09.22.05
Posted in life at 10:01 am by
Okay, new meme. Nicole started this one; Ninjanun participated, too. I’m now having second thoughts about asking Ninjanun questions, but rules are rules. I am to follow these instructions:
1. Ask me 3 questions. Any 3, no matter how personal, private or random.
2. I have to answer them honestly. I have to answer them all.
3. In turn, you post this message in your own blog or journal and you have to answer the questions that are asked of you.
The only consolation I have about playing this little game is that the three of you that read this blog probably don’t really give two craps about my private life (or at least I hope you don’t, now).
I’m having a caveat, though. I’m not going to give away any personally identifying information, or tell any stories that could defame or embarass anyone but myself (such as my wife, or anybody else for that matter.) I’ll happily tell y’all things about my own shortcomings, habits, or idiosyncrasies, but others’ are their own…and theirs to tell.
I’ll be editing this post as the comments comments trickle in.
First question, Kurt asks:
I saw a car in front of me that had window sticker that said, “VOTE…for Jesus Christ.” My question is: What the fuck does that mean? Thanks.
First off, great question. I don’t have any ‘cut and dry’ sorts of answers, so I’ll offer a few options for what that might have meant.
- We should vote for Jesus Christ as a write in candidate. (Of course if he won we’d be in the awkward position of having an absent political office holder…ya know, him being seated on the right hand of God and all.
- We should vote for the candidate Jesus Christ has clearly defined as THE candidate of his choosing. (A.K.A. George W. Bush, John Kerry, etc.)
- There’s a new political party named “Jesus Christ” and we vote for their candidates straight ticket.
- We should be convinced by this witty slogan that we should repent of all our sins and ‘come to Christ.’ (I’m sure this bumper sticker is particularly convincing…right?)
Then, Ninjanun asked:
1. What about Christianity makes you the maddest?
2. When would you say you became a Christian?
3. How do you interpret those passages (mainly in Paul’s writings, but sprinkled throughout the Bible) that say women should not speak or have authority over men?
Great questions!
1. I think the thing about Christianity that makes me the maddest (at least in the sense that it drives me bonkers) is the people. I love the idea of Christianity. How it’s practised by its adherents is my issue. I am forever baffled how Christians think that Christianity is somehow about THEM. Now, I think it is about the individual in the sense that the individual is (or at least should be) transformed into a new creation. But, for many, if not most, Christians, that’s where Christianity ends. I play that game, too, though. So, I suppose my critique is a double edged sword.
2. I have no clue how to answer this question. I mean, I can remember being about 6 and not wanting to go to hell, so I prayed the ‘dear Jesus, let me in’ prayer. Truthfully, though, I think I had faith (in the sense of belief) before that. Before I can remember, really. But, in another very real sense, I think I’m still in the process of becoming a Christian. Depending on how this whole afterlife thing shakes out (what the new Heavens and new Earth look like), I would imagine that I’ll never be done becoming a Christian. So, I suppose I have two answers–I was a Christian as long as I remember, and I’m not a Christian yet. How’s that for elusive.
3. I could answer this last question in a number of ways. But, when you get down to the meat of what I believe about Paul and passages that seem to put women ’second’ I have to say that I think the Bible is wrong. Okay, yes, I said that to get a rise out of people. I don’t really think the Bible is wrong, but I do think that it was written to a specific people in a specific place and time and culture. To ignore the purpose of a passage of scripture is to miss out on the nuances of its meaning.
Further, I think scripture points us in a direction. I think that rather than reading certian passages (I Cor. 11 springs to mind) as immutable and unchangable statements about moral culture, Christians need to look at the direction such scriptures point us in. So, I suppose I would say that Paul was wrong. And, Paul was very right. Paul’s intent was not to point out a moral law about the role of women in society, his point was that in changeable and varied societies, Christianity can and should adapt in order to further glorify the kingdom.
Finally, Paul was a misogynist. I don’t blame him, entirely. His society, his culture, they all play into his views, yes, even the views that worked their way into scripture. But, if we don’t recognize this about Paul, we miss further nuances in his writing.
