From some things I've been reading, it seems the world is supposed to end in a couple of days, May 21st.
Nuts! Life's been pretty good lately. Also, my daughter won't be happy ... that is her birthday. Oh well!
So what do we make of these predictors of the "end?"
First I think these folks are rather arrogant, and, even biblically challenged. They claim to have inside religious info ... even more than Jesus, who said, "...about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mt. 24:36)
Second, as I understand it, one predictor of the end, still asked for money. I wonder why? I don't think they would need groceries if the world ended ... would they?
Finally, scare tactics seem to get more press than love language does. It seems scare tactics "sell" a little easier.
So, what am I going to do this Saturday ... attend a meeting ... talk with a gentleman about what it means to be a Lutheran Christian ... mow the lawn (I hope) ... and attend a niece's wedding. Sounds like a wonderfully full day.
See you Sunday :)
Pastor Dave Anderson
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Civility
The terrible tragedy of Saturday, January 8th has fueled much discussion.
We read, see and hear pundits clamor that our political conversations need to be more civil. Others clamor back that civility has nothing to do with a mentally ill young man intent on a murdering.
What is my take on this? I see both civility and mental illness as important in the converstion.
About civility ... who hasn't witnessed families, couples, organizations or congregations ripped apart by incivility? I bet we all have witnessed words wounding others deeply. Then, the deeply wounded taking out their own word arrows and aiming them sharply ... retaliating and escalating the diatribe. One concrete help in creating civil conversation might be to use an adaptation of the old golden rule ... speak to others as you would have them speak to you.
About mental illness ... too often psychiatry, counseling, or getting mental assistance are thought of as signs of weakness. I would offer the opposite. Knowing I need some help, or, getting help because those who love me ask me to, is a sign of strength. Just as a broken arm needs tending ... so does our mental health need tending.
As a Christian I believe we are called to be both civil, and, to advocate for mental health and the mentally ill.
We read, see and hear pundits clamor that our political conversations need to be more civil. Others clamor back that civility has nothing to do with a mentally ill young man intent on a murdering.
What is my take on this? I see both civility and mental illness as important in the converstion.
About civility ... who hasn't witnessed families, couples, organizations or congregations ripped apart by incivility? I bet we all have witnessed words wounding others deeply. Then, the deeply wounded taking out their own word arrows and aiming them sharply ... retaliating and escalating the diatribe. One concrete help in creating civil conversation might be to use an adaptation of the old golden rule ... speak to others as you would have them speak to you.
About mental illness ... too often psychiatry, counseling, or getting mental assistance are thought of as signs of weakness. I would offer the opposite. Knowing I need some help, or, getting help because those who love me ask me to, is a sign of strength. Just as a broken arm needs tending ... so does our mental health need tending.
As a Christian I believe we are called to be both civil, and, to advocate for mental health and the mentally ill.
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