Ignorant Historian

Recently I found a new kindred spirit in the Bible. In the past I’ve really identified with the likes of Peter, Hannah, and Hagar, but as I was reading my Bible this weekend, a new character really stood out to me.

Elihu.

What, you don’t remember who Elihu is? Actually, I didn’t either, before this weekend. But reading Job this time around opened my eyes.

We don’t really know much about Elihu. He admits that he’s younger than Job and his other friends, yet in the end, joins in in accusing Job. I get the idea that he sat their observing their discussion, barely keeping his own mouth shut. Finally, he’s had enough:

“So I say, ‘Listen to me,
I too will tell what I think.’ …
I too will answer my share,
I also will tell my opinion.
For I am full of words;
the spirit within me constrains me.
Behold, my belly is like unvented wine,
Like new wineskins it is about to burst.
Let me speak that I may get relief
Let me open my lips and answer.”

- Job 32:10, 17-20

Hmm, that’s a great way to start out, huh? The narrative tells us that Elihu is very angry, and his words admit that he’s speaking more out of a desire to “just get it out” than a desire to edify Job.

Oh, I’ve been there. I’ve played the part of the immature, self-righteous know-it-all more often than I’d like to admit. I’m probably not done playing the part. I mean, in part I blog because I am “full of words.”

But the more I learn, experience, and study, the more I realize just how much I don’t know. I’m more careful about making assumptions and assigning motives, particularly to those who disagree with me. And I spend more time examining my own motives, my own underlying assumptions, and my own beliefs.

And I want to learn to be more of a listener than a talker. I’ve got a long way to go!

Forbidden was this month’s selection for the Faith and Fiction Roundtable. I really had a hard time getting through this one, as I have with any Ted Dekker book I’ve read since the Circle trilogy. As much as I loved those books, I guess his writing is not my style.

So what thoughts did Forbidden provoke in me? Well, not many. To be honest, I basically forgot everything I read upon closing the book, which was partly what made it so hard to get through.

I really don’t mean to be dissing the book…it’s not bad, just not my thing. Way too fantasy for my tastes.

The concept—a society that intentionally developed genetic mutation to remove all emotions but a mild sense of fear—is interesting. But I thought the implied answer in the book to whether emotions were good or not was, “Duh!”

So what do I think? As someone who has struggled with overwhelming emotions, I once wished I didn’t have them. But for all the pain they’ve been, I’m thankful for them now. They have pushed me through difficult situations to draw nearer to the Lord.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Forbidden for discussion purposes.

Other Faith and Fiction Roundtable Participants:

Amy
Brooks
Carrie
Florinda
Hannah
Heather
Jennifer
Julie
Liz
Nicole
Sheila
Sherry
Thomas
Tina

This month, the Faith and Fiction Roundtable and briefly discussed the recently released Small Town Sinners. It is the story of a teenage girl and her struggle with what it real and true as she participates in her church’s “hell house.”

If you’ve never heard of the concept, a hell house is an outreach that attempts to draw in audiences—often young people—to a haunted house type production that presents the afterlife consequences of poor choices. The point, to put it bluntly, is to scare people towards Christ. For the record, I’ve never been to, participated in, or endorsed a hell house, and seriously doubt I ever will. They might be a great tool to move the emotions of the attendees, but I don’t think they’re necessarily a great tool to really get to their hearts, though God can use any means to draw someone to Him.

Lacey, the main character, is a pastor’s daughter and is very enthusiastic about the hell house, desiring to play the part of “abortion girl,” the girl who chooses to abort her baby in a bloody and dramatic scene. Other scenes in the hell house also play towards typical right-wing-decried sins like gay marriage.

Through the help of a cute and mysterious boy with bitterness of his own toward the church, Lacey comes to doubt the church’s response to sin among its own. Actually, her doubt seems to be the theme of the book, and it’s an issue that’s not resolved.

Yes, that bugged me.

