February 19, 2004

The DaVinci Code

Well, in the midst of all the leadership reading, I needed to do something entertaining. So, I read this. You need to realize that the author presents himself as an historian. I’m thinking “not so much”. There was a presentation in the community, so I attended that. Jim Kenney, involved with Interreligious Insight actually had some really interesting things to say (not really about the book – but some other stuff – keep reading!). He covered the ‘historical’ aspects and talked about the Gnostic gospels (after 15 minutes, I was bored)

But – the most interesting part was the beginning as he talked about cultural values. (Paraphrasing from the presentation and written materials sent to me.) He spoke about the declining values in our society. Values like patriarchy, exploiting the planet, “warhawk” are declining. There are other values that are now increasing – liberation of women, “greening” of global values, concern for social and economic justice. The wave that is increasing and the wave that is decreasing are crossing now. This creates an enormous amount of stress. The waves are crossing and it’s very turbulent and there are several results that may happen – but as the wave energy continues, it should get easier. But for now, we’re living in a time of great disruption in our societies. The future is unknown.

This really connected with me. I mean – it helps explain the societal issues and stresses that we are now seeing explode around us. By looking at these changing values and the turbulence, I wonder if we can be more reactive to the issues that it brings up for us (and congregations if we’re working in churches). Some of the desire is that church stay the same in the changing world – my question – how can church remain a place of safety for people and not get stuck in an antiquated system?

Posted by Heather Voss at February 19, 2004 12:35 PM
Comments

Isn't the appeal of an antiquated system its comfort? Why is it antiquated? Because we've always done it that way. Why do we always do it that way? Because it's comfortable.

It seems to me that the appeal of fundamental, patriarchal churches is that they offer easy, well-defined and safe answers. Hence the desire for the church to remain static and "holy" in a changing and "unholy" world.

The waves and turbulence are very good metaphors. I like it.

Posted by: Todd at February 19, 2004 04:11 PM

I agree that waves are a good metaphor.

What this really makes me think about though is the relationship between these changing values, which represent, I think, a more global lifestyle and the the changing values that are more often pointed out, like sexual choices, violence, good manors and exceptance of the aformentioned, which seem abit more local or regional.

I would have to point out the that there seems to be a questionability [is that a word?] about wether either of these is positive or negative.

* I wish this thing had a spellcheck *

Posted by: djweso at February 20, 2004 05:32 PM

And that there is the problem. Is the revealed word a "revealed word" or an antiquated system? This is a challenge to be sure...and always at the crux of any lberal vs conservative religious argument. You pegged it.

So, now what? How do you bring along those who seek faith for saftey's sake? When do you realize when that is all you are doing? These are all important question. And when did saftey in a changing world become a bad thing?

Posted by: Tripp at February 21, 2004 07:49 AM

It was really interesting to listen as jim started the presentation and brought up "changing values". I started to roll my eyes and think, "oh, no - here we go into the world of sexuality." but when it turned out to be this, i was more more excited.

and, for the most part, i think that some of the changes are good ones - thinking about war, equality for all people, respecting the earth. so, we are changing, but have realized that this change allows for respect for all of God's creation.

i think that the church does need to provide safety. (i thought that that was clear in the first post...) my fear is that we (the church) will not change so that we can be safe (pointed to in tripp's question about faith and safety). how can the church provide the safe place to reflect on the world's changes. how can the church listen to God's constant revelation in the world? respond to the Spirit working in the people?

Posted by: heather at February 21, 2004 10:26 AM