Theology On Tap in the 'Burg

Body and Soul

Our next TOT gathering will be this coming Sunday, May 18th, at 7:00 PM at the Firehouse in Downtown Harrisburg.  You'll find directions, here.  I've asked for the back room so if you do not see us when you walk in, try looking for us at the back. 

Lisa suggested adornment or embodiment for our next topic.  Below you will find a reading from Weavings:  A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life.  This is from their September/October 2007 issue called "Considering the Body." 

"Glorify God in your body," Paul writes at the end of the sixth chapter of 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 6:20).

What?  In my body?

My body just recently turned fifty-eight years old.  I own quite a few things, some of which I've had for a long time, but my body is my oldest possession.....My body comes with a sort of lifetime guarantee:  its Maker promises that it will continue to function, in one way or another, as long as I'm alive (and vice versa), after which I will not need it anymore anyway.....

So my body is my means of glorifying God.  Indeed, my body is me glorifying God.  Stepping outside in the morning, feeling the sting of autumn with its hint of cold winter to come, rejoicing in the splendidly decorated trees, watching the squirrels go about the work God has given them, hearing my feet shuffle and crunch through the leaves on the ground, smelling the crisp, rich tang of fall, my body celebrates and worships our Creator.  It does not weigh my soul down but lifts it up, stimulates it to praise and adoration.  Only through my body have I known the wonder and goodness of the created world. 

In my daily dialog  with the Holy Spirit, my constant choosing (or refusing" to open up my life and my will to God's direction and God's love,  my body plays its part too.  Its love of pleasure is not only something to be monitored and restricted (since not everything that pleases it is good, and the mechanism of pleasure all to readily becomes that of addiction), but also something to be cherished and managed and nurtured, for my body delights in beauty and worship and the loving presence of other people.  If I am listening to God, I need to listen to the way God speaks through my body as well....."

    - an excerpt from an article written by David Rensberger, a New Testament professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Also take a look at these Scripture texts provided by Drew who often leaves comments on the blog (check out his comments too):

Deuteronomy 6:5
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might."

Proverbs 16:24
"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

Romans 12:1
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

1 Peter 2:11
"Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul." 

Some questions to ponder:

1. What do you think is the connection between body and soul?   How do the Scripture texts provided support or oppose your view?
2. What does it mean to worship God in the body?  How do we do that?  How do you do that? 
3. Can adornments (clothing, jewelry, tattoos, piercings) be a means of worshiping?  Why or why not?  How are adornments used? 

I'm looking forward to our conversation.  See you on Sunday!

Alternative Worship

We are gathering for Theology on Tap this coming Sunday, May 11th at 7:00 PM at El Sol (Mexican Food) in downtown Harrisburg.  Last Wednesday, April 30th, several of us gathered for a conversation about worship.  We were discussing how an alternative worship service at Market Square might look.  Below you will find the report from that gathering.  I am hoping you all will look over the report (which is a very formal word for "cleaned up notes") and come prepared to discuss it and your ideas for an alternative worship service.  You might want to think specifically about the 5 questions we posed to the group. 

__________

We met on Wednesday, April 30 at the Starbucks on Market St at 6:00 pm. Dale Laninga and Kelly Wiant-Thralls facilitated the discussion. The group of 8 persons ranged in age from 18 to 40, including one male, and all were Caucasian. Three persons were in their late teens, three persons were in their middle to late 20’s, one was early thirties and the other was 40ish. 4 persons were members of MSPC and four were not. Comments and thoughts from others unable to attend are included in this report.

 
There was a tangible sense of enthusiasm for the discussion. Several of the young adults said they had been searching for a worshipping community and had not yet been able to find one that was a good “fit.” There was not a lot of criticism for “traditional church.” Several said they had been raised in the traditional church and appreciated it. They like some of the hymns and remember them fondly from their childhood but the traditional style of worship is no longer a good fit. They expressed dislike for the “routine” of worship. There was a sense that every Sunday is essentially the same with very little variety in style, music, liturgy, emotion, or movement. Over and over again, the young people mentioned the need for variety.

 
We asked 5 questions:

1. When would you like to worship?
2. How would you like to worship?
3. Where would you like to worship?
4. Should food be included?
5. How often would you like to worship?

 
The responses to the questions are summarized below.  The notes and statements people made at our gathering or over e-mail are attached. 

 
When would you like to worship?

· The group suggested Sunday evenings between 5:00 and 7:00 PM because most people have returned from their weekend activities and are ready to begin focusing on the coming week.

· Thursday evening was also suggested but less desirable because people tend to be busy during the week. It was also mentioned that “weekdays don’t feel like church.”

 

How would you like to worship?