I think doubt it healthy. I wouldn’t want any of the children and young adults I work with at church to take what their parents, the pastors, or I have said to them without examining and considering it. I don’t want them to become mini-me’s…I want them to become strong followers of Christ of their own, and that doesn’t come from blindly believing what you’ve been told.

However, I do think there are answers in life. Some questions won’t be answered in this life, and we have to be okay with that. But I do think God has given us many answers and a great perspective with which to interpret the unknowns. I’m currently reading the book of Job, a book which is great to study when wondering the big questions of life.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Small Town Sinners for discussion purposes.

Other Faith and Fiction Roundtable Participants:

Amy
Brooks
Carrie
Florinda
Hannah
Heather
Jennifer
Julie
Liz
Nicole
Sheila
Sherry
Thomas
Tina

Does anyone else feel like this summer is going super fast? I guess it’ll slow down for me once I actually work a 5-day work week again (haven’t done so since the week before Memorial Day, and won’t again until the week after my move).

On to the next challenge to women:

“That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these things.”

I love that John Piper mentions that he wants women to be “deep thinkers” about these thing. I think churches like mine often get a bad wrap for our beliefs about women in the church. Just because we don’t think women should be pastoring or teaching men (because of what the Bible says, not because we think that women would be bad at it) doesn’t mean that we don’t think women don’t have an important place in the church.

In no way are we “off the hook” for learning the deeper truths of the Christian faith. Nor are we to keep those things to ourselves, but should be actively applying them to our own life and to be teaching them to others, formally and informally.

The concept of grace–especially the idea that we can do NOTHING for our salvation–isn’t an easy one for me. I like to work for things, and find purpose in doing things. But that’s not where I should find purpose or identity.

As I continue to work on my prayerfulness, I hope to continue to work on how I think about what God has done for me.

Photo by Sunshine Junior

Other Posts in This Series:

A Summer of Growth

Peace, Joy, and Strength

Daily Acts of Love

Women of the Book

Women of Prayer

The next selection the Faith and Fiction Roundtable was the science fiction book Canticle for Liebowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr. The book is in 3 parts, each part being 600 years further in the future than the last. The first section takes place 600 years from now, with some sort of nuclear holocaust happening in our time. Canticle takes place in a Catholic monastery built with the desire to preserve Western scientific knowledge as much as possible through the new dark age.

The setting of Canticle for Liebowitz had me thinking a lot about the place of the Church (as a whole, not specifically the Catholic Church) in changing times. The members of the monastery in this book were much more concerned with preserving their sacred texts than in saving the people, many of whom were suffering greatly due to the consequences of scientific advancement. The Church—or as much as we  are shown in the book—seems to have no answer for this suffering.

So what should be the Church’s answer in troubling times? While we no longer have the cloud of the Cold War over our heads as it was when this book was written, we still live in a time of uncertainty. The amount of physical destruction I’ve seen with my own eyes this spring has sobered me and taking away the joy I once had in watching storm clouds rolling in.

I believe that the Church–and thus individual Christians—has no greater task in times like these than to point people to Christ. While there is a place for meeting physical needs—a practicality that should not be overlooked—this can’t be the only outreach to hurting people. At the same time, preaching to spiritual needs while disregarding physical needs will fall on deaf ears. Both must go hand in hand.

But the chief task of both word and action is pointing to the hope found in Christ. There is great peace to be found at the foot of the Cross, and we do others a disservice when we downplay it.

Other Faith and Fiction Roundtable Participants:

Amy
Brooks
Carrie
Florinda
Hannah
Heather
Julie
Liz
Nicole
Sherry
Thomas
Tina

This year once again I have the priviledge in participating in the Faith and Fiction Roundtable, a discussion group led by Amy. This month we read and discussed Certain Women by Madeleine L’Engle.

Before this, the only thing I read by L’Engle is probably the only thing you‘ve read by L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time. I think I liked it, but don’t really remember…it’s on my to-read-again list.

