Doghouse

Seven

I was eInterviewed by Pastor Dave Wainscott, alongside Len Hjalmarson, an intriguing writer whose work I am just getting to know.

The forum is open to all at:

http://3dff.com/php/viewtopic.php?t=2773


My answer to Seven Questions

1)You both have mentioned Parker Palmer and Wendell Berry. Convince someone who has not read these guys yet of the need to wrestle with their writing and thought.

Well, they have very unique lenses. I would say Wendell Berry brings an organic view of God and relationship...like from the rich mulch upward into human relationships. He is pastoral when it comes to Creation. As such, he almost single-handedly refutes those who hold a userous position regarding the Earth from a "Christian" position.

I also like his process in writing...it in itself is very organic and relational. He hand writes his books, then gives the pages to his wife who types them on a typewriter.

Parker Palmer is someone who answers the problem of cultural alienation and is a serious agent of reconciliation. His writings on a "Third Space" have deeply influenced me. In fact my first, and only novel to date is based deeply in that idea of creating a communal meeting place that is safe and open.

In person, he is a very warm and engaging man. He makes you want to go farther and deeper into Kingdom issues.

2)If you had a captive audience of all NorthAmerican megachurch pastors, who promised to carefully consider your advice, what would you say?

I would read them my fiction peace where Jesus who is held as captive audience in a broom closet of a Megachurch. It's very funny (I can hardly believe I wrote it) but serious at the same time.

I would commend them on their care for mass amounts of people, but ask them about the loss of depth and encouraging real union and transformation in Christ. I would challenge their "fortress mentality" in a gracious way and invite them to reach out in a more vulnerable fashion.

I would ask them to reintroduce the idea of regular people doing theology as a way of loving God instead of dumbing everything down.

Oh...and I would force them to watch a 14 hour powerpoint topical demonstration on some minute subject until all their eyes glazed over and they begged for mercy.

Then I would ask forgiveness for my arrogance.


3)What do you say to the "Blah, blah, postmodernism, emerging church, new reformation...just a fad."?

A reaction to commercialized Christianity meeting a new global community (via Internet). It's no fad. It is a strong reaction and a desire to find a new paradigm. That paradigm will thrive, but needs to be renewed in 25 years.

Emergent is not passive. It is relational.

We have moved away from reliance on propositional truthes (they still exist) into a strong spiritual hunger that can be enlivened by beauty, communication and art. Liturgy and the spoken Word of God are also key...but should be kept clean and simple.

Let's give the Holy Spirit some room to breath (as it were).

On the downside, as with any reaction, there may be some baby thrown out with the bathwater. let's hope it's not baby Jesus.

Rick Warren's church should trade him for Brian McLaren and three interns to be named later and just see what happens both places.

4)You are on a desert island and only allowed 2 books, 2 Cds, 2 mentors by phone once a month , and 2 live people. What/who are they? (Amazing you have a phone and CD player, huh?)

Okay. Bible and a Thomas Merton anthology. U2's Joshua Tree and The Who's Who's Next. Darrell Johnson (Preaching Prof at Regent) and Painter Rod Swenson. My daughter Camille (we do art together) and my youngest son Adam (who rocks).

5)What do you find are your most controversial beliefs, views, assumptions about church and/or culture?

Assumptions: That fear in general, and the fear of death specifically, are crucial in human psychology and culture, and that the three things which abide are faith, hope and love and they all come from God alone. And that everyone has some relationship with God even if it is apathy and unbelief.

Controversial: That I write novels were people actually have hot sex, swear like regular people, and also wrestle with God in dark nights of the soul.

Church: I have been to the "Center" and it is not Us. Christ is the Center. We simply suck.

6)What is the role of the pastor these days?

Same as always...protector, visionary, equipper (if that is a word) and nuturer. Often a wounded healer.

7)What is in the trunk of your car right now? (Hope it's not a who)

I don't have a trunk..I drive a Jeep.

In my Rocket Box on top there is charcoal, the "Bags o'Fun" (which have kites, beach towels, string, suntan lotion, squirt guns, a portable bubble machine, a steel bingo game, Uno, Authors game etc.) a wetsuit, a boogie board, anti-freeze, car stuff.

In my back back seat a rack to keep the dog back there, a round rack-thermos thingy for water and treats and two carpets to protect the main carpet if the Pooch lays a steamy pile of poop in the back.

I really hate it when that happens.

posted by Obi-Mac BakDon @ 5:08 PM