Previous Post -Future of the Emerging Church

When I stepped out of the theatre after watching James Cameron’s record breaking film “Avatar”, I was conflicted.  Without question this movie raised the bar with respect to the experience of cinema.  It was visually stunning and engaging.  It kept my attention and, on the merits of the brilliant technology used for the 3D experience, I was drawn into the science fiction world of the Na’vi people.  If you are going to see this film at all, it should be seen on the big screen in 3D.

That being said, I also left feeling dissatisfied and, frankly, pissed off.  First, there was this nagging feeling that I had seen this film before, some scenes explicitly familiar.  It was only later when a friend mentioned “Fern Gully” that it became laughingly clear.  (If you haven’t seen “Fern Gully”, but have seen Avatar, it would worth the laugh to watch it to see the parallels).  I was also bothered by how both the “good guys” and the “bad guys” were portrayed.  The Na’vi culture seemed like a pop culture buffet of indigenous worldviews, dripping of the “noble savage” that I thought we had long since moved past.  The military men were so evil, I half expected them rub their hands together maniacally and break out in a Bela Lugosi laugh.  I had hoped for (though not expected) something of more substance in this visual masterpiece.  And I was disappointed.

Recently, the film has drawn fire from Conservatives who denounce the film for a liberal propaganda machine designed to push some nefarious agenda.  Scot McKnight points out 5 complaints about the film, asking for his readers input (for which this post is my extended reply).  Note, I’ve changed the order Scot listed them, putting “Worship of nature” directly after “Pro-environment”, as I feel they strongly inform each other:

• Pro-environment
• Worship of nature
• Anti-religious
• Liberal, left-wing agenda
• Anti-military

Pro-environment: There is no question that the current cultural interest in environmentalism is foundational in this films message.  While I am sure that Cameron believes in this cause, I’m also convinced that it was included because it is a highly marketable idea these days.  As someone who believe that we are not caring for creation in the way God mandated us to, I resonate with this theme.  However, I am not an “environmentalist” per se.  I believe that Christians need to understand and practice a relationship to creation that surpasses the activism of the environmentalism, even though I believe it is an issue of injustice that Scripture requires us to respond to.  I think people (both Christian and otherwise) are looking for something beyond the activism, which leads into the next point.

Worship of nature: Cameron’s generous blending of shallowly appropriated indigenous culture/belief with popular environmentalism is quite apparent from the get go.  There is no question that the Na’vi people of Pandora hold to a pantheistic belief system that is informed by Gaia-type worship.  This connects well with the environmentalist theme, as the Gaia hypothesis has been a notable influence in the movement.  From a Christian standpoint, there are beliefs put forth that are clearly contrary to what we believe.  While this should makes us more intentional about talking about such differences, I don’t see that they should be viewed as a threat.

However, we should make note of this synthesis of environmentalism and spirituality.  As mentioned above, there is a clear longing in our culture for something deeper to inform our environmental convictions.  I believe this is borne from an undefinable conviction that we are connected to creation on a spiritual level.  Not in a Gaian, new age sort of way.  Rather, our connection to creation as laid out in Scripture has been lost to the often gnostic leanings of Western Christianity.  If Cameron’s film is a threat, it is because we have failed to offer a meaningful alternative.  So much more could be said about this one, but for the sake of space, I’ll move on.

Anti-religious: After the last point, this one seems even more ridiculous.  At best, this critique comes from an understanding of religion as highly formalized institutions (which makes the integrative spirituality of the Na’vi suspect).  At it worst, this critique is borne from a fear of any idea or belief that is not explicitly Christian- and by Christian, I mean Western, modern Christianity.  In an increasingly pluralistic world, Christians need to learn to better relate to people with differing beliefs.  This is not to say we should not argue convincingly for our own convictions, but rather recognize and address the posture of suspicion and fear that informs our responses.

Again, Cameron shallowly picks and chooses from indigenous beliefs here, offering a romanticized mishmash of spirituality.  This, in itself, is a greater threat to people than the actual beliefs themselves.  I would rather people explore a spiritual belief system in depth than to be lured into something through romantic and shallow appropriation of ideas.  I suspect that many people have embraced Christianity for the same reasons, usually to ultimately ill effects for the larger Church.

