07.05.06
Posted in culture at 1:46 pm by Brandon
After taking a trip to Europe for about a month, Jen and I are home. There are lots of things that, in Europe, aren’t inalienable rights that we’re now quite glad to take for granted. For example, free tap water and larger bathrooms. And, while there are a number of good conveniences here in the U.S. of A. that we enjoy, and do in fact make life just that much easier, there are some bad conveniences in the States as well.
I’ll probably be writing a bit about both in the weeks to come.
Today, though, what strikes me are the people we met while travelling abroad. Now, we weren’t so outgoing as to have an adoptive Dutch family take us in and show us the Amsterdam ropes, and we didn’t find any long lost Italian mother-types. But, wow, did we ever meet travellers. Americans, Brazilians, Kiwis, Austrailians, Brits, and even Texans, you name it, we probably shared a train compartment or dinner table with them at one point or another.
One thing that struck me about the people we met while travelling was how quickly and how well we got to know each of them. Sometimes we just shared a meal, other times it was a 7 hour train ride. It occurred to me on our plane ride back from Zurich that while we were travelling we REALLY talked to people. There was something about being in a place in which we shared the experience of being out of our cultural comfort zone that really made us get to know one another.
In reflecting further on this (it was, after all, a 9 hour plane ride) it became clear that we got past asking questions about what others DID and focused more on who they were, and what they believed. It makes me sad, a little, that I’m back in the States, enjoying the incredible space we’ve all come to take for granted. When I sit at my little coffeeshop (American not Dutch) table and type this, I’m struck by the physical space separating me from the next table over. And even when close to others in proximity the walls I erect to keep me from interacting with the people around me are frustrating. And, when I do interact, I ask “what do you do” kinds of questions–the kinds of questions that really only hint at the more important and interesting “what do you believe” kinds of questions.
It strikes me that we desperately want to be known, and yet we strategically–even systemically–live in a society where asking the kinds of questions and talking about the kinds of things that allows us to be known is taboo, or at least awkward. Some of us turn to online media for those relationships. And, I fear, we fool ourselves into feeling known without really being known. Eventually, we feel let down when that fantastic online community we call “home” (or even “family”) lets us down.
So, in the interest of being known–really known, that is–I’d like to tell you all a little less about what I DO and give you a short list of the things I BELIEVE. I’d encourage any or all of you to play along.
I believe:
…that an evening meal should include at least 3 courses.
…that we should walk more and drive less.
…that the Kingdom of God is present and that I’m a part of it.
…that socialism got a bad rap.
…that some of the French really are jerks.
…that Jesus died because of my sins.
…that Rome isn’t as “filthy” as the Americans who refuse to walk a quarter of a mile to drop their used water bottle, rather than to just dump it in some pile.
…that all people are worth knowing.
…that science is worth engaging.
…that cats are worth loving, and that loving a cat well is a part of my calling as a Christian.
…that “scrubby” artist types are often more interesting to know than Aber-christians.
…that no matter how much Aber-christians annoy me, belief number 8 still applies.
…that I’m worth knowing.
And you. What do you believe?
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Posted in culture at 1:46 pm by Brandon
After taking a trip to Europe for about a month, Jen and I are home. There are lots of things that, in Europe, aren’t inalienable rights that we’re now quite glad to take for granted. For example, free tap water and larger bathrooms. And, while there are a number of good conveniences here in the U.S. of A. that we enjoy, and do in fact make life just that much easier, there are some bad conveniences in the States as well.
I’ll probably be writing a bit about both in the weeks to come.
Today, though, what strikes me are the people we met while travelling abroad. Now, we weren’t so outgoing as to have an adoptive Dutch family take us in and show us the Amsterdam ropes, and we didn’t find any long lost Italian mother-types. But, wow, did we ever meet travellers. Americans, Brazilians, Kiwis, Austrailians, Brits, and even Texans, you name it, we probably shared a train compartment or dinner table with them at one point or another.
