Erudite Redneck, B.S., B.S., M.A., (M.T.S.)

Still life: Friday night, July 17, 2-ought-ought-9. Bailey is content.





(That book is "Lonesome Dove." My angle coulda been better.)

--ER

!!!

Total Blogger tech failure! Photos lost! Text lost! Post lost!

&*^^%$&%*(*(!!

GRRRR!

Yet the headline survived. How fricking ironic.

I am THIS close to abandoning "modernity" and all of its contraptions and headin' for the woods. AUUUUUUUUGH!

--ER

So, I'm reading JOE DALLAS, "A Strong Delusion: Confronting the 'Gay Christian' Movement" -- strongly suggested reading by Focus on the Patriarchy -- and so far, he's confirming my own thinking.

He is equating the Bible itself with the Word, and his whole argument is based on the assertion that a literal reading of Scripture, and chaining all possible meaning for us today of its varrious writings to the original time, context and audience, is the only way to interpret.

Not.

Still reading, though. Convince me, Mr. Dallas.

--ER

"My generation would like to break up with you."

I like.

--ER

"Even then, fakers and false Savers and sorry, no-good lyin’ preachers and fake know-it-alls will be cropping up here and there and yonder. If somebody says, ‘Here! Here is the Saver!’ Or, ‘There! There is the Saver!’ don’t buy it! It’ll get tricky. They’ll have magic tricks and soothing words and signs and wonders so impressive that God’s rescue posse itself, if it were possible, could be busted up and sent scatterin’.

"But I’ve given you a heads-up. So if somebody says, ‘There’s the Saver! Out in the country!’ Or somebody says, ‘There he is! In an office building downtown!’ And big crowds are gathering? Don’t bite. The Saver, the Son of Man, will come like lightning, not like an encore of an act on a stage that folks can gather themselves up to see!"

(Matthew 24: 23-28)

--ER

"For all the talk of 'modesty" and "restraint,' the right wing Justices of the Court have a striking record of ignoring precedent, overturning congressional statutes, limiting constitutional protections, and discovering new constitutional rights ..."

What a "conservative" SCOTUS really looks like!

Read all of U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's opening statement at the confirmation hearing of Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court of the United States.

More of him, please.

--ER

Great balance, or tension, between the Prayer of Confession and the sermon text this morning!


The Prayer of Confession:

"Lord of Life, we gather as a community of free people who believe that there is yet more light to break forth from Your word and Your spirit. Open our hearts and minds to the wisdom that surrounds us, and then help us to act on the truth we receive. It is not enough to talk about the good; we must do good, and begin by loving the neighbor. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth our Teacher and Lord we pray, Amen."


The sermon text:

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

"This is what the LORD says:
'Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.'
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' "


They only seem contradictory at first. New light. Ancient paths. That's what Jesus was all about, wasn't it?

What's more ancient, in the Judeo-Christian sense, than to strive to love God and love neighbor as yourself? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God?

Yet, as we say in the United Church of Christ: God is still speaking.

--ER

The other day, for only the second time ever, I ordered a case of wine.

Santa Ema, Cabernet. Reserve.

A Chilean red.

Experts have their own words for it, but to me it's mouthy, full, ready and THERE for any red meat or spicy red sauce you can throw at it -- even jalapenos.

It has heft, but lifts off a little at the finish.

Damn. Good. Wine.

Tried some at a tasting in Houston. Bought two bottles there. Had to have a case.

--ER

Me, to an old friend, a PK (preacher's kid, fundy preacher), from my youth:

Hey, tell your dad I'm taking some seminary classes this fall. Crazy liberal seminary. :-) A Disciples-affiliated school that is in covenant with the crazy liberal United Church of Christ. My church is a UCC church. And I'm a crazy liberal deacon there. :-) Hoo hoo. :-)

Old friend, graciously ignoring my asshattery:

NO WAY! That is awesome. Seriously, you are serving the Lord and that is great.

xxxxx

Gulp. You know, I can be pretty thick, but I never thought of it that way.

Serving peeps who are seeking God, and themselves serving others -- yes.

But serving the Lord? I reckon that *is* the same thing in some ways.

Maybe something like servin' cups of Gatorade from an aid/refreshment station to runners in a marathon -- especially when it comes to servin' and cleanin' up after Communion.

But mainly what I serve is cookies! Good Lord! I had no idea how great and routine was the church's need for cookies! LOL! :-) Every time I turn around, I'm bein' hit up to bring a dozen. :-)

Happy Friday, y'all.

--ER

So, what's y'alls' take on angels?

xxx

On Facebook, ER took the Who is your Guardian Angel? quiz and the result is Michael.