So what are my thoughts on Certain Women? It’s okay. You can tell L’Engle is a good writer and the story is fairly interesting, but it lacks drive. There is a lot of discussions about what happened and even more comparisons of the story’s patriarch David and King David of the Bible. There are  a ton of similarities, but I won’t detail them all here.

Still, this was actually a great book for us to discuss, as it has a lot to discuss.  The quote that most intrigued came during a discussion of David’s greatness coming after his great sins against Bathsheba and Uriah and his failure as a father.

“Maybe we have to sin, to know ourselves human, faulty, and flawed, before there is any possibility of greatness. I think your father’s right. David did become great only after he’d lost everything.”

“Is it always the hard way?” Emma asked.

“Isn’t it?” (p. 326)

I don’t think that it is necessary to sin before we can become great. I think that idea is mistaken. God does not need our sin to be great or to make us great.

That said, God does need us to make less of ourselves–to humble ourselves–before He’ll do great things in our lives. It’s the paradox found in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NASU).

“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

That’s what I need to remember…I need to make less of myself so that I can serve God more. I need to get out of his way, so to speak.

Other Participants:

Brooks
Carrie
Florinda
Hannah
Heather
Jennifer
Julie
Liz
Nicole
Sheila
Sherry
Thomas
Tina

I wish I could write like Rachel Held Evans.

I read Evolving in Monkey Town, a memoir about doubt, when judging for the INSPYs‘ creative nonfiction category.  It was not only the committee’s consensus choice, but my personal choice.  Our statement (not written by me) was,

“Evans’ Evolving in Monkey Town chronicles the author’s move from complete acceptance of the faith of her childhood, through a desolate period of questioning, arriving at a renewed conviction about the love of God. Interweaving her own tale with the views of people she meets, Evans juxtaposes all of the voices about God in her life. Evans’ honesty in telling her faith journey impressed us along with how much her love of the Lord imbued the entire narrative.”

Evans grew up in Dayton, Tennessee–the infamous site of the Scopes Monkey Trial–which is the background for the trial of her faith (unintended pun noticed, but then ignored).  Growing up in a conservative, believing family, she later becomes unsettled not knowing what exactly she did believe.

I think that most Christians come to a point of doubt in their journeys.  But not all of us take the time to investigate, seeking the truth.  While I’ve not come to all the same conclusions that Evans has, I appreciate her honest take at the truths presented in the Bible.  I think when we’ve decided that we already know everything that we need to know, claiming beliefs in spite of all evidence, we’re in a dangerous position.  While I do believe to be a Christian is to trust in things unseen, I don’t think it means that we flat-out ignore what we see, either.  If what we believe is true, it will stand up.

If you’re interested in reading Evolving in Monkey Town, I’m giving away my gently used copy (I kept the crums to a minimum this time). Simply leave a comment on this post.  For extra entries, follow me on Twitter or subscribe to my RSS feed, and mention that in your comment (new and current followers and subscribers all earn extra entries).  Make sure you include a way for me to contact you.

International entrants welcome.  Contest ends 1/14/11 at 5 PM Eastern.

Giveaway closed.  The winner was Joy…congratulations!

This is one portion of the Faith ‘n’ Fiction Roundtable discussion of the book Wounded by Claudia Mair Burney, where we discuss the theology of the book.

Ronnica: But my real problem with Wounded is theological.  While I’m sure we don’t all have the same theological beliefs, a sound biblically-based theology is important to me.  For example, putting words like “I had no problem with whatever she used to draw closer to God…” (p. 158, large print edition) in the mouth of a pastor without judgment is theological irresponsible (and sadly, common in “Christian” writing, fiction and non-fiction).  Sure, this is fiction, but fiction still presents a worldview, for better or for worse.