One thing that struck me about the people we met while travelling was how quickly and how well we got to know each of them. Sometimes we just shared a meal, other times it was a 7 hour train ride. It occurred to me on our plane ride back from Zurich that while we were travelling we REALLY talked to people. There was something about being in a place in which we shared the experience of being out of our cultural comfort zone that really made us get to know one another.
In reflecting further on this (it was, after all, a 9 hour plane ride) it became clear that we got past asking questions about what others DID and focused more on who they were, and what they believed. It makes me sad, a little, that I’m back in the States, enjoying the incredible space we’ve all come to take for granted. When I sit at my little coffeeshop (American not Dutch) table and type this, I’m struck by the physical space separating me from the next table over. And even when close to others in proximity the walls I erect to keep me from interacting with the people around me are frustrating. And, when I do interact, I ask “what do you do” kinds of questions–the kinds of questions that really only hint at the more important and interesting “what do you believe” kinds of questions.
It strikes me that we desperately want to be known, and yet we strategically–even systemically–live in a society where asking the kinds of questions and talking about the kinds of things that allows us to be known is taboo, or at least awkward. Some of us turn to online media for those relationships. And, I fear, we fool ourselves into feeling known without really being known. Eventually, we feel let down when that fantastic online community we call “home” (or even “family”) lets us down.
So, in the interest of being known–really known, that is–I’d like to tell you all a little less about what I DO and give you a short list of the things I BELIEVE. I’d encourage any or all of you to play along.
I believe:
…that an evening meal should include at least 3 courses.
…that we should walk more and drive less.
…that the Kingdom of God is present and that I’m a part of it.
…that socialism got a bad rap.
…that some of the French really are jerks.
…that Jesus died because of my sins.
…that Rome isn’t as “filthy” as the Americans who refuse to walk a quarter of a mile to drop their used water bottle, rather than to just dump it in some pile.
…that all people are worth knowing.
…that science is worth engaging.
…that cats are worth loving, and that loving a cat well is a part of my calling as a Christian.
…that “scrubby” artist types are often more interesting to know than Aber-christians.
…that no matter how much Aber-christians annoy me, belief number 8 still applies.
…that I’m worth knowing.
And you. What do you believe?
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JHearne said,
July 5, 2006 at 2:01 pm
I think I can agree with most all of that.
Additionally,
I believe that the faith we’re called to is a verb and not a noun.
I believe that Carnation instant-breakfast is, actually, pretty good and pretty good for you.
I believe in the value of loving enemies.
I believe that nervousness is contagious.
I believe many things but this is your blog and I don’t believe in writing my own post in somebody else’s comments.
wildwest said,
July 5, 2006 at 3:07 pm
I believe human nature got a bad rap, too.
btw, what’s an Aber-Christian?
Kevin said,
July 5, 2006 at 7:06 pm
I believe that Alan Jackson should read more books.
I believe that marriage is socialism, and I love me some socialism.
I believe that more people should sit with strangers in restaurants.
I believe that people should buy more meat, cheese, bread and produce from roadside markets, and less from godless corporations.
I believe that David Bazan may be the best damn songwriter breathing.
I believe that Stephen Colbert would make a fine Senator.
I believe that quite a few Americans are as loud, rude and obnoxious as Europeans think we are.
I believe that I would rather be in Budapest, Munich, or Venice.
I believe that Americans rely too much on automobiles, air conditioning, and Wal-mart.
ninjanun said,
July 5, 2006 at 9:51 pm
I think I can agree with everything listed so far (although I cannot personally vouch for Carnation Instant Breakfast). In addition:
I believe parties are more fun when alcohol is involved, and people are genuinely there to have a good time (no wet blankets).
I believe in the power of a good home-cooked meal to make someone feel better.
I believe that Conservative Christianity is increasingly becoming known for what it’s against, rather than what it’s for, and sadly, there is some merit to this negative rep.