Liberal, left-wing agenda: This complaint has two parts.  To the first, that the film is liberal, there is no question.  By this I mean that there are values that are championed in the film that are more commonly (though no exclusively) championed on the political left.  Cameron doesn’t strike me as a man whose politics would be too hard to pin down.  However, as someone who doesn’t fall clearly into either the so-called “right” or “left”, there is not threat here.  If you equate Christian belief with a predominantly right-wing political stance, then we disagree strongly and this point is moot (as it is if you equate Christianity with the left).  Let us also not forget the marketability of left leaning ideas in films, clearly influencing the direction the film would take.

As for it having a “left-wing agenda”, I can only roll my eyes.  Whenever we want to demonize something, all we have to do is accuse them of having an “agenda”, colouring the whole thing in a questionable, conspiratorial light.  If Cameron had an agenda with this film, I suspect it would be for it to be commercially and popularly successful.  Would he be happy if the film made people more mindful of environmental issues or military policy?  Of course, but I hardly think that was at the top of his list nor worthy of accusations of subversion.  Like other religious beliefs, we have to learn to live alongside other political ideologies as well, careful not to demonize (or venerate) any one perspective.

Anti-military: As a Christian with strong Franciscan and Anabaptist leanings, I hold a strong critique of military powers and of violence in particular.  That being said, I did feel that the characterization of the military in the film was over the top.  While Cameron says he was not trying to parallel the US military, I cannot see how it would be possible for any viewer to NOT come to that conclusion.  In addition to the disrespect it shows to honest soldiers, it allows us the scapegoat of identifying “sin” in only extreme categories, thus freeing us from responsibility.  Further, as someone who advocates non-violence, any caricatures undermine meaningful discussion about the myth of redemptive violence.  While this film takes advantage of the publics disillusionment with military involvement in Iraq, it is by no means anti-war.  Though not unexpected, it was still disappointing.

Much more could be said about this film, such as the white man still being the ultimate hero, identifying with the indigenous people in well-intentioned, but incredibly condescending ways.  As I said earlier, it was a visually stunning epic that kept my attention like few other films have.  Should we uncritically embrace its message?  Of course not.  In all things we need to be discerning and careful.  Should we dismiss it or embrace it as mere entertainment?  Only at our own peril.  Movies function as a deeply influential mythology in our culture, shaping the way we think and act.  Again, we need to discerning and careful.  However, to use this film as ammo to fire at our perceived political and/or religious adversaries is both foolish and counter-productive.

Previous Post – Magnificat: Christ Born(e) In Us

After many years of coaxing, pleading, bargaining & outright mockery, my family has finally come to terms with the fact that, when buying me gifts, I am truly happy with just books.  Now they refer to my Amazon Wish List instead.  And so, this Christmas has been another opportunity for me to add to my ever growing reading list.  I thought I would give you the run down:

“Introducing The Missional Church:What It Is, Why It Matters, How to Become One” by Alan Roxburgh & M. Scott Boren

What excites me most about this book is that it is so very accessible without compromising on the quality and depth of the content.  It is also a very good place for people to start when new to the ideas and practices of missional church.  Scot McKnight has been saying a great deal of good things about this book, such as this post, looking at it alongside Guder’s “Missional Church”.  This book is well worth getting your hands on.  In fact, I may buy another copy just to lend out!

“Sidewalks In the Kingdom: New Urbanism & the Christian Faith” by Eric Jacobsen

For anyone familiar with the New Urbanism (and our very real need to for it in cities through Canada & the US), this book is amazing.  Theological, practical and very missional, this book is ideal for urban churches that want to help create, defend and nurture genuine communities.  Little Flowers Community has been exploring this for some time, so I am excited to learn from this exciting book.

“ChurchMorph: How Megatrends Are Reshaping Christian Communities” by Eddie Gibbs

What drew me to this book were the chapter on “Urban Engagement” and “Resurgent Monasticism”, as both speak very strongly to some of the dynamics at Little Flowers Community.  However, the whole book offers some very telling insights into cultural trends the church must be aware of.

“Free For All: Rediscovering the Bible in Community” by Tim Conder & Daniel Rhodes

Because our community is Anabaptist in tradition, we have been very committed to nurturing a community hermeneutic.  This book came highly recommend to me for that purpose.  The brief glance I have had through it so far has me excited about how this will help us move forward more intentionally in this area.

“Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision” By N. T. Wright

I really do not need to give much explanation for this book.  The title is quite telling and anyone who know Wright know that they will get their money & times worth out of it.  I have to restrain myself on this one, however, as I am almost finished “Surprised By Hope”, another must read for all.