• A wide variety of music should be represented – anything from traditional hymns to Bob Marley. The group expressed love for old traditional hymns but did not want to sing them every week. The organ might be played only occasionally or not at all. A variety of instruments would also be important.  Music might not be distinctly “Christian” in nature.
• The setting or arrangement of the space might also vary. Round tables could be used one week to    encourage community building. Another week, the group might sit in a circle on chairs or on      pillows.
• The space and the worship service should engage a variety of senses using lighting, candles, artwork, icons and incense.
• The message (sermon) would be more informal. It might include a discussion, a reading, or participation from the congregation. The message should not be presented as if one person were the expert telling others what to do or think. It should be presented more as a discussion and offer a variety of perspectives.
• Many people should be involved in the worship leadership so that everyone can share their gifts. Worship should be participatory and even involve the body in movement.
• The worship service should include times of silence and reflection.
• It should be intimate, which doesn’t necessarily mean small. It would be important that people felt     welcome and that community formed around the worship gathering.
• The order of worship should vary. There was a real dislike of the consistent order most worship      services follow. It was suggested that each worship service might be slightly different so that you were not expecting the same rhythm every time you walked into worship.
• The worship service should not include creeds or doctrine. In fact, it might draw from other      traditions. This would mean Rumi’s (an ancient Sufi mystic) poems would be welcomed and read. A variety of meditation practices might be explored. The service would be “interspiritual”      or “integral” or open to a variety of practices and understandings of God.
• Worship should be a drama and engage the emotions. It might be based around a theme that      would carry from week to week. Emotions such as joy, anger, grief, would all be a part of worship      and explored.
• Worship should be relaxed and casual. People should be allowed to wear whatever they want without judgment.
• Worship should be understood as part of the faith journey. Worship itself should be a journey.
• Worship should have a sense of celebration even when quiet and reflective. There was the sense      that most worship services are too somber and routine.
• The worship service should include a diversity of people. “We don’t want to kick the old people out.” It should include people of all ages, races, and back grounds. A worship service of all young people is not that appealing.

 

 Where would you like to worship?

• The space needs to be flexible – not the sanctuary with all the pews facing one way
• Need one location for consistency and so people can find us. But there might be a way to encourage variety in our worshiping space. For instance, we might go outside on a nice day, esp. if our theme were finding God in creation.
• It might be important to worship in a space other than the church building, especially for those who are uncomfortable entering a church building. It will be hard for people to distinguish this alternative worship service from the traditional feel of Market Square.
• It was suggested that we have one space for worship and then consider having small groups that meet in homes. This would help vary the space as well as create intimacy.

Should food be involved?

• There was not a strong sense that food must be included but recognition that it might help build community.
• If food were included they suggested:

- It grow out of the service. For instance, a meal might flow out of a communion service.

- People could be encouraged to bring simple foods to share but no pressure to create a fancy pot-luck

- People could also take turns bringing food so that it does not become a burden

 
How often would you like to worship?

•  Almost everyone said every other week. They felt they were more likely to attend regularly if we gathered every other week.

Jargon

We are meeting this coming Sunday, April 27th at 7:00 PM at the Lancaster Brewing Company.  Here's an article from the Christian Century about religious language for your consideration. 

In interested in your thoughts on religious language. 

1. Most of us have grown up in one church or another.  Different traditions stress different words.  Which words were stressed in the church of your growing up years?  What did the words mean?  How do you relate to them how? 
2. Are there religious words that make you uncomfortable now?  Why? 
3. Do you think there are certain words that turn people off or make people uncomfortable?  Why? 
4. Should we and how do we reclaim language?

And for your edification, here's the definition of "instantiation."  I think the definition of "instantiation principle" is the one that applies to the Trinity.  (Confusing, I know!)

Hope to see you all on Sunday!

The Imago Dei

We have Theology on Tap this coming Sunday, April 13th at 7:00 PM at the Lancaster Brewing Company.  For directions, look at the posts below.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.  Here's this week's topic:

Last time we met, someone asked what it meant to say that humans are created in the Image of God (Imago Dei in Latin).  That's a great topic for discussion, so here are some readings. 

First, read Genesis 1.  (This is very important - one needs to start with Scripture, which is where the phrase "image of God" is found.)

Then, look at the wikipedia entry.  What I want you to read are the three common ways of understanding the imago dei:  substantive, relational, functional. 

