of the nearby mosque. famous square one day where protesters Many students have told me they have Their eyes widened again and asked how I were gathered against the Shah. had similar experiences as ministers and knew him. I told them I had taken several I told her I lived in Teheran for five chaplains in hospitals and other settings. thousand students and church folks to hold years and followed the developing history of They have been glad they took the various seminars in the mosque over the years. the revolution. Then I told her the square practica in world religions and missions I They then told me they said their daily where she and her friend were observing the taught for some half-century. prayers at the mosque. The rest of the nine protest was named Zhaleh Square — where What surprises are found often in the days in the hospital saw them frequent my within sight my three kids attended the least expected places! NFJ room for “diagnosis” and more conversa- community school. Her eyes widened. tions. She continued that it was becoming —George W. Braswell Jr. taught world We discussed Jesus often, as I men- dangerous to be there and how that, as they religions and missions at Southeastern tioned that his name is referenced some 90 started to leave, they saw a gentleman who Baptist Theological Seminary and at times in their sacred book. looked either British or American. They Campbell University Divinity School, which At seven o’clock one morning the new invited him to the safety of their nearby houses the George W. and Joan O. Braswell nurse on duty entered my room and spoke apartment. He was an American who later World Religions and Global Cultures Center. with a British accent. I asked about her became her husband and the father of their He is the author of numerous books includ- nurse’s training and about her family. three children. ing Islam and America: Answers to the 31 She told me she trained in Great Each day thereafter when this nurse Most-Asked Questions and Crossroads of Britain. Then she and a friend backpacked was on duty she came to my room to check Religion and Revolution.
Thoughts 11 NURTURING ETHICS Advancing the common good Running with the bu!alo By Mitch Randall
he day was growing late as our Jesus smoke swirled around his head. After a few wrote, “In you our ancestors trusted; they Worldview Retreat participants pleasantries, the chief asked my brother and trusted, and you delivered them” (22:4). T finished a wonderful meal in Yellow- me to stand. Standing near the buffalo, with stone National Park. Before heading back He took coals from the fireplace and rain and hail falling on and around me, toward the ranch we called home, we drove put them in a cast-iron skillet. He then took and watching the sun setting behind the through the park’s Hayden Valley just as a sage and sprinkled it on top of the coals, mountains, I could hear the songs of my storm rolled over the sunlit mountains. fanning them with an eagle feather. people. Their song is a chorus of freedom, As we turned the bend, raindrops Smoke began to encircle my brother conflict and genocide. started to hit the van’s windshield and a and me, with the chief praying in Coman- The melody of the Native peoples can remarkable sight met our eyes. A herd of che all around us. As he stopped in front be heard throughout history. Their story is bison grazed on the hills, as the sun started of me, his dark gaze the story of others, as indigenous peoples tucking itself behind the mountains. penetrated my soul. come into contact with powerful systems of Our driver pulled over for us to get a He told me of conquest. good photo, but something drew me from my great-grandfather, My Muscogee Creek ancestors were the van. I leaped out and started running up Mitchell Boudinot. removed from their lands, marched across a hillside for a better view, with raindrops He spoke fondly of the country, and resettled in Oklahoma. splashing all around me. my grandmother, a They were treated as a conquered people, Two bison bulls started jousting — a world champion fancy their lands taken and their resources safe but impressive distance away. dancer. exploited. The approaching storm started He pondered on my father, a strong Their way of life was threatened, as dropping hailstones, but that didn’t deter brave carving out a path for his family. they worked hard to resist and maintain my presence and wonder. I kept watching Then he grew silent, staring directly at me, their cultural identity. as the bulls snarled and kicked up dust, and thinking to himself what would become In the person of Jesus, they found attempting to intimidate each other. of me. someone they could identify with in their Dwarfed by their size, I was intimi- As we waited with anticipation, the struggle for freedom and love of commu- dated by their strength, which was clearly chief finally spoke: nity. Jesus stood up to corrupt systems and on display. “Mitchell, a day long ago, the prairie powerful people, attempting to liberate Standing and staring at these amazing was filled with buffalo as far as the eye could those held in bondage by poverty and kept animals, I could not help but recall the day see. Our people depended on the buffalo, silent by oppression. Comanche Chief Charles Chibitty named as they provided invaluable resources for Native peoples saw Jesus as the great me. us. Together, we created a symbiotic system liberator, resisting the powerful as they My brother and I were approaching that sustained life and ancient ways.” attempted to marginalize humans and college when my Muscogee Creek grand- Then he continued: “As I look into divide cultures. mother took us to see Chibitty in his home. your future, I see you will serve others as As I think about nurturing ethics, I must He was a legend around Oklahoma as one a resource. Therefore, your name will be acknowledge how my ancestral story has of the last Comanche code-talkers from ‘Buffalo.’” influenced my theological praxis. The Native World War II. Watching the buffalo in Yellowstone struggle connected me with the Hebrew Entering his house, we saw him sitting National Park refreshed my soul and recon- narrative of the Old Testament while joining near an old wood stove fireplace while nected me with my ancestors. The Psalmist me with the hope of the New Testament.
Editor’s note: This series is part of an ongoing collaboration between EthicsDaily and Nurturing Faith in order to advance the clear Christian calling to put faith into action.
12 Thoughts “Running with the Yellowstone bu!alo was a beautiful and meaningful moment, reminding me where I came from, and prophesizing where I am going.”
While I am a follower of Jesus and emerging. If you need to be refreshed, then filter my belief and practice through him, living water awaits. I also cannot separate myself from my And, if you need a fresh start, join in on Muscogee Creek family. The blood of my a Nurturing Faith Experience or ask about forefathers and foremothers runs through an upcoming Jesus Worldview Retreat. me, linking their memories with my story. In Yellowstone I found beautiful Therefore, when I engage in modern- landscapes, soaring eagles and herds of day issues and seek ways to interpret their buffalo. And I returned from this experi- meaning, my ancestors stand beside me. ence with my soul, my faith, and my They remind me of their stories, recalling heritage strengthened. their struggles, and instilling their eternal Running with the buffalo through hope that the Creator works towards rain and hail set me on a path I will not justice. turn away from any longer. Therefore, I Running with the Yellowstone buffalo step out with my ancestors at my back and was a beautiful and meaningful moment, my faith looking toward the future. NFJ reminding me where I came from, and prophesying where I am going. —Mitch Randall is executive director If you are feeling like the world is of EthicsDaily. He previously served spinning out of control, there is peace. If as pastor of NorthHaven Baptist Church your faith has stalled, there is a new life in Norman, Okla.
Thoughts 13 Roomier Curbs An empathetic response to why younger persons aren’t in church
BY ANDY JUNG people their own dedicated space to gather, pastors and even parents as too busy or too carved out a large percentage of our minis- self-absorbed to invest in them without an try budget for them and encouraged them agenda. Many feel they have been left alone According to Pew Research Center, to change the world from a distance. in their journey toward adulthood. the share of adults in the U.S. who We did everything to show them how In the years when most major decisions identify as Christians fell from much we loved and cared for them except are made about marriage, childrearing and one thing: we often forgot to actually get to work, many young people feel acute loneli- 78 percent to 71 percent between know our young people! ness and a sense of loss. Underneath the 2007 and 2014. The corresponding In its book Growing Young: 6 Essen- tough façade is a deep hunger for caring increase in those who identify as tial Strategies to Help Young People Discover adults in their lives. and Love Your Church, Fuller Youth Insti Every young person needs deep, “religiously unaffiliated” jumped tute (FYI) studied churches that were reach- authentic relationships with adults who can by almost seven points, from just ing young people help them navigate the twists and turns of (those aged 15–29) adolescence and emerging adulthood. This over 16 percent to 23 percent. successfully through- responsibility cannot fall to parents alone. o major Christian traditions are out the nation. The only way we are going to help young growing in the U.S. today. While The research people navigate adolescence and emerging N young people ages 18–29 make up revealed a common adulthood in healthy ways is to invest in 22 percent of our population, they make up core commitment of their lives with great empathy. only 10 percent of people in the pews. churches that are As we walk alongside our teenagers We simply have to look around our effectively reaching young people: they and young adults, we also invest in their pews to gain a sense that we are missing a display empathy. Growing Young defines faith formation, helping them to experi- large portion of our youngest generations. empathy as “sitting on a curb of a young ence the love of Christ through our words The natural question is, “What happened?” person’s life, celebrating their dreams and and actions. Studies have shown that young Why have we lost a large segment of grieving over their despair.” people who have at least five caring Chris- our young people from the church? During What most young people have been tian adults outside of their parents who a time in American church history when missing are actual relationships with adults invest in their lives are more likely to stay we have never put more time and resources outside of their parents who love and care active in their faith and in the church than into our youth ministries, why have we not for them. Social structures such as schools, those who lack the essential relationships. reaped the fruit of our labor? athletics, civic groups and even churches So, how do we reach young people Unfortunately, I am afraid we are have helped to create a sense of systemic with the gospel? It isn’t just the youth pastor reaping what we have sown over the last abandonment. or the Sunday school teacher. It isn’t just the 40 years. Out of great intention, we profes- Young people now commonly view parents. sionalized youth ministry. We built young neighbors, relatives, teachers, coaches, No matter our age, it will take you and me to invest in the young people around us by building meaningful relationships. It will take us sitting on the curb of young people’s lives, celebrating their dreams and grieving over their despair. Won’t you join me? NFJ
—Andy Jung is the associate executive coordinator of CBF of North Carolina. He leads CBFNC’s Growing Young initiative, a partnership with Fuller Youth Institute.
14 Thoughts Legacy Gifts A lasting influence
egacy gifts to Nurturing Faith, the lasting influence, and your generosity will be publishing ministry of Baptists Today, an encouragement and example to others who L Inc., ensure a secure and hopeful future value this cause. for a needed and valued voice. NOTE: If you have included Baptists Today, We are deeply grateful for those who have Inc. in your estate plans but wish for the gift to included Baptists Today, Inc., in their estate remain anonymous, please let us know. We’d plans. We encourage others who value this like to be aware of your gift while respecting publishing ministry to join the faithful and your wishes. generous persons who have done so. Please contact us to let us know…let us help… Let us know… let us thank you! If you have included Baptists Today, Inc., in your estate plans, or when you do so, please let Baptists Today, Inc. us know. Contact information follows. P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 Let us help… offi[email protected] If you would like assistance with estate 478-301-5655 planning we can provide free confidential, professional help through our collaboration Ways of leaving a with the CBF Foundation. There are a variety Lasting influence of ways to leave a legacy gift. Want to explore A bequest through a will or trust is the them? simplest way to leave a legacy gift to Baptists Today, Inc. This gift may be a specified amount Let us thank you! or a percentage of one’s estate. Your commitment to ensure the future of Nurturing Faith/Baptists Today is something we want to celebrate. Your gift will have a
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This column is provided in collaboration with the Center for Healthy Churches (chchurches.org) Signs of hope for the church in changing times
BY MATT COOK In the 20th century, that was the defini- In Dallas, we listened to the story of tion of a thriving congregation. But now what used to be one of the largest Baptist wenty years ago, an unprecedented what we are discovering is that thriving is churches in the country that has now collection of some of the bright- more complex, and becoming even more so declined to a congregation of fewer than Test minds in the world turned their as the 21st century progresses. 40 members with the average age of the attention to poverty. A combination of a We are 50 years into what sociologists membership well above 80 years old. strong, global economy and the optimism of religion are calling “the Great Decline.” But that congregation is now sur- that came from the beginning of a new Detailing the evidence is easy: Fewer people rounded by eight ethnic congregations made millennium led government leaders, social are joining; giving in real dollars is flat or up primarily of refugees and immigrants scientists, economists and philanthropists declining; and even the most committed who share their facility, along with a host of to consider the hopeful possibility that members are attending less frequently than non-profit organizations that serve the poor extreme poverty could be eliminated. they did a decade ago. and displaced. They wanted to be smart and efficient, More challenging still are what surveys These congregations may lack large so before they launched a myriad of initia- tell us about the relative significance of numbers, but they do not lack visionary tives, they began to ask a very important religion and church for the average Ameri- leadership or creativity. They are finding question: What exactly is poverty? can and the growing number of people new pathways to alternative forms of You’d think it would be simple, right? who don’t consider themselves a part of any thriving. Most importantly, none of these Less money equals greater poverty. But organized religion. Macro-trends for the congregations lacked hope. Not because what they discovered was that poverty isn’t institutional church are not good. they were as large as they used to be, but just a financial phenomenon. It is also and Yet, if you have eyes to see, there are because they could see God at work in their perhaps especially about powerlessness and also signs of hope in a surprising number midst in new and creative ways. hopelessness. of places. In Philadelphia, our team listened Do we really believe God has We’ve all known someone (or perhaps to the familiar story of the Westminster abandoned the church in America? Isn’t been someone) who had almost nothing Presbyterian Church that declined as its it far more likely that God is just up to financially but never lacked hope, never neighborhood declined, almost to the point something new and different? lacked the ability to make something of death. I can’t say exactly what thriving is happen. Perhaps you have even heard Today, where one church stood, there supposed to look like for every congrega- someone say, “We were poor growing up, are three churches of two different denomi- tion in the 21st century, but maybe that’s the but we didn’t know we were poor.” nations that are not only finding innovative point. The culture around us is fragment- And all of that brings me to the Ameri- forms of worship and faith development but ing, and a “one size fits all” approach lacks can church in the 21st century. For the also working together to run a community imagination and is destined to fail. past few months the Center for Healthy center called the Common Place. Now more than ever, American Churches, in partnership with Belmont In Charlotte, we listened to the story Christianity needs a creative, bottom-up, University, has been working on a new of a declining Methodist congregation that incarnational approach to doing church. grant funded by the Lilly Foundation on sold its building and surrounding acreage I’m grateful to be part of an effort helping “Thriving Congregations.” but not out a sense of hopelessness. The congregations do just that. NFJ We’ve been asking the question, “What members creatively leveraged their resources does it means for a congregation to thrive?” and are now moving back onto their original —Matt Cook is assistant director for You’d think the answer would be simple, campus as part of a mixed-use development the Center for Healthy Churches, too: Greater attendance equals greater where they will be offering shared space to following pastoral ministry in Texas, thriving. their surrounding community. Arkansas and North Carolina.
16 Thoughts Healthy Church Resources are a collaborative e"ort of the Center for Healthy Churches, the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation, and Nurturing Faith Publishing. THEOLOGY IN THE PEWS Jesus the Lord By John R. Franke
One of the central claims of the The fivefold structure of Matthew intended from the beginning. implies that the story of Jesus is analogous However, we have rebelled against this New Testament is that Jesus is Lord. to the ancient story of Israel. vision for creation. Instead of seeking the This has often been taken to be This background has led scholars to note well-being of our fellow humans, we have primarily a statement of belief. the correlation between the “great commis- sought our own good at the expense of sion” in Matthew 28 and God’s covenant others. owever, the lordship of Jesus in our with Abraham in Genesis 12, “Go … and I In response to this rebellion God made lives is not simply a matter of right will make you a great nation … so that you a covenant with Abraham and called a H belief but rather of participating in will be a blessing … to all the nations of the people to bless the nations of the world and the creation of a new world. This is clear in earth.” sent Jesus not to condemn the world but to the concluding verses of Matthew’s Gospel The two commissions are indivis- redeem it through a life of humility, service, (28:16-20), which have come to be known ibly linked, showing that the Jesus story is obedience and death for the sake of others. as the “great commission” — to make intended as a continuation of Israel’s story But the death of Jesus is not the end of disciples of all the nations. with a common concern: the creation of the story. Instead, leading New Testament It is important to note that this calling a new community scholar N.T. Wright describes the death of is framed within the lordship of Jesus — formed by God’s love Jesus as “the day the revolution began.” “all authority in heaven and earth has been and committed to Jesus institutes a covenant of vocation given to me” — and the presence of Jesus the establishment of whereby he commissions his followers to — “I am with you always, to the end of the that love throughout go to the nations and make disciples who age.” the earth in order to will follow his way of life and create a new This is a reminder that the commis- bring about a new world, the Kingdom of God, here and now, sion given here proceeds by the power and world — a world on this earth. presence of God. The followers of Jesus where the will of As we noted at the outset, this is God’s throughout history who have been baptized God is done on earth as in heaven. mission, not ours, and we are dependent into solidarity with him and have therefore We demonstrate our commitment on the power and presence of God for its inherited this commission are not left to to the lordship of Jesus in our lives by fulfillment. However, it is also important to fulfill it on our own. participating in this work. understand that God has chosen us to share Jesus the Lord is with us in this work In the Hebrew tradition, this vision of in this work. and ultimately it belongs to God, not us. a new world is profoundly captured in the To be sure, it will not happen without To understand the content of the words of Isaiah 65, a world in which “no God, but neither will it happen without our commission Jesus gives to his disciples and more shall the sound of weeping be heard in faithful participation. We are called not just by extension the church, it will be helpful it, or the cry of distress.” to believe the gospel, not just to believe in to know something about the nature and This is a vision of an alternative to the the lordship of Jesus, but to become the structure of Matthew’s Gospel and its reality we see around us, a vision of a world gospel by being disciples of Jesus. particularly deep roots in Judaism. where everyone has enough and no one In this way we share in God’s life by Scholars have long noted that the five needs to be afraid. This is the world God sharing in God’s work of bringing about the distinct sections that give overall shape to world God intends and demonstrating that the work reflect the Pentateuch (first five Jesus is the Lord. NFJ books of the Old Testament) and its story of God’s covenant with Abraham, Moses and —John R. Franke is theologian in the exodus from Egypt, the creation of a new residence at Second Presbyterian Church community under God, and the giving of the of Indianapolis and general coordinator of laws by which the community was to live. the Gospel and Our Culture Network.
18 Thoughts REBLOG
Fully known, fully loved
BY GINGER HUGHES How can it be that the Creator of the heavens and the earth loves me? How can “The heavens declare the glory of God; the it be that God knows my name, and not skies proclaim the work of God’s hands.” only my name but also my every thought and feeling? he starlit skies devoid of city lights Creation is a testament to God’s sparkle down at me. The eagle power and might. It’s a testament to God’s T soars high above my head, the glory and splendor. And, as for me and vast Wyoming skies its home. The rugged you, we are a testament to God’s love. edges of the Grand Tetons, the rushing And this loving God longs for a rivers and spewing geysers of Yellowstone, relationship with you and me. We aren’t speak of God’s magnificence. lost in the vast expanse of The prairies graced with eternity. Rather, the One who roaming buffalo and the flower- placed the stars in the sky also ing meadows providing food for placed us in this time and the bear are all a part of God’s place. glorious creation. We are here for a And then there’s me. purpose. We are here for a Standing on the precipice reason. of the mountain, looking down I am not unseen, and at Jenny Lake, I feel small. Unseen. neither are you. I am not unknown, and Unknown. neither are you. The heavens surround me, the Rather, we are fully seen. We are fully mountains tower over me, the winds known. And by the grace and goodness of whip wildly around me. God’s glory is on Almighty God, we are fully loved. NFJ full display in creation, the vastness of it mesmerizing. —Ginger Hughes is the wife of a pastor, I’m reminded of Psalm 8:3-4, “When a mother of two and an accountant, living I consider your heavens, the work of your in the foothills of North Carolina. Her fingers, the moon and the stars, which you blogging for Nurturing Faith is sponsored have set in place, what is mankind that by a gift from First Baptist Church of you are mindful of them, human beings Gainesville, Ga. Additional writings may that you care for them?” be found at nomamasperfect.com.
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Thoughts 19 THE LIGHTER SIDE Beyond Complaining By Brett Younger
Do you know what is irritating? thing and the world would be a better place When cashiers give us our change on if only everyone else would acknowledge top of the receipt. that. We deserve better treatment and have The words “gif” and “meme.” Is it the right to gripe whenever the world does “jiff” and “me-me”? not give us our due. Going through security at the airport. The problem with complaining is that How can we not be TSA pre-check? ingratitude takes over our lives. We know Trying to find the end of the Scotch people who have more than enough to be tape. happy and yet are not. Ingratitude is a dead Junk mail. end. Car alarms. When we view our lives through the When we have a mini panic attack kind gesture. lens of thanksgiving, we become better when we think we have lost our phone. People who pick food out of their people. Gratitude gives us the perspec- That delicious foods are bad for us. teeth. Having something stuck in your teeth tive that keeps day-to-day irritations from Do you know what else is annoying? is annoying, but watching someone pick it overwhelming us. Bags of potato chips that are mostly air. out is disgusting. After Abraham Heschel suffered a They should fill the bags or make the bags People who RSVP at the last minute. heart attack from which he never fully smaller. There are reasons that the host wants to recovered, a friend who visited him in the Leaving a tissue in a pocket and putting know how many are coming. hospital found him weak and barely able to it in the washing machine. People who take both armrests. We talk, but Heschel whispered: “Sam, when I Typing in all caps — a strangely aggres- would all like two armrests, but we each get regained consciousness, my first feeling was sive form of communication. one and the other is for sharing. not despair and anger. I felt only gratitude When we step into an elevator and the People who look at their phone when to God for my life, for every moment I’ve person looks right at us and says, “Hello.” we are talking to them — even though we lived. I’ve seen so many miracles.” We are surprised to meet a friendly person, are fascinating. We have so much for which to be so we say “Hello” — and realize they are on People who talk about how busy they thankful: freedom, friendship, rain, rivers, their phone. are. This is the most infuriating humble- flowers, apples, dogs, cats, mornings, When we need help and get an brag. evenings, laughter, poetry, yoga, Zumba, automated response, “Hit one for this, two People who start sentences with “No organs, guitars, chocolate, stir fry, red for that, pound when you give up.” If we get offense.” They are about to offend. peppers, Adele, Netflix, bubble wrap, a choice that is close to what we need, we So many things are frustrating. Our waking up before the alarm goes off and hear “All our representatives are busy, but parents’ politics. The underrepresenta- getting to roll over and sleep some more, your call is important to us, so please hold.” tion of minorities in government. People comfortable chairs, comfortable shoes, good If our call was important, a human being who do not see how privileged they are. books, shoulders to lean on, help in the would answer the phone. People who do not care about tragedies in kitchen, drawings on the refrigerator, the How messed up Black Friday is. On other countries. People who do not believe right word at the right time, and the church the day after Thanksgiving we line up to climate change is real. of Jesus Christ. buy more things. The world is filled with irritations. Gratitude leads us beyond complain- Do you know what kind of people are If you cannot find anything to complain ing and turns what we have into more than frustrating? about, then you are not trying hard. Enough enough. NFJ People who hold the door open bad things happen to keep us whining. for someone who is too far away, forcing Our complaints are rooted in the belief —Brett Younger is the senior minister that person to speed up to receive their that we know best about pretty much every- of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, New York.