“Making Room: Recovering Hospitality As A Christian Tradition” by Christine Pohl

With every passing day, Little Flowers Community realizes the importance and centrality of hospitality to our presence in our neighbourhood.  While this title is still en route from Amazon, I am eager to dive in.  We have been repeat as something of a mantra the words of St. Benedict: “When the stranger comes, Christ comes”.

“A New Kind Of Christianity: Ten Questions That Are Transforming The Faith” by Brian McLaren

Before you wonder how I got my hands on this book before it was release, let me tell you that I didn’t.  In fact, this book will be released early 2010 just in time to arrive for my birthday.  To be honest, I haven’t heard much about it, but I am interested to read it.  It has been a while since I have read any McLaren, so I am cautiously optimistic.

“The St. Francis Prayer Book” by Jon. W. Sweeney

I discovered Jon Sweeney through his excellent book “Cloister Talks: Learning From My Friends The Monks”.  This little volume is a collection of prayers, poems and other excerpts that are designed to nurture your spiritual formation.  While not exclusively Franciscan in content, I was obviously drawn to this book for that focus.

“Little Flowers of Francis of Assisi” (A New Translation)

For those who do not know, this book is the (partial) inspiration for the name of Little Flowers Community.  While I already own a copy of this book, this new translation offers a fresh and more readable approach than the dated copy I own.

“Francis of Assisi: A Revolutionary Life” by Adrian House

I have many biographies of St. Francis of Assisi, so I was hesitant to add another to my list.  However, the forward by Karen Armstrong caught my attention.  So far I am pleased with the fresh and challenging take the author brings to the Little Poor Man.  We’ll see where it goes from here.

“Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace: Living in the Spirit of the Prayer of St. Francis” by Kent Nerburn

My final Franciscan title is a small volume on the prayer of St. Francis (which, while not actually written by Francis, remains very true to Franciscan spirituality) by Kent Nerburn (who I will introduce in the next entry).  Going through the prayer using lectio divina this beautiful prayer blossoms for the reader.  It is a very simply, yet profound little book.

“The Wolf At Twilight: An Indian Elder’s Journey through a Land of Ghosts and Shadows” by Kent Nerburn

I was introduced to Kent Nerburn by my friend Norm Voth, who lent me a copy of “Neither Wolf Nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads With An Indian Elder”.  It told the true story of time Nerburn spent with a Native elder and all that he learned from him.  However, unlike the cheesy, often exploitive books on First Nations culture, the book is powerfully real and telling.  “The Wolf At Twilight” is the long awaited sequel and I can’t wait to read it.  Again, these books are not for the reader look for a feel-good look at “savage wisdom”, but deeply truthful and frank dialogue between two very different people(s).

“The Strain” by Guillermo Del Toro & Chuck Hogan

The only work of fiction I got this year, “The Strain” is the first in a trilogy of vampire novels.  While not my usual topic of interest, Guillermo Del Toro’s co-authorship won the day for me.  For those unfamiliar with Del Toro, he captured my imagination with his masterful film “Pan’s Labyrinth”.  So far the novel is enjoyable.

While you are here, check out the books for sale on my book page.  I should be adding more into the New Year.

Previous Post – Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove Interview

With Blog Action Day 2009 upon us, I have been considering what I had to say about climate change.  It is a worthy topic with much to be said, but with so many people participating, what could I offer that was any different?  This question has been rattling around in my mind for weeks!

Then two things occurred to me.  First, it immediately occurred to me that in the context of climate change, it is too easy for us to see it as something that is happening to us.  “Change” carries with it the very real consequence of our abuses of the Creation.  The danger is that we can allow ourselves to look at change as the enemy.  That is what I remembered Gandhi’s oft quoted bit of wisdom:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Rather than framing “climate change” as something to be battled, I realized that we can begin to see changing the climate as the very means of turning the tide.  In addition to changing the actual climate, we must change the social, political, religious, etc. climates as well.  We cannot settle on defining this issue by what we are opposed to, but rather we must embody the ideal we seek to see come into being.

The second thing that came to mind (as I considered this first point) was a brilliant and moving example of the power to change climates, again both literally and metaphorically.  The Academy Award Winning Short Film “The Man Who Planted Trees” is a parable for all time.  It takes about 30 mins to watch all 4 parts (shown below), but please make the time.  It is well worth it.

Sorry, it seems YouTube has removed the videos.  Try to rent it if you can.

Previous Post -Blind Obedience & The Costly Call

Ok, my “linkage” images are becoming a stretch, but this one DOES fit.  At any rate, on with the links!