And finally, read this from Faith Seeking Understanding:  An Introduction to Christian Theology by Daniel L. Migliore:

"In agreement with numerous twentieth-century theologians, i would contend that the symbol "image of God" describes human life in relationship with God and with other creatures.  In the first story of creation in Genesis, the statement "God created humankind in his own image" is followed by "male and female he created them."  (Gen. 1:27).  To be human is to live freely and gladly in relationships of mutual respect and love.  The existence of human creatures in relationship - the paradigmatic form of which is the coexistence of  male and female - reflects the life of God who eternally lives not in solitary existence but in community.  Thus the image of God is not to be construed primarily as a set of human faculties, possessions, or endowments.  It expresses self-transcending life in relationship with others - with the "wholly other" we call God, and with all those different "others" who need our help and whose help we also need in order to be with God intends us to be.

The image of God is not like an image permanently stamped on a coin.  It is more like an image reflected in a mirror.  That is, human beings are created for life in relationships that mirror or correspond to God's own life in relationship."

What is Theology?

Our next Theology on Tap gathering is this coming Sunday, March 30th at 7:00 PM at Lancaster Brewing Company.  The food, beer, and company were all good last time, so I figure we should try LBC again.  For directions, go here. 

It occurred to me, after Drew's thoughtful response to the last post, that we should probably back up and have a discussion about theology.  What is theology, exactly?  What is included in theology?  How do you do theology?  And who does theology? 

To spark conversation, I've pulled a reading out of Introduction to the Reformed Tradition by John H. Leith:

Theology in its broadest sense is critical reflection about the meaning of human existence and about the nature of the universe.  Christian theology is critical reflection about God, about human existence, about the nature of the universe and about faith itself in the light of the revelation of God recorded in Scripture and particularly embodied in Jesus Christ, who is for the Christian community the final revelation, that is, the definitive revelation which is the criteria for all revelations.  Every theology (others include Islamic theology), is based upon a faith commitment to what is conceived to be the revelatory event that is transparent and open to the ultimate nature of things.  The revelatory event is the event that makes all other events intelligible......

For Christians the critical revelatory event is Jesus Christ.  In his light, all other events become intelligible.  The Christian claim is that the presence of God in Jesus Christ does more justice to the facts of life, makes more sense out of life, and gives more meaning to life than any other "revelation" whatsoever. 

It is very important to note that every person lives [excuse the male language in this reading] his life in the light of certain experiences or events that reveal for him the real nature of human existence and the world.  Hence the primary theological question is one of self-examination.  Every critical person must ask:  what is the revelatory event or events in my life?  What is the experience or experiences that are the clue or clues for understanding all experiences?  The decision of faith is the decision as to which experience will provide the clue to the meaning of all other experiences.  Most "revelatory experiences" are not adequate to account for or to support human existence.  They reveal only false gods, only idols, that divide life and that in the end leave the believer desolate.  Most people are never so integrated that they live in the light of any one "revelation" but are torn by many conflicting "revelations." 

And for a little "real" theological reading, I invite you to read a little bit of John Calvin.  This is Calvin's theological explanation for how we come to know God and how we come to know ourselves.  The two are intertwined for Calvin.  Read only to the bottom of the first page.  It will be enough to give you the idea.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

TOT at Lancaster Brewing Company

We are meeting this coming Sunday, March 2nd, for Theology on Tap.  Let's try a new brewing company - Lancaster Brewing Company on 469 Eisenhower Blvd in Harrisburg.  For directions, go here.

Our article is from the Christian Century and written by Barbara Brown Taylor.  She's a phenomenal writer and preacher so please take the time to read it! 

Here are some questions to consider:

1. Have you ever had a similar circumstance in which you ran out of a basic necessity - heat, water, light, etc?  What did you do?  What did you learn from the experience?
2. Why does scarcity breed community?  Is this always true?  Why or why not?
3. At the end of the article, Barbara Brown Taylor states that this article is a theological article and challenges us to figure out why.  So why is it a theological article?  What are the theological issues presented?  How does it relate to the church, humanity, sin, God? 

I think that should be enough to get a lively conversation going.  Hope to see you on Sunday! 

Theology on Tap and Thai Food

This week, lets try something new!  We discussed alternative locations but never settled on one so I'm suggesting we try Bangkok 56 at 1917 Paxton Street in Harrisburg.  For directions go here.  I'll see you all this coming Sunday, Feb. 17th at 7:00 PM.  Bangkok 56 is BYOB so bring beer, wine, or whatever you'd like to drink with your yummy Thai food.

I've found an interesting article in the Christian Century.  Take a moment to read it and then reflect on these questions:

1. What do you think is our Christian responsibility to those in need, whether they are homeless or living in poverty?  Why?
2. How do you interact with homeless persons?  Do you tend to give money?  Ignore them?  What do you think a person should do when asked for money on the street?
3. Market Square is currently hosting the Downtown Emergency Winter Shelter.  This winter, over 250 people will stay in the shelter.  What do you think are the causes of homelessness? 
4. What should the churches be doing to address the issue of homelessness?  What should the City be doing?
5. The author of the article listed six ways people tend to respond to a problem.  Can you find yourself in that list?  How do you tend to react to a problem? 