20 Thoughts LESSONS FOR NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019
™ 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 All Saints Day Season after Christmas (nurturingfaith.net) provides a fresh Nov. 3, 2019 Jan. 5, 2010 look and easy access to the Teaching Ephesians 1:11-23 John 1:1-9, 10-18 Resources to support these Weekly At Home with the Saints The Word That Reveals Lessons. Subscribers may log into Random Readings Epiphany the online resources (video overview, Nov. 10, 2019 Jan. 12, 2020 lesson plans, Digging Deeper, Hardest Luke 20:27-38 Matthew 3:13-17 Question) by using the password. Trick Questions A Son Who Pleases Nov. 17, 2019 > Simply click the “Teachers” button in Jan. 19, 2020 the orange bar at the very top of the 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Right Things John 1:29-42 home-page. This will take you to where A Lamb Who Leads you enter the November/December Nov. 24, 2019 password (joy) and access the Teach- Colossians 1:11-20 Jan. 26, 2020 ing Resources. You will find the current Blown Minds Matthew 4:12-23 A Preacher Who Calls password on page 21 (this page) in Advent each issue of the journal for use by Dec. 1, 2019 Feb. 2, 2020 subscribers only. Isaiah 2:1-5 Matthew 5:1-12 When Soldiers Plow A Teacher Who Challenges Dec. 8, 2019 Adult teaching plans Feb. 9, 2020 by David Woody, Isaiah 11:1-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Minister of Faith When Stumps Sprout A Savior Who Died Development at Dec. 15, 2019 Providence Baptist Isaiah 35:1-10 Feb. 16, 2020 Church in Charleston, When Sorrow Flees 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 S.C., are available at Children Who Grow nurturingfaith.net Dec. 22, 2019 Isaiah 7:10-16 Feb. 23, 2020 Youth teaching plans When a Son Astounds 2 Peter 1:16-21 by Jeremy Colliver, Christmas A Message That Glows Minister to Families Dec. 29, 2019 with Youth at Smoke Rise Baptist Church in Isaiah 63:7-19 Stone Mountain, Ga., When Prayer Makes Bold are available at Thanks, sponsors! These Bible studies for adults and youth are sponsored through nurturingfaith.net. generous gifts from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Eula Mae and John Baugh Foundation. Thank you! 21 Bible Study
person who seeks grace and follows Nov. 3, 2019 God put this power to work in Christ. Those who believe this cannot Christ when he raised him from the help but give praise to God. Ephesians 1:11-23 dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places . . . (Eph. 1:20) Christ we have redemption through At Home with the an amazing grace that is beyond our Saints comprehension. The word used for “encyclical” – a letter intended for “forgiveness” (’aphesis) is a technical ave you ever gained an inheri- circulation among a group of churches, term that referred to a legal pardon. tance? An inheritance we of which Ephesus was probably chief. There are various views of how we H receive from grandparents or should understand the atonement, but parents can come with mixed feelings, all of them lead to the same end: we are because the gain of money or property We have an inheritance forgiven. comes with the loss of someone we (vv. 11-12) Paul next asserted that God not have loved. If you’re the executor or The text is amazing in its grammatical only loves us enough to forgive us executrix, settling the estate and possi- complexity: verses 3-14 can be read and adopt us as children, but has also bly dividing the inheritance can also be as one sentence in the Greek text, and set aside an incredible inheritance: “In a major hassle. Christ we have also obtained an inheri- Our text for the day concerns an is a nearly breathless call for Christ- tance, having been destined according inheritance that has no negative aspects to the purpose of him who accomplishes whatsoever. It’s an inheritance whose of praise as they look forward to the all things according to his counsel and anticipation brings assurance in this life, and joy beyond imagining in the The letter begins with a reminder set our hope on Christ, might live for next – or so Paul told the Christians in of many ways in which God has blessed the praise of his glory” (vv. 11-12). Ephesus and possibly elsewhere. believers, which Paul stressed had Paul had grown up in a Jewish Ephesians is one of the more come through Jesus Christ. Throughout family. He would have heard about the important Pauline letters, distinguished the text, “in him” and “in Christ” are inheritance of the land that God had primarily by its focus on the church. It key reminders of this. promised to Israel. Now he declared does not deal with local problems, as Paul rejoiced that God had granted an even greater inheritance, an eternal do most of his other letters, but with big “every spiritual blessing” (v. 3) and home for those who trust in God. ideas for the larger church. adopted believers as children through This inheritance does not come when These and other bits of evidence the work of Christ (vv. 4-6). Those someone else dies, but when we move lead us to think that the letter may not who hold a doctrine of predestination beyond the limitations of this world have been directed to Ephesus alone. depend heavily on this text, believing to discover what God has prepared in Paul had lived there for three years and it indicates that God chose only certain eternity. undoubtedly knew and loved many persons to be saved. That view robs the Paul cited this good news as a people in Ephesus, but his missive gospel of its missionary imperative, motivation for praise to God: “so that includes none of the personal refer- which is much clearer than any sugges- ences common to his other letters. tion of predestination. on Christ, might live for the praise of It is likely that Ephesians was an God saves believers not only as his glory” (v. 12). This was especially individuals, but also as a community of - Additional information at faith. Paul was not teaching that God tian believers. Their lives of praise nurturingfaith.net has a checklist of predestined believ- would set a pattern for others to follow, ers, but that God has a place for every including us.
22 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. 22 Feature If you have ever shingled a roof, and Peter and John. Even in Paul’s keep in mind that most new believ- you know that the lowest row of day, Jesus was no longer present in ers and the church had probably come shingles becomes a guide for the next that physical way. But Paul believed from pagan backgrounds. In Ephesus, row, which becomes a guide for the Christ’s promise that he would in fact especially, Diana was worshiped as next, and so on. Just so, every genera- be present through his Spirit. The touch a powerful goddess who ruled over tion of Christians provides a pattern of the Spirit in this life is the guarantee spirits and powers. for the next to follow. If we would of God’s embrace in the next. lead those who come after us rightly, The Spirit of Christ in our lives imagined that there were various then we will lead them to offer praise works not only as an internal guide levels of spiritual powers or beings to God, not just with words, but with to direct our living, but also as an actions. outward mark of our redemption. The used language his readers could relate We don’t just praise God when we Spirit inspires positive changes in our to as he posited that Christ alone had sing hymns on Sunday, but when we lives that should be obvious to others. supreme authority, and believers relate show love to a child on Monday, when In Jesus Christ we have redemp- directly to Christ, not to superstitious we feed the hungry on Tuesday, when tion from our sins. We have an spirits or imaginative demi-gods. we listen to a hurting friend on Wednes- inheritance in eternity. We have a Few of us believe that mystic day. We praise God with our lives when present comforter and guide. We have, spiritual powers rule various levels we visit the sick on Thursday, repair a in short, all that we need for a life that of reality. How, then, might Paul’s needy neighbor’s toilet on Friday, or language speak to us? Some schol- even when we enjoy family recreation praise. ars suggest we could think of Paul’s on Saturday. Because Jesus Christ has authorities and powers as civil rulers We know God’s power such as kings or presidents or dicta- (vv. 15-23) tors. Perhaps a better view is to think Consider this: in Hebrew, “to Paul concluded this section by thank- of them as the insidious powers of worship” and “to serve” are rendered ing God for the Ephesian believers and racism, alcoholism, nationalism, greed, by the same word. What are ways praying that they might receive deeper or hate. we can offer worship to God through spiritual insight through “a spirit of Christ has power over all these service to others? wisdom and revelation” as they grew things, Paul said: God has put all in their relationship with Christ (vv. things “under his feet,” probably allud- We know the Holy Spirit 16-17). Such insight would give them ing to Ps. 110:1. To the extent that we (vv. 13-14) a new “heart vision” that would inspire know Christ and experience his power, Some of us, like Paul’s readers, might the great hope in Christ Paul wanted we can overcome these daily tempta- think: “But I don’t feel so full of praise, them to hold (v. 18). tions to give in to our darker nature. and how can I be so sure about this That hope, Paul believed, would Christ is “the head of all things for eternal inheritance anyway?” Paul lead them to experience “the immea- the church,” Paul said, “which is his would respond that God offers to us a surable greatness of his power for us taste of heaven on earth as we open our who believe” (v. 19). Can you imagine in all” (vv. 22-23). We, as believers, hearts and lives to the presence of his feeling the touch of God’s power? are members of the church and thus Holy Spirit: God had used that same power, part of the body. When Christ’s Spirit “In him you also, when you had Paul said, to raise Jesus from the dead heard the word of truth, the gospel of and elevate him to “the heavenly the fullest expression of Christ’s power your salvation, and had believed in places, far above all rule and authority and presence on earth: the saints. him, were marked with the seal of the and power and dominion, and above To represent Christ on earth is an promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge every name that is named, not only in amazing privilege and an incredible of our inheritance toward redemption this age but also in the age to come” challenge. It’s no wonder that Paul as God’s own people, to the praise of (vv. 20-21). prayed for us to receive both insight his glory” (vv. 13-14). Notice how Paul emphasized and power to become who we are Jesus no longer walks with us Christ’s elevation by listing four other called to be. Is there a better challenge as he walked with Mary and Martha “powers” that were beneath him. We for “All Saints Day”? NFJ
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2019 23 Feature 23 Bible Study
pointed question directed at Jesus in Nov. 10, 2019 Indeed they cannot die anymore, this chapter. because they are like angels and Luke 20:27-38 are children of God, being children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36) legitimacy as a teacher: “Who gave you this authority?” Jesus responded with a Trick Questions trick question of his own, asking them A tricky question whether John’s baptizing had been as anyone ever asked you a (vv. 27-33) from God or not. They thought “not,” trick question? Riddles are but were unable to answer honestly for designed to be tricky. Both H where Luke had him arrive after a fear of the crowds (vv. 1-8). children and adults can enjoy them, The second question was asked by even when they’re embarrassed by lengthy journey that we followed in “spies who pretended to be honest, in surprise answers. Nurturing Faith Journal and Bible order to trap him by what he said.” Feign- For example, it’s quite possible to Studies during the summer months. ing admiration for Jesus’ judgment, they make one disappear. How do you do it? Once there, Jesus sought out the temple asked “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes Add a “g,” and it’s gone. and, like any good rabbi, picked out a to the emperor, or not?” Jesus befud- Did you groan? Try this one: two spot and began teaching his disciples dled his inquisitors with a familiar and girls were born to the same mother along with anyone else who cared to straightforward answer: they should within a few minutes of each other on listen. “give to the emperor the things that are the same day, but they’re not twins. Among the listeners were members the emperor’s, and to God the things that How can this be? of the party of the Sadducees, an are God’s” (vv. 20-26). They’re two-thirds of a set of aristocratic cadre of Jewish men who The questions, then, were not triplets. held particularly conservative religious designed to gain information, but to Can you think of a word that gets beliefs. A larger and more proletar- embarrass and divide, an attempt to gain shorter when you add two letters to it? ian group known as the Pharisees an advantage over Jesus and turn some Short. accepted the Torah, the prophets, and of the populace against him. This was Want one more? oral traditions reportedly going back to not unlike much of the political rhetoric A man walked for half an hour Moses as authoritative. In contrast, that we hear in our own day, when posts in the pouring rain with no hat or are tweeted and press conferences are umbrella. His clothes were soaked, but written books of the law – commonly held not to inform or to foster helpful not a single hair on his head got wet. called the “books of Moses” – as dialogue, but to cause division between How could that happen? authoritative. those who support one party or candi- You know it: he was bald. This led to differing beliefs, with date or idea, and those who do not. Questions designed as brain teasers resurrection from the dead being a So what was the question? can be well-intentioned, fun ways to particularly contentious subject. The A Jewish custom called Levirate spice a conversation or encourage us to Pharisees believed in a resurrection, marriage, which is drawn from Deut. think out of the box. largely based on oral tradition and their 25:5-10, sought to ensure that every Our text for the day deals with a reading of texts such as Dan. 12:2-3. married Jewish man left an inheritance question that had darker motives. to resurrection in the Torah, so they did to a son. We would see this as incred- not believe in it. ibly sexist, but it was par for the course One of the ways the Sadducees in the ancient world. If a man should Additional information at ridiculed their opponents was to ask marry but then die before siring a son, nurturingfaith.net them trick questions such as the one the law stated that his brother should posed to Jesus in today’s text, the third
24 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. that union would stand to inherit the the ancient world, however, marriage’s idea of God as the God of Abraham, initial husband’s estate. primary function was to have children Isaac, and Jacob does not necessarily We have no knowledge of how and establish a family large enough imply that the early Hebrew fathers often Levirate marriages actually to ensure survival. In the resurrection, had been resurrected and were thus still occurred, but they were probably rare. people would no longer die and pro- alive. But Jesus’ reasoning was appar- The Sadducees used the rule, however, creation would be a thing of the past: ently good enough to silence his critics: to set up a trick question designed to there would be no need for marriage. “Then some of the scribes befuddle the Pharisees. So, Jesus said, “Those who belong answered, ‘Teacher, you have spoken Suppose there were seven broth- to this age marry and are given in well.’ For they no longer dared to ask ers. One of them married a woman but marriage; but those who are considered him another question” (vv. 39-40). died without producing a child. The worthy of a place in that age and in Whether the scribes in question were the resurrection from the dead neither embarrassed Sadducees or compet- obligation, but also died without issue. marry nor are given in marriage” ing Pharisees, who would have taken The third brother then stepped in to (vv. 34-35). delight in Jesus’ defense of the resur- marry the widow, and the same thing Instead, they would all be “children rection, is unclear. happened with brother after brother of the resurrection,” sharing the eternal Well and good, we might say: but until all had married the same woman. nature of angels. how is this knowledge supposed to So, the Sadducees would ask – no help me get through the week? There is doubt with a smirk – “In the ‘resurrec- Answer: part two tion,’ whose wife would she be?” The (vv. 36-38) Think back to Jesus’ statement Sadducees had no skin in the game The Sadducees did not believe in that those who attain the resurrection because they didn’t believe the dead angels, either (Acts 23:8), so Jesus “. . . are like angels and are children of were raised, but they delighted in added to his argument a quotation from God, being children of the resurrection” posing the puzzle to Pharisees, who did his inquisitors’ own limited scriptures. (v. 36). believe in the resurrection but couldn’t Even the Torah spoke of resurrection, In the resurrection, social and answer the question. Jesus said: “And the fact that the dead ethnic and economic differences will How would Jesus respond? are raised Moses himself showed …” be a thing of the past. Women and men (v. 36a). will be truly equal. Those who have Answer: part one In the story of Moses meeting been oppressed will be free. Those (vv. 34-36) God in a burning bush, God declared who have hungered will be eternally Jesus recognized the intent of his inter- “I am the God of your father, the God rogators. He could have responded of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the In this world, many people strug- with a sharp retort pointing out the God of Jacob” (vv. 36b-37, citing Exod. gle, including faithful Christians. Some hypocrisy of asking a question they had 3:6). The Hebrew sentence actually has face daily abuse. Others work hard for already answered to their own satis- little reward, stuck on the lower rungs faction. Instead, he saw the possibility pronoun and reads “I (am) the God of of the income ladder. Yet others suffer of a teachable moment and responded your father, the God of Abraham ….” from systemic racism, classism, and with a two-part answer, using a text The verb of being has to be understood, even a mean-spirited form of nation- from their own authoritative scripture which is not uncommon in Hebrew. alism. Illness as well as oppression to refute them. Jesus’ argument may seem a bit can take a toll. Relationships can be convoluted to us, but in rabbinic fashion fractured and painful. The trick question was about marriage, he reasoned that if in Moses’ day God When we are tempted to bow so Jesus argued that the question was claimed to be the God of Abraham, beneath the load and say “It is what it moot, because there would be no Isaac, and Jacob, then those patriarchs is,” this text reminds us that “It is not need for marriage in the resurrection. must still be alive. “Now he is God not yet what it will be.” The promise of the Modern people, especially in the West, of the dead, but of the living; for to him future brings hope to the present and believe we should marry out of love all of them are alive” (v. 38). and commitment to a partner whether It’s likely that few of us would days, knowing that we are children of children are in the picture or not. In think of it that way. In our minds, the God. NFJ
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2019 25 Bible Study
off. If anything, it should compel more Nov. 17, 2019 Brothers and sisters, do not be focused efforts to spread the good weary in doing what is right. news while time remained. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (2 Thess. 3:13) Paul’s sharp words may also indicate the presence of some believ- lived a more balanced life than his Right Things ers who were simply lazy. As in many words suggest, but there is no question early churches, communal meals were magine two boys who grew up on the that work was important to him, and probably frequent. Church members same family farm and with the same he had no patience for idle people who may have pooled their assets into a sponged off of others – especially if I common fund for mutual support (as vastly different philosophies. The they were idle Christians. in Jerusalem, Acts 2:44). The church, youngest was a great fan of hunting then, offered a perfect haven for habit- A bad influence ual moochers. Persons with a penchant temporary inconvenience whose great- (v. 6) for idleness might enjoy living off est advantage was that it afforded him Paul’s initial encounter with the the largesse of their harder working money for a boat and a four-wheeler. Thessalonians is recounted in Acts friends. Paul had little patience for His philosophy was, “Why work when 17:1-10. His second letter to them those who would take advantage of you can play?” urges maturity, warns against impos- their Christian family. The older brother bore a heavier ters, speaks to the question of Christ’s The solution Paul proposes seems sense of responsibility. He knew how to return, and addresses indolence. strange to us: “Now we command you, have fun, but also found joy in feeding Paul had emphasized the beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus cows, growing corn, repairing equip- importance of work and personal Christ, to keep away from believ- ment, and laboring long hours for a ers who are living in idleness and not better life. His philosophy seemed to be Thessalonians (4:10b-12; 5:14), but according to the tradition that they “Why play when you can work?” with little apparent effect: the church received from us” (v. 6). This seems to There is little doubt as to which be a form of church discipline, though brother the Apostle Paul would have idlers. The word for “idleness” can Paul clearly intended for the faithful chosen to spend time with. Paul was denote undisciplined and disorderly to remain in relationship with their a working man. He had grown up along with laziness. The two are slacker friends. Did this mean that the as a scholar who worked to support related: undisciplined people may tend family freeloaders were to be turned his studies. He became a traveling to be both slothful and disorderly. away from communal meals? Some missionary who supported himself as The issue may have related to have argued that the church in Thessa- a tentmaker. When he was not making beliefs about Christ’s return, which lonica was composed mainly of men tents, Paul was making disciples. He Paul had addressed earlier. Some who worked together in a communal was always busy. church members may have been so business. If so, those who didn’t Today we might characterize excited by the prospect of Christ’s work would naturally be cut out of the Paul as a driven man, a workaholic, a imminent return that they quit working Type A personality. Paul seems to have to await him. Occasionally, we read of Paul’s advice could serve two given little time to leisure, for his great- cult-like groups in America who have functions. By distancing themselves, est joy was in his work. Paul probably left their jobs, sold their assets, and laboring Christians would avoid the gathered in an isolated spot to wait in - Additional information at anticipation of the Second Coming. ior of their lazier brothers and sisters. nurturingfaith.net Paul also believed Christ would return Secondly – hopefully – the ostracized soon, but that was no reason to slack idlers might come to appreciate the
26 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. serious consequences of their slothful by those to whom he or she ministers. eat” (v. 10). Note that Paul’s concern ways and return to life as productive Paul insisted on that right, not only was not with those who are unable to persons. in v. 9, but elsewhere. In 1 Cor. 9:14, work, but with those who are unwill- Paul raised the issue again a few he recalled Jesus’ command that the ing. The veteran missionary was not verses later: “Have nothing to do with laborer is worthy of his hire (Matt. suggesting that persons who are physi- them, so that they may be ashamed” 10:9-10, Luke 10:7-8) by saying cally or mentally incapable of working (v. 14b). Paul clearly hoped such that “those who proclaim the gospel should be left out in the cold. Follow- persons could be restored to full should get their living by the gospel” ing Christ’s lead, the church has always fellowship. Thus, he instructed church (1 Cor. 9:14). been concerned with those who are members to treat those who were There were times, apparently, unable to provide for themselves indolent, not as enemies, but as fellow when Paul accepted the hospitality (Matthew 25). believers who need to be warned for of others, as in Philippi where Lydia What lit Paul’s fuse was the their own good (v. 15). insisted that Paul’s party lodge at her unhappy news that “some of you are Paul’s instructions could lead us home. Luke, who was with Paul, said living in idleness, mere busybod- to wonder what attendance would “And she prevailed upon us” (Acts ies, not doing any work” (v. 11). The be like in our churches if everyone 16:15). Later, when Paul was in prison NRSV translation fails to do justice to a who didn’t pull their own weight in and could not work, he gratefully wonderful play on words in which Paul supporting the church’s activities and accepted support from his friends. uses two forms of the same term. We Among the Thessalonians, could capture Paul’s wordplay by trans- It’s not unusual for the church to attract however, Paul chose to support himself lating “some of you are not busy, but and set an industrious example from busybodies.” church membership with none of the the beginning. Perhaps he had observed The problem was compounded in responsibilities. They “want to be fed” the problem of hangers-on in the that the layabouts were not only lazy, but invest little and complain if the churches of Antioch or Jerusalem, and but also were minding everyone’s worship service doesn’t pump them he wanted to help new churches avoid business but their own. This led to up. What might Paul say to them? this problem by emphasizing his hard- disorder and dissension in the church working ethic. “This was not because family. A slacker lifestyle does not A good example we do not have that right, but in order affect the slacker alone. (vv. 7-9) to give you an example to imitate” Paul did not mince words: “Now Instead of following the sorry standard (v. 9). such persons we command and exhort of the inactive members, Paul encour- The balanced treatment Paul gives in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work aged the Thessalonians to model their to the issue, especially with regard to quietly and to earn their own living” lives after the positive pattern that he clergy, echoes in some ways how some (v. 12). Such quiet work is the opposite and his fellow missionaries had set for modern ministers are “full-time” and them. His advice might seem presump- supported by the church, while others manifest. The roots of the “Protestant are “bi-vocational,” working another work ethic” are deep. Contemporary that challenging readers to imitate his job while receiving part-time support. church traditions that promote honest example is a common theme in his Non-clergy folk can also devote many labor as a cardinal virtue (such as writings (cf. 1 Thess. 1:6; 1 Cor. 4:16; hours to the work of the church, but Amish and Mennonite communities) 11:1; Phil. 4:9). entirely as volunteers. All of these have certainly have a friend in Paul. Paul claimed that he and his a place in the picture, but Paul had no “Do not be weary,” Paul said, “in companions never ate a heel of bread patience with those who enjoyed the in Thessalonica without paying for doing what is right” (v. 13). Or, “do it, but worked long hours to support back. not give up doing good.” Here, Paul themselves and the ministry (vv. 7-8, has combined the ethic of diligent work see also 1 Thess. 2:9). A stern command with the responsibility to do good. He Paul did not feel unworthy of (vv. 10-13) wasn’t interested in members working support, nor did he have ethical Here is Paul’s message in a nutshell: to earn a living alone: he wanted them quibbles with a minister being paid “Anyone unwilling to work should not to work for good. NFJ
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 17, 2019 27 Bible Study
of the area who had also evangelized Nov. 24, 2019 May you be made strong with all the neighboring towns of Laodicea and the strength that comes from his Hieropolis. Colossians 1:11-20 glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with After thanking God for the Colos- patience … (Col. 1:11) sians’ faith, love, and hope in Christ, Blown Minds Paul assured his readers that he was praying for them, asking God to bless jackets swarming from a hole at the them “in all spiritual wisdom and able to do what God has called very top. understanding” so they might “live you to do? D In today’s text, Paul talks to the lives worthy of the Lord” and “bear Colossian believers about a kind of fruit in every good work as you grow in still is) named Loco Baptist Church. the knowledge of the Lord” (vv. 9-10). The congregation lived up to its name from more than youthful hubris: it Is that what is happening in our when it called me – at the age of 20 and comes from the power of God. lives? with no theological training beyond Paul knew that bucking temptation Sunday School – to become its pastor. Christ and strength and culture is not easy, so he prayed that At the time I suffered from the (vv. 10-17) the Colossian believers would “be made illusion that age and a lack of experi- We have no evidence that Paul had strong with all the strength that comes ence didn’t matter because I was personally visited Colossae, and when from his glorious power” (v. 11a). The he wrote this letter to the church, he repetition shows the depth of Paul’s back, I cringe at some of the sermons I emphatic concern. He knew the believ- preached to those poor people. in Rome. ers would need strength to “endure Still, good things happened. The But he had heard about them. everything with patience” (v. 11b). church grew a little. I learned to baptize He had heard that the Christians in a small outdoor pool sunk into the in Colossae and their neighbors in faith, Paul encouraged his readers to ground a few yards from a dusty dirt Laodicea were being confronted with road. We completed a fellowship hall a syncretistic form of the faith that their struggles, remembering their hope whose construction had stalled, and included Jesus but demanded more. of an eternal inheritance “in the light” we put a new coat of white paint on its Paul wrote to defend his understanding (v. 12). white clapboard sides. of the gospel and to insist on this belief: Light and darkness are timeless To paint the high gable, two men Jesus is enough. contrasts, often used for artistic effect. propped a tall ladder on the slanted tin Paul began by identifying himself, Rembrandt was famous for his por- roof of the porch. My older cousin Bo noting that Timothy was with him, traits, which typically featured dark said “Preacher, we’ll hold the ladder. and greeting “the saints” in Colossae backgrounds and the masterful use of (vv. 1-2). Paul considered all Christ- light to draw attention to faces. better than the rest of us.” followers to be saints, not because he Paul drew on this metaphor to Thus shamed into feigning more thought they were morally perfect, but in the sense that they were God’s the strength and the motivation to resist and slapped paint on everything I could set-apart people. our darker natures and live in the light. reach, including some angry yellow He then broke into a long and “He has rescued us from the power of complicated sentence (vv. 3-8) offering darkness,” Paul wrote, “and transferred Additional information at thanks for the church’s adherence to the us into the kingdom of his beloved nurturingfaith.net gospel message they had learned from Son, in whom we have redemption, the a colleague named Epaphras, a native forgiveness of sins” (vv. 13-14).