-When I came across the following video, I realized that this is probably what future children will see when we show them the original Star Wars Triology:

-Jordon Cooper shared some shocking facts about the plight of homeless families & children in respect to education.  Take the time to read the post & follow the links.

-While not always a huge fan of Spurgeon, Darryl shares a wonderful quote by him in respect to serving in an urban context.

-I have fallen in love with The Discovery Channel reality learning program “The Colony”.  The show creates an artificial post-apocalyptic setting for the members to live & survive in.  Fun, interesting & often profound.  Check out the website, which includes full episodes for viewing.

-As usual, David Fitch offers some great wisdom on facing the dying myths of Christendom preaching in the Church.  Well worth the read.

-The follow video just struck me as incredibly creative:

The Cat Piano from PRA on Vimeo.

Warner Bros. new horror movie “Orphan” proclaims that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own. Let me tell you about how an orphan changed my life. I have not met them yet, but already they are changing who I am.  My wife and I have not been able to conceive a child and Canadian laws make adopting within Canada a very long and difficult process.  And so we decided to adopt a child from Ethiopia, a process we are currently in the middle of.  In all likelihood our child is alive in Ethiopia as I type, waiting to be matched with our family and come home.

The joy of that coming event- the addition of a child to our family- has been the seed of hope and joy in hearts that faced sadness and despair.  Further, as we have moved forward in the process we have met dozens of adopted child and their families.  What we have seen are happy, healthy and vibrant families whose love for each other is marked by an especially bright light.  Adoption has opened the eyes, hearts and minds of these families to a world so much larger than our own, teaching them to love in ways they could not have imagined before.

Several of my friends are adopted.  One has served worldwide as a passionate missionary and gifted musician who has brought life into so many peoples world.  When I asked her family what it was like to adopt her, their faces immediately lit up like the parents of new-borns, this decades after they had brought her home.  And then there is my adopted friend who is a police officer, who has selflessly served people for years, putting his life on the line for their safety.  He is also the father of some amazing kids.  I could go on and on.

Countless orphans around the world suffer so much that is out of their control, often made worse by the shallow stigma that surrounds being an orphan.  Rather than feed into that ridiculous myth, get online on your blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. and share a story about how an orphan and/or adoption has been a positive thing in your life.

This was part of the “Defend the Cause of the Orphan” challenge put out my Tom Davis.  We still need more people to get involved, so check it out and do your part!

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Twice a week we have a small group of inner city kids coming into The Dusty Cover for our after-school kids program.  They are a great group of kids, many from really tragic situations.  Even though we are completely unfunded (and therefore can’t offer too much in the way of programming) they faithfully return week after week.  It has become a little community.

One of our volunteers recently had the idea of helping the kids tell their story by making movies.  Not only would it give them a chance to share their wisdom, but it would give them an opportunity to learn about film-making and technology.  The kids caught wind of the idea and have been excited by the possibilities.

Doing a big of an inventory we realized that we had everything we needed in skills and equipment to make and edit the films, but for one thing- a fairly significant item: a video camera.

My friend Eliacín tweeted a great suggestion today: Why not invest in Flip Camcorders?  This compact units are not only affordable, but ideal for our needs.  While in the long run multiple units would be great, we think this would be a great to start with just one.

As I mentioned, we run our kids program with zero funding.  In fact, the bookstore carries the cost even though it still doesn’t cover its costs.  We do it because we love the community and know how much both mean here. We will continue to invest our time and resources into it with no reservations.

However, we are hitting a point where we need your help to continue.  If you are interested in helping us make this project happen, please contact me through my Gmail address (jamiearpinricci).  We really appreciate your consideration in this.

Set in the barracks of the WWII concentration camp at Auschwitz, the story is told of a group of Jewish prisoners who decide to put God on trial.  Facing personal and racial annihilation, they ask the question of whether God has breached His covenant with His people.  Unwaveringly confronting some of the most difficult questions of life and faith, these men- rabbis, scholars, glove makers and traitors- take us on a painful journey into our own beliefs.

Inspired by the writing of Elie Wiesel (book by the same name), the TV movie “God On Trial” captures what can rarely be done on film.  The film makers do not waver in asking the most difficult questions, avoiding pat answers or sentimental escapes.  Questions that so often remain mere theoreticals for casual consideration gain power and terror in a context that gives their answers so much importance.

I find myself having little more to say about this film except that you must watch it.  You must watch it with your families and your faith communities.  You must do so with a commitment to let the questions settle into your heart, resisting dismissive “easy” answers.  It will not be easy, but it is essential.  Please consider ordering the DVD, which releases this week.

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