I have known for years how much our mindsets shape all of our perceptions.
But the word "mindset"struck me in a new way this morning.
To have a MIND-SET is to actually have your MIND SET...i.e, CLOSED!
Institutions by their very nature foster a certain mindset, are protective of the status quo, and do not nurture innovation. Their "corporate culture" tends to be SET.
Back in the 60's some of us seminarians envisaged multi-media worship services.
It is 2013, and worship services have changed very little, with the exception that many of the larger churches have "big screens"; but they are mainly used to project the words of hymns, scripture verses, and to enlarge the image of the "performers" (singers and the preacher!) ...the same old format with a magnifying glass!
Our society and culture is now changing at warp speed.
And denominations and the old ways of doing church are as obsolete as the pony express.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
ZOMBIE DENOMINATIONS
Have you heard of "Zombie churches?"
The writer Carol Howard Merritt had a recent post (6/18/13) in the Christian Century in which she discussed the issue of zombie churches--congregations that are 'dead' but have enough endowment to keep the doors open.
I would submit that, even more than individual churches, it is the denominational structures that are dead.
The fact is that the doctrinal differences between denominations have become far less significant than the ethical and cultural differences within the denominational memberships; for example, the preferred mode of baptism is a far less divisive issue than views about gay marriage.
When we moved back to Virginia in 2003, I decided to avoid the local Baptist churches and attended a small Presbyterian church. There I became active in a small Sunday School class of Baby Boomers. The variety of denominational backgrounds was rich and varied, including one who was a former student for the priesthood. I was particularly intrigued by the open attitude of a former Catholic who said she was still disturbed by the nuns who taught her not to bite down on the "host," lest she cause it to bleed. There was only one in this class who seemed wed to the denominational "line."
Yes, this was a group of Boomers who were "searchers." And it was the discussions in this class that demonstrated to me how meaningless the denominational labels have become.
I believe denominations are dead but don't know it ("zombies") for two main reasons: history and wealth.
Those involved in the denominations are invested in the history and identity of that particular denomination.
And they want to hold onto the use and control of that denomination's assets.
I remained a "Baptist" for so long because I held to the historic principle that each person had the right to interpret their own conscience (which most baptists no longer practice), and I felt my long term history as a Baptist gave me a stronger voice among other Baptists (it did not!)
I have not given up on denominations easily. When we moved to Vermont in 1998, I joined a United Church of Christ ("God is still speaking") congregation, and when we moved to Raleigh in 2010, we joined a Unitarian Universalist (not sure there is a god who can speak) congregation.
I no longer have any desire to participate in any denomination, and I no longer choose to identify with any organized religion, so by default I would be considered a "None."
PS: However, as the great Syracuse University educator Sol Gordon pointed out: "To label is to disable."
The writer Carol Howard Merritt had a recent post (6/18/13) in the Christian Century in which she discussed the issue of zombie churches--congregations that are 'dead' but have enough endowment to keep the doors open.
I would submit that, even more than individual churches, it is the denominational structures that are dead.
The fact is that the doctrinal differences between denominations have become far less significant than the ethical and cultural differences within the denominational memberships; for example, the preferred mode of baptism is a far less divisive issue than views about gay marriage.
When we moved back to Virginia in 2003, I decided to avoid the local Baptist churches and attended a small Presbyterian church. There I became active in a small Sunday School class of Baby Boomers. The variety of denominational backgrounds was rich and varied, including one who was a former student for the priesthood. I was particularly intrigued by the open attitude of a former Catholic who said she was still disturbed by the nuns who taught her not to bite down on the "host," lest she cause it to bleed. There was only one in this class who seemed wed to the denominational "line."
Yes, this was a group of Boomers who were "searchers." And it was the discussions in this class that demonstrated to me how meaningless the denominational labels have become.
I believe denominations are dead but don't know it ("zombies") for two main reasons: history and wealth.
Those involved in the denominations are invested in the history and identity of that particular denomination.
And they want to hold onto the use and control of that denomination's assets.
I remained a "Baptist" for so long because I held to the historic principle that each person had the right to interpret their own conscience (which most baptists no longer practice), and I felt my long term history as a Baptist gave me a stronger voice among other Baptists (it did not!)
I have not given up on denominations easily. When we moved to Vermont in 1998, I joined a United Church of Christ ("God is still speaking") congregation, and when we moved to Raleigh in 2010, we joined a Unitarian Universalist (not sure there is a god who can speak) congregation.