Super Bowl Party!!!

At our last gathering someone delicately reminded me that Theology on Tap was scheduled for the night of the Super Bowl.  Oops. 

But not to fear!  Shawn generously offered his house and gigantic TV for a Super Bowl party.  We probably won't talk Theology but we'll enjoy food, beer, good company, and for those interested - a football game.  Here are the details:

When:  Sunday, Feb. 3rd from 5:45PM to whenever

Where:  Shawn and Ashley's house (I'll send directions over e-mail)

Bring:  If you'd like, bring a snack to share.  Shawn and Ashley plan to provide cheese & crackers, crab dip, chips, dip, and salsa, Mac & Cheese and beer and soda.  Shawn has Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and DogFish Head Raison D'Extra on tap.  He has a selection of bottled beers as well.  If you have something you want to drink, please bring that along.

Please let me know if you plan to attend so I can give Shawn an estimate.  I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

Lets talk about .......worship

Below you will find a reading from Tom Long's book, "Beyond the Worship Wars:  Building Vital and Faithful Worship."  Please take minute to read this before our gathering on Sunday and ponder the questions that follow.

"It is important to keep reminding ourselves of the strange truth that, odd as it my sound, worship is best measured not by how popular, inspirational, beautiful, educational, musically rich, poetic, or exciting it is.  Good worship often is all of these things, indeed true worship has its own beauty, takes dramatic shape, summons the best of language, music, and the arts, and powerfully lifts the human heart.  But if we make any of these qualities the goal or primary standard of worship, we have badly missed the point.  In essence, worship is what happens when people become aware that they are in the presence of the living God.  Trying to turn worship into something useful outside this encounter or attempts to make it cosmetically more appealing misunderstands its basic character.  Worship is and should be, to borrow theologian and worship scholar Marva Dawn's evocative phrase, "a royal waste of time."

In this way, worship is a lot like falling in love.  When someone falls head over heels for another, adoration flows naturally from the lover towards the loved one.  This adoration is not primarily about anything else, nor does it serve any utilitarian purpose outside the love relationship.  Indeed, in the presence of the loved one, the lover cannot help but adore, and apart from the beloved, nothing can provoke adoration - not perfume or soft music or dim lights or wine and roses.......

Now having said this, we can look at the other side of the coin.  It is true that worship is primarily about the presence of God and not about human need, but it follows that people do need to worship because people need to be in relationship with God.  In this sense, therefore, worship does meet human need and is, in a profound way, both attractive and useful.  This understanding of how worship meets human need is quite different from the "market research" approach.  We are not making a list of human tastes and desires and then trying to figure out how to pound the pegs of worship into those holes.  Rather, we are working in the other direction, asking how authentic worship evokes from us what is genuinely human and satisfies our deepest longings. 

Putting these ideas once again in bluntly practice terms, it would be possible to design worship services with glitter appeal, services that would draw a crowd (and many churches have impressively done so).  Such worship would probably be high on entertainment value, would perhaps address the loneliness in our culture by helping people feel a part of a group, and would be worth the time spent because it would provide practical tools for facing the problems of daily living.  But for all its attractiveness, such an event would not be true worship, not only because our needs for entertainment, intimacy, and self-help can be met as well or better in other places, but also because these are not, when all is said and done, our very deepest needs."

1. Why do you think people come to worship?
2. Why do you personally go to church?
3. What do you think of Tom Long's analogy of worship as a love relationship? 
4. Do you think that is true for most people - that they worship because they are in love with God and being in love with God invokes worship?
5. How does worship meet human needs?  What do you believe are our "deepest needs?"
6. The book, "Beyond the Worship Wars" is about just that, trying to move beyond the debate over "contemporary" and "traditional" worship.  Do you have a preferred way of worshiping?  What would your "ideal" worship service look like?  What elements would it contain?  What kind of music?  What would you do?  Hear?  See?  Smell?

I'm looking forward to seeing you all at 7:00 PM this Sunday (Jan. 20th) at the Appalachian Brewing Company! 

2008 Winter/Spring Dates

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that the New Year brings you great joy! 

Now that I have returned from sabbatical and settled in again after the holiday's, its time to get organized so I'm proposing dates for our Theology on Tap gatherings.  Please add these to your calendars.

We'll continue to meet at the Appalachian Brewing Company at 7:00 PM, unless someone has another idea.  I am open to suggestions!  Would you all be interested in a place that is BYOB?  That might increase our options.

Here are the dates:

January 20th
February 3rd
February 17th
March 2nd
March 30th
April 13th
April 27th

I'll post more information and an article before our January 20th gathering.