de/constructive paper numero uno

I'm not sure if I just wrote a de/constructive paper or if a de/construct paper wrote me. 4,934 words later I'm sure of one thing: I'm a mess.



And if anyone feels like chiming in and contributing to feedback on the paper

Download constructive_paper!.pdf (393.3K)

Heretic Pilates Team

Here's a request and dedication to you, Anonymous (and to the spirit of more fair athletic reporting).

Today's match of the Heretic Beginner's Pilates class versus Sleep was a tough one. The Heretics were far behind with a 3-2 lead from those taken in the grips of sleep at the early 7 AM meeting time. The teacher waited a couple of minutes in hopes that the team might show up in fuller force, but such hopes were in vain.


The partially fielded team was able to put in a good fight in maintaining alignment, breathing, engaging the transverse abdominal muscles, and practicing various repetitive motions. The Bockman Hall Morning Matins Pep Choir helped the Heretical players maintain their concentration on the match before them. The competitors advanced to even bringing together the dreaded 100's exercises and more intense abdominal work than they've seen in their season so far.

Even though Sleep won this week, none of the athletes present fell asleep during the actual class. I think we stand a good chance in our match next week against Motivation.

The “Lone Ranger”

This week I am the “Lone Ranger.” Sonia (my “dodi” or “beloved” in Hebrew) is gracing Florida with her presence. She is visiting her maid of honor, Stephanie. I’m taking this week to complete my thesis for binding and subsequent publication. I took the opportunity today to do what I should have done for about a week now: clean. It’s quite refreshing to have a clean workspace. This will be particularly useful tomorrow – as I will be once again correcting “Introduction to the Old Testament” term papers for my friend and colleague. So, what else is new here? With Sonia’s absence I was supposed to have some of the week off (Sonia’s tutoring days) from tutoring our neighbor tutee. Lo’ and behold (like clockwork!)– He came over with his little second grader assignments at 7:30 p.m. sharp, catching me ill-prepared to tutor! I did it anyways. I figure that we will need any extra money that we can scrounge for the wedding (albeit it is in almost two years). I am certain that many Luther students have gone through this situation at one time or another. Money can be tight – especially today. Anyhow, it is truly late. I wish you all the best. Goodnight!

-Dan

New Baby?

We bloggers have often shared about the blessing of this community at Luther Seminary.


One of the awesome ways our community supports each other is with food for new babies. While we can't actually provide the food for new babies, we can feed their parents who are busy and getting used to being up in the middle of the night, changing diapers, and feeling chronically exhausted. I just finished delivering some home-cooked food to my neighbors for their supper...and getting to hold a wonderfully beautiful baby! Through the scheduling efforts of our Family Coordinator, Sarah, I signed up to provide a meal for some brand new parents in the first few days of parenthood. Others like me have been bringing them meals all week, so they can use their energy in other ways.

Way to go Sarah for all your behind-the-scenes hard work! (See!...having babies at seminary has certain perks!)

It’s been a while, eh?

It’s certainly been a while since I’ve blogged. I can’t believe this week is already coming to a close. It seems like only a day ago that I was working on three final papers. I’m sure glad that those are behind me. It’s really difficult to keep up with things when you’re researching, writing, and editing. Well - it's done for now. This weekend Luther Seminary is hosting the Upper Midwest AAR/SBL research conference. I did not take the opportunity to attend this last year. Although my research was not selected for presentation—I am still exceedingly excited to go this year. Several of my classmates (and close friends) are presenting. I suggest that if you have time on Friday or Saturday that you check it out! Anyhow – I think I’m going to “hit the hay” as they say. I hope you have a wonderful week. Blessings!

-Dan

Preaching Life XII

Today I heard 4 sermons. I am not expecting anymore....but you never know.

It is a bit strange to listen to so many formally prepared sermons in such a short period of time....not that I'm complaining, because I am certainly not. But still, it is a little strange. I attended daily chapel this morning, and then proceeded to my preaching lab where I heard 3 additional proclamations of God's action in the world by my classmates.

Last Thursday, I preached 1 and heard 4. It's almost scary to start adding all of these up. There is an intensity to hearing the gospel (and law) proclaimed in such frequency and regularity. It seems grounding and overwhelming all at once. At the same time, it makes me feel very out of touch with the real world, and those who rarely, if ever, hear the gospel proclaimed to them in relevant ways.

I'm still listening though.

21 Day Challenge

We're almost one week into a 21 Day Challenge. This is a 3-week long event encouraged by our Healthy Leader's Initiative. Are we trying to earn our way into heaven by participating in healthy activities? By no means! It doesn't take much time or experience in the church to see the drastic and negative effects of unhealthy leaders. The Healthy Leader's Initiative stresses, "an individual's lifestyle has a direct influence on life expectancy, quality of life as well as the communities in which they live, work and serve." We would struggle to important deny the value of quality work and service for our neighbors.

So what are we gonna do about it? Walking groups, yoga, Tai Chai, personal fitness trainers, pilates, chair massages, prayer labyrinths, healthy eating groups, prayer services, daily chapel, basketball and I'm sure there's more.

It's Tournament Time....for the Heretics too.

Tonight was round 1 for the Heretics soccer team "Final Four." We wore black because we had trouble with similar jersey colors against this team in the past. We sported a variety of black shirts including a Northstar Roller Girls (complete with skull and crossbones), an "I heart Deaconesses" shirt, and an "I lived in Fargo (Really)!" design. The Heretics were pumped for the first game in the end-of-season tournament and were out in full force.

