Definitions

Inward/Outward connection

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My previous post spoke about defining oneself as what you are rather than what you are not.

This morning, I boot up the computer to read the blog-o-sphere and this little jewel posted on Inward/Outward popped up.

I could not have said it better myself.


The truth is, until we have taken the time to discover and affirm who we really are and what we really want, we are left with only negative identities and negative passion. We define ourselves by what we are against, and so have negative, not creative, passion. We need something to rebel against or we don't feel like we exist. We need someone to rebel against or we don't feel passionate about anything.... We are comfortable with rebelling, but fearful of creating.
Source: 



Better ways to understand church talk...

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Part of the 'language' of my calling sounds really technical. What I have come to appreciate of some of the theologians I have read is their attempts to give a down to earth definition of some of the technical languages. There are two definitions which I have encountered over the last couple of months which I want to remember.

Theology - "God Talk" (Phylis Tickle) Which is great because everyone can talk about God therefore everyone is a theologian.

Liturgy - "Talking to God without getting killed" (Paraphrase of Annie Dillard) This is reminds me of the power of God and how, when I really think about it, when I really encounter God I become scared. For instance, when I really read the words of Jesus (lets say the Sermon on the Plain in Luke), I really become scared because, well lets face it, I am part of the cursed group. And so, "the set pieces of liturgy are certain words which people have successfully addressed to God without their getting killed." I am not too clear on this I know but I do not want to forget it.