I believe God wants us to make the world a better place, not just wait for pie in the sky in the sweet by and by. Otherwise, Christianity is not worth its salt.
I believe meat is murder.
I believe if I did not laugh, I would most definitely cry. Life, in all its beauty, magic, and tragedy is just too overwhelming not to do otherwise.
I believe the world would be a better place if we just focused on loving people and minded our own damn business when it came to their personal piety.
I believe friends who gloat when I put on a few pounds, or console me about the very real possibility that my brother may lose his life over in Iraq by saying “well, the number of troops who’ve lost their lives in this war is NOTHING compared to previous wars we’ve been involved in” are not really friends.
I believe most people who hear from God are actually just giving free reign to their Super Ego.
I believe most of the bitter differences and failure to see eye-to-eye tha that happens between Conservatives and Liberals are differences of personality, not belief systems.
I believe my value is based on my character; specifically in how I treat those I consider to be enemies (even if just opposing in beliefs), or “beneath” me, rather than based on my bank account or social standing. Sadly, I fail miserably in the character dept.
I believe ice cream gives me gas.
I believe there are many, many people who should not be blogging (this does not apply to you, Brandon). Some people just cannot write anything worth reading.
I believe some of the French are genuinely nice people, and they get stereotyped just as much as Americans.
I believe Dooce looks a lot like Madonna, but with a better sense of humor and a sharper wit.
I believe the book of James, Peter’s writings, the OT Prophets and all four Gospels get ignored too often in American Evangelical churches, in favor of the writings of Paul, the Psalms, and the books of the Law. I believe this is part of why there is much to be found wanting in their general theology and way of “doing” church and evangelism.
I believe Kettle potato chips are just about the tastiest snack on the whole damn planet.
I believe in the fundamental interconnectedness of all things.
Nicole said,
July 5, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Oh goodness, what do I believe?
I believe that there is power in hearing the stories of others, and that God calls Christians to both share their stories and listen to others’ stories.
I believe if the Church were the way God intended, I wouldn’t have a job as a therapist.
I believe that I can find common ground with most any set of political beliefs if we can agree that caring for the poor is important. (Though we may disagree on how to do that.)
I believe that (like C.S. Lewis) animals which have meaningful relationships with humans will be in heaven.
I believe that most of the complicated systems, strategies, and plans we make in our society to fix problems end up creating more problems.
I believe that we’ve all lost something precious by no longer be connected to the earth and all of creation, and our dependence upon it for sustenance and life.
I believe that God is the one who put this overwhelming passion and hypersensitivity into who I am. (And I sure wish God would explain it to me.)
I believe God doesn’t have to explain anything to me.
I believe that sex is one of the most powerful experiences that God has created on this Earth.
I believe that carnation instant breakfast isn’t bad.
I believe guitar players are damn sexy. (Hint to my husband).
I believe that churches shouldn’t call themselves community unless they are intentional about hearing/sharing/listening to the stories of those people in the community.
I believe that (see above) is the reason why online church isn’t really a church.
I believe that churches should embrace and welcome the full emotional experience…not only joy, peace, happiness but also despair, loneliness, cynicism, anger, etc.
I believe that our worship of God should reflect those emotions…not just fun and games.
I believe that the fallow times are when the most growth occurs.
benjamin said,
July 6, 2006 at 11:35 am
I believe that Isaiah 40:6 is the most comforting passage in the Bible.
señor jefe said,
July 6, 2006 at 11:14 pm
I believe that everyone who read that last one quickly jumped on Bible Gateway to find out what that scripture says.
I believe ninjanun and nicole are long-winded, and believe a lot of stuff…
William said,
July 7, 2006 at 6:38 am
I find your post really interesting–I am an American who lives in Europe and have begun to see America (and Americans) as Europeans do. Coming back to the United States (which I have just done) I am shocked and frightened by the vulgarity of this place.
I will think about my beliefs.