I no longer have any desire to participate in any denomination, and I no longer choose to identify with any organized religion, so by default I would be considered a "None."
PS: However, as the great Syracuse University educator Sol Gordon pointed out: "To label is to disable."
Monday, July 22, 2013
THE ULTIMATE BLASPHEMY
As a child, like most, I had a natural inclination to ask questions.
However, I soon learned that my fundamentalist church discouraged questions -- particularly about God and the Bible. I was even led to believe that to question anything in the Bible or about God was blasphemous and the work of the devil.
Ironically, I now believe that the ultimate blasphemy is to tell a child that they should not ask questions...about God, the Bible, or whatever.
The freedictionary on-line defines blasphemy as:
"a. A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God."
What is more sacred than a child?
Who is anyone to tell a child that they should not ask that question.
To tell a child to stop asking questions is actually an attempt to kill their imagination.
Interestingly, if you believe like the fundamentalist that the Bible is literally true and infallible, you believe that Genesis teaches that humanity was created in the image of God. My Hebrew in seminary over 40 years ago was never very good, and I can't even recite the Hebrew alphabet from memory, so it is for others to debate the actual meaning of the orginal text. But I like to believe that humanity is a product of God's imagination. And if that is so, what could be more sacred about our own life than our imagination?
However, I soon learned that my fundamentalist church discouraged questions -- particularly about God and the Bible. I was even led to believe that to question anything in the Bible or about God was blasphemous and the work of the devil.
Ironically, I now believe that the ultimate blasphemy is to tell a child that they should not ask questions...about God, the Bible, or whatever.
The freedictionary on-line defines blasphemy as:
"a. A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God."
What is more sacred than a child?
Who is anyone to tell a child that they should not ask that question.
To tell a child to stop asking questions is actually an attempt to kill their imagination.
Interestingly, if you believe like the fundamentalist that the Bible is literally true and infallible, you believe that Genesis teaches that humanity was created in the image of God. My Hebrew in seminary over 40 years ago was never very good, and I can't even recite the Hebrew alphabet from memory, so it is for others to debate the actual meaning of the orginal text. But I like to believe that humanity is a product of God's imagination. And if that is so, what could be more sacred about our own life than our imagination?
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
LIZARD BRAIN RELIGION
The most primitive part of our brain, referred to as the reptilian or "lizard" brain, is our protector. It is constantly seeking our survival by evaluating our environment for threats. It is fear-based and the source of our stress response--commonly called the "fight-or-flight" response.
Dr. Paul MacLean, a research psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health, originated the concept of the lizard brain with his Triune Brain theory which he proposed in 1973. He saw the structure of the human brain reflective of three evolutionary eras:
* the Protoreptilian formation (lizard brain)
* the Paleomammalian formation (limbic system...feeling)
* the Neomammalian formation (neo-cortex...thinking)
The November 2011 issue of Vanity Fair explained this theory in an article that highlighted the work of Dr. Peter Whybrow, a British neuroscientist at U.C.L.A. Noting that the human brain evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, the article quoted Dr. Whybrow: "We've got the core of the average lizard." The article explained that the brain core is wrapped around by a second layer which facilitates feeling and social interaction, followed by a third layer which enables memory and abstract thought. As Whybrow was quoted, "The only problem is our passions are still driven by the lizard core."
For those who subscribe to this triune theory, it is commonly understood that the reptilian and limbic brains have a far greater effect on the neo-cortex than vice versa. In practical terms, the heart always seem to win most any conflict with our head.
How does this relate to religion? My personal story provides a demonstration.
I was raised in a fundamentalist Baptist church, where I heard the "Gospel" message at a very early age.
I was told I was a sinner and deserved to be punished in hell (which God's righteous judgment required.
However, I was also told that God loved me and had arranged a way for me to escape that punishment, by allowing his perfect son Jesus to die on the cross and be punished in my place...
BUT...
I needed to accept Jesus as my "Personal Savior" in order to be saved. If I didn't accept Jesus, I would be doomed to hell forever.
What do you think my lizard brain decided? Duh...I chose Jesus.
That "Gospel" message is what psychologists call a "double message."
God loves you...BUT!
The rational brain can see the problems with this message; its power lies in its appeal to the lizard brain.
So religion that is rooted in fear is "Lizard Brain Religion."