28 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. For Paul, people had two options Other belief systems popular in the sustainer of the universe. On those when confronted with the gospel: they the ancient world taught that a primary days when we may feel that our world could continue living in darkness, or god created (or gave birth to) a second is falling apart, it is helpful to recall they could follow Christ into the light. generation of gods, who were then Paul’s readers believed in demonic responsible for actually creating the things together. The same powerful powers that were characterized by world and humankind. The hymn’s Christ who constrains protons in the darkness and held sinful people in their nucleus of an atom can hold broken sway – but Paul offered a better way. of all creation” might seem to suggest hearts together and give us hope to To encourage his readers, Paul face another day. emphasized what Christ had accom- who then took responsibility for creat- plished, a primary theme in Colossians. ing everything else. Christ and the church The verbs behind “has rescued” and (vv. 18-20) “transferred” are in the aorist tense, The second stanza of Paul’s poetic indicating completed action. The word - for “have” is an active verb, suggesting but in this text, the word clearly born,” but clearly in support of the a present state. Because of what Christ indicates a rank of preeminence. Jesus has already done, we now have redemp- had authority over all creation. the church” (v. 18a). Paul’s contempo- tion from sin and the hope of an eternal raries did not understand the brain as we inheritance. Nothing else is needed. does not indicate any subordination to do, but they knew that the head controls Jesus is enough. We can have God. This is clear from v. 16, which the body. If the church can be described attests “for in him all things in heaven as a body, then Christ is clearly its head: and on earth were created” (v. 16a, see the same Christ who rules the universe us from sin’s dark clutches, bring also John 1:1-5). gives special attention to believers as us into God’s light, and give us the First-century peoples commonly “the body of Christ.” strength and wisdom we need to grow believed in a variety of unseen Christ is the head of the church with patience and joy. powers, thought of as varying ranks because he is the founder of the church, of angels or demons. Royal terms such Christ and creation as “principalities,” “powers,” or even dead, so that he might come to have (vv. 15-17) “thrones” were used to designate the In vv. 15-20, Paul sets forth a wide- invisible beings thought to inhabit ranging description of Christ’s divine the atmosphere, engage in “spiritual our lives. activity from beginning to end, a lyrical With v. 19, the confession shifts passage that many scholars consider to be an early hymn or confession that that every aspect of creation comes proclaims Christ as the one in whom “all Paul quoted as a reminder of what the through Christ, including “things the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” Colossians had been taught. visible and invisible, whether thrones (v. 19). False teachers might claim that - or dominions or rulers or powers – all Jesus was only a partial manifestation of mation that Jesus “is the image of things have been created through him God, but Paul was emphatic in his insis- and for him” (v. 16b). tence that Jesus Christ is fully God and creation” (v. 15). God is typically Paul did not claim to have imagined as an unseen reality beyond special knowledge of these presumed Believers have no need to concern human vision, but in the person of themselves with other spiritual beings, Christ, Paul says, we see God. their existence – but he did insist that whether real or imagined, for God The great and mysterious God anything created owes its existence to in Christ has reconciled all things revealed in the Old Testament – the Christ, and is thus subordinate to him: to himself through his death on the God whom no one could look upon “He himself is before all things, and in cross (v. 20). Whatever is fragmented and live – that God took on a human him all things hold together” (v. 17). or fractured in the universe, Christ has face in Jesus Christ, and so became In these words, Paul declared that the power to make whole – including visible. Christ is not only the creator, but also us. NFJ
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2019 29 Bible Study Reminder: the password for online teaching resources is joy. Dec. 1, 2019 He shall judge between the expected a “day of the Lord” to come nations, and shall arbitrate for as a time of glory for Israel, and seemed Isaiah 2:1-5 many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their When Soldiers Plow spears into pruning hooks; nation Jerusalem, the home of the temple, to shall not lift up sword against be captured. From about 735 BCE, however, f all human aspirations, is nation, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isa. 2:4) a there anything more basic, or surrounding nations deeply threatened more powerful, than hope? It O national security. Syria and Israel tried is hope that leads us to work for a better to force Judah into an alliance against world, to seek love and community, the spectrum of hopefulness, from Assyria, and attacked the country when to keep plodding away though life’s struggling for survival to yearning King Ahaz refused. Hezekiah later prospects seem bleak. Even when faith for meaningful purpose, the prophet joined an alliance with Ashdod and stumbles, hope soldiers on. Isaiah has a word for us. Today’s text, Egypt against Assyria, with disastrous We hope for security, for peace, Isa. 2:1-5, is an image so inspiring consequences. Political instability was for justice, for love. We want our and iconic that the prophet Micah also rife, and economic disparity was on lives to mean something beyond daily called it up to encourage the people every hand. existence. who were on the verge of giving up We cannot be sure if today’s text On close inspection, all of those hope (Mic. 4:1-4). - hopes are related. Our basic desire It is the image of a promised day ally corrupt days of King Uzziah or for survival requires sustenance and when Jerusalem would be established during the troubled days of later years, security and the ability to earn a living. as “the Mountain of Yahweh” and under Ahaz or Hezekiah. Whatever the These require a setting in which princi- people from around the globe would setting, Isaiah held hopes for a better ples of peace and justice are known travel there to learn what it means to future despite the odds, and that hope and practiced. When these things are in live in justice and peace, what it means found its voice in this prophecy of a place, we have the luxury of hoping for to build a place where combat weapons coming day when not just Judah, but meaningful relationships in which we could be melted down and re-forged as every nation would turn to God. can love and be loved. We can hope for farming tools because war has become “In days to come the mountain of opportunities to serve others and know a thing of the past. the LORD’s house shall be established that we have a purpose in life. Can you imagine such a world? as the highest of the mountains,” Isaiah Today’s lesson marks the beginning Would it be worth our efforts to wrote, “and shall be raised above the of the Advent season, which typically make it happen? hills; all the nations shall stream to it” begins with a hopeful theme. Though (v. 2). The “mountain of the LORD” often celebrated with gospel texts, it A promised day is an obvious reference to the temple is also traditional to study passages (vv. 1-3) mount in Jerusalem. Isaiah envisioned from the book of Isaiah that New Isaiah of Jerusalem lived and worked a day when it would become more Testament writers related to the coming during the last half of the 8th century than a spiritual height for Israel, a day messiah. This season, all of our texts for BCE. Judah had enjoyed a period of when the mountain would rise to a December will derive from Isaiah. relative prosperity under the long rule height above all others and become a of Uzziah, but days of peace and plenty landmark to which all peoples would Additional information at had led to a false sense of security. come. nurturingfaith.net Some believed that keeping up the The important thing is not the temple rituals was all that was needed height of the mountain but the presence
30 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. of God, which Isaiah saw as being so When we consider the intractable A present challenge tangible that all would know it as the political issues that continue to plague (v. 5) Mountain of Yahweh, and people from Isaiah’s former home in the Middle Some scholars believe v. 5 should every nation would “stream to it” for East, the prospect of peace in our own be seen as the beginning of the next a global gathering in which “he may day still seems beyond any hope short oracle, but one can make a good case teach us his ways, and that we may of divine intervention. that it serves as an appropriate conclu- walk in his paths.” Civil war in Syria and the attempt sion of 2:1-4: the vision of future peace Jerusalem, in Isaiah’s vision, of ISIS to establish an Islamic caliph- concludes with a call for present action. would become the center of learning ate through terror and violence have The covenant people of Israel already for those who wanted to know God caused more than a hundred thousand knew what God expected of them: what and know God’s way: “For out of Zion deaths and sent even greater numbers they lacked was the will to act on it. shall go forth instruction, and the word In v. 3, Isaiah had spoken of a day of the LORD from Jerusalem” (v. 3a). peaceful resolution in sight. when all would seek to learn God’s Note, however, that the future In the State of Israel, settlers ways and “walk in his paths,” but Isaiah Jerusalem would be more than a learn- backed by the Israeli government and saw no need for his compatriots to wait ing center for scholars seeking an American supporters push deeper for that future day. Thus, he pleaded: understanding of the ways of God and and deeper into Palestinian territory, “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in humankind. The promised instruc- illegally occupying their land while the light of the LORD!” tion, “That he may teach us his ways,” creating tensions and hardship for Isaiah’s great hopes did not call would be followed by action: “that we millions. for the people of Israel to sit back on may walk in his paths” (v. 3b). Those countries are not alone. In their haunches and just wait for God to Knowing God’s way is laudable, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Iraq and make their lives better. The vision of a but it means nothing if we do not also Iran, Sudan and Somalia, political day when all would live according to follow God’s teaching. Isaiah saw the peace seems far away. Closer to home, God’s teaching calls for God’s people future Jerusalem as a place of both Venuzuela continues to suffer under a to work toward that day even now. It education and inspiration. punishing dictator and drug cartels with calls for us to make the effort needed to their gangs run rampant while feeding communicate with others to work out An age of peace American appetites for cocaine. our differences and seek justice without (v. 4) resorting to violence. Isaiah reveled in the thought of people they seek safety and survival for their It is when we learn to walk in coming to Jerusalem not only to learn children, only to be blocked at the God’s ways, then put on our shoes and of God’s ways, but also to seek God’s border. get on with it, that God’s word to the guidance to settle grievances: “He shall We are well aware of how the world takes shape. When we trust God judge between the nations, and shall issues underlying political unrest or to teach us about justice and commit to arbitrate for many peoples.” The result drug-related crime in other parts of the walking in the ways of peace, then we is expressed in the classic image of a world may also haunt and threaten our can divert our budget resources from happily shocking scene: “they shall own peaceful existence. Global terror- guns to gardens; we can shift our focus beat their swords into plowshares, and ists seek to harm all they consider to be from feuding to friendship, from war their spears into pruning hooks; nation enemies, and international versions of efforts to food production. When we shall not lift up sword against nation, walk in God’s ways and put feet to our neither shall they learn war any more” Can you imagine anything more hopes, we may discover that they’re (v. 4). desirable than a day when all nations more likely to come true. Can you imagine the appeal of will live at peace, when our technology What are your deepest hopes? How such a hope? Isaiah lived in a day can be turned from cruise missiles and when the deadliest weapon was a nuclear warheads to more effective and God’s teaching and follow God’s paths? sword, while we live in a world where environmentally responsible methods And, what are you doing to make of agriculture and industry? those hopes a reality? Guns can’t turn of people, bombs can kill hundreds, Isaiah saw just such a day, and the themselves into garden tools: they need nuclear weapons can kill millions. power of the image is unabated. help. NFJ
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 1, 2019 31 Bible Study
kingdom (see 2 Samuel 7), and Isaiah Dec. 8, 2019 The wolf shall live with the lamb, saw a day when a new and righteous the leopard shall lie down with the king would rise like a green sprout Isaiah 11:1-10 kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child from an old stump, a fresh branch from shall lead them. (Isa. 11:6) the roots of David’s line. When Stumps Sprout Isaiah describes the new ruler with three pairs of laudable attributes, o you ever worry about wild A wise counselor all related to wisdom (vv. 2-3). animals? When hiking in (vv. 1-3a) The coming king’s admirable virtues Glacier National Park, or in D Last week’s lesson (Isa. 2:1-5) would have their source in “the Spirit other places where bears are known to envisioned the hope of a world in of the LORD” that “will rest on him,” roam, hikers are encouraged to carry an which war would be a thing of the past bringing “the spirit of wisdom and air horn and bear spray (a sizable can of and combat weapons would be turned understanding, the spirit of counsel pepper spray), as well as to talk loudly into farming tools. and might, the spirit of knowledge and so bears or other large predators will Today’s text brings yet another the fear of the LORD.” stay in hiding. image of peace, this one led by a “Wisdom and understanding” sug- Isaiah of Jerusalem lived in a righteous ruler who establishes an gest that the ruler would not only time when wolves, leopards, and lions Eden-like world in which predators possess a great depth of knowledge, were endemic to Israel and a constant and prey live in perfect harmony. but also would know how to use it threat to livestock. When the prophet Both texts imply that God’s people properly. imagined a time of God-sent peace, should not just wish for such things: “Counsel and might” (reminiscent it surprisingly included animal amity. they should also work for them. of Isa. 9:6) portray the ruler as one who Wolves and lambs and leopards and Isaiah 11 is part of a larger unit is not only strong but also who uses his kids and lions and calves could take that begins with 9:1-7, which speaks of power in appropriate ways. a nap together, and even a little child the birth of a righteous king, predicts “Knowledge and the fear of the could shepherd them safely. judgment on Israel and Judah for their LORD” are paired as a reminder that prideful lack of justice (9:8–10:4), and information is most valuable when saw a depiction of the idyllic scenes of declares that the Assyrians who oppress used in service to God and God’s Isa. 11:6-9? Whether it was in the pages them will be brought low (10:5-19, people. “The fear of the LORD is the of a children’s book or one of Edward 28-34) as God preserves a remnant of beginning of wisdom” was the mantra Hicks’ folksy 19th century paintings, the the scattered Hebrews (10:20-27). of Israel’s wisdom teachers (Ps. 111:10, image has an enduring appeal. We love In 11:1-9, the text returns to the Prov. 9:10). the thought of a world where lions and theme of a righteous ruler who would The coming king, Isaiah said, tigers and bears can play with lambs and establish a blissful age and bring all bunnies and children. nations to God (11:10-16). “His delight shall be in the fear of the The second Sunday of Advent Isaiah, who often employed LORD” (v. 3a) traditionally centers on the theme of metaphors, described the coming king as a shoot sprouting from the stump A righteous judge better text than Isa. 11:1-10 to celebrate of Jesse (v. 1), the father of David and (vv. 3b-5) the hope of a peaceable kingdom. thus an ancestor of the Davidic line Ancient Near Eastern rulers, even those of kings. The tree of David’s line had from Assyria and Babylon, prided Additional information at diminished considerably, but it would themselves on ruling with justice, nurturingfaith.net not die. The Hebrews believed that though their concept of fairness often God had promised to David an eternal differed from biblical ideals.