Carrie: Ronnica mentioned theological questions and I will admit this is one of the areas that I struggled with while reading this. I found that I can/will accept questionable subject matter and/or doctrine in secular books, but when I’m reading a book that is advertised to be Christian, I hold it to a higher standard. The quote that Ronnica mentioned bugged me, too.

Ronnica: Carrie, I like how you said that.  I DO hold books labeled Christian to a much higher standard.  I’ve most certainly read books that I’ve theologically disagreed with more, but they arealmost always not labeled Christian.  I also felt uncomfortable with the idea of Jesus as lover and the idea of stigmata in general.  While I don’t doubt God’s ability to perform miracles, I don’t see the “why” of stigmata in this case specifically, as we always see miracles in the Bible either validating God’s Word or His messengers.

Hannah:  I can certainly agree that fiction written by Christians — let alone published by Christian publishing houses — should be held to a higher theological standard than books not written by and published by Christians.

Going back to what Ronnica mentioned about the book’s theology, which centered around Pastor Mike saying, “I had no problem with whatever she used to draw closer to God…” Sure, it’s troubling for a pastor to spout problematic theology. However, pastors are still human, fallen, imperfect, sinful. And in this case in particular, Pastor Mike isn’t presented as seeing this situation perfectly — or clearly, even. So while that idea/quote certainly is not good theology, I wouldn’t say the book presents his position as infallible or inaccurate. I don’t think the book’s worldview is embodied in Pastor Mike.

Amy: Now here’s where I’m going to get in trouble with you all!  I’m not sure I agree with the concept of a Christian book being held to a higher standard theologically.  It is easy for me to say yes, I agree with this, but the word Christian covers so many people with such vast and different beliefs.  I actually think that I’d love to see more theological diversity in Christian fiction because I think it would more accurately reflect the body of Christ, would challenge us to think about what we believe through the medium of fiction, and would probably invite more people to consider reading Christian fiction.  Furthermore, I’m not sure I agree with the statement the Bible is sufficient, I think Jesus is sufficient, and I think the Bible is some of the revelation we have left.  I regard it with tremendous respect and hope to always learn from it, don’t get me wrong!

I agree with Hannah that just because a character voices one viewpoint that doesn’t mean it’s the viewpoint of the author, though I sometimes struggle with this distinction myself.  I think maybe the reason we feel uncomfortable with Mike saying these things is because he’s the pastor and we expect our pastors to be the ultimate authority.

Hannah: I actually struggled with writing that, because I really struggle with major theological problems in any books I read. On the other hand, I know intellectually that we mustn’t hold people accountable for what they don’t know. Theological diversity, though (within certain parameters), is acceptable within what I’m talking about.

Ronnica: Going back to theological issues, I do think that there is certainly room for a wider theological perspective than say mine or my church’s.  However, I do believe that while there are many issues that there can be diversified opinions on within the Christian community (end times, continuation of miracles, etc.) there are some viewpoints that are necessary to be considered “Christian” (the deity of Christ, the sinfulness of man, etc.).

While I don’t necessarily think that Burney crossed the line on these issues, I do think the “whatever works for you” attitude presented in theological dangerous and spiritually unhealthy.  In the Old Testament, we see very strict penalties (death) for worshiping God in ways He did not prescribe.  While we have greater freedom and grace through Jesus Christ, God is and always will be a God that demands worship on His own terms, not ours.

Carrie: Amy, I liked the points you made about diverse theology in Christian fiction – but I guess we would disagree on the sufficiency of the Bible. I believe the Bible is complete and infallible, and all Christian belief and experience should be weighed against that authority. When I see what I consider extra-Biblical doctrine in a Christian novel, I can’t help but worry about readers being convinced of things about God that aren’t what the Bible teaches. (I hope that doesn’t offend – I hope you know I love you, Amy, and you’re my sister in Christ – even if we disagree on this point.)

I also get what Hannah was saying about the Pastor’s viewpoint just being one character’s – and a flawed, human character. I guess my high expectations for clergy were coming out in my expectations for the character! And I probably need to look at that – I can’t expect my pastor to be perfect, can I? He’s not God.