Dr. Paul MacLean, a research psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health, originated the concept of the lizard brain with his Triune Brain theory which he proposed in 1973. He saw the structure of the human brain reflective of three evolutionary eras:
* the Protoreptilian formation (lizard brain)
* the Paleomammalian formation (limbic system...feeling)
* the Neomammalian formation (neo-cortex...thinking)
The November 2011 issue of Vanity Fair explained this theory in an article that highlighted the work of Dr. Peter Whybrow, a British neuroscientist at U.C.L.A. Noting that the human brain evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, the article quoted Dr. Whybrow: "We've got the core of the average lizard." The article explained that the brain core is wrapped around by a second layer which facilitates feeling and social interaction, followed by a third layer which enables memory and abstract thought. As Whybrow was quoted, "The only problem is our passions are still driven by the lizard core."
For those who subscribe to this triune theory, it is commonly understood that the reptilian and limbic brains have a far greater effect on the neo-cortex than vice versa. In practical terms, the heart always seem to win most any conflict with our head.
How does this relate to religion? My personal story provides a demonstration.
I was raised in a fundamentalist Baptist church, where I heard the "Gospel" message at a very early age.
I was told I was a sinner and deserved to be punished in hell (which God's righteous judgment required.
However, I was also told that God loved me and had arranged a way for me to escape that punishment, by allowing his perfect son Jesus to die on the cross and be punished in my place...
BUT...
I needed to accept Jesus as my "Personal Savior" in order to be saved. If I didn't accept Jesus, I would be doomed to hell forever.
What do you think my lizard brain decided? Duh...I chose Jesus.
That "Gospel" message is what psychologists call a "double message."
God loves you...BUT!
The rational brain can see the problems with this message; its power lies in its appeal to the lizard brain.
So religion that is rooted in fear is "Lizard Brain Religion."
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
ARE YOU RELIGIOUS?
While pastor of Lynchburg, Virginia's First Baptist Church, I was assigned authorship of the religion column for the September 5, 1992 edition of The News and Advance. I recently came across a copy of that article and thought it provided helpful background for what I've been chewing on in this blog. It follows as printed:
ARE YOU RELIGIOUS?
Let's do away with religion!"
Who would make such a suggestion? Obviously -- one who is either a subversive revolutionary or mentally deranged. In either case, that person might become dangerous to society if they were taken seriously...and so it was that the authorities decided to silence a young rabbi by execution almost 2,000 years ago.
Yes, Jesus of Nazareth sought to free people from the bondage of religion -- for religion always tends to enslave people by imposing a system of thinking and acting (dogma and ritual) which is intended to invoke the divine blessing.
Over in Buckingham County, there is a religious community, known as Yogaville, which tries to promote unity among all religions. Their motto is "Truth is one, paths are many." Indeed, there are many paths which which religions promote as the way to find God. And it is in this sense that Jesus sought to do away with religion -- for religion is the human enterprise which seeks to look fo God.
In contrast to the religious approach, Jesus taught that God was looking for humanity, and announced, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15) The good news is that you do not have to find the way to God; God has found the way to you! The good news would later be interpreted this way: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8).
Religion assumes that God is remote and angry and must be appeased by some ritual and/or sacrifice; even worse, religion tends to promote the individual assumption that God is against you. In direct contrast, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the proclamation that God is for you because God loves you (John 3:16), even as the father loved his prodigal son. (See Luke 15: 11-32).
Perhaps you are very religious and are doing your best to know God. That is certainly your privilege. But if religion turns you off, consider the prospect that God has visited humanity and offered a love that knows no limits through Jesus the Christ: "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me." (Rev.3:20) You do not need to find your way to God; you simply need to respond to the love of God which is at your door.
ARE YOU RELIGIOUS?
Let's do away with religion!"
Who would make such a suggestion? Obviously -- one who is either a subversive revolutionary or mentally deranged. In either case, that person might become dangerous to society if they were taken seriously...and so it was that the authorities decided to silence a young rabbi by execution almost 2,000 years ago.
Yes, Jesus of Nazareth sought to free people from the bondage of religion -- for religion always tends to enslave people by imposing a system of thinking and acting (dogma and ritual) which is intended to invoke the divine blessing.
Over in Buckingham County, there is a religious community, known as Yogaville, which tries to promote unity among all religions. Their motto is "Truth is one, paths are many." Indeed, there are many paths which which religions promote as the way to find God. And it is in this sense that Jesus sought to do away with religion -- for religion is the human enterprise which seeks to look fo God.
In contrast to the religious approach, Jesus taught that God was looking for humanity, and announced, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1:15) The good news is that you do not have to find the way to God; God has found the way to you! The good news would later be interpreted this way: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8).