Geoff said,
July 7, 2006 at 10:08 am
I believe the church would benefit from allowing, perhaps even encouraging, dissenting thoughts and opinions.
I believe that learning to love the “least of these” will be one of the greatest challenges, and hopefully, one of the greatest victories, in my life.
I believe musicians should get paid more.
I believe you will never really understand how awful divorce can be until you’ve been though one.
tech_sam said,
July 7, 2006 at 7:57 pm
I believe there is truth outside of the bible
I believe there is truth in the hairy leg of a spider
I believe that “the church” is not something to believe in
I believe that community is not built, but happens, in all the places where life happens, and to look for it elsewhere is a waste of time
I believe that all spiritual life is natural, and real life comes from eradicating the boundaries we erect between the spheres of our life (physical, emotional, spiritual). There are no natural seperations of being, and being fully human means realizing this truth.
I believe that God does not give a rat’s ass about business, professionalism, economy, national security, style of worship, preaching methodology, purpose driven, USA, emergent, ancient-future, or any other man made idea that claims to be worth following or fighting for.
I believe that most speaking pastors are actaully the worst christians.
I believe I am a stranger in a strange land.
I believe that the best christians are not the ones that claim to be christians. Put another way, I believe that the best christinas are bad christians.
I believe that if your heart has not heart, you do not really know who God is.
shelly said,
July 7, 2006 at 11:51 pm
I believe…
* anyone who litters ought to be subjected to a public flogging.
* trying to proselytize to little kids is a bad thing.
* forcing one’s beliefs on others (especially if one is in a position of authority) is a bad thing.
* the Gospels should carry the most weight in regards to Christianity (not that the rest of scripture doesn’t have its good points, but…I think you know what I’m getting at here).
* Breyer’s chocolate ice cream is some of the best ice cream out there.
* emotions–whatever they are–ought to be experienced.
* Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper looks like a creepy marionette doll.
* if the church was more like how it was depicted in Acts, it’d be a really cool thing.
* there is a higher power at work in the universe.
Scott said,
July 10, 2006 at 3:04 pm
I believe Governments ruled by National and Communist Socialism account for over 120,000,000 premature human deaths in Nazi Germany, Russia, and China alone.
I believe Socialism is immoral in principle and ineffective in practice.
I believe that the current U.S. Government model is closer to Fascist than Capitalist.
I believe that Globalization is a good thing, and that it is the only way to realistically end global poverty.
I believe we should never let corrupt Governments do the work of the Church for us.
I believe that there is no such thing as Original Sin or Sinful Nature.
I believe that the blood of Christ is the only way to salvation and that it has the power to save us from the sins we have committed, to save us from the power sin has over us, and save us from the power of physical death.
I believe that after salvation, children are the greatest joy humans can aspire to.
I believe you cannot choose to be a Christian any more than you can choose to believe the sun is yellow.
I believe in free will.
I believe most Christians prefer religion to Christ.
I believe most Christians choose their theology based on their experience rather than truth.
I believe theology is important.
I believe love is more important.
I believe cancer in nine year olds sucks.
I believe some people will think I posted this to be confrontational.
dorsey said,
July 10, 2006 at 6:24 pm
I believe Scott posted that to be confrontational.
: )
Tracey said,
July 11, 2006 at 8:12 am
I am new to all of this- I believe I will learn a lot from you and those who comment. i am a teacher of high school science called, yes by God, to the public school arena. Therefore, in the eyes of many “good CHristians” i wasn’t hearing correctly. Thanks to all of you for your candor. My students will benefit
Amy said,
July 11, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I believe:
That there is nothing particularly angelic about children like so many people seem to think.
That there is such a thing as a Christian goth.
That Chopin and Beethoven wrote the best music.
That Romantic literature is superior to Neoclassic or Modernist literature.
That beauty is mostly subjective.
That Christians are not obligated to be emotionless automatons…
That there are at least some nice, chivalrous French guys (even if they are only nice and chivalrous because they have ulterior motives).