"Who is like God," "Like unto God," "Who is like the Divine" -- The first Angel created by God, Michael is the leader of all the Archangels and is in charge of protection, courage, strength, truth and integrity. Michael protects us physically, emotionally and psychically. He also oversees the lightworker's life purpose. His chief function is to rid the earth and its inhabitants of the toxins associated with fear. Michael carries a flaming sword that he uses to cut through etheric cords and protects us from Satan and negative entities. When he's around you may see sparkles or flashes of bright blue or purple light. Michael is helping if you find yourself under psychic attack or if you feel you lack commitment, motivation and dedication to your beliefs, courage, direction, energy, vitality, self-esteem, worthiness. Michael helps us to realize our life's purpose and he's invaluable to lightworkers helping with protection, space clearing and spirit releasement. Michael conquered the fallen Angel Satan, was in the Garden of Eden to teach Adam how to farm and care for his family, spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai and in 1950 he was canonized as Saint Michael, "the patron of Police Officers," because he helps with heroic deeds and bravery. Michael also has an incredible knack for fixing electrical and mechanical devices, including computers and automobiles. Michael helps us to follow our truth without compromising our integrity and helps us to find our true natures and to be faithful to who we really are. Michael's message is dont be afraid to stand for what you believe in and to fight for what you desire in life!!

Well, that's nice.

--ER

It's all I've got.

--ER

Just tryin' it on. Oldtimers around here, both of you, will recall that the original name of this place was "Erudite Redneck, B.S., B.S., (M.A.)," then it was "Erudite Redneck, B.S., B.S., M.A." after I finished the M.A.

Just tryin' it on. ...

--ER

PRAYER OF CONFESSION today at church:

"Lord of Life, we pause in midsummer to remember that our days are numbered, our death is certain, and our embrace of the transience of life is the most important step we take in the embrace of uncertainty. As we scatter for travel, or stay home to tend the garden, let us not forget that to be a community is to live in one another's hearts. This community is blessed; our faces are sacred; our brief pilgrimage is an astonishment. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, our Teacher and Lord we pray, Amen."

--ER

Freedom! To Independence! Happy day, y'all!

Flags of ER's Fathers.

--ER

HB 500: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible (3 hrs.)
An introduction to the literature and thought of the Hebrew scriptures set within the social worlds of Israel and the ancient Near East. The survey primarily covers Genesis-Kings and emphasizes social-scientific and narrative analysis of biblical texts.

CD 501: Orientation to Theological Research (.5 hr.)
This course will provide instruction on how to find, evaluate, and cite research resources in the PTS library and through online access. Hands-on instruction in the use of the computer for research will be emphasized. Students will bring an actual assignment from a course they are currently taking and utilize the instruction in this course to help them gather the resources to complete that assignment.

HS 504: History of Christianity lI: Reformation and Modern (3 hrs.)
A survey of the Christian church from the Reformation era to modern times. Special attention will be given to the diversity and unity of the church in the period, to the divisions and reconciliations that have shaped various contemporary Christian communities.


Hmmm ...

--ER

God help me.

Prayers, condolences, congratulations, intervention and any other doggone thing y'all think I need now all welcome!

Gulp.

--ER

Four-day work weeks suck when you still have five days of work to do, hence the lurching. Ugh. Tomorrow, maybe, will redeem the week!

Still have not managed to use the grill in 2009! Cowflesh is on my mind bigtime, though, so that's the plan for tomorrow evening: Ribeyes as big as my arm, and some weinies to have around the house, as we say. But first a bunch of yard work, then a bunch of inside-the-house work.

Saturday, if Dr. ER is up to it, we'll go watch the local Independence Day parade. Saturday afternoon, I'm gonna try to run to Mustang (southwest OKC 'burb) to see an old friend. Saturday night, if Dr. ER is up to it, we'll do our usual watchin' of the fireworks at the local college.

That's it. Nothing spectacular, although I'll probably make my annual sad trip to a fireworks stand to get some smoke bombs or something else wussy with which to amuse Bailey. Living in town sucks this time of year. :-(

Maybe I'll be a real outlaw this year and buy a little bitty pack of firecrackers. Black Cats, of course. I'm partial to the brand, for reasons that ought to be clear. :-)

Y'alls' plans for the holiday weekend?

--ER

:::UPDATED AND CORRECTED, FOR ALL NEEDING ... HEADLINE FIX ... QUOTE MARKS ADDED TO INDICATE 'HERMIONE' IS CHARACTER'S NAME, NOT ACTOR'S REAL NAME:::

Emma Watson -- yes, I think she is a doll -- goes berzack.

Ugh. Yuck. P.U.