Religion assumes that God is remote and angry and must be appeased by some ritual and/or sacrifice; even worse, religion tends to promote the individual assumption that God is against you. In direct contrast, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was the proclamation that God is for you because God loves you (John 3:16), even as the father loved his prodigal son. (See Luke 15: 11-32).
Perhaps you are very religious and are doing your best to know God. That is certainly your privilege. But if religion turns you off, consider the prospect that God has visited humanity and offered a love that knows no limits through Jesus the Christ: "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me." (Rev.3:20) You do not need to find your way to God; you simply need to respond to the love of God which is at your door.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
THEOLOGIANS
When I was in seminary over 40 years ago, I studied enough systematic theology to realize that I would never be a theologian.
Some years later I learned that Sam Keen, who had been a seminary professor early in his career, chose not to pursue theology when his first sabbatical came up. He knew that to be regarded as a theologian, he needed to study in Germany. But he chose, instead, to go to Esalen...probably another reason I respect his free spirit.
At any rate, I recently came across one of his talks on You Tube in which he shares the following description:
"A theologian, or religious person, is like a blind person,
in a dark room,
looking for a black cat...
that isn't there...and finding."
Like all analogies, this one has its problems. But it reminds me that all discussions of spirituality need to begin with humility.
In that same talk, Sam also disparages those who would claim to be spiritual but not religious.
However, the SBNR concept still appeals to me:
I'm not very spiritual, but I want to be more congruent, grounded and centered;
I have no desire to be religious.
Some years later I learned that Sam Keen, who had been a seminary professor early in his career, chose not to pursue theology when his first sabbatical came up. He knew that to be regarded as a theologian, he needed to study in Germany. But he chose, instead, to go to Esalen...probably another reason I respect his free spirit.
At any rate, I recently came across one of his talks on You Tube in which he shares the following description:
"A theologian, or religious person, is like a blind person,
in a dark room,
looking for a black cat...
that isn't there...and finding."
Like all analogies, this one has its problems. But it reminds me that all discussions of spirituality need to begin with humility.
In that same talk, Sam also disparages those who would claim to be spiritual but not religious.
However, the SBNR concept still appeals to me:
I'm not very spiritual, but I want to be more congruent, grounded and centered;
I have no desire to be religious.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Sittin' and Goin' Nowhere
It's been a good while since I posted anything.
I feel like I've been sitting, going nowhere.
I could blame my malaise on battle fatigue, coping with my only son who struggles with Asperger's and teenage hormones. But my dark night of the soul goes deeper.
Living in Raleigh and seeing all the self-absorbed churches seeking new members is depressing. For example, there are 11 Southern Baptist Churches within a 5-mile radius of where I am sitting.
I can relate to Robert Redford's character in the movie, "An Unfinished Life."
After his granddaughter is rude to the visiting sheriff, he makes it clear that she is to be respectful to anyone that comes to his door...unless it is someone trying to "sell their angle on God...there's no excuse for that s*#t."
Of course, I'm rather stuck with self-absorption myself, and the "world seems too much with us."
Sometimes, perhaps it's good enough just to make it through the day.
Recently I heard a country song that pretty much describes how I've been feeling.
It's sung by Andie MacDowell during John Travolta's movie "Michael" with these lyrics:
I'm sittin' on the side of the road
in the middle of nowhere
I don't know where I'm goin'
But I hope I know it when I get there
Meanwhile, I hear the question of childhood:
Are we there yet?
I feel like I've been sitting, going nowhere.
I could blame my malaise on battle fatigue, coping with my only son who struggles with Asperger's and teenage hormones. But my dark night of the soul goes deeper.
Living in Raleigh and seeing all the self-absorbed churches seeking new members is depressing. For example, there are 11 Southern Baptist Churches within a 5-mile radius of where I am sitting.
I can relate to Robert Redford's character in the movie, "An Unfinished Life."
After his granddaughter is rude to the visiting sheriff, he makes it clear that she is to be respectful to anyone that comes to his door...unless it is someone trying to "sell their angle on God...there's no excuse for that s*#t."
Of course, I'm rather stuck with self-absorption myself, and the "world seems too much with us."
Sometimes, perhaps it's good enough just to make it through the day.
Recently I heard a country song that pretty much describes how I've been feeling.
It's sung by Andie MacDowell during John Travolta's movie "Michael" with these lyrics:
I'm sittin' on the side of the road
in the middle of nowhere
I don't know where I'm goin'
But I hope I know it when I get there
Meanwhile, I hear the question of childhood:
Are we there yet?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)