32 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. Isaiah declared that the coming wearing righteousness and faithfulness steps we might take toward creating ruler, wise in the ways of God as well as a doubled belt (v. 5). a world where violence and destruc- as the world, would govern with divine tion give way to a land infused with justice. Like God, he would not base A promise of peace “the knowledge of the LORD” (v. 9). his judgments on people’s outward (vv. 6-10) Some believers take this text so appearance or on their testimony, but As the coming ruler’s power and sense seriously that they choose not only to on something deeper. of justice would bring an end to greedy live at peace with other people, but The passage recalls 1 Sam. 16:7, humans preying on one another, Isaiah also to tread so lightly upon the earth where Samuel was about to anoint declared, such justice would extend that they subsist happily on fruits, Jesse’s oldest son Eliab as Israel’s next even to the animal kingdom, bring- grains, and vegetables, and do not king before Yahweh said “Do not look ing all creatures great and small into contribute to the death of animals. on his appearance or on the height of a time of harmony echoing themes of Most readers are unlikely to go his stature, because I have rejected creation, when all animals (including that far, but perhaps Isaiah’s vision him; for the LORD does not see as humans) were to eat only green plants can inspire us to seek justice and mortals see; they look on the outward (Gen. 1:30). better lives even for animals, working appearance, but the LORD looks on Isaiah’s image plays on the imagi- toward that peaceable kingdom ruled the heart.” Only David, the eighth and nation like tuned wind chimes in a by the promised shoot from the stump youngest son of Jesse, was chosen as a gentle breeze. A wolf lives side by side of Jesse (v. 10). man “after God’s own heart.” with a lamb. A leopard stretches out Isaiah did not live to see such a Isaiah, like his contemporary beside a resting baby goat. A cow and king arise, nor did any of his spiritual Micah, had a special concern for poor a lion munch on grass while a child descendants who added to his book people who were exploited by their over the next 200 years. No ruler has wealthy neighbors. A cozy legal system and a baby plays safely with snakes. yet to touch the ideals displayed by requiring just two witnesses to appear Would you ever, in your wildest the “signal to the peoples” that Isaiah before village elders made it relatively imagination, have come up with an envisioned, but believers who read easy for a large estate owner to accuse image like that? It seems completely this text through the lens of the New a poor neighbor on false charges, hire antithetical to the world as we know it, Testament believe that the shoot from a couple of lying witnesses, and take a world of predators and prey, eaters Jesse’s stump has emerged – and been the poor person’s land. The elders who and the eaten. cut down – and has risen again. passed judgment were also men of What remains is for us to ask Jesus came as precisely the kind of means. whether Isaiah believed the world leader that Isaiah imagined, proclaim- Earlier, Isaiah had pronounced would ever truly become a happy ing the inbreaking of the Kingdom woe upon those “who join house to paradise where humans and animals of God. Those around him could not roam freely and none are afraid, or understand the importance of the large estates (Isa. 5:8). In contrast, the whether he was using the animals as kingdom, which has yet to reach its coming king would judge the poor metaphors for something else. fulness. We may long with the writer rightly “and decide with equity for the Some commentators have of Revelation for a new heaven and meek of the earth” (v. 4a). suggested that the various predators earth, but we remain responsible for The second half of v. 4 sounds symbolized aggressive countries that working toward that kingdom in our surprisingly violent to modern ears, but would lay down their arms and live own time. “he shall strike the earth with the rod of in peace with their weaker neighbors. With attendance in decline across his mouth” probably refers to the king’s Others believe Isaiah’s main intent was the country, we may sometimes feel spoken decrees demanding justice for to forecast an image of what a wonder- that the church has also been reduced the poor, not to a shout-induced earth- ful world it could be if a leader emerged to a stump, but there is still life in it as quake. The reference to his “breath” to inspire such a peaceable kingdom. we trust in God’s Spirit for the wisdom, killing the wicked parallels the preced- Finding a clear answer to this compassion, and courage needed to ing line, and its main intention is not question is not nearly so important as bring kingdom growth through justice murder, but to indicate that the coming catching the sublime emotional feel of and equity for all. king who would overcome wickedness, Isaiah’s imagery, and considering what That would be glorious indeed. NFJ
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 8, 2019 33 Bible Study
Dec. 15, 2019 “all the nations” outside of Israel, with The wilderness and the dry land special attention given to Edom. The shall be glad, the desert shall - Isaiah 35:1-10 rejoice and blossom … (Isa. 35:1a) cation, an unfolding picture of Edom’s When Sorrow Flees from the twin brothers Jacob and Esau, water sources dry up and the once- and the prophets often referenced that fertile land enters a period of empty hen moments of joy come tradition in discussing the fates of Israel desolation. into your life, how do you and Edom (see also Ezekiel 35–36 and Chapter 35 portrays a totally express them? Do you W Malachi 1). opposite fate for Israel, promising life dance? Laugh? Sing? Do you clap your instead of death. Isaiah sees a day - A desert that blooms when the Promised Land – especially ball player who has hit the winning shot (vv. 1-2) the desert areas bordering on Edom – in overtime? When things are going so badly that life would be suffused with gushing springs could hardly get worse, it may seem that would transform the wilderness from quiet smiles to exuberant activ- that the only hope is in a wholesale into a verdant vision of fertility. ity. Today’s text is all about euphoric change. Sometimes that leads to social “The desert shall rejoice and joy that calls for a jubilant response to or political revolution within a country. blossom,” Isaiah said, “like the crocus God’s delivering power. When the oppressor is a foreign power it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice Many churches celebrate Advent with a clearly superior military advan- with joy and singing” (vv. 1b-2a). through a progression of themes from tage, however, revolution is risky. hope to peace to joy and love. The third King Hezekiah of Judah thrive in habitats from meadowlands to Sunday of Advent is sometimes called learned that lesson when he revolted tundra, and can even be found in deserts. “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete, Latin for against Assyria’s King Sennacherib In 33:9, the prophet claimed (c. 705–701 BCE), who ravaged the that the typically fertile areas of Catholic mass for the day. land and besieged Jerusalem. King Lebanon, Sharon, Bashan, and Carmel Today’s text is just that, a call to Jehoiakim learned that lesson when had withered away. Now he names rejoice, directed to a bedraggled people he rebelled against the Babylonians in Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon as prime who were clinging to their last shreds of 601 BCE and died shortly thereafter. examples of the land’s revitalization, hope. Despite their woeful situation, it Babylonian domination grew over the but it is clear that the land’s restora- promised a day when the desert would next few years, with waves of Hebrew bloom and the lame would dance. captives being taken into exile until says that in the “glory” of Lebanon and Isaiah 35 should be read together King Nebuchadnezzar’s forces leveled the “majesty” of Carmel, “they shall with the previous chapter, with chapter the city of Jerusalem and destroyed the see the glory of the LORD, the majesty 34 being the yin to chapter 35’s yang: temple in 587, carrying even more into of our God” (v. 2). exile. The power of water in a dry land is desolation for Edom, while its twin is a That dark period of ethnic home- bright image of redemption for Israel. over the southwestern U.S., where Israel’s tradition held that the background of today’s text, with the giant green circles of farmland or lush Israelites and Edomites were descended Edomites – some of whom aided the fairways of golf courses sit amid a Babylonians in destroying Jerusalem – barren landscape. Additional information at serving as an emblem for all of Israel’s Ancient travelers in Israel’s nurturingfaith.net enemies. environs would have seen the wonder Isaiah 34 depicts a slaughter of of places such as Jericho, where a
34 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. single spring can turn desert land into lush plants that normally grow only in exaggerating the change in fortunes of an oasis. water-fed wetlands, usually near river- the exiles as they returned to Jerusalem banks. – or whether he was thinking eschato- Su"erers who rejoice logically, as in 2:1-5 and 11:1-10, the (vv. 3-7) A highway to Zion texts for our previous two lessons. In vv. 3-6a, Isaiah’s imagery shifts from (vv. 8-10) If we assume an exilic setting, a transformed landscape to people who Isaiah’s paean to God’s restoration it’s likely that the prophet had in mind need renewing. With striking impera- of Israel concludes by describing a the exiles’ return to Jerusalem along tive verbs, he offered encouragement highway for redeemed pilgrims to use a highway not unlike that spoken of to his hearers and challenged them to as they return through the transformed in Isa. 62:10, and that he used the desert on their way to Jerusalem. While metaphor of a transformed landscape others. The redeemed should actively we may call our roads expressways or as a hopeful image of a better future. “strengthen the weak hands and make parkways, this road would be called Many Hebrews did return from “the Holy Way,” a limited-access road exile to Jerusalem, but it was not on a to be strong and not fear (vv. 3-4a). where the toll would be paid by divine daisy-strewn pathway with fresh fruit The prophet goes on to call forth grace and only the righteous could on every side, and the return to the an image of God deleting what is evil travel. ruined city was characterized more by and opening the door to a new world Those who would follow the trouble than by everlasting joy. The in which the blind and weak will leap holy highway, furthermore, would - for joy at God’s salvation, introducing be perfectly safe. Only the righteous ecy is yet to come. an era in which those who once faced would be there, and none of them would What are modern readers to make physical limitations will dance with joy need to fear lions or other predators that of this prophetic and poetic call for in praise to God (vv. 4b-6a). could make travel by foot a dangerous praise to God? With vv. 6b-7, Isaiah returned to enterprise. The wild beasts who had One doesn’t have to be captive his overriding image of a land that is previously terrorized the way might in a foreign land to feel restricted or not just renewed to its former state, but be symbolic of the Edomites, who in bondage to circumstances that can more verdant than ever before. “Waters had formerly controlled the southern make life burdensome or hard. One shall break forth in the wilderness,” highway leading from the Negev to doesn’t have to live in a desert to he said, “and streams in the desert” Jerusalem. experience such spiritual desiccation (v. 6b). Isaiah envisioned a day when that we wonder if we’ll ever sense The “burning sand” of v. 7 may “the ransomed of the LORD” would God’s presence again. describe a desert mirage in which heat return to Zion amid songs of ever- None of us have been threatened waves create the image of water. In lasting joy. Just as desolation would by Edomites, but many people continue God’s new day, visions of desert lakes depart from the land and the wicked to be oppressed by those whose racist, would become real, and the former would be barred from the Holy Way, homophobic, self-serving, and outright wilderness haunts of wild jackals boorish behavior puts them at odds would give way to land so saturated away” (v. 10, compare 65:19). The with God, even though some of them that it supported tall grass, reeds, and scene echoes Isa. 25:8, a promise that claim their attitudes are biblical. rushes. God will wipe away all tears, an image Are these situations likely to The NRSV’s use of the word that reappears much later in Rev. 7:17 change? Not without the kind of inter- “swamp” is an unfortunate translation, and 21:4. vention that could only be divine. Still, obscuring the positive image with one This image of a secure freeway by whether we look toward the return of - which pilgrims could joyfully sing their Christ or a new life in heaven, Isaiah ing, as we think of a swamp as an way toward Jerusalem was so appeal- points to a day when joy abounds and all unpleasant place crawling with alliga- ing that the same promise appears tors, snakes, and dangerous insects. again in Isa. 51:11. And what makes that hope There is no word for “swamp” in the The question we must ask about possible? The coming of Jesus. text, which says that the former lairs or this text is whether the prophet spoke Remembering that is what Advent is all “resting places” of jackals will sprout in metaphoric hyperbole – wildly about. NFJ
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 15, 2019 35 Bible Study
Dec. 22, 2019 deliver. He could ask for anything: the “Therefore the Lord himself will sign could be “as deep as Sheol or high give you a sign. Look, the young as heaven,” v. 11. Isaiah 7:10-16 woman is with child and shall Ahaz, whether pretending piety or bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” (Isa. 7:14) simply unwilling, declared “I will not When a Son Astounds ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test” (v. 12). This prompted Isaiah any seminary students strug- A doubtful king to charge him with wearying God gle when their advanced (vv. 10-13) through his obstinance and refusal to studies introduce them to M trust in Yahweh. It was he who was new ideas that challenge the embedded and histori- being tested, and he was failing badly theology they acquired from years of cal setting. For once, the historical (vv. 13). Sunday school or sermons in particu- A shift to plural verbs alerts the larly conservative churches. Isaiah confronting King Ahaz, who reader that others were present, proba- Readers of this material may also came to the throne at age 20 and inher- bly including members of the royal feel stretched occasionally, for this ited a foreign policy crisis that was not family. It also reminds us that the story curriculum doesn’t hide or gloss over of his own making. is not about Ahaz alone, but involves the same insights from academic study Around 735 BCE, the Assyrian the future of David’s royal line. that students learn in a good divinity king Tiglath Pileser III (745–727) school. was pushing westward, leading King A promised sign Today’s text could be one of those Rezin of Aram (Syria) and King Pekah (v. 14) tension points, because it involves a of Israel to form a defensive alliance. We now come to the familiar part of very familiar passage that our Chris- The two kings pressured Judah to join the passage: “Therefore the LORD tian tradition reads in a particular way, the coalition, but King Jotham refused himself will give you a sign,” Isaiah but rarely with an appreciation for its shortly before his death, and his young said. “Look, the young woman is with background and original intention. successor Ahaz followed suit. Syria child and shall bear a son, and shall Many people may have heard and Israel invaded Judah in an attempt name him Immanuel.” Isa. 7:14 only in the context of Christmas to depose Ahaz. A number of things bear comment. and remember it mainly from the King First of all, Isaiah declared that God James translation: “Behold, a virgin Isaiah approached King Ahaz and told would give Ahaz a sign whether he shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall him not to fear the two northern kings, wanted it or not. call his name Immanuel.” We are thus whom he dismissed as the smoking The sign would involve a young inclined to think of it as a prophecy of remains of burned-out torches (Isa. woman who would bear a child. Here Jesus’ birth from the beginning. A closer 7:1-7). Isaiah predicted that their coali- we run into several issues related to look at the verse in its context will show tion would not last (7:8) and insisted translation. The word translated by that to be incorrect, but without neces- that Ahaz – known for having turned the NRSV as “young woman” means sarily negating the way New Testament to foreign gods – must learn to trust exactly that: the word ‘almah comes writers interpreted it. in Yahweh alone: “If you do not stand from a root that means “ripe” and refers generically to a young woman going on in Isa. 7:10-16. shall not stand at all” (7:9). who has achieved puberty: the mascu- Sometime later, Isaiah approached line form of the word (‘elem) was used Additional information at Ahaz again, possibly in the palace. for a young man. nurturingfaith.net Speaking for Yahweh, he challenged Young women were often married Ahaz to ask for a sign that God would shortly after reaching puberty during
36 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. that period, so an ‘almah may or may us, God,” or “God [is] with us.” are in dread will be deserted” (v. 16). not have been a virgin. Isaiah could - The oracle of salvation quickly easily have used the word betulah, cance of the sign: it was to show Ahaz switched to judgment, however. Rather which means “virgin,” but chose the that God was present with the people than trusting Yahweh to take care almah, indicating a stage of Judah, including him. The words of Syria and Israel, Ahaz had relied of physical maturity rather than sexual appear again in 8:8 and 8:10 in the on the Assyrian king, sending lavish experience. context of an oracle describing Assyr- gifts (including gold vessels from It is likely that the woman Isaiah ia’s coming devastation, serving as a the temple) and asking him to attack had in mind was not only married but Judah’s northern enemies (2 Kgs. also present and already pregnant. The of times, God would be present. 16:7-9). direct article is attached to the word One purpose of the sign may have Tiglath-Pileser III took the bait and ‘almah, so it should be translated as been to remind Ahaz that despite the attacked Syria, but Ahaz soon discov- “the young woman” (NRSV) or even hard days and continuing threats, a ered that he had escaped two cats only “this young woman” (NET). young woman would have the courage to encounter a lion. Judah became The familiar KJV’s reference and faith to name her child “God is a vassal to the Assyrians, forced to to “a virgin,” then, mistranslates the with us.” Perhaps Isaiah hoped that pay a heavy annual tribute. Although Hebrew text on two points, ignoring the powerful but fearful Ahaz would the direct article and using the more take a lesson from a vulnerable young alliance, Isaiah saw Assyrian domina- tion as divine discipline, predicting did not demand it. (For more on how trying circumstances. that Yahweh would “bring on you and this happened, see the online “Hardest your ancestral house such days as have Question.”) Deliverance … and judgment not come since the day that Ephraim The state of the young woman’s (vv. 15-17) departed from Judah – the king of pregnancy depends on another iffy Isaiah continued to explain the sign in Assyria” (v. 17). translation: the Hebrew word trans- - What can a modern reader do with lated “will conceive” in the Greek pret, but seems to be a promise that this ancient text? It is not enough for Septuagint (or LXX, followed by the before the soon-arriving child reached us to hear it only as a happy promise Latin Vulgate and the KJV) is actually the age of knowing good from bad, an adjective that means “pregnant,” the lands of Syria and Israel would be of Jesus, for that was not its purpose, not a verb meaning “will conceive.” desolate and the threat they posed to though New Testament writers saw a Thus, the NRSV renders it properly as Judah would be over. deeper meaning in it. “the young woman is with child.” - This text reminds us of several The young woman is not identi- ence to the child eating curds and things. Sin has consequences. Bad honey and the relationship of the food things happen. Hard times, whether she may have been one of the king’s to the child’s knowledge of good and we’ve brought them on ourselves or wives, or Isaiah’s wife, or an unknown evil. Although “curds and honey” has a not, can be expected. That’s not the member of the royal court. end of the story, however. In the midst a time of deprivation when Israel’s of our trials, we can trust in God and with the woman’s naming of her child. inhabitants would be forced from their believe that God is with us. The NRSV translates the text as a third- cities and farms, returning to a nomadic In this sense, Matthew’s use of the person verb (“and shall name him …”), lifestyle that depended heavily on milk text at a time when Israel longed for but the form of the verb used could products supplemented by honey or deliverance is appropriate – not just also be translated in the second person, other foods that could be gathered to bolster the account of Jesus’ virgin as if Isaiah looked at the woman – or at from the scrubby land. birth, but to remind believers that the king – and said “you shall call his The bottom line of the sign is that name Immanuel.” within a few years – by the time the sign of Immanuel, the promise that “Immanuel” is composed of two boy about to be born could tell good God is with us, not just at Christmas, words that are written separately in the from bad – the threat would be gone: but through all the times and circum- Hebrew: ‘immanu ’el, meaning “with “the land before whose two kings you stances of our lives. NFJ
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 22, 2019 37 Bible Study
Dec. 29, 2019 experienced famine and drought (Hag. I will recount the gracious deeds 1:6, 9-11; 2:16-17). They existed only of the LORD, the praiseworthy acts as a very small sub-province of Persia Isaiah 63:7-19 of the LORD, because of all that and were forced to pay heavy taxes the LORD has done for us, and the When Prayer great favor to the house of Israel to support the local government and that he has shown them accord- provide tribute to Persia (Neh. 5:15). Makes Bold ing to his mercy, according to the In the face of such hardship, many abundance of his steadfast love. of the people concluded that God must o you ever grow impatient (Isa. 63:7) not love them anymore. Many appar- when facing hard times or ently decided that the practice of their D unpleasant circumstances, reminder that God is still around. faith was a waste of time (Mal. 1:2a, Such was the situation for Israel in 3:14). How could God’s spokesperson easier times to arrive? the text for today. deal with a people such as this? The As a boy, it seemed as if time must prophet responsible for our text chose have slowed down between two and Disappointment and hope to pray for them. three o’clock in the afternoon. I would (vv. 7-14) Today’s text is part of an inter- watch the minutes creep by on an insti- The lectionary text for the day encom- tutional wall clock and long for the bell passes only Isa. 63:7-9, a woefully of chapter 63 depict God as a blood- that would deliver me from school. small excerpt cherry-picked from the stained warrior taking vengeance Waiting is hard – especially when surrounding text. Read in isolation, it against Edom. The prayer of inter- we are waiting through a period of life might suggest a triumphant return and cession is found in 63:7–64:12, followed happy days in a beautifully restored by a comforting divine response in or painful. In those times we may pray city. The text is part of a unit extend- 65:1-25. The prophet prays in behalf for deliverance and hope for healing. ing from 63:7 through at least 64:14, of the people – expressing their pain, Sometimes it seems that our prayers go however. We’ll follow the text through asking their questions, pleading their no farther than the ceiling, and we may v. 19 to get a larger picture. case. He prays, not necessarily as he wonder if God is still around, or still Israel’s return to Jerusalem was would pray, but as the people would cares. one of the great disappointments of pray. Then, he responds to the people The post-Christmas season can all time. In messages designed to offer with the words of God. be prime time for feeling down. Even hope to the people, Isaiah of the Exile The prayer sounds very much like had announced boldly that Jerusalem a psalm, because most of the psalms and gifts and Christmas cheer can leave would be rebuilt (44:28), enriched were prayers, and many of them were us in the dumps once the house empties by the wealth of the nations (45:14), prayers of lament, like this one. Our out and we are left with piles of trash and so prosperous that the borders of own prayers in times of deep pain and leftover goodies. How will we pay Jerusalem would have to be expanded rarely follow a logical progression of the bills? When will we see the children (49:19-23, 54:1-3). thought, and the same is true of biblical again? Such prophecies led many Hebrews prayers. Celebrating Christmas does not to expect nothing but prosperity when In a fashion similar to some psalms make the troublesome issues of life (compare 89:1-2, 105:1-2, 106:1-2), disappear, and in those days we need a with milk and honey, however, they Isaiah initiated his prayer with a burst found a devastated city in a desolate of praise (v. 7). God had blessed Israel Additional information at countryside. They encountered opposi- and called the Hebrews to be his special nurturingfaith.net tion from neighboring provinces when people. In times of distress, God had they tried to rebuild (Ezra 4:1-5). They delivered them. Even when their rebel-