That American teenagers (my peers) are horrendously rude and ignorant.
That Protestants focus too much on “sola scriptura” and forget that we can find truth outside the Bible; the Bible is the standard by which we evaluate whether something is true.
That Jesus is God’s primary revelation to us, not the Bible.
That Jesus died for my sins and rose again.
That I must be obedient to Christ and not just mindlessly follow the traditions of the church without evaluating them to see if they’re right.
That there must be at least ONE guy out there my age who likes the names Rochester, Rhett, Ophelia, and Annabel and Christabel for his kids…
Amy said,
July 11, 2006 at 12:50 pm
I have two more beliefs to add–I couldn’t resist!
I believe that there is such a thing as a gay Christian. !!!
That swearing is usually a cheap form of expression used by people who are going for shock value instead of finding a word that accurately describes their feelings.
Lindsay said,
July 11, 2006 at 2:54 pm
I Believe that people forget how beautiful the world is out of doors
I Believe it is selfish to not be ecologically conscious
I Believe that Christ died for my sins and anyone anywhere anytime on this planet whether they ever hear of him or not.
I Believe that if the church was doing the job it was meant to, there would be no need for them anymore
I Believe people need to sit and be silent more often
I Believe marriage, in one sense was once an exhange of property, it is now an exhange of hearts, and that goes for anyone who can love
I Believe that a lot of people who call themselves Christians (but are racist, violent, or a bigot) are not Christians at all.
I Believe Christ came to show us love and the oneness, the interconnectedness of life and all its divine hierarchies.
I Believe that its hard for me to find a really good sandwich
I Believe its hard to find people who think like me
I Believe in stories, and I think they are the point. The story is the point, so spread that ’round.
Kammer said,
July 15, 2006 at 11:30 am
I Believe that absolute truth is difficult to list out.
I Believe that what I know about grace is that I’m not prone to exhibit.
I Believe that God does what he wants, whether I use a capital ‘He’ or not.
I believe that I’m sorely fucked up, but somehow can’t accept it enough to
want to be saved.
tracy said,
August 4, 2006 at 3:42 pm
I believe that cherry hand rolling tobacco is a wonderful enjoyment
I beleive that my calling in life is to be ME!
UR4given said,
September 7, 2006 at 10:30 am
Boy, these are self defining statements like no other thread in this blog. I agree with most of the beliefs previously expressed, even those that conflict with each other. I say that, because I believe in your right to believe what you choose…without rancor or needing to convince you otherwise. Believing in anything demands FAITH…faith being that which you hope for but cannot prove. It is a very personal thing…and doesnt demand my aquiescence or permission to believe.
So, to add a couple personalized ones, I believe…
Faith is a one on one “relationship” with God…totally unique…not involving a community of believers. If done properly, the church or community is a nice added bonus
My faith is no better or worse than the next person…including Moslems, Buddhists, Athiests, et al
I have the right to defend my “faith” (you might even call it a soveriegn right) against any other person, government, religion or organization…by force if neccessary. On the other hand, force is never good to instill faith or belief.
Faith does not require evangelism
Two wrongs dont make a right
Globalism is much preferable to Statism…and that trade beats the hell out of war as an equalizer and peace process
That sometimes an “explitive” word is neccessary to express emotion or pain…that words are powerful, but in the end are just “words”. Actions are much more defining.
That the older I get, the less I know for sure
In God…but he is much bigger and more comprehensive than our minds and beliefs will ever get a solid grasp on
More in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ than my personal sense of his direct involvement in my life. I wanna maintain that childlike faith I grew up with…but unfortunately for me, Paul was right…
1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
It is not bad to use the mind God gave us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”. Blind faith is…just that. Aimless and accomplishing nothing.
That the greatest commandment is to “love God with all your heart mind and soul…and your neighbor as yourself…”. This takes away alot of the confusion for me in theologies and religions of the world…including “Christianity”
If there is a heaven (literally) that we will be surprised who and how many make it there