I liked Avril Lavigne's dark-eyed "punk" look. But it ain't Emma's thing!

--ER

Ya know, I glanced at Neil's, EL's, MA's and Mark's stuff and it's all so stale it bored me. Same old delusions.

This guy makes those guys look like the amateurs they are.

--ER

"Theology is the study of God and his ways. For all we know, dung beetles may study man and his ways and call it humanology. If so, we would probably be more touched and amused than irritated. One hopes that God feels likewise."

-- Frederick Buechner

Photo from Wikipedia

PRAYER OF CONFESSION today at church:

"Lord of Life, we gather as a community searching for the will to respond to the world as it is, not as we imagine it. We come in search of healing, both body and soul. We come to ask for what we need, and not to let anything stand in the way of our relationship with the Divine. Give us the strength and the courage to "beg" for wholeness, and the will not to stop until we have found it. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth our Teacher and Lord we pray, Amen."

Hear a recent sermon.

--ER

A working paper, to submit, when tweaked, with my application to seminary. Y'all have seen the top part before ... I dunno. It's probably too personal. Not sure what they're looking for. But this is pretty much what they're gonna get.

Comments and criticisms welcome. Just don't be mean. Also, speak now or hold yr peace, 'cause I'll probably take it down after a day or two. ... But I'm not sure why I would, necesarrily. ... Anyhoo ... :-)

--ER


xxx

The preacher’s message was so clear I thought I could draw it. So I did. With a dainty “lady’s” pen and pad from Mama’s purse, a huge black thing with a vicious metal snap and a hard, flat bottom with sharp corners, I drew what I heard the preacher say.

At top: “God,” just the word, with some lines for light rays around it. At bottom: A stick figure of a boy: Me. Between, another stick figure, a cross, for Jesus. I put the cross there because the preacher said, according to the Old, Old Story, God loved us so much that he put it there: “A Savior came from Glory.”

I looked up and Mama smiled at my handiwork. As a hymn played, I stepped out into the aisle and I walked to the front, and I prayed with the preacher.

This I believe: At that moment, the spirit of Jesus, my friend, helper, Savior in ways even more mysterious to me today than then, at age 8 – his spirit of honesty, openness, willingness, kindness, love and justice -- did, in fact, come into my heart. Grace, Grace – “marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed” -- found me, in a Southern Baptist church in a small Southern town. And in that congregation I first learned my privilege and obligation as a Christian to give grace away as freely as it was given to me.

The spirit of Jesus saves.

The spirit of Jesus saved me from racism when in my teens, the Ku Klux Klan tried to resurrect. I could not square such rhetoric and meanness with the Gospel as preached at that little church.

The spirit of Jesus saved me from the mood of greed that dominated the 1980s when I was in college, a worldly spirit perfectly depicted in a familiar dorm-room poster of the era: “Poverty Sucks,” it says, over a big photo of a big man, a self-satisfied prig wearing jodhpurs, tweed jacket, sporty cap and riding boots, glass in hand, wine in an ice bucket on the bumper of a gaudy Rolls Royce.

The spirit of Jesus kept me in the 1990s, lingering, loitering it seemed at times, whispering, tickling the ears of my soul, pricking my heart, even as I went my own way in my own prodigality, wasting my substance, living riotously.

Not long ago, the spirit of Jesus wrecked a particularly stubborn cultural vestige of my upbringing, destroying my selfish, unthinking bias against same-sex orientation, as sure as he destroyed the money changers’ tables in the temple.

But, I want to be greedy. I want to waste my substance. I want to think myself better than others, black others, homosexual others, other nations' others, other religions' others. It’s natural.

But! There is God, me, and the spirit of Jesus, saving me from myself, when I let myself go. It’s so clear you can draw it.

XXXXX

I wrote a version of the above in 2007 for a Lenten study based on NPR’s “This I Believe” series. Writing is what I do – and editing – as a journalist and history researcher-writer.

I grew up on a farm among an extended family long involved with First Baptist Church in XXXXX, Okla. When fundamentalism swept the Southern Baptist Convention in 1979, it eventually swept the SBC away from me and the Gospel as I first heard it preached. For more than 20 years, other than attending a United Methodist church sporadically for several years while living in Texas, I was an absentee Christian.