38 | © Nurturing Faith Bible Studies are copyrighted. DO NOT PHOTOCOPY. lion led to promised discipline, God “Where are your zeal and your thus “forcing” them to misbehave. again bestowed favor on the people might?” Isaiah asked. “The yearning of Sometimes our Ultimate Parent gets and “became their savior in all their your heart and your compassion? They the same sort of treatment. In the old distress.” God’s divine presence, love, are withheld from me” (v. 15). story of the “fall,” when Adam was and compassion “redeemed them . . . People of every age have asked confronted with his sin, he blamed it on lifted them up and carried them all the this question. When trouble comes and both Eve and God: “the woman whom days of old” (vv. 8-9). prayers aren’t answered as we like, we you gave to be with me, she gave me Perhaps the poet began with may think God doesn’t love us anymore. from the fruit of the tree” (Gen. 3:12). praise as an appeal to God’s memory, The prophet turns to the metaphor hopefully inciting God to recall past of a parent and child in v. 16, adding of the dispirited people, made the same love and be moved to deliver the people “For you are our Father.” The parental kind of charge against the heavenly from their current distress. The opening imagery of God as father seems famil- parent. “Why, O LORD, do you make words of praise would also remind the iar to us because it is common in the us stray from your ways and harden Hebrews that the Lord had been faith- New Testament, but it is quite rare in our heart, so that we do not fear you?” ful before, and God could be counted the Hebrew Bible, where “Creator” is (v. 17a). on to deliver again despite their rebel- more commonly used. Thus, Isaiah’s Was Isaiah thinking of how God lious and unbelieving behavior (v. 10). emphasis on the parental nature of God had hardened Pharaoh’s heart prior Isaiah recalled Mosaic traditions and the relationship responsibilities to the Exodus (cf. Exod. 7:3), and of how God had delivered Israel from implied by it is a notable claim. charging the Lord with hardening the Egypt in miraculous fashion. The The Israelites commonly spoke of Hebrews’ hearts, as well? The prayer prophet glossed over the people’s “Father Abraham,” and they revered calls on God to “turn back for the sake intransigent stubbornness and many Jacob (also called Israel, cf. Gen. of your servants” (v. 17b). The word 32:28) as the father of the twelve tribes, translated “turn back” (shuv) is often led them “like a horse in the desert” that but those ancestors were long dead translated as “repent,” but it was not does not stumble, giving them rest “like and gone, unable to help: “Abraham God who needed to repent. cattle that go down into the valley.” does not know us and Israel does not Israel had enjoyed the bounty “Thus you led your people,” Isaiah acknowledge us” (v. 16a). In contrast, of Canaan in the past, but the people prayed, “to make for yourself a glori- Isaiah prayed, “You, O LORD, are had come to believe those days were ous name” (vv. 11-12). Note again how (still) our father; our Redeemer from of over (v. 18). After years of exile and the prophet appealed to the divine ego: old is your name” (v. 16b). The impli- a troubled return, the people felt as far if the people who struggled during the cation is: “You’re our parent. We’re in removed from God as those who were lean early years of the postexilic period trouble. Do something!” “not called by your name” (v. 19). They didn’t deserve to be delivered, perhaps didn’t feel like the people of God at all. God would intervene nevertheless for Doubt and blame Isaiah shifted to a challenge, plead- the sake of preserving a reputation as (vv. 17-19) ing with God to act in the present as just and faithful, having “a glorious Have you noticed that children have a in the past: “Oh, that you would tear name.” way of blaming their troubles on their open the heavens and come down!” parents? Sometimes, of course, parents Isaiah wanted God to appear with such Disillusionment and sorrow are culpable, and many children suffer power that the mountains would shake, (vv. 15-16) because of parental neglect. But, in the Israel’s enemies would quake in fear, But deliverance had not come. In everyday course of life, short-sighted and Israel would once again experi- behalf of the suffering people, Isaiah and immature children often accuse ence God’s compassionate presence cried, “Look down from heaven and their parents in unjust ways. “You hate (vv. 1-4). see!” (63:15a, compare Ps. 80:14). In me!” “You don’t want me to have any Have you had similar longings? so many words, he was asking “Can’t friends!” “You’re trying to ruin my It’s not unusual for us to feel distance you see what kind of trouble we are in? life!” “It’s all your fault!” from God, recalling an earlier sense of Are you so caught up in your holy and A child who is reprimanded for closeness and wondering if God has glorious habitation that you can’t take “talking back” may then blame the forgotten us. Isaiah would suggest that the time to look upon our sorrows?” parent for making them mad and God is not the one who moved. NFJ
LESSON FOR DECEMBER 29, 2019 39 CLASSIFIEDS
Senior Minister: First Baptist Church, Senior Pastor: Hendricks Avenue Executive Director (formerly Direc- Athens, Ga., a thriving downtown Baptist Church (HAB), a moderate tor of Missions): Raleigh Baptist church adjacent to the University of Baptist church in Jacksonville, Fla., Association (RBA), an association of Georgia, is seeking a full-time senior is seeking a senior pastor who is a 143 churches, is seeking a full-time minister. We are a moderate CBF faithful follower of Jesus Christ and executive director to serve our rural congregation celebrating diversity a committed Baptist, called by God and metropolitan area. We include in belief and theology, participating to the pastoral ministry and to HAB. 40 language and ethnic congre- together in worship and believing Requirements include five or more gations and four churches with in being transformed by mission. years of ministerial experience and a female senior pastors. The member The person God is preparing for us doctoral degree from an accredited churches represent a broad range will have a high level of intellectual institution. Interested persons may of diversity in Baptist life, including curiosity as demonstrated by formal request information at contact@ a"liations with the Southern Baptist seminary education and commitment habchurch.com. Convention (SBC), the Coopera- to lifelong learning experiences. We tive Baptist Fellowship (CBF) and seek a person who has strong pulpit other Baptist bodies. The executive skills that produce relatable and director shall endeavor to work in Pastor: Pulaski Heights Baptist challenging messages. This person cooperation with all churches, giving Church of Little Rock, Ark., seeks an will demonstrate a passion for priority to casting a unifying vision, experienced, ordained pastor or pas- meeting the needs of the congre- developing e#ective leaders, and tor couple to serve as the church’s gation through counseling, family building strong relationships within full-time senior pastor. He/she should support during di"cult times and the Baptist churches, the RBA, other have a passion for people and developing trusting relationships. Baptist bodies (including SBC and ministry, be visionary and entre- The senior minister will develop CBF), and the larger community. The preneurial, be organizationally and strategies for growth and lead the executive director shall serve as administratively competent, and be congregation in implementation of the chief planner, administrator and a servant leader and understand the those strategies. If you believe you resource person responsible for the may be the person God is preparing needs of an established church in an oversight of all ministries, programs for Athens FBC, we want to know urban setting. We seek a pastor(s) and sta# of the RBA. A graduate more about you. Please send a letter who brings a vision for what our degree from an accredited seminary/ of interest and résumé to minister church can become as inspiring and divinity school is required. Extensive search@firstbaptistathens.org. relevant in our community. Qualifica- leadership within a Baptist church A pastor profile can be found at tions include a seminary degree and and/or association is preferred. Can- firstbaptistathens.org/senior-minister- service in ministerial work; experi- didates must complete the applica- search/. ence in church or organizational tion at raleighbaptists.org/. (From the administration/operation is desired. homepage, select Executive Director Please send name, cover letter and Application.) In addition, candidates résumé with references to Pastor Minister to Children and their must email their résumé, a photo and Search Committee, PHBC, 2200 Families: First Baptist Church in at least 3 references with contact Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR, Dalton, Ga., is seeking candidates information, within 2 weeks of 72205 or to [email protected]. for a full-time minister to children and completing the application, to Nominations can be made in like their families who will minister to the [email protected]. needs of all children and their fami- manner. Application deadline is October 15. lies in the church. Opportunities for growth in a secondary focus will be explored with the candidates based Administrative/Financial Assistant on their interests, gifts, and passions. Morrow Baptist Church To advertise job With an average attendance of 400, Morrow, Ga. FBC Dalton is committed to our 32 hrs./week openings, events, vision of being “Together in Christ, Experience in Microsoft Suite and institutions, vacation Sharing His Love.” More information, QuickBooks required rentals, products, etc., including our core values, can be Experience in ACS software a plus found at $cdalton.org. Submit Salary based on experience contact résumés to $cdchildrensminister Résumés: [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]
40 Information Reading scripture through the lens of faith development
BY ANDREW GARNETT Fowler’s proposal has been contested. study on James often goes well, college His idea that each person is on essentially students intuitively understand what Eccle- In 2005, I first read James Fowler’s the same spiritual journey does not seem siastes is struggling with, and middle-aged particularly relevant in a postmodern world. adults appreciate the nuance and complex- Stages of Faith and was captivated Yet I am struck by how Christians (and ity of Paul. by his work. It describes so well others) have long been aware of the broad Also, faith development can help the patterns of faith I had contours of what Fowler proposed. Stage congregants understand that biblical 3 is a period of conventional and expected authors had a faith that was similar (or experienced in the church. growth. Stage 4 is a period of question- dissimilar) to their own. Both James and fter years of research, Fowler — ing and searching. Stage 5 is transcendence Paul cite Lev. 19:18, “You shall love your a minister and developmental above those questions, and Stage 6 is a nearly neighbor as yourself.” Yet they use the verse A psychologist — claimed to have complete union with God. in very different ways. discovered six stages of faith. These stages Third-century theologian Origen For James, the verse functions as a were universal and sequential, with individ- named this movement purgation, illumina- concrete guide to relationships — Stage-3 uals progressing through them in order tion, and unification. In the sixth century, faith, which makes moral decisions on an — having to do with the ways in which an Gregory the Great interpersonal level. Paul seems more similar individual believed rather than the specific wrote of the need to Stage-5 faith. Moral decisions should content of those beliefs. for the soul to collect ensure the greatest good for the great- After a series of typical childhood itself, then to criti- est number of people, while minimizing stages, Fowler argued, most individu- cally consider itself, adverse effects for those who do not benefit. als entered Stage-3 faith during their teen and then rise above Finally, reading scripture through years. This stage is marked by an emphasis itself. the lens of faith development can help us on meeting the expectations of peers, a lack We may give interpret an author’s original intent. The of independent perspective, implicit trust in the process differ- last verses of Ecclesiastes (12:9-14) seem so authority figures, unquestioned acceptance ent names, but the different from the rest of the book. After of traditional beliefs, and strong emotional basic experience is the same: first conven- speaking in the first person for 12 chapters, feelings. tional growth, then a period of questioning the voice suddenly shifts to the third person. Fowler believed some individuals in or testing, and then transcendence. We see The bulk of the book is radical and early adulthood would move to Stage-4 this general pattern everywhere — even in freethinking, while these final verses empha- faith; as feelings give way to facts, a person scripture. size traditional concepts such as fearing and would critically examine previously held When thinking of the Bible as a witness obeying God. If we can imagine a Stage-4 beliefs, thereby coming to “own” their to faith development we see that some scrip- author writing the bulk of the book, we previously untested faith. tures are more suitable for some age groups might better consider how the closing verses Around middle adulthood, some than others. James presents a very confident are in character with such an author’s faith. individuals proceed to Stage-5 faith; faith with little room for questioning or Faith development is a useful tool for comfortable with tension and paradox, doubt. Ecclesiastes delights in testing and Christian education and pastoral care, but these people would experience a renewed questioning. learning to think of biblical authors in terms appreciation for the emotional power of Paul demonstrates very nuanced of their faith development sheds new light faith, recognize the complexity of the world, thoughts on doubt. Some of us have doubts on their writings, and will be a fruitful and be ready to spend their lives for the about theology or disagree about ethical avenue of study for those willing to under- good of others. action, but can live together through the take the journey. NFJ Stage-6 faith, which was rarely realized unifying power of love (Rom. 14:1-18). in a human life, meant abandonment The worldviews of the three authors —Andrew Garnett is minister for children of oneself to God in a process of radical roughly correspond to Fowler’s Stage-3, and senior adults at Forest Hills transformation. -4, and -5 faith, respectively. A youth Bible Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C.
Thoughts 41 RELIGION AND THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS John F. Kennedy (1961–1963) By Bruce Gourley
October 7, 1963, President Kennedy signs the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty at the White House.
ollowing a decade of overarch- PROMINENCE his family spent summers in Hyannis Port ing peace and prosperity for many on Cape Cod. With his family, young John Americans, two new presidential One of the most prominent and wealthy attended mass at the St. Francis Xavier F families in mid-20th-century Massachusetts, candidates emerged in the election year Catholic Church in Hyannis that became of 1960. Republican candidate Richard the Kennedy clan had arrived in America known as the “Kennedy Church.” Nixon, sitting vice president under Dwight in the 1850s as Irish immigrants. By the As did his father, John attended D. Eisenhower, staked a claim to the good 1880s Patrick Joseph Kennedy, a successful Harvard. Despite severe back problems times and good feelings brought about businessman, achieved political prominence that would remain for the rest of his life, by a solid economy under the Republican via statewide elected office. his college years included athletic competi- administration and built upon union jobs, Son Joseph P. Kennedy also became tion and international travel with his family. high tax rates on wealthy Americans and a wealthy businessman and high-ranking Handsome and eloquent, Kennedy gradu- expanding federal infrastructure. politician, serving in the Franklin D. ated from Harvard in 1940 with a Bachelor Democratic Massachusetts Senator Roosevelt administration. In this rarefied of Arts in government studies. and World War II veteran John F. Kennedy, atmosphere John F. Kennedy, son of Joseph, World War II intervened, and Kennedy a charismatic and well-known figure from was born in 1917 in Brookline, Mass., his answered the call. Turned away from a well-connected and powerful political elite destiny seemingly determined. Officer Candidate School due to his poor family, won the Democratic nomination. During much of Kennedy’s childhood health, the young man enrolled in the Naval
This is the 35th article in a series by historian Bruce Gourley, online editor and contributing writer for Nurturing Faith Journal, on the religious faith of U.S. presidents.
42 Feature Reserve and soon assumed command of a Pulitzer Prize. Decades later it was revealed events of both candidates in the summer of patrol torpedo (PT) boat, tasked with inter- that Ted Sorenson, an adviser and speech- 1960. Taking nothing for granted Kennedy cepting encroaching Japanese destroyers. writer for Kennedy, actually penned the campaigned extensively, including in tradi- When a Japanese destroyer rammed book that bore Kennedy’s name. tionally safe Democratic states such as and sank his boat on Aug. 2, 1943, Kennedy, During his Senate career, Kennedy Georgia. despite re-injuring his back in the attack, led muddled through some of the most impor- There he visited the small town of his crew in swimming more than three miles tant and notable legislation of the decade, Warm Springs, former President Franklin to the safety of an island, personally towing displaying a less-than-firm commitment D. Roosevelt’s second home. Surrounded by a severely injured crewman as he swam. to civil rights and refusing to make clear a huge crowd, he shook hands with polio A promotion to full lieutenant, more his position on Wisconsin Senator Joseph victims at Roosevelt’s Warm Springs Insti- heroics and many medals followed during McCarthy, a demagogue who used uncon- tute treatment center. Praising Roosevelt’s Kennedy’s wartime service prior to a stitutional tactics to attack and publicly legacy, to applause Kennedy spoke of medical discharge from military service in malign suspected communists. the need for better health care for poor 1945. His awards included the Navy and Americans. Marine Corps Medal, Purple Heart Medal, PERSONA In rural southern towns and urban American Defense Service Medal, and the Against a backdrop of mixed accomplish- northern environs alike, Kennedy drew Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three ments in the Senate, and upon Kennedy’s enthusiastic crowds. Nonetheless, Nixon bronze stars, among others. re-election to the office, with the aid of maintained a small lead where it counted — Tragically, John’s older brother, Joseph advisers and family he focused on his storied the polls. Then, technology intervened. Patrick Kennedy Jr., a U.S. Navy lieutenant, persona and personal charisma and died during the war. eloquence by initiating a public, nation- POPULARITY wide tour intended to pave the way for a For reasons not entirely clear, Eisenhower POLITICS presidential bid. failed to endorse Nixon. When asked by a Under the tutelage and maneuverings of He leaned upon his brother, Robert reporter to verify Nixon’s claims of being his father, John F. Kennedy in 1946 won a Kennedy, a lawyer at the Justice Depart- an important administration adviser as vice seat to the U.S. House of Representatives. ment, as a close political adviser, a president by naming Nixon’s contributions, In office for six years and focusing on inter- relationship that would endure for the Eisenhower offhandedly replied, “If you national affairs, he advocated for the remainder of John’s life. give me a week, I might think of one.” Truman Doctrine of containing Commu - Upon announcing his candidacy for Alertly, the Kennedy campaign trans- nist Soviet aggression. president, Kennedy criticized the Eisen- formed Eisenhower’s statement into a Domestically, he supported public hower administration for falling behind the television commercial. Weeks later the first- housing and labor unions. As did many Soviet Union in the Cold War, particularly in ever televised presidential debate took place. other Democrats in an era of feverish the strategic Space Race. Promising change In 1950 few American households communist fears known as the Red Scare, and a more prosperous future, Kennedy also owned a television set. But in 1960 some Kennedy hewed rightward in support of criticized a recent uptick in unemployment 70 million people, nearly one-half the legislation requiring communists to register due to a mild recession, promising to get U.S. population, watched the first debate with the government. “America moving again.” between Nixon and Kennedy, under- Again with the help of his father, Securing the Democratic nomination, scoring the popularity of television in election to the U.S. Senate on behalf Kennedy chose U.S. Senator Lyndon B. American households by that time. of Massachusetts followed next, where Johnson, previously his primary opponent, Kennedy came to the debate prepared, Kennedy served from 1953–1960. Early in as his vice-presidential running mate. relaxed and confident. Nixon arrived at the his Senate career in 1953 he married social- Johnson helped Kennedy secure votes in his last moment. Refusing makeup, the Repub- ite and photographer Jacqueline Bouvier. home state of Texas. lican candidate appeared tired, haggard, Four years later the couple celebrated the Republican presidential candidate sweaty and uncomfortable in living rooms birth of their first child, Caroline Bouvier Richard Nixon, Eisenhower’s vice president, across America. Kennedy. dismissed the 43-year-old Kennedy as too Afterward, public polling swung Although often critically ill and young and inexperienced. The Republican toward Kennedy. Although Nixon did well undergoing two spinal operations, Senator highlighted the 1950s economic successes in the remaining three debates, the damage Kennedy further elevated his profile by of the Eisenhower-Nixon administration had been done. publishing a book about senators who had and peace amid containment of Soviet Off camera and late in the campaign, risked their careers for their beliefs. Profiles aggression. the contentious issue of civil rights moved in Courage became a best seller and won a Large crowds filled the campaign to the forefront. Arrested and jailed on
Feature 43 October 19 at an Atlanta department store Meanwhile, Robert Kennedy on behalf of France, a Moslem can be elected to the sit-in, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. — of his brother helped secure King’s release Israeli parliament — but a Catholic cannot Baptist minister, prominent activist and from prison. be President of the United States? Are we co-founder of the nonviolent Southern Upon regaining his freedom, King going to admit to the world — worse still, Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) publicly praised John F. Kennedy. In so are we going to admit to ourselves — that — tested the candidates’ commitments to doing, the civil rights activist suddenly one-third of the American people is forever racial justice. galvanized the widespread support of the barred from the White House?” Although still perceived by some as the black community for the Democratic The speech and his family’s personal party of Lincoln, the Republican Party had senator’s candidacy. wealth contributed to an unexpected win in done little in recent decades to excite black Kennedy, on the other hand, remained West Virginia. voters. The Franklin D. Roosevelt adminis- at a disadvantage in the matter of religion. tration’s New Deal policies of the late 1930s, PERSISTING ISSUE aimed partially at blacks, netted 70 percent PROTESTANT FEARS Kennedy hoped “the religious issue” had of the black vote in the 1936, 1940 and In opposition to atheistic communism been put to rest. He was wrong. Protestant 1944 elections, signaling the beginning of a and under the influence of popular Baptist sermons and church bulletins warned of the shift of the black vote toward Democrats. televangelist and Christian nationalist Billy dangers of voting for a Catholic who would Roosevelt’s predecessor Harry S. Graham, the Eisenhower administration certainly do the bidding of the Pope. Truman also reached out to the black in the 1950s overturned more than 150 Many opposed to Kennedy voiced community, garnering an even larger share years of America’s religion-state separation vitriol. Kennedy speechwriter and aide Ted of the black vote in 1948. But in the 1956 heritage by officially aligning the U.S. with Sorensen remarked: “The single biggest election moderate Republican Eisenhower God. obstacle to his election was his religion. You reversed the trend, winning almost 40 The words “Under God” were added to should have seen the hate mail that came in, percent of the black vote. the historically secular Pledge of Allegiance, both from rednecks and from liberal intel- and the phrase “In God We Trust” was lectuals who should have known better.” POWDER KEG placed on U.S. currency and enshrined as The opposition included Billy Graham Now, four years later, Nixon strategically the nation’s motto. American flags appeared who by late summer grew concerned that suggested that Eisenhower pardon King. in church sanctuaries. The marriage of Kennedy might defeat the evangelist’s Hesitant as always to embrace civil rights, Protestant religion and patriotism repre- favored candidate, Nixon. When word for fear of angering southern whites, the sented moral clarity and superiority in the leaked out of Graham’s opposition to president refused. ideological warfare against communism. Kennedy, the evangelist on Aug. 10 penned Civil rights organizations sought candi- With civil religion cemented to their a letter reassuring the Democratic candidate date Nixon’s alliance, but their petitions benefit, Protestant Christians, long preju- of his neutrality. fell on deaf ears. Intervening, baseball star diced against Catholics, had no intention “There is a rumor circulating in the and civil rights hero Jackie Robinson, a of allowing Catholics, some 25 percent of Democratic Party that I intend to raise the supporter of Nixon, personally asked the America’s population, access to the levers of religious issue publicly during the presiden- vice president to intervene. Nixon refused, political power. tial campaign,” wrote Graham. “This is not bringing “tears of frustration” to Robinson’s Kennedy’s Catholic faith garnered true.” eyes. strong opposition from Protestant leaders Graham also stated that he did not Kennedy, also fearful of a backlash, who, ironically and hypocritically, selectively believe certain “ugly rumors and gossip” quietly assured white southerners that he re-embraced separation of religion and state being circulated about Kennedy, perhaps a would not enforce desegregation. Heeding in opposing Kennedy. Anti-Catholic fever reference to the candidate’s unfaithfulness appeals from civil rights leaders could ignite mounted. to Jacqueline, and seemingly a veiled threat. a political powder keg. Mere weeks earlier During the early stages of the primary Stating that he intended to vote for Nixon, before his arrest King had met with the campaign season Kennedy addressed the Graham nonetheless assured Kennedy he senator and Democrat candidate, whom he religious prejudices that threatened to derail would give him his “wholehearted loyalty urged to take meaningful action signaling his presidential bid. Entering the West and support.” his commitment to black equality. Kennedy Virginia primary, a state with a Catholic But eight days after penning the disin- demurred. population of a mere four percent, he made genuous letter, Graham convened a secret Now, unbeknownst to King and a pointed speech to the American Society of meeting of prominent Protestant leaders in motivated by conviction and political Newspaper editors: Montreux, Switzerland. Norman Vincent opportunity alike, Kennedy personally “Are we going to admit to the world Peale, author of the bestselling The Power of called Coretta Scott King, King’s wife, that a Jew can be elected Mayor of Dublin, Positive Thinking, was in attendance. Ruth to express his sympathy for her husband. a Protestant can be chosen Foreign Minister Peale, Norman’s wife, confided in a letter to
44 Feature a friend that those present “were unanimous in feeling that the Protestants in America must be aroused in some way, or the solid block Catholic voting, plus money, will take this election.”
