As it turns out, in my infinite wisdom, I have misplaced my password for my daily blog - so, I'll transfer over for the 2 of you who are reading this (and for my own records for the year).
I'm over at Marla's tonight, hanging out and decompressing. I've been more angsty and sad today than I have been in awhile; I'm sure it's a combination of three things: 1) The lack of beautiful, shining rays of sun; 2) Sleeping too long (and too late) today and 3) Yet another rerun of House. I woke up and didn't want to do anything, and went to work (which I love) reluctantly. I had a nice heart-to-heart chat with the associate pastor (no sarcasm here - it was a helpful conversation) about visioning and what it would feel like to look back on "my" first program year. I'm excited to do it, but struck lately by how fast the time really does go. What are the kids learning? How do we know they're learning it?
I can begin to see projects unfolding in my mind; things I've wanted (and needed) to write are taking shape in my mind. I applied for a leadership position with MOSAIC (Methodist Students for an All-Inclusive Church). I feel like I need a strong sense of purpose outside of my position at Northminster - I miss my denomination. I need to be involved.
Aside from general winter angst, I had a moment in the car today as I was driving back from work - the song "Somebody's Knocking at the Door" by Paul McCartney came on, and I had this video come into my mind of all my gay and lesbian friends in ministries, taking care of people, living their lives - a video made for the church in a matter-of-fact way to ask why we're not being let in. It's still the same song, Paul - I wonder for how long though.
Along those lines, something happened during Sunday school that was beautifully innocent and powerful. We were playing the "web" game in which the kids were sharing about the gifts they saw in their friends, and one little boy (in 2nd or 3rd grade) turned to the boy standing by him and said, "I like you because you're cute!" Maybe that can be what I can appreciate for today. That and Marla, for letting me lounge around with her and be myself.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Pondering Evil & Sin
One of the things I feel we are lacking in seminary (at least the one I attend) is a better understanding of sin and evil (or, perhaps, a more comprehensive understanding - historically, theologically, biblically). I've been aware of this when talking about spirits and notions of sin in other cultural contexts, but it never felt quite enough to me.
While there is a certain mystery about explaining sin or evil - and the abstractness is sometimes enough to drive one insane - I thought it would be fun to hear from other folks about their understanding of evil. I've become more aware of it in the last year in answering my commissioning questions. I am not going through that process yet, but do think that some questions need to "simmer" longer theologically. The goal for this blog is not to have one definition trump another, but just to understand how other Christians perceive evil. As a Protestant, I bring a certain perspective - and as a United Methodist, I will try to approach it through Scripture, tradition, reason and experience.
To be honest, I've not gotten very far in my understanding of evil. Here is what I can articulate so far:
Evil, to me, is anything which enables isolation and destruction, either individually or systemically, to the will of God and the good of each other. When I tried to explain this to mom, she quickly called me out for being too vague (reason #267 why my mom is great to talk to about such things). Her understanding of evil has more to do with apathy- becoming detached from others and thinking that others no longer matter. I see this as stemming from selfishness and tending toward isolation at the expense of others.
I'd love to know what you all think, so feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at adrienne.trevathan@garrett.edu.
While there is a certain mystery about explaining sin or evil - and the abstractness is sometimes enough to drive one insane - I thought it would be fun to hear from other folks about their understanding of evil. I've become more aware of it in the last year in answering my commissioning questions. I am not going through that process yet, but do think that some questions need to "simmer" longer theologically. The goal for this blog is not to have one definition trump another, but just to understand how other Christians perceive evil. As a Protestant, I bring a certain perspective - and as a United Methodist, I will try to approach it through Scripture, tradition, reason and experience.
To be honest, I've not gotten very far in my understanding of evil. Here is what I can articulate so far:
Evil, to me, is anything which enables isolation and destruction, either individually or systemically, to the will of God and the good of each other. When I tried to explain this to mom, she quickly called me out for being too vague (reason #267 why my mom is great to talk to about such things). Her understanding of evil has more to do with apathy- becoming detached from others and thinking that others no longer matter. I see this as stemming from selfishness and tending toward isolation at the expense of others.
I'd love to know what you all think, so feel free to leave a comment or send me an email at adrienne.trevathan@garrett.edu.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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