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Posted in life at 10:01 am by
Okay, new meme. Nicole started this one; Ninjanun participated, too. I’m now having second thoughts about asking Ninjanun questions, but rules are rules. I am to follow these instructions:
1. Ask me 3 questions. Any 3, no matter how personal, private or random.
2. I have to answer them honestly. I have to answer them all.
3. In turn, you post this message in your own blog or journal and you have to answer the questions that are asked of you.
The only consolation I have about playing this little game is that the three of you that read this blog probably don’t really give two craps about my private life (or at least I hope you don’t, now).
I’m having a caveat, though. I’m not going to give away any personally identifying information, or tell any stories that could defame or embarass anyone but myself (such as my wife, or anybody else for that matter.) I’ll happily tell y’all things about my own shortcomings, habits, or idiosyncrasies, but others’ are their own…and theirs to tell.
I’ll be editing this post as the comments comments trickle in.
First question, Kurt asks:
I saw a car in front of me that had window sticker that said, “VOTE…for Jesus Christ.” My question is: What the fuck does that mean? Thanks.
First off, great question. I don’t have any ‘cut and dry’ sorts of answers, so I’ll offer a few options for what that might have meant.
- We should vote for Jesus Christ as a write in candidate. (Of course if he won we’d be in the awkward position of having an absent political office holder…ya know, him being seated on the right hand of God and all.
- We should vote for the candidate Jesus Christ has clearly defined as THE candidate of his choosing. (A.K.A. George W. Bush, John Kerry, etc.)
- There’s a new political party named “Jesus Christ” and we vote for their candidates straight ticket.
- We should be convinced by this witty slogan that we should repent of all our sins and ‘come to Christ.’ (I’m sure this bumper sticker is particularly convincing…right?)
Then, Ninjanun asked:
1. What about Christianity makes you the maddest?
2. When would you say you became a Christian?
3. How do you interpret those passages (mainly in Paul’s writings, but sprinkled throughout the Bible) that say women should not speak or have authority over men?
Great questions!
1. I think the thing about Christianity that makes me the maddest (at least in the sense that it drives me bonkers) is the people. I love the idea of Christianity. How it’s practised by its adherents is my issue. I am forever baffled how Christians think that Christianity is somehow about THEM. Now, I think it is about the individual in the sense that the individual is (or at least should be) transformed into a new creation. But, for many, if not most, Christians, that’s where Christianity ends. I play that game, too, though. So, I suppose my critique is a double edged sword.
2. I have no clue how to answer this question. I mean, I can remember being about 6 and not wanting to go to hell, so I prayed the ‘dear Jesus, let me in’ prayer. Truthfully, though, I think I had faith (in the sense of belief) before that. Before I can remember, really. But, in another very real sense, I think I’m still in the process of becoming a Christian. Depending on how this whole afterlife thing shakes out (what the new Heavens and new Earth look like), I would imagine that I’ll never be done becoming a Christian. So, I suppose I have two answers–I was a Christian as long as I remember, and I’m not a Christian yet. How’s that for elusive.
3. I could answer this last question in a number of ways. But, when you get down to the meat of what I believe about Paul and passages that seem to put women ’second’ I have to say that I think the Bible is wrong. Okay, yes, I said that to get a rise out of people. I don’t really think the Bible is wrong, but I do think that it was written to a specific people in a specific place and time and culture. To ignore the purpose of a passage of scripture is to miss out on the nuances of its meaning.
Further, I think scripture points us in a direction. I think that rather than reading certian passages (I Cor. 11 springs to mind) as immutable and unchangable statements about moral culture, Christians need to look at the direction such scriptures point us in. So, I suppose I would say that Paul was wrong. And, Paul was very right. Paul’s intent was not to point out a moral law about the role of women in society, his point was that in changeable and varied societies, Christianity can and should adapt in order to further glorify the kingdom.
Finally, Paul was a misogynist. I don’t blame him, entirely. His society, his culture, they all play into his views, yes, even the views that worked their way into scripture. But, if we don’t recognize this about Paul, we miss further nuances in his writing.