POSITIONING Afterward, Protestant voices against Kennedy grew louder. Recognizing the danger of public religious bigotry, on September 12 the Democratic candidate addressed religion in a speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. “I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute,” he insisted, “where no Catholic prelate would tell the President — should he be Catholic — how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote; where no church or church school is granted any public funds or politi- cal preference, and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the President who might appoint him, or the people who might elect him.” Kennedy continued, “I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish; where no public official either requests or accepts instruc- tions on public policy from the Pope, the the black vote due to his embrace of King, over communism, peace through strength, National Council of Churches or any other a surge of votes from northern Catholics and a future guided by the “wonders of ecclesiastical source; where no religious body countering a loss of Protestant votes, and a science.” seeks to impose its will directly or indirectly charismatic presence in an age of television. Calling Americans to “a struggle upon the general populace or the public acts Disappointed, Billy Graham thereafter against the common enemies of man: of its officials, and where religious liberty is staked out a cordial if aloof relationship with tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself,” so indivisible that an act against one church the new president. For his part, Kennedy as the new president warned that harmony, is treated as an act against all.” president ceremonially attended the annual peace and the dividends of science “will not His words a subtle rebuttal of Protes- evangelical National Prayer Breakfast, offer- be finished in the first one hundred days. tant Christian nationalism in violation ing words more vague and inclusive than Nor … in the first one thousand days, nor of church-state separation, Kennedy Christian nationalists wished to hear. in the life of this Administration, nor even positioned himself on the conservative side Of more interest to Americans at large, perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But of the issue, reassuring at least some Protes- John F. Kennedy Jr., John and Jacqueline’s let us begin.” tants of his independence from the Pope second child, was born 17 days after the Declaring that the “role of defending and the Roman Catholic Church. presidential election, the presence of a presi- freedom” had reached “its hour of maximum Unable to overcome Kennedy’s slim dential family baby enduring the Kennedys danger,” Kennedy began his presidency lead in the final weeks of the campaign, to many. with a charge to his fellow citizens: “And Nixon turned to Eisenhower, who finally so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your came off the sidelines and campaigned for PRESIDENCY country can do for you — ask what you can the Republican candidate. Although Eisen- Inaugurated at the age of 43 on Jan. 20, do for your country. My fellow citizens of hower’s advocacy helped, it came too late. 1961, as the youngest president in history, the world: ask not what America will do for Kennedy narrowly defeated Nixon, Kennedy’s inaugural address invoked God’s you, but what together we can do for the aided by multiple currents: 70 percent of favor, national civility, freedom’s triumph freedom of man.”
Feature 45 Many younger Americans embraced ing year amid intelligence revelations of Vietnam, explained his reasoning: their new president, who frequently spoke at the Soviet Union’s installation of ballistic “In the final analysis, it is their war. universities. Like many university students missile sites in Cuba within attack range of They are the ones who have to win it or an idealist at heart, Kennedy hoped for the U.S. lose it. We can help them, we can give them global progress and peace. Implementing a naval quarantine of equipment, we can send our men out there With the encouragement of students, Cuba, Kennedy addressed the nation on as advisers, but they have to win it, the the president by executive order on March Oct. 22, 1962, warning Americans of the people of Vietnam, against the Commu- 1, 1961 created the Peace Corps, an organi- Cuban missile threat and announcing the nists... But I don’t agree with those who say zation designed to engage Americans quarantine. we should withdraw. That would be a great personally in the ideals of global democracy, In response, Khrushchev warned mistake.” peace, development and freedom through Kennedy that the Soviet Union would not Just as the U.S. had successfully voluntary service in poor nations. Months back down. Threatening to sink American defended Europe from Nazism, “the defense later the program became a permanent ships if attacked on the seas, the Soviet of Asia” against communism was now federal agency. leader raised the specter of “the destruction America’s responsibility. Ideals of global peace notwithstanding, of the world.” Public statements aside, weeks later foreign and domestic circumstances alike As fears of nuclear warfare consumed and with the tacit approval of the U.S immediately pressed upon the new presi- America, on October 25, U.S. naval forces government Ngo Dinh Diem was assassi- dent. On the world scene Kennedy quickly detained a Soviet tanker near Cuba. Satisfied nated. received a proverbial baptism by fire. the ship contained no weapons, Kennedy Green-lighting an Eisenhower plan let the ship proceed. Although Khrushchev PEOPLE’S RIGHTS to overthrow Fidel Castro’s communist sensed the American president’s weakness Although foreign diplomacy framed by regime in Cuba, known as the Bay of Pigs on the one hand, he also believed reports nuclear tensions consumed much of Kenne- Invasion, Kennedy in April 1961 blundered from his intelligence sources that Kennedy dy’s energies, domestic issues also challenged into failure as Castro defeated U.S.-backed was prepared to attack if Soviet missile- the Kennedy administration, none greater Cuban revolutionary forces. bearing ships breached the quarantine line. than civil rights. Religion, and Christianity Backing down, Khrushchev offered in particular, infused and provided leader- PRIDE & PROWESS a compromise of removing Soviet missiles ship for America’s growing Civil Rights Making matters worse, amid the Cuba if the U.S. promised not to invade Cuba. Movement, as well for the white suprema- fiasco the Soviet Union on April 12, 1961 Kennedy accepted. Even so, two days later cist opposition. launched the first man into space, a blow to the U.S. sank a nuclear torpedo-equipped From the perspective of a minority, America’s pride and technological prowess. Soviet submarine whose commander, despised, disadvantaged and historically- On the defensive, Kennedy issued a call for unaware of the agreement, thought the war oppressed people group, a theology of love, America to become the first nation to send a had already started and was preparing to justice, human equality and nonviolence man to the moon. attack America. served as the basis of the African-American Congress authorized funding through Having averted nuclear war by the the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- slimmest of margins, both nations kept istration (NASA) for a difficult, expensive their end of the bargain regarding Cuba. and years-long mission that, if successful, Elsewhere, however, communism would become humanity’s greatest accom- remained ascendant. Training his atten- plishment. tion on communist advances in Southeast Nonetheless, troubles with the Soviet Asia and resisting calls to withdraw Ameri- Union continued. Although warned by can forces from the region, Kennedy sent advisers of Soviet leader Nikita Khrush- additional military advisers and special chev’s diplomatic skills, the confident young forces to South Vietnam. president found himself bested again by the At the same time and largely due to the communist leader at a June 4, 1961 summit corrupt, anti-democratic South Vietnam- in Vienna. ese government under Ngo Dinh Diem, he Sensing Kennedy’s weakness, Khrush- declined to enact a full-scale deployment of chev defied the U.S. by blocking off troops. communist East Berlin from democratic By September 1963 the president, West Berlin, building the Berlin Wall. convinced that the South Vietnamese, even Tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet with American assistance, lacked the ability Union further escalated late the follow- to emerge victorious over communist North
46 Feature Civil Rights Movement birthed in churches Alabama Christian Movement for Human Fred Abernathy, also a co-founder of the and largely led by ministers. Rights rescued the severely injured Freedom SCLC: Conversely, from the privileged white Riders from the white supremacist mob. “When the cops come with photos majoritarian perspective of historical Newspaper reporters covered the entire and arrest warrants, the riders quickly don oppressors of non-whites, a theologically- incident, their news stories and photos soon choir robes, assemble up in the choir loft, blessed mindset of racism and hatred — an flashing around the nation and the world, and pretend to be practicing. With his extended legacy of hundreds of years of including in Washington, D.C. head bandaged, John Lewis is hidden at the black slavery, racial apartheid, Jim Crow rear of the group. They’re used to singing laws and white terrorism against blacks — PROTECTION FAILED gospel-based freedom songs, so they sound characterized Southern white families who Embarrassed and angry, Robert Kennedy, good. The police searching the pews below for decades had worshiped God on Sunday serving as U.S. Attorney General, called for assume they are the regular choir and ignore mornings and participated in the public a “cooling off period,” blaming “extremists them, eventually leaving empty-handed.” lynching of black Americans on Sunday on both sides” for the bloody confrontation, Civil rights activists and white afternoons. his aloofness stunning the Freedom Riders. supremacists converged on the First Baptist In December 1960, six years after the Undaunted, the Freedom Riders Church the following evening, a Sunday. Brown v. Board desegregation public school prepared to travel from Birmingham James Farmer, leader of the Freedom Ride ruling and one month prior to Kennedy’s to Montgomery on a new bus. Amid movement and co-founder of the Congress inauguration, the U.S. Supreme Court in public pressure the Kennedy administra- for Racial Equality, described the scene Boynton v. Virginia ruled segregation in tion secured a pledge of protection from outside the church: interstate travel illegal. Even so, much of the Alabama Governor John Malcolm Patter- “The streets were full of roving bands South still refused to allow black children son, who reneged on his word. of short-sleeved white men shouting in public schools, a sign of white suprema- Near Montgomery the Highway Patrol obscenities … they clogged every roadway, cist dominance and defiance in the region escorts for the bus fell away. Police previ- waving Confederate flags and shouting that black citizens hoped Kennedy would ously stationed at the Greyhound depot also rebel yells….” challenge. disappeared. Federal marshals struggled to maintain In response to the interstate travel Absent a law enforcement presence, in control of the 3,000-strong white suprema- ruling, the African-American civil rights Montgomery on May 20, a KKK-led terror- cist mob. The angry crowd overturned activist organization CORE (Congress of ist mob of more than a thousand violently a car, set it ablaze, and tried to firebomb Racial Equality) scheduled a May 1961 beat the peaceful Freedom Riders, report- the church. Inside some 1,500 voices sang “Freedom Ride” through the South on ers and black onlookers with baseball bats, hymns and freedom songs. Greyhound and Trailways buses. broken bottles and lead pipes. Police eventu- From the pulpit Martin Luther King Although encountering little trouble in ally returned, but made no arrests. Instead Jr. preached a message of freedom. Rocks Virginia, several of the 13 Freedom Riders they served injunctions to the Freedom shattered stained-glass windows. Tear gas — seven black, six white — were arrested Riders for instigating violence. crept inside. Parents sent children to the in North and South Carolina, and three With the evil of southern white basement for protection. beaten (including future U.S. congressman supremacy laid bare and under pressure to John Lewis) by whites in Rock Hill, S.C. do something, President Kennedy again PRESSURED RESPONSE Continuing, the Freedom Riders crossed opted for caution in issuing a “statement Finally acting, President Kennedy called Georgia without incident. of concern.” Attorney General Robert for federal troops, whereupon Alabama But in Alabama the self-professed Kennedy, meanwhile, ordered federal Governor Patterson intervened by declar- Christian Ku Klux Klan (KKK), a white marshals to Alabama to protect interstate ing martial law. After breaking up the mob, terrorist organization, awaited. At a stop in commerce. Black activists, determined state National Guard forces, wearing the Anniston, Klansmen boarded the bus and despite the violence, set about recruiting Confederate flag on their uniforms and with attacked the riders, paralyzing one. new Freedom Riders. pointed bayonets forced church attendees to In Birmingham and with the encour- No less defiant, Alabama’s white stay inside the tear gas-filled sanctuary for agement of Public Safety Commissioner supremacist justice system issued an injunc- the entire night. Eugene “Bull” Connor, violence broke out tion against further interracial group travel Reflecting the political fraughtness of again. Led by local members of the KKK, and ordered the beaten Freedom Riders the Freedom Riders movement, the Kennedy a mob beat riders with baseball bats and arrested. Eyewitness accounts from “Veter- administration and the racist governors burned their bus. ans of the Southern Freedom Movement” of Alabama and Mississippi arrived at a Heroically, civil rights leader Rev. Fred described what happened after the Freedom compromise: the governors promised to Shuttlesworth, co-founder with King of the Riders sought refuge in the First Baptist protect future Freedom Riders from mob nonviolent SCLC, and activists from the Church of Montgomery, served by the Rev. violence, in return for federal leniency in
Feature 47 allowing the states to arrest Freedom Riders “wait” for whites to voluntarily do what was the slaves, yet their heirs, their grandsons, lawfully engaged in interstate commerce. right. are not fully free. They are not yet freed Privately desirous of equality for Citing the immorality and evil of segre- from the bonds of injustice. They are not African Americans but harshly opposed gation and white supremacy supported by yet freed from social and economic oppres- by white supremacists in southern states white “organized religion,” King declared sion. And this Nation, for all its hopes and of which he needed political support, and the “judgment of God is upon the church all its boasts, will not be fully free until all publicly concerned that black activism as never before. If today’s church does not its citizens are free…. Now the time has reflected badly on the world stage, the recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early come for this Nation to fulfill its promise.” Kennedy administration chose an uneasy church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit Acting upon his words and going stance of neutrality. the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as further than any previous president, Calling the Freedom Riders “unpatri- an irrelevant social club with no meaning Kennedy called for a new civil rights bill otic,” Attorney General Robert Kennedy for the 20th century. Every day I meet young “giving all Americans the right to be served declared he could not “side with one group people whose disappointment with the in facilities which are open to the public — or the other in disputes over Constitutional church has turned into outright disgust.” hotels, restaurants, theaters, retail stores, rights.” “Let us all hope,” King said near the and similar establishments.” He also called As the nonviolent Civil Rights conclusion of his letter, “that the dark clouds for “greater protection for the right to vote.” Movement grew and, in response, white of racial prejudice will soon pass away and In Alabama, Governor Wallace terrorism in the South intensified, the the deep fog of misunderstanding will be relented in the face of federal troops. On Kennedy administration largely sat on the lifted from our fear-drenched communities, Capitol Hill and to the dismay of white sidelines, reluctantly allowing FBI Director and in some not too distant tomorrow the supremacists, Kennedy set to work trying to J. Edgar Hoover to wiretap King and his radiant stars of love and brotherhood will persuade Congress to pass strong civil rights supporters based on suspected communist shine over our great nation with all their legislation. sympathies. scintillating beauty.” In August the president voiced In January 1963, in defiance of federal support for the Civil Rights Movement’s law, newly-elected Alabama Governor PROTESTS & PROMISE March on Washington, during which King delivered his pivotal “I Have a Dream” George Wallace pledged, “segregation now, King’s letter reignited a despondent Civil speech, envisioning, following centuries of segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” Rights Movement. Within a month of his white oppression of blacks, freedom for all Three months later, Martin Luther King Jr. release from jail, activist pressure resulted Americans. led protests in Birmingham. In response, in desegregation in the city of Birming- One month later yet another white President Kennedy quietly worked behind ham. Alabama Governor Wallace, however, terrorist bombing in a string of bombings the scenes to alleviate racial tensions. resisted federally-ordered desegregation of in Birmingham rocked the nation. During Arrested yet again, King was jailed in the University of Alabama. Sunday morning worship at the city’s 16th Birmingham on Good Friday, April 12. In On June 11, 1963, as Wallace flanked Street Baptist Church a bomb killed four his cell he read a letter from eight promi- by state troopers literally blocked the door little girls. Kennedy responded more aggres- nent, moderate white Alabama clergy of the University of Alabama’s enrollment sively than in prior bombings by opening an condemning the protests and criticizing office to prevent blacks from entering, Presi- extensive federal investigation. King as extremist. Incensed at white indif- dent Kennedy finally took a public stance. ference, on the margins of newspapers and In so doing he evoked both the Constitu- on toilet tissue he wrote a response that tion and the Bible, co-opting texts that POLICIES became known as the “Letter from Birming- white supremacists claimed sacred. Although not as searing as racial unrest in ham Jail.” “We are confronted primarily with a the South, other domestic issues challenged In his letter King challenged his white moral issue,” Kennedy spoke into the televi- Kennedy during his presidency. Like his “Fellow Clergymen” for aligning with white sion sets of tens of millions of Americans, Democratic predecessors Roosevelt and supremacy, for which King was “gravely including many white Americans who Truman, Kennedy called for a national disappointed.” attended church but hated African Ameri- health care system. To his disappoint- “Few members of the oppressor race,” cans. “It is as old as the scriptures and is as ment, his efforts failed, victim to long-time he noted, “can understand the … passion- clear as the American Constitution…. The Republican dismissal of social programs as ate yearnings of the oppressed race.” “We heart of the question is whether all Ameri- “socialism.” have waited for more than 340 years for our cans are to be afforded equal rights and On the other hand, the president led constitutional and God given rights,” King equal opportunities, whether we are going the successful enactment of several laws noted. White southern legal and societal to treat our fellow Americans as we want to expanding social security legislation. Among defiance of federal desegregation contin- be treated…. One hundred years of delay domestic issues the Kennedy administra- ued unabated. No longer was he willing to have passed since President Lincoln freed tion also tilted leftward in the abolishment
48 Feature of the death penalty in Washington, D.C., at the hospital. Two hours later Lyndon some Americans of the government’s truth- and in advocating for a ban on discrimina- B. Johnson, aboard Air Force One over fulness in other matters as well. tion against immigrants based on national Texas air space, was sworn in as president. origin. Jacqueline Kennedy stood at his side. PERSONAL FAITH Economically, a large deficit and persis- The assassination stunned America. Kennedy also left behind a murky religious tently high unemployment prompted the Former U.S. Marine and suspected Marxist life. According to at least one biographer, president to successfully raise the minimum Lee Harvey Oswald was identified as as president he regularly attended mass, wage (twice) and expand federal invest- Kennedy’s killer and quickly arrested. Two whether for reasons personal or political. ment in highway construction. Tilting to days later, before Oswald could stand trial, Little is otherwise known of his personal the right on the matter of tax cuts, however, Jack Ruby, a local nightclub owner, killed faith. Kennedy, claiming tax cuts would spur Oswald on live television in the basement of Kennedy’s enduring contribution to the economy, proposed a reduction in the Dallas Police Headquarters. religion is two-dimensional, and remains top marginal tax rate of 91 percent to 70 On the same day of Oswald’s murder controversial to this day. percent. and carefully staged by Jacqueline, John In a time of ascendant Christian Destined to meet an untimely death, F. Kennedy’s funeral, modeled after that nationalism on the part of Protestants, Kennedy’s proposed ban on national origin of Abraham Lincoln, assassinated nearly Kennedy maintained a firm insistence upon immigrant discrimination and his proposed 100 years earlier, took place in the nation’s the separation of religion and state. As presi- tax cuts did not take effect in his lifetime. Capitol rotunda. dent he reaffirmed this commitment on Meanwhile, amid a whirlwind presi- During a day of national mourn- June 27, 1962, two days following Engel v. dency the Kennedy family home in Cape ing a quarter of a million people filed past Vitale, the Supreme Court decision declar- Cod served as the president’s summer retreat his coffin. A funeral mass followed at St. ing unconstitutional government-sponsored from the strain and stress of political life. Matthew’s Cathedral, after which Kennedy’s prayers in public schools. On Cape Cod the Kennedys attended mass body came to rest in Arlington National Prayer, he reminded Americans, at the long-time family church, St. Francis Cemetery. belonged in the home — not in public Xavier Church. Jacqueline Kennedy received many institutions by government mandate. Jacqueline — beautiful, fashionable letters of sympathy from women around the Some religious Americans, including many and intellectual — was a highly visible First world. Despite her calmness immediately Baptists, historical champions of religion Lady. She established the White House after her husband’s death, in the months and state separation, agreed. Others, of Historical Association, led a televised tour and years following she fell into a deep Christian nationalist persuasion, did not. of the White House, traveled nationally depression marked by heavy drinking and In addition, Kennedy’s eventual choice and internationally with her husband, and nightmares. of supporting civil rights — a nonviolent, served as a role model for young women. In letters to Catholic priests she non-sectarian justice movement founded The family’s young children delighted many expressed anger at God and contemplated upon religious, moral and ethical convic- Americans. suicide. Striving to remember the “civilized tions of human equality — moved the But the excitement, good will and side of Jack [John F.],” she refused to Democratic party toward a more inclusive, glamour surrounding the Kennedy family acknowledge that he, like many previous social justice-oriented future. did not last. presidents, had been involved in marital Yet at the time of Kennedy’s sudden Jacqueline accompanied President infidelities. death, a better future seemed beyond reach. Kennedy during a Nov. 22, 1963 trip to Later in life her health improved. She Upon the proverbial shoulders of Lyndon Dallas to address Democratic Party liberal remarried and prominently reentered public Baines Johnson — Texan, political veteran, and conservative divisions. and political life, dying in 1994. Kennedy’s primary opponent in the 1960 Mysterious and with unanswered presidential election and then vice president PLAZA TRAGEDY questions due to Oswald’s murder, the — fell the weight of the task of shepherding, On that sunny autumn day as the couple strange circumstances of Kennedy’s death should he so choose, the former president’s and their entourage traveled through the led to many investigations, including an unfinished business of Soviet containment, city’s Dealey Plaza in an open-air motor- exhaustive federal investigation, the Warren space exploration, expanded civil rights and cade, tragedy of enormous proportions Commission. enhanced social programs. struck. Without warning, three shots rang All the investigations concluded From their very different perspec- out. President Kennedy crumpled in Jacque- that Oswald acted alone in assassinat- tives, black and white Americans anxiously line’s arms, blood pouring from his head. ing Kennedy. Nonetheless, to this day wondered how their new, unexpected The motorcade rushed to nearby many Americans do not believe in the president would govern following the assas- Parkland Hospital. It was too late. Kennedy lone gunman conclusion, Kennedy’s death sination of the progressive and popular John was pronounced dead shortly after arriving having fostered a long-running suspicion by F. K e n n e d y. NFJ
Feature 49 Weekly Bible Study IS MORE … with the scholarly yet applicable NURTURING FAITH BIBLE STUDIES by Tony Cartledge
Weekly Bible study should be more than… Here’s what you can explore in 2020 — with the … reading a verse or two and asking, lessons right here in Nurturing Faith Journal along “What do you think?” with Tony’s video overviews and other teaching … diverting quickly to discussing sports or politics resources online. Get started by calling (478) … shallow treatments of a holy, yet complex text. 301-5655, emailing Jannie at [email protected] or visiting nurturingfaith.net/introduction-bible-study.