That changed in 2005. Three things drew me back to church. First, I started blogging and getting into heated discussions with other bloggers about the church, religion’s role in public life and public affairs, and what it means to “be a Christian.” The least I could do, to keep myself honest, was to go back to church. Also in 2005, the United Church of Christ’s “Bouncer” ad, which depicts bouncers turning away gay couples trying to enter a church, “convicted” me, to use the good old term, of my homophobia. I had been examining the thinking I inherited for some time; I was a dancehall bouncer for awhile in Texas; that ad spoke to me, and I consider the episode an important revelation-epiphany. Also in 2005 came Hurricane Katrina, and the images of wrecked and washed-up humanity – poor, mostly black people, like so much driftwood – on my TV screen caused me to repent of the indifference with which I had started to hold others. I think years of the forced detachment required of a journalist had cauterized into coldness. I continue to repent. I had learned about Mayflower Congregational-UCC Church in Oklahoma City, and I started attending. I joined in 2006. I volunteered for a committee in 2007. I started a two-year term as a deacon this year.

Scholarly study of theology and Christian history has interested me since I took an introduction to New Testament class as an undergraduate at Oklahoma State in the 1980s, but my career kept it a hobby. My success in a rigorous seminar on the Reformation as a history graduate student in 2004 at the University of Central Oklahoma spurred my interest. Rejoining church life has turned it into a longing that I just have to treat.

My calling is as a communicator. As a Christian, I feel drawn to strengthen my ability to communicate the Gospel (which I summarize here as the revelation of God in Christ and God’s ways for humanity in what we know of the teachings of Jesus), whether through writing, editing or preaching; to better inform my research and writing on the nineteenth-century “civilization” efforts toward American Indians; to be in the vanguard of the Christian faith tradition as it evolves; and to bolster myself, head and heart, for sojourning with people who find themselves drawn to God and to others, no matter, as the UCC puts it, where they are on life’s journey.

--30--

He'll drink all your beer.

Take two.

That is all. :-)

--ER

Tell me to get off my butt and "write" this dinky lil teeninsy 2-page "essay" on my religious background and why in the hell I want to take seminary classes. It's the only thing I haven't done yet and the only thing keeping me from puttin' the application in the mail. That dang ol' debble, or somethin', is runnin' a movin' chicane to keep me from gittin' it done!

--ER

... tell me the first thing that you'd like to do.

I'd use it like salt, keep it in a shaker and sprinkle it throughout my days, to bring out the flavor of life here, to cover up bitterness there. In bulk, I'd use it to preserve.

--ER

A Quaker's take on all the noise in the world.

Silence IS countercultural. Wow.

--ER

This is the stuff I brought home to Texas when Daddy died March 28, 1989. I opened it and looked through the stuff today for just the third time. I looked through it one year after he died, and 10 years after he died, and now today. A gal I know from Burns Flat, OK, who is like a tiny female version of myself in some ways, had her daddy die the other day, and I'm sendin' fellow redneck cowperson prayers her way.


It's not a huge deal, this seldom-opened sack. But it's a deal. I know what's in this sack. Couple of Zippos. Sunglasses from seeing the Thunderbirds a day or two before he died. Get-well critter. Cattle ear tag. This whiskey bottle was one of a few different ones my brother and I found out in the milk house right after he died. He had a hunch! Teetotaling Mama wouldn't let the stuff in the house.


The sack. Safeway.

I'm gettin' it from both sides today. I miss Daddy. Mama, too. And I miss my Bird -- but she called me today! Yippee!

And I'm fixing to call my father-in-law to see if he wants to come up this Friday to go to an Oklahoma RedHawks (triple-A baseball) game. We've been talking about it.

--ER

I did so much, yardworkwise, today, I could take a chance on readin' two more of John Cheever's bleak-dark-terribly-mundane-but-hard-to-put-down short stories. But only 2. That dark-hearted s.o.b is hard to take on an average day.

--ER

Apparently, it was *not* the Lord's will that I:

1. Be able to do the one hour of work I had to do today from home, preferring, rather, that I spend two hours *trying* to do said work before giving up on my work laptop working, then having to go into the office anyway.

2. Get some serious yard work started, let alone done.

3. Feel well this afternoon, because I don't.

4. Go to three seminars tomorrow on Orthodox Christianity, because now I have to do yard work.

On the other hand, I think I will be able to go the Orthodox lecture tonight, which is the main one I wanted to hear anyway, which seemed to have been dashed when I thought work-work was going to delay the yard work, which would have kept me from going to the church, that is, until I got to feeling puny and didn't even start the yard work.

So, I reckon it could be that what the Lord wanted was for me to go this thing tonight, and it took a p.o.s. work computer, then my feeling unwell this afternoon, to make it happen.

But I doubt it.

Eh.

--ER

Lincoln had a fly, too!

LOL!

--ER

Here it is mid-June, and I have not yet grilled once! Sheesh. This, that and the other have just kept me from it. But the drought ends Saturday: Half-inch-thick ribeyes for chipotle-type sandwiches, and roasting ears.

That's one of my favorites from the grill. What're some of y'alls'??

--ER