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kurt said,
September 22, 2005 at 11:16 am
Brandon,
I like that 3 questions idea. I already had a specific question that came up while I was driving home from work yesterday.
I saw a car in front of me that had window sticker that said, “VOTE…for Jesus Christ.”
My question is:
What the fuck does that mean?
Thanks.
Benjamin said,
September 22, 2005 at 12:05 pm
I get three questions? And as long as they’re about you, it’s no holds barred? Oh, I’m going to have to think on these a while….
Brandon said,
September 22, 2005 at 12:06 pm
Shit.
Benjamin said,
September 22, 2005 at 1:48 pm
Oh no - shit has already been covered, in great detail.
ninjanun said,
September 22, 2005 at 1:49 pm
Heh, I just got through answering your questions on my blog. I’m open to answering other questions (I like your caveat, btw), but really, Brandon, I think you’re the only one who finds me to be an “enigma.” (and I’m flattered by your choice of words)!
So, I’ll ask you three questions, now:
1. What about Christianity makes you the maddest?
2. When would you say you became a Christian?
3. How do you interpret those passages (mainly in Paul’s writings, but sprinkled throughout the Bible) that say women should not speak or have authority over men?
Have fun! Bwa ha ha!
Annonymous said,
September 22, 2005 at 6:46 pm
You asked four questions and you will only allow three. What gives you the right to ask more questions then you will let other people ask? hmm???
ninjanun said,
September 22, 2005 at 7:44 pm
Anonymous,
Brandon didn’t ask anyone four questions. He answered one question with four possible answers. Since it wasn’t a question specifically about him, the best he could do was offer some possible suggestions for what the answer might be.
Frank said,
September 22, 2005 at 7:55 pm
So you’re the King, Jesus? Well I didn’t vote for you.
You don’t vote for the King…
Brandon said,
September 22, 2005 at 10:25 pm
Also, I’m deadly curious whom Annonymous is…little help please!
Brandon said,
September 22, 2005 at 11:11 pm
Nevermind, the wonders of IP logging have revealed your veiled identity Annonymous…or should I say Amynonymous.
Benjamin said,
September 23, 2005 at 3:41 am
Okay, here goes:
1) Can you explain to me exactly what is the purpose of prayer?
2) What do you do when you see someone with a “Please Help, God Bless” sign?
3) What is the thing that keeps you awake at night when everything’s gone quiet and there’s just you and your thoughts?
See? Not a single question about bodily fluids, secretions, or auto-fellation. That’s what happens when you turn thirty and find a grey goddamned hair on your chest and realize it’s time to grow up….
Rachel said,
September 23, 2005 at 9:27 am
So, I don’t actually know who you are at all, but yours is one of a couple of blogs that I read regularly even though I do not know the authors. Take that for what it’s worth. Here are my questions:
1. What advice would you give to someone who wants to believe in Christianity but can’t, and who doesn’t believe that one can just make the choice to believe or not?
2. What do you think are the three best movies of all time?
3. How can you hold to a belief in the Bible while also believing the some Biblical authors got things wrong?
greg said,
September 23, 2005 at 12:49 pm
I have to say, one of the reasons that I read this blog as much as a can is that you say most of the things that I feel, you just say them better. I started blogging so I could express my own views and beliefs. But when I try it comes out sounding wrong and I never am satified so I never post it. Maybe this is part of the journey. You’re observation about becoming a Christian, is very simliar to my own experience. I can sort of pin my “conversion” to a having my heart strangely warmed as Wesley said. But truly I was on the journey long before that evening. Also since then I have gone through so much searching and questioning that I have to believe that I am still on the journey, and have not yet reached the end. Thanks again for your insite which gets me to think long and hard about my own beliefs and how Christianity appears to others as well.
Kevin said,
September 23, 2005 at 6:16 pm
Jesus came in first in Time Magazine’s (or was in Newsweek? they’re all the bloody same) person of the century poll a while back, followed in second place by the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Whooo! But the bastards at Time stiffed them both.