Feb. 16, 2020 Season after 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Christmas Children Who Grow
Jan. 5, 2020 Feb. 23, 2020 John 1:1-9, 10-18 2 Peter 1:16-21 The Word That Reveals A Message That Glows Epiphany Lent Jan. 12, 2020 Matthew 3:13-17 All Things New A Son Who Pleases
March 1, 2020 Jan. 19, 2020 Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 John 1:29-42 A New Choice A Lamb Who Leads
March 8, 2020 Jan. 26, 2020 Genesis 12:1-4a Matthew 4:12-23 A Preacher Who Calls A New Start
Feb. 2, 2020 March 15, 2020 Matthew 5:1-12 Psalm 95 A Teacher Who Challenges A New Song
Feb. 9, 2020 March 22, 2020 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 1 Samuel 16:1-13 A Savior Who Died A New King
NEW for 2020! Each lesson concludes with a Jesus Worldview Lens — focusing on how the lesson can apply to the faithful following of Jesus.
50 March 29, 2020 Aug. 16, 2020 Nov. 1, 2020 Ezekiel 37:1-14 Season after Isaiah 56:1-8 (RCL 1, 6-8) Matthew 23:1-12 A New Life Pentacost The World Needs Justice The Right Stance
What the World Needs Now … Aug. 23, 2020 April 5, 2020 Nov. 8, 2020 Isaiah 51:1-6 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Matthew 25:1-13 The World Needs to Remember A New Foundation June 7, 2020 The Right Preparation Matthew 28:16-20 The World Needs the Gospel Aug. 30, 2020 Nov. 15, 2020 Easter Jeremiah 15:15-21 Matthew 25:14-30 The World Needs Mercy June 14, 2020 The Right Investment April 12, 2020 Matthew 9:35-10:8 A Prayer List for Today Colossians 3:1-11 The World Needs Healing Thanksgiving A New Wardrobe Sept. 6, 2020 June 21, 2020 Nov. 22, 2020 Psalm 119:33-40 Matthew 10:24-39 April 19, 2020 Teach Me, Lord Psalm 100 1 Peter 1:3-9 The World Needs Shaking Good God! A New Future Sept. 13, 2020 June 28, 2020 Psalm 103:1-13 Christmas Letters April 26, 2020 Matthew 10:40-42 Forgive Me, Lord 1 Peter 1:17-23 The World Needs Kindness Advent A New Birth Sept. 20, 2020 July 5, 2020 Psalm 78:1-7, 34-38 Nov. 29, 2020 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 Convict Me, Lord May 3, 2020 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 The World Needs Rest 1 Peter 2:19-25 Every Good Gift Sept. 27, 2020 A New Example July 12, 2020 Psalm 25:1-9 Dec. 6, 2020 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Deliver Me, Lord May 10, 2020 2 Peter 3:8-15a The World Needs the Word Patience and Peace 1 Peter 2:2-10 Oct. 4, 2020 A New Hope Psalm 80:7-15 July 19, 2020 Restore Us, Lord Dec. 13, 2020 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 May 17, 2020 The World Needs Patience 1 Peter 3:13-22 Oct. 11, 2020 A Sanctified Season A New Approach Psalm 23 July 26, 2020 Lead Us, Lord Dec. 20, 2020 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Romans 16:25-27 May 24, 2020 The World Needs Wisdom Oct. 18, 2020 A Christmas Benediction 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 Psalm 96:1-13 A New Strength Aug. 2, 2020 Be Honored, Lord Genesis 32:22-32 Season after Pentecost Sunday The World Needs Engagement The Right Stuff Christmas
May 31, 2020 Aug. 9, 2020 Oct. 25, 2020 Dec. 27, 2020 Acts 2:1-21 1 Kings 19:9-18 Matthew 22:34-46 Galatians 4:4-7 A New Spirit The World Needs Faith The Right Questions Children of the Child
51 ELEPHANT in the yard Advocate still calling church leaders to protect sexual abuse victims, not predators
BY JOHN D. PIERCE taking such a stand came with a price. The efforts she and her husband took to remove arlier this year news media gave wider a missionary colleague with a long history exposure to the longtime, multiple of sexual predation cost them their own E mishandlings of sexual abuse cases places of service. among Baptist churches and denomina- After the Millers left the mission field, tional agencies. The scale was surprising to Dee wrote her first book, How Little We many. Knew: Collusion and Confusion with Sexual But not to Dee Miller. Misconduct (Prescott Press). She was pleased A former Southern Baptist missionary with much of the response. and mental health nurse, Miller has been “With the book in 14 countries, letters sounding the alarm for decades — only to of gratitude from faith leaders, as well as find leadership that largely preferred self- widespread attempts to protect a missionary- survivors, poured into our mailbox…,” said protective silence. colleague of ours, discovered to be a sexual Miller. predator three years earlier.” “Mainline executives were working GOING PUBLIC Miller said she was criticized for frantically, getting denominational policies damaging missions or portraying Southern In this publication (known then as Baptists and procedures in order while mandating Baptists negatively — though neither was Today), Miller found an ally in editor Jack training for every minister — not always her intent. Harwell who gave space in 1995 for a series out of the goodness of their hearts, but on the uncomfortable topic that denomina- under pressure from insurance companies tional leaders largely ignored. SOUNDING AN ALARM threatening to drop coverage.” “I prescribed specific, practical actions “This story wasn’t just about missions gone These hopeful signs were not shared for each [Southern Baptist Convention] awry — nor only about Southern Baptists,” by all denominational and church leaders, agency — things they might choose to said Miller. “My intent was to blow the however. immediately undertake to address the whistle on the entire community of faith, elephant in the front yard of the second to spark discussions, and provide a case POOR PRACTICES largest Christian denomination in the study, encouraging every system in spiritual Responses to sexual abuse were often inade- world,” said Miller of her writing mission. exercises of confession and ultimately trans- quate if not counterproductive. Identified The reception to her writings was less formation — all while lessening the intense predators were often offered counseling with than warm — but that too was not surpris- isolation of survivors and advocates.” little consequence for their repeated behavior. ing to Miller. Simply put, Miller was looking for a While writing the series for this publi- “It’s always been dangerous to stand better response from church and denomina- cation, Miller said the SBC Sunday School alone on the right side of history — tional leaders. “Shaming, discrediting, and Board (now LifeWay) announced the especially for a Southern Baptist in the chastising any of us back into silence must formation of a committee to address abuse last years of the 20th century,” said Miller. cease!” cases. Yet the announcement included the “My husband and I already knew that far Miller, who started writing in 1989 offering of “social protection” for offenders too well in 1989, as I began writing about about the cover-up of abuse, knew that but nothing to assist victims.
52 Feature Congregational autonomy — along with a culture of silence — makes it easier for a predator minister to move from church to church than in connectional church bodies.
“I smiled when a group of psycho- be a sensitive and supportive friend to those like “God is with you” or “I’m praying for therapists called them out before I had a who seek them out following abuse. you” can be resented by those most seriously chance,” said Miller, who also noted that “If you have ever had a victim of clergy wounded, she added. the committee formed to study this problem violence confide in you, rest assured you were If sincere, a better response, said that primarily impacts females included just carefully selected,” said Miller. “You proba- Miller, would be: “I am angered to know one woman. bly felt a heavy weight of responsibility.” that anyone, especially someone in this In a joint investigation published this Those feelings, said Miller, parallel profession, would take advantage of you.” summer, the Houston Chronicle and San those experienced by the victim — feelings Listening with sensitivity is required to Antonio Express-News revealed the extensive that had likely been there for months or be most helpful, she added. cases of sexual abuse and cover-up patterns years already. “Most of all, listen to what may be a within Southern Baptist congregations and “Shock, temporary paralysis, anger, highly complicated story,” said Miller. “Be its missionary-sending agency that Miller guilt and fear may have rushed at you in aware that the victim is testing you with had identified and experienced decades ago. rapid succession,” she said. “Unless you had small bits of information. Be sensitive to his Congregational autonomy — along thought this situation out well in advance, or her fears to reveal more at this time.” with a culture of silence — makes it easier your responses may have inflicted further When the victim feels safe, it is appro- for a predator minister to move from church injury.” priate to ask what you can do to help, said to church than in connectional church Miller. bodies. Longtime calls for a database of RIGHT RESPONSES “If the victim wants to seek the help confirmed abusers are getting some traction of a professional therapist, encourage this,” “Before you can effectively respond to now that was largely ignored for decades. Miller advised. “Look for ways the church victims,” said Miller, “you must find the And SBC International Mission Board can assist with therapy bills.” courage to face a painful reality: You — leaders, according to the Chronicle, are Miller said the victim should know male or female — and every member of committed to a “rigorous examination” of what the advocate plans to do next. your family are potential victims.” its policies and procedures — a very late, “In most cases, I would advise you to Miller said she knows of several but welcomed response for Miller and other immediately go outside of the church system victims, still active in churches, who have advocates, if properly executed. to a professional counselor who is well- kept their secrets from their parents for 20 versed in abuse issues,” said Miller. “Assure years or more — fearful they would not be NEEDED CHANGES the victim that you are doing everything believed. “No committee or single agency can change possible to protect his or her anonymity.” A good starting point is to simply say, the hearts and minds of individuals, nor However, there is at least an ethical “I’m sorry,” when someone confides in you can the enforcement of stricter guidelines, obligation (and in some cases a legal one) — followed closely by expressing, “Thank though vitally important,” said Miller, when dealing with a minor to report abuse you for taking the risk of talking to me.” noting that her writings of three decades to the proper human services agency, she Assurance is then needed, said Miller. ago are still as pertinent today. added. This can be stated as: “I know this is tough, “As mainline denominations have Miller said it is important to make a but I’ll be here for you.” shown for years,” she added, “without commitment following the initial conver- Miller warns, however, “Don’t say it changes of individual hearts and minds, all sation to get back in touch with the abuse unless you mean it!” else is futile.” victim within a couple of days. Most importantly, said Miller, assure But policies and procedures are vitally “Whatever you do, don’t leave the the victim of your commitment to her or important. Those in leadership roles with victim hanging a day longer than your agree- his safety. congregations and agencies have major ment,” she said. “The burden of initiating responsibilities for creating and enforcing the next conversation is on your shoulders.” policies to protect sexual abuse victims, not SENSITIVITY Miller offers more resources for their abusers. Resist the temptation to resort to old, well- abuse victims and their supporters at Additionally, Miller said everyone can intended clichés, said Miller. Even words takecourage.org. NFJ
Feature 53 DIGGIN’ IT A bad day frozen in time
BY TONY W. CARTLEDGE
Archaeologists from the Univer- sity of North Carolina at Charlotte recently announced they and Israeli colleagues in the “Mount Zion Archaeological Project” have uncovered poignant remains from the brutal day Babylonian soldiers Right: A piece of gold and silver jewelry from pillaged the city of Jerusalem the 587/586 destruction around 587/586 BCE. area in Jerusalem. Credit: Mt. Zion Archaeological ebuchadnezzar’s forces had previ- Expedition/Rafi Lewis. Below: An arrowhead of ously defeated Jerusalem in 597, but the “Scythian” type used chose to take its leading citizens into by Babylonian archers, N found in a 587/586 exile without destroying a perfectly fine city destruction layer in Jeru- that could be of use to them. They installed salem. Credit: Mt. Zion the former king’s uncle on the throne, Archaeological Expedi- renamed him Zedekiah, and ordered him to tion/Virginia Withers send annual tribute payments — or else. About a decade later, Zedekiah decided sixth century — along with Scythian arrow- not to send the tribute, and soon found out heads and a small piece of gold and silver what “or else” meant. Nebuchadnezzar sent jewelry. his armies back and, after a long siege, they Arrowheads of that type are well swept into the city, killing and maiming known from the seventh and sixth centu- and raping, pillaging anything of value, and ries BCE, and were commonly used by the burning the rest. Babylonians. The combination of broken Zedekiah’s sons were murdered in his oil lamps, arrowheads and precious jewelry The prophet Jeremiah lived in Jerusa- sight, and then his eyes were put out before in a layer of burned ash indicates a time lem during that time. He had warned of the he was carried in chains to Babylon. It was a of violent destruction, according to the coming invasion, but many refused to hear really bad day. researchers. him because they believed God’s presence Archaeologists with the project, includ- The only time Jerusalem was destroyed in the temple would never allow the city to ing James Tabor and Shimon Gibson of during that period was the Babylonian fall. UNC-Charlotte, have been digging at a conquest that leveled the city and sent They were wrong. site south of the Temple Mount and not thousands more Judahites into exile. Sometimes we may hold similar mis- far from the Pool of Siloam for more than The jewelry is of particular interest, a conceptions about what might and might a decade. The site is outside of the current rare bell-shaped gold cap topping a cluster not happen. We may choose to ignore city walls, built in the 16th century CE by of grapes made from silver. It could have dire warnings about the dangers of global the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I, but would been a pendant, or possibly an earring. warming, the folly of texting while driving, have been inside the city during the seventh Was it lost in the shuffle as the residents or the health risks associated with overeat- century BCE. fled, or torn off in an act of violence against ing, smoking or other harmful practices. This summer, the project announced its owner? In any case, it ended up on the If we do, it won’t take an archaeolo- the discovery of an ashy destruction layer floor, stepped on or crushed by falling gist to explain why our precious possessions bearing pottery characteristic of the early debris as the building burned. were left behind. NFJ
54 Thoughts REBLOG It’s a calling, not a formula BY JOHN D. PIERCE became the primary vocabulary for express- did so in a menacing way. Revivalists and ing and concepts for defining what it means church leaders simply wanted to count their big question is how did so much of to be Christian — which comes with a results — although Jesus was never known American Christianity today get so comforting guarantee of avoiding eternal to have handed out membership cards other Afar from Jesus? damnation. than noting that his followers would be The answer can be traced to what Institution building needs membership known by their love. pastor/author Ken Wytsma calls the “Salva- requirements, stakeholders and recruiters. When the Christian faith becomes tion Industrial Complex.” And his personal So, following Jesus more transactional than relational, however, experience mirrors mine. goes from being a it becomes something other than what Jesus “I grew up with the notion that to be sacrificial, ongoing sought. saved we simply asked Jesus into our heart,” calling to a sure-step, Wytsma, a pastor in Beaverton, Ore., he writes in The Myth of Equality. “This definable formula. puts it this way: “The reduction of God’s was the most central thought in my mind The challenge of good news in Jesus to a magic formula … regarding Jesus and Christianity.” hearing and heeding allows a highly personalized and consumer Through an honest reading of the Jesus’ call is replaced approach to salvation. Instead of requiring Gospels, however, one can see that Jesus by a sanitized and everything, it requires nothing.” didn’t tell us to “accept” but to follow him. mechanized process. That’s why Religious Right operative In fact, Jesus seemed much more intent on With “Follow me!” relegated to lesser Ralph Reed can say without shame that accepting those regarded as unacceptable, status, one is then free to ignore all kinds of evangelicals’ devotion to the president is than being accepted himself. things Jesus said and did — and still claim because “There has never been anyone who “Accepting Jesus” was devised for to be Christian. has defended us and fought for us…” manufacturing Christians through a That is precisely how so much of Us? Us? discernible process. It’s easier to count American evangelicalism has reached the Manufactured Christians can focus on those who have prayed “the sinner’s prayer” point in which it doesn’t even wince at “us” — what we get out of this. Indeed, that than those who keep on walking additional amoral, racially-offensive, compassion-less is a consumer approach. miles, caring for the least of these and loving politics. In fact, it is the most dependably Followers of Jesus, however, will hear their enemies. supportive bloc. another call: deny yourselves; do unto others; So, these non-biblical constructs (like This is not to suggest that those who whoever wants to be first must be servant to “accepting Jesus” and “the sinner’s prayer”) created the Salvation Industrial Complex all; and seek first the kingdom of God. NFJ
The place to go between issues of the Nurturing Faith Journal is nurturingfaith.net > Blogs, breaking news, and the latest books, resources and experiences from Nurturing Faith > Daily religion news from around world, handpicked by online editor Bruce Gourley > Teaching resources, including video overviews and lesson plans, for the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies by Tony Cartledge
Thoughts 55 MUSIC & MINISTRY
A conversation with Bob Morrison
BY BARRY HOWARD in Paris, St. Michael’s Cathedral in Vienna, University in 1970. But I had made the St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, and First decision to go into music in some fashion fter 52 years of music ministry, 32 Baptist Church of Rome and St. Peter’s as a second grader at Lineville [Alabama] of those at First Baptist Church Basilica in Rome, Italy. Elementary School in 1958. A of Pensacola, Fla., Bob Morrison In April of this year, Bob took 160 choir My music teacher had selected me to retired in July 2019. In my four decades members and friends to historic Carnegie “conduct” the little rhythm band for our of pastoral ministry, Bob is the minister of Hall in New York City where they presented spring program, which consisted of me music I served with the longest (12 years) The Peaceable Kingdom by Randall Thomp- pointing to the appropriate rhythm instru- and, likewise, I was the pastor Bob served son, an unforgettable experience that served ment when it was their turn to play. Pretty with the longest during his ministry. as a pinnacle moment of Bob’s 52-year much like I do to our church orchestra! In the words of Robert Frost, Bob’s career. From that day forward I knew I wanted vocation is his avocation. As gifted as Bob is “Bob Morrison is the consummate to “do music” with my life; I never wavered in bringing out the best in choir and orches- church musician,” said Bob Burroughs who from that decision. tra members through music, he excels even composed the musical piece “Go Out With When I entered JSU as a freshman, I more in his care for the greater church family. Joy” (Isa. 55:11-12) as a retirement tribute was on track to be a band director, having The music ministry in Pensacola was to Morrison. “He has a gentle spirit, a love served as drum major for our high school grounded in a graded choir program led by for his people, a witness for Jesus.” band my junior and senior years. Through capable volunteers. In addition to conduct- The following conversation is adapted the BSU choir experience, though, I felt ing the sanctuary choir and orchestra, Bob from an interview with the veteran music God redirecting me to be in church music. provided hands-on leadership for the high minister. While I definitely had a God-called school chapel choir, the auditioned youth experience back in 1970, answering the call ensemble, “Surrender,” and the older-adult Barry: When did you sense the call to has been a dynamic activity for me, wherein “Singing Seniors.” music ministry? I need to recommit to that call periodically. Bob’s choirs toured widely to sing at Bob: I felt called to actual music ministry One of my life verses has been Philip- Winchester Cathedral and St. Paul’s Cathe- while I was serving as [Baptist Student pians 3:12b: “We press on to take hold of dral in London, the Basilica at Notre Dame Union] choir director at Jacksonville State that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us.”