Other parts of the discussion can be found at the other participant’s blogs.

Besides those included above, other discussion participants include:

Deborah
Sheila
Julie
Thomas
Debbie
Heather

Of all the people we’re introduced to in the Bible, the one I most relate to is Hannah.  In my recent struggles for contentment in God, I turned once again to the familiar passage of 1 Samuel 1-2.

Hannah is a woman who knew unmet longings.  Just like my desire for a husband is good and natural, her desire for a child is good and natural.  She wanted to be a mother: something that as a woman, God designed her to do.

One thing that always stands out to me about this passage is Hannah’s emotions are spelled out for us.  Hannah calls her childless state an “affliction” (v. 11).  It wouldn’t be hard to imagine what a woman longing for a child might be feeling, but the Bible makes it clear:

“…her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her…” (v. 6, ESV)

“…Hannah wept and would not eat.” (v. 7)

Hannah’s husband: “Why is your heart sad?” ( v. 8 )

“I am a woman troubled in spirit.” (v. 15)

“…my great anxiety and vexation.” (v. 16)

Clearly, having a son was not a passing fancy for Hannah, any more than my desire for a husband is a fleeting thought in my life.  In fact, I just noticed for the first time that in verse 7 it gives us a bit of time reference for the events: “So it went on year by year.”  Year after year!  While we don’t know how many years, I’m sure it was quite a few or it wouldn’t state it like that.  During this time, not only did Hannah remain childless, she was being provoked by her fertile counterpart, likely daily coming into contact with her and her growing family.  Her childlessness is being rubbed in her face (something that I’m thankful not to have experienced).

The thing is, though Hannah was missing something that she rightfully desired, she was also blessed.  She had a husband who loved her and was well cared for (let’s leave out the bigamy as a topic for another day).  Compared to many who suffered in Israel, she had it made.  I can say the same for myself: I have been overwhelming blessed in almost every way.  Except for a companion in life, what more do I lack?  But like Hannah, what I lack seems to eclipse all the many blessings.

What I love so much about this little vignette is Hannah’s response to her unmet desire.  She offered herself to the Lord, emotions and all.  Though her desires were a mix of sinful and godly (as mine are…I love that the Bible doesn’t gloss over it’s hero’s–and heroine’s–sins), she brought them before God.  My favorite verse in this passage is verse 10:

“She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly.”

Now this I can definitely relate to.  The good, the bad, and the ugly, all wrapped up together in one sticky mess.  She took her unmet longings and all the emotions tied up with them to the One who could fix them–and her.

And the Lord answered her prayers.  I love the language the Bible uses to describe the conception of Samuel: “…and the LORD remembered her” (v. 19).  When (Lord willing!) I’m pregnant with my first child, I think that’s how I’d tell my husband, “The Lord remembered me.”

Of course, this was likely not the first time that she prayed to God.  No doubt, this was a familiar scene for Hannah, offering up her desire for a child again.  But in His timing, God answered.  This gives me hope–not a promise, but hope–that God will answer my prayers for a husband.

And until that time, I will wait, continually giving up my desires to the One who can fulfill them and use them to mold me.

I saw a news article the other day with the title, “Worry on World Economy Shakes Asian Markets.”  Now, I could care less about the state of the world markets (or at least those types of markets…I do rather enjoy going to local markets in the countries I visit), but this title stood out for me.

Because that’s EXACTLY what worry does: it shakes.

When we begin to worry (and we worry about so many things, don’t we?), we shake our faith.  We allow doubts about the future to shake the faith that we have that God is good and is in control.  We’re like Peter walking on water…when we focus in on the troubling things like the wind of the waves, we lose focus of the object of our faith.  Sure, those wind and waves are real, but so is God, the God who is faithful.

He’s the one I want to focus on.

Photo by Kevin