56 Feature Staying in ministry throughout my whole into what was being taught. I was just the Working in the local church has life definitely has been predicated on the opposite; I hung on to every word. allowed me to do it all, and I’m so grateful. truth of this exercise: “taking hold of that There simply was not a subject that I for which you were taken hold.” didn’t grow from and enjoy, but some of my Barry: Your responsibilities have covered favorites were “Music in Missions & Hymnol- areas other than music and worship, including pastoral care, technology and Barry: You started in music ministry ogy” by T.W. Hunt, “Choral Diction” by Jack media. How has serving in these areas before finishing college and seminary. Coldiron, “Practice of Church Music” by Joe informed and enhanced your overall What were the advantages and disadvan- King, “Philosophy of Church Music” by ministry and e"ectiveness? tages of starting at a younger age? Cecil Roper, and “Conducting Techniques” Bob: Doing these non-music parts of my job Bob: Always active in my churches’ choir by Robert Burton. allows me to network and develop relation- programs, I was asked to serve as the “minis- A couple of non-music classes I totally ships with those I may not get to know ter of music” during Youth Sunday when I loved were “Evangelism” by Roy Fish and otherwise. It also helps me easily adopt the was 15 at the First Baptist Church of Saks in “Baptist History” by John Baker. [South- big picture of church work and keeps me Anniston, Ala. I loved it! western Baptist Theological] Seminary from being tunnel-visioned, which could I remember my minister of music showed me the big picture and served to easily happen. Conversely, it allows the trying to convince me it wasn’t necessary provide impetus throughout my ministry. church folk to see me in a pastoral role, to hold extra rehearsals leading up to Youth My prayer is that, in this day of much helping them to realize that I’m minister Sunday, something I guess we disagreed on. change, the baby is not thrown out with first, musician second. A year later, when we lost our minister the bathwater. By that I mean, let us keep of music, the church asked if I would direct viable those classes in the degree programs Barry: Most ministers go through periods the choir during the interim. that train men and women in the activities of discouragement. Did you ever feel like We did a full program for Easter, a that involve the masses — meaning choirs you wanted to quit and go into a di"erent John Peterson cantata as I recall. It went and orchestras. Yes, let’s prepare them for vocation? If so, how did you overcome the discouragement? well, and the church asked if I would take smaller groups, too, like praise teams and the position permanently. bands — but let it be in addition to, not in Bob: Only one time did I seriously consider Though it was only part-time, the place of, choirs and orchestra leadership. leaving the music ministry; I’m so glad I experience I gained leading the adult choir, didn’t! My being open to such a move was instrumental ensemble, youth choir and Barry: You could have been an excellent entirely related to a less-than-healthy work children’s choirs there for the next four years professor, clinician or composer. What relationship, and not at all because of a was invaluable. are some of the things you have enjoyed change of heart as to what God had called most about serving in context of the local The experience gained at such a young church? me to do. age affected my life’s work in a major way and Fortunately, God made a way for that became the foundation on which everything Bob: One of my favorite things about being work relationship to change. As to what else would be built. Another big advantage a music minister is I get to work with all helped sustain me while in the valley: the would have to be how it helped determine ages, children through senior adults. Fortu- counsel of good friends for whom I had whom I married. Any prospective wife would nately, I’ve always had a healthy take on the great respect, and the counsel of my parents. already know what she’d be getting into. aging process, and from the very start some During this season of depression, God perfectly put me with someone of my closest friends were senior adults. Jeremiah 29:11 became my mantra: “For I who was active in our choir at church, and This multi-generational landscape know the plans I have for you,” declares the in my band at school. Annette has been a within the local church’s music ministry has Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm co-laborer from day one and, in my mind, is been a highlight. It has also been a wonderful you, plans to give you hope and a future.” just as called as I am. place for me because of my diversified inter- ests — music (obviously), choral, orchestral, Barry: What is your favorite hymn or Barry: How have you benefited from your traveling with music groups, sound systems, anthem, and why? seminary training? video systems, technology, etc. Bob: I have many of each, but I’d have to Bob: Seminary was a natural progression Where else could a person work and be say “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is one of my to preparing me to be a church musician. able to delve into all these areas and more? all-time favorite hymns, speaking of God’s I can’t imagine doing this work without the Whether it’s rehearsing a group to make constant care for us and interest in us. Also knowledge I gained at seminary. beautiful music for worship experiences, near the top for hymns would be “Here I There were some classmates who touring with groups, soldering connections Am, Lord,” a hymn that speaks to our total were only attending seminary because they in the sound system, registering the colors surrender to God in service. felt it would afford them a bigger church in a camera, building cases for speakers to As to an anthem, I often kiddingly ultimately, and who weren’t really buying tour with, or — well, almost anything! remark to the choir that such-and-such
Feature 57 song is my “new” favorite anthem — and Knowing I’ve served a church like that my grandkids! Annette and I are fortunate that pretty much is right. God keeps gifting gives you a bit of insight into the kind of in that we live in the same city as our grand- composers to write new and wonderful people at First Baptist Pensacola. children and oldest son and his wife. We choral and orchestral arrangements, provid- To the person currently serving on a even go to the same church. ing for me a moving scale. church staff, I would say: Stay as long as you Both my mom and dad attend FBCP, So my “new” favorite anthem for now can under God’s leadership. There are advan- and I definitely plan to be more present in is “More Than Conquerors,” relating how tages and benefits you and the church get to their daily lives. nothing can separate us from the love of experience that simply are not available to Our youngest son and his new wife Christ, and with his presence in our lives, short-termers. I’m certainly glad I did! live in Boston, where he is a teaching fellow we can overcome anything this world may at Harvard University in music; visiting challenge us with. Barry: What advice would you give to them in their new place will be exciting. So, young adults starting out on a journey in family takes on top priority. music ministry? Barry: As someone who served in the I also want to further develop a little same church for 32 years, what do you Bob: Go back; go back! (Just kidding.) I side interest of mine — which also benefited see as the primary factors that contrib- would encourage them, if they are definite our choirs for the past six years. You can uted to your longevity? in their sense of call to music ministry, then find out more than you’d ever want to know Bob: What a great question — and how go for it. In my mind, nothing will satisfy about this at www.choirprompt.com. difficult it will be to adequately answer. I’ve you more or give you a greater sense of Getting back to playing my horn is kiddingly responded, “It’s not that hard, purpose and fulfillment. also a goal of mine. While directing groups actually; you simply have to be someone no Second, I would advise them to place is wonderful, by its very nature it prevents other church wants.” huge importance on choosing their life’s you from participating as an instrumentalist Assuming one serves a church whose mate, for nothing can replace the synergy or singer. It will be fun to personally “make people can abide longevity from their staff, that will exist between you and a spouse music” again, and not just be “directing the greatest challenge of staying somewhere who also senses a call. It’s a win-win for your music-makers.” this long is simply to keep your own interest marriage and for the church you serve. And finally, even though we’ve traveled up for the long haul. I would also encourage them to seek extensively on our choir tours through the In my own case that was made easier appropriate training. As Southern Baptists years, I think Annette and I will enjoy some because our great church resources music started placing more emphasis on formal travel. We both love to explore new places ministry extremely well, and the singing music training in colleges and seminaries, and things, and there’s a whole lot of the and playing participants are willing to and at the local church level, the number of world we’ve never been to. invest their own monies to be involved in folks involved in choirs and such soared for So, occasional travel will surely be in the some pretty exciting projects. several decades. picture. It’ll be different traveling without In addition to leading regular Sunday Recently there has been somewhat 100 of our closest friends and doing concerts, worship times, we get to do some amazing of a return by many churches to place less but I’m thinking it’ll be fun, nonetheless. activities, [for example]: emphasis on music training, returning to the One of my greatest desires is to practice of simply enlisting someone who can continue to be faithful to God’s calling on Martin, Ken Medema and Steve Green sing and maybe play a guitar or keyboard. I my life, even in retirement. I don’t know to do a combined program with our choir personally think this is a giant step backward what that looks like, exactly, at this point, and orchestra; and will ultimately serve to degrade our but that’s what I want to be. music ministries and involve fewer people. For my entire life I’ve encouraged our older youth choir on international Were I advising would-be ministers folks to be responsive to God’s call to serve tours every two years (each group goes of music today, I would encourage them to through music, and to be faithful in that once every four years, offset from one look seriously at some colleges with church service. Now that I’m here at my working another by two years); music degrees, both on the undergraduate life’s conclusion, may I prove just as faithful and graduate levels. Recent changes in some as those in my charge for all these years. NFJ choir throughout the U.S. and Canada; of our seminaries give me pause to confi- dently recommend them to a prospective —Barry Howard, retired pastor of the First annual Christmas production; church worship pastor, though I’m open to Baptist Church of Pensacola, Fla., serves as a being proven wrong. leadership coach, congregational consultant Pensacola Easter Pageant; and columnist with the Center for Healthy Barry: What are some of the things you Churches. He is editor of Call Stories: plan to do in retirement? orchestra program. Hearing and Responding to God’s Call Bob: Top of my list: spend more time with (Nurturing Faith, 2019).
58 Feature Is the o!ering o!? Church leaders consider impact of tax law, other factors on charitable giving
BY BRUCE GOURLEY from donating as much to the local animal and uncertainties in the markets were shelter, they still likely have the same dollar quite high.” n a Christianity Today interview two amount penciled in for the church.” Congregational leaders expressed a years ago, CPA Mike Batts of Batts A 2019 study of “Charitable Giving wide range of impact and concern as well. IMorrison Wales & Lee advised congre- and Tax Deductions” conducted by Pastor Jack Glasgow of Zebulon gations “to keep a close eye on the Indiana University’s Lilly Family School Baptist Church in Zebulon, N.C., trending in charitable giving, and to be of Philanthropy offers a broader perspec- believes the 2017 tax law “had a strong prepared to adapt accordingly.” tive. Although charitable giving in total and negative effect on giving.” He charac- His words came on the heels of the reached an all-time high in 2017, the terized the dynamics of the church’s 2017 Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act report notes that the percentage of Ameri- financial decline in 2018 as “particularly (TCJA) that raised the standard deduc- cans contributing to charitable causes has noticeable in end-of-year giving, less so in tion for joint filing to $24,000, effectively been declining since 2000. Tax policies week-to-week giving.” removing the tax incentive of charitable may have contributed to the trend. Noting that his church “has a signifi- giving for all but upper-income families. “Over time, federal tax policy in the cant number of givers who come in during Two years later, policy experts and United States has become less progressive, the last 10 days of the calendar year with church leaders have yet to coalesce around lowering the tax burden on high-income significant gifts,” Glasgow lamented that a consensus regarding the effects of the tax households without providing the same last year’s decline in end-of-year giving law. Observations range from fear to ambiv- reductions for low-income households,” was “pretty clear” — a 24 percent reduc- alence, and quantifiable data is elusive. the report states. “This has the poten- tion from 2017. Bill Wilson, director of the Center tial to further reduce giving by low- and However, Julie Pennington-Russell, for Healthy Churches, captures the uncer- middle-income households.” pastor of the First Baptist Church of tainty among church leaders: “Everyone’s The report also suggests that the the City of Washington, D.C., said: scared to death about this, but I’ve not seen 2017 TCJA may further accelerate the “We haven’t noticed a change in giving any documented evidence of impact.” long-term drop in household charitable patterns.” She described her congregation In striving to explain the uncertainty, giving. as defying a pattern of declining offerings Wilson echoed a common theme voiced David King, director of the Lake common among many churches. by others interviewed. Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana Data from 2019 may provide more “Most donors were unaware of the University that studies giving at the clarification regarding the loss of tax rule change last year, and this may be congregational level, said the 2017 tax incentives in charitable giving includ- the first year tax advisers and others have law “does decrease giving.” ing to church offerings. Yet, the value made it clear how the change will impact “[L]ower percentages of higher of the data may be uniquely affected by individuals,” he said. “[But] every minis- net worth donors are giving to religious this year’s increased tariffs, stock market ter who has been paying attention is organizations, particularly congregations, returns, and other factors in addition to fearful that 2019 is actually the year the than other causes; think universities, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. impact will be felt.” art museums, etc.,” said King. “So, in Regardless, King of the Lake Insti- Rich Cohen, chief operating officer a nutshell, congregations have greater tute suggests congregational leaders focus of the National Council of Nonprofits, numbers of rank-and-file donors than on adapting positively to long-term trends believes religious organizations often some other types of nonprofits.” of decreased church involvement. stand out from other nonprofits. However, King cautioned that “the “With changes in religious affilia- “When it comes to supporting tax overhaul has not been around long tion and attendance patterns too, I think religious institutions and religion-related enough for us to isolate the factors that the bigger concern is for congregations to organizations, more people feel a particu- led to a decline in religious giving and privilege the teaching about giving and lar connection and sometimes even an kept overall giving basically flat. I think stewardship of money and possessions … obligation to give a certain amount each less itemizing is one, but the stock market as an important part of their discipleship year,” he said. “While they may pull back had a very bad end to last year, and tariffs journey.” NFJ
Feature 59 Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Global Baptists a"rm women 1. Publication title: Nurturing Faith Journal 2. Publication number: 1072-7787 3. Filing date: Oct. 1, 2019 in church leadership positions 4. Issue frequency: bimonthly 5. No. of issues published annually: 6 6. Annual subscription price: $24 U.S.; $42 Canadian; $100 foreign BY TONY W. CARTLEDGE 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: Contributing Editor P.O. Box 6318 Macon, GA 31208-6318 Contact person: Jackie Riley ASSAU, THE BAHAMAS — Telephone: 478-301-5655 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business Women should be affirmed for office of publisher: their “God-given calling for service 988-1/2 Bond St. N in the church” and Baptists should work to Macon, GA 31201 9. 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Will be further for members to be open to the Holy peace with everyone and so “reaffirm that printed in the November / December 2019 issue of this publication. *Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months Spirit’s power to provoke transformation so prejudice, hate, and violence cannot defeat **No. copies of single issues published nearest to filing date that Baptists might affirm “the God-given respect, love and faith.” NFJ
60 Feature REBLOG Ninety years a servant
BY TONY W. CARTLEDGE supervising an annual budget of more than $2 million. Sara Ann Hobbs was a force of Hobbs was an advocate for women in ministry, and used her considerable nature with a heart for others. speaking skills toward that end on numer- When she died Aug. 28 in Silver ous occasions. She was the first woman to be City, N.M., in the home she shared ordained as a deacon at Woodhaven Baptist Church in Apex, N.C., and consistently with long-time friend Nancy encouraged women to follow wherever they Curtis, Hobbs reached the end of a felt God leading them. pioneering journey. Hobbs’ journey met a significant stumbling block in 1989, when she suffered t began in Anniston, Ala., in 1929, just a cerebral hemorrhage that led to a lengthy as the Great Depression was getting hospitalization and a hard road to recover I underway. The family moved to a cotton as much function as possible. Through farm in Cochran, Ga., where Sara Ann grew valiant efforts, Hobbs returned to work, but up chopping cotton and feeling “a holy ultimately retired in 1991. unrest,” according to Curtis, that God had In 1993, Hobbs and Curtis moved somewhere else for her to go other than to Silver City, N.M., joining First Baptist “up and down cotton field rows.” Church and continuing to serve through Hobbs’ journey took her to Judson volunteerism. Hobbs joined the Hospi- College in Marion, Ala., and on to South- tal Auxiliary and logged more than 2,500 ern Baptist Theological Seminary where hours of volunteer work, often speaking to she graduated from what was then called and encouraging stroke patients and senior the Carver School of Missions and Social adults. She wrote a short book about her Work. Hobbs served in Christian ministry experience, called Journey to Recovery. positions in Arkansas and Kentucky before Hobbs received many honors for her moving to North Carolina in 1958. years of service, including alumni awards There she joined the staff of the Foundation as Director of Estate Planning, from Southern Seminary (1980) and Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) associ- encouraging women to support mission Judson College (2005). She received honor- ated with the Baptist State Convention of work even after death. She influenced the ary doctorates from Judson College in 1984 North Carolina (BSCNC), serving as Young national WMU organization to set up its and Gardner-Webb University in 1985. In Women’s Director and Girl’s Auxiliary own foundation for the same purpose. 1994, Baptist Women in Ministry of North Director before becoming Executive Direc- Two years later, Hobbs was tapped Carolina recognized her with the Anne tor of WMU-NC from 1968 to 1977. to become Director of Missions for the Thomas Neal Award. As its executive Hobbs led WMU-NC BSCNC, the only woman to hold that Such recognition says something about through reorganization and the construc- significant position in Southern Baptist a person, but not all. Sara Ann Hobbs was tion of Camp Mundo Vista, near Asheboro, life. Hobbs served devoted not only to God, but to her many where thousands of girls and women enjoyed faithfully in that friends and those in need wherever they summer camps and meaningful retreats. For role for more than were. I was privileged to serve as Sara Ann’s many, these experiences sparked their own 20 years (1979–91), pastor at Woodhaven Baptist for five years. call to mission and ministry. leading an effec- Even through the dark time of struggling Hobbs also worked to achieve equal tive ministry with to recover from her brain injury, I felt she pay for men and women in equivalent jobs far-reaching effects was ministering to me. The world is a better within the BSCNC organization. In 1977 while managing up place because of Sara Ann Hobbs, and I am she moved to the North Carolina Baptist to 30 employees and just one of many who are grateful. NFJ
Thoughts 61 Questions Christians ask scientists What was the Star of Bethlehem?
BY PAUL WALLACE Something more unusual must have moti- trillion of them exist in the solar system, vated them to leave their homeland and and a remotely tiny fraction of them are here is only one passage in which the travel west. visible with the unaided eye. so-called Star of Bethlehem appears Comet periods — the times required in the Bible: Matthew 2:8-10. SUPERNOVA — Certain massive stars for a full orbit — span a vast range of values. T Halley’s Comet, for example, returns every We are told that “in the time of King die in dramatic blazes of radiation called Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem supernovas. These shine extremely brightly 75.3 years: It last passed through the inner of Judea, wise men from the East came to — a million times brighter than the original solar system in 1986 and will return in Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who star — for a month or two and then gradu- 2061. But most comets require much more has been born king of the Jews? For we ally fade. time to complete a single orbit. A bright comet could have passed observed his star at its rising, and have come Throughout recorded history several through the sky at the time of Jesus’ birth to pay him homage.’” supernovas have been witnessed by human and it may not be back for 10,000 years When Herod heard of this he grew beings with unaided or even much longer, if it returns at all. frightened and tried to deceive the wise eyes. The most recent men. He “sent them to Bethlehem, saying, occurred in February Astrologers everywhere would have noticed ‘Go and search diligently for the child; and 1987. Some believe it and found it significant, because before when you have found him, bring me word the Star of Bethlehem the scientific era comets were considered to so that I may also go and pay him homage.’ could have been such herald significant events. “When they had heard the king, they an event, but this One problem with this theory is that set out; and there, ahead of them, went the theory comes with the gospel writer described the object as a star that they had seen at its rising, until it two problems. star, and most comets appear as fuzzy blobs stopped over the place where the child was. First, there is and have long bright tails and look nothing When they saw that the star had stopped, no record in any world culture of a bright like stars. It’s possible, however, that the they were overwhelmed with joy.” supernova anywhere near the time of Jesus’ author or the ancient Greek language itself None of the other gospels mention the birth, and second, such an explosion would did not draw such a distinction. star, and no other biblical writings refer to it. have left behind a conspicuous telltale Also, comets were generally seen as But this one passage has proven sufficient to object called a supernova remnant. bad omens and portents of doom, which of drive a small industry of speculators, mathe- Any 2,000-year-old remnant would be course is not how the magi interpreted the maticians, astronomers and biblical scholars pretty easy for astronomers to find, unless star. to determine, as best they can, the precise the explosion occurred on the far side of nature of this celebrated celestial event. the Milky Way, in which case the super- PLANETARY CONJUNCTION — Many explanations have been put nova itself would not have been particularly An image of the sky as it appeared looking forward, and here are five of the top bright, if it could be seen at all. east-northeast from Palestine at 5 a.m. contenders: In any case, no remnant of that age on August 12, 3 BC, shows bright light has been uncovered in the part of the sky floating just above Leo’s paws. It is not one STAR — Normal stars do not appear visible to observers in the Near East. It thing, however, but two: Jupiter and Venus, suddenly from nowhere. The wise men, could have occurred in a nearby galaxy (like so close together that they could not be who were really magi or astrologers, were the Andromeda Galaxy), but this remains a resolved by the human eye. intimately familiar with the night sky and highly speculative theory. Planets wander through the sky and would not have been surprised or even occasionally pass one another; when two or particularly interested in the regular appear- COMET — Comets are icy bodies that more appear very close together it’s called a ance of even the brightest of known stars. orbit the sun. It is estimated that about a conjunction. This would have been notice-
Paul Wallace is a Baptist minister with a doctorate in experimental nuclear physics from Duke University and post-doctoral work in gamma ray astronomy, along with a theology degree from Emory University. He teaches at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga. Faith- science questions for consideration may be submitted to [email protected].
62 Feature able by anyone — Jupiter and Venus are the the most likely date for his birth is 4, not 3, *** two brightest planets in our sky — and the BC. Still, it seems quite plausible. So we have several options to choose from, wise men would have known this conjunc- and we could list others too: a heliacal rising LITERARY TROPE — A trope is any tion was coming, though they would not of a star, in which a bright star appears in commonly-used metaphor or symbol or have known precisely how close the planets the east just before sunrise; a double occul- literary motif. Old stories of the births of would eventually come to one another. tation that occurred in 6 BC, in which great kings and emperors often featured And, occurring as it did in Leo, it may Jupiter passed behind the moon twice in celestial events, whether or not these have signaled an event connected to royalty a short amount of time; and perhaps even events were historical. (the brightest star in Leo, below and just to some kind of UFO. Many legends concerning miracles and the left of Jupiter and Venus, is Regulus, as None of these theories come without portents were floating around the Roman in regal). logical or scientific problems, except for Empire at the time Augustus was born, in Since this conjunction happened in the literary trope. I leave it to you to decide 63 BC. Perhaps this tradition was picked up 3 BC, for some scholars it might not be which you like the most. I certainly don’t by Matthew. (Mark, widely believed to be taken seriously as a possible explanation for the first gospel written, makes no mention believe that this is a crucial point for Chris- the Star of Bethlehem. Was not Jesus born of the star or the magi.) tians to agree on; for me it lands in the in the year AD 1? Adding the star to the story would make ballpark of “fun to think and talk about but No. It has been known since the early the point that Jesus’ birth was important not to take too seriously.” th 17 century, when Johannes Kepler took up enough to alter history. It would also help Were I to pick a scientific explanation, the problem, that the Nativity occurred well place Jesus in the category of Son of God, however, I would favor the conjunction for its before this date. Depending on who you which was a name used by many powerful predictability and regal overtones, but when ask, Jesus was born anywhere between 8 and rulers in Rome and the ancient Near East. I read the Nativity narrative I usually do not 3 BC. Therefore, claims in the Gospels that think in strict literal or historical terms, so Although this particular theory has a lot Jesus was the Son of God carried political the literary trope also appeals to me. in its favor, it is not without one tiny problem: as well as religious weight. This final expla- Whichever theory appeals to you the Though Jesus could have been born anytime nation is the one favored by most biblical most, I wish you a very merry Christmas! between 8 and 3 BC, calculations show that scholars. NFJ
Feature 63 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].