The team we played rocked the one-touches and kept scoring off of corner kicks. JD played super-hard in the goal, but we weren't able to keep them out. Half-time score was 4-0 Boca Dos. We got a good pep talk, re-figured some of our defensive movement and strategy and seriously stepped up second half. Fliegen der Deutscher (Dennis) was, indeed, the Flying German. We definitely out-played the other team second half - it just took us awhile to get our bearings. Catie scored off a deflected goal and pass from Dennis, which brought the Heretics up to 4-1.

I must confess, I threw a bit of a tantrum during our game (sorry for those of you who had to listen to it). Our referee, though even - called hardly any fouls. I bet I could count them on one hand. While, this isn't a terrible thing - we were getting thrown around quite a bit. I definitely got pushed onto my face and blatantly straight-armed by a guy who had a significant size advantage. Not Fair! Really there are two ways to confront this 1.) whine to the referee or 2.) be jerks and play just as unclean and rough. The Heretics are much too kind to do very much #2, and #1 was deemed ineffective early on. So, though we played pretty well (and certainly outscored them) the second half, I left feeling a bit of rage around injustice on the pitch.

I give additional props to Justin, Danae, Jenny and Jesse for stepping up their games and playing really intense. By the way....I take bribes for giving online props - so you, too, could be mentioned in this oh-so-popular sports reporting blog.

so.rad!

When someone asks, "Do you want to shoot hoops at the Metrodome?" The answer is, "Yes." It doesn't matter if you've never shot a ball before or if you hate the game. The answer is, "Yes." Last night when Catie asked if we wanted to go to the Metrodome to shoot some hoops, our answer was, "Um, yes!"

The first round of the Final-Four brought basketball to the Metrodome, which is usually converted back and forth between football and baseball with home and boating shows in between. I've been on the floor of the Metrodome only twice before; once for my brother's high school baseball game at the Dome (I got to be a statistician and sit in the dugout!), and once with Dane and Dawn for MN Twins Fest. I've never gotten to play anything at the Metrodome, until last night.

We arrived around 7, made our way through locks and doors, through the bowels of the Metrodome and onto a freshly painted and produced basketball court under the big, fluffy bubble that is the Dome. Our guide brought us the actual basketballs they play with and let us shoot around until about 8.

It was so cool!

We mostly shot around, I noticed how out of shape I actually am and finished the hour with a 1-on-1 game against my beloved. If we were playing soccer, I would have been trounced, but, since we were playing basketball, my sport, I managed a 6-4 victory (or maybe it was 6-3).

I left the court the way I always left it for practice and personal shoot-arounds: by making the last shot from the top of the key, a three-pointer: swish.

That which passes all understanding

For several months now I have been reading Anton Chekov's Ward No. 6 and Other Stories, and almost every single story includes references to times in the church year or includes a character who is a divinity student. Most stories use the church as a piece of the setting. But some take on the questions of religion more directly. In this story that I read yesterday neither the Church nor a divinity student were part of the story. Instead the thing that drove the story was one question, which I can only describe as religious or spiritual in its impetus and secular in its expression. 

In "The Darling" the main character, Olenka, is exposed by the narrator who states, "The black kitten, Briska, rubbed against her and purred softly, but Olenka was not touched by these feline caresses. That was not what she needed. She wanted a love that would absorb her whole being, her whole soul and reason-- that would give her ideas and an object in life, and would warm her old blood. And she would shake the kitten off her skirt and say with vexation: "Get along; I don't want you!"

I was talking with a friend yesterday about baptism, because they are having a baptism in their family next month. I did not remember this set of lines during that conversation, but I would have liked to. I didn't remember my catechism verbatim either, but I should have. Instead I had to use examples like Shakira and Gavin DeGraw...

But, these lines can speak to our baptism. I don't know if Olenka needed someone to love or to be loved by, but I know that by Baptism we are loved by God and it may be in this way: So that love does absorb our whole being, our whole soul, and reason-- so that love does give us ideas and an object in life, and it does warm our old blood.

Coming Soon...

It's coming people!

The 4th Annual Luther Seminary Silent Auction and Variety Show! It is a wonderful night of shared talent, laughter, community building, and supporting our friends and neighbors in a fundraiser. This year's event is Thursday, March 26 - That's less than a week away!

They are taking donations of all kinds to auction off. Artwork, meat, cheesecakes, woodcraft, dates to go bowling with the Bible Division....you pretty much name it. Today is the last day to make a donation so get your forms turned in at Student Services.

If you are around campus, mark your calendar for this amazing event. You can also check out last year's event here.

Discernment Anyone?

What do you think? Seminarians have it all together? I sure don't!

I know that as a diaconal ministry candidate, I often feel lost. The church has a lot of places for pastors. It seems like everyone knows what a pastor is. Everyone knows what a pastor does. Most everyone knows a pastor. I know tons of pastors, actually. So many, I wouldn't even want to try to count them.

I do not know a single consecrated diaconal minister. I know of one person who is a diaconal minister. I know a couple of people who are close to the end of their candidacy journey towards diaconal ministry. I know several diaconal ministry candidates here at Luther....but I don't technically know any diaconal ministers.

Today I had almost an hour long conversation with someone I really respect. She thinks I need to explore more deeply the call of being a pastor. She thinks I may be missing it with this diaconal ministry route. After our conversation, I went to the preaching class I don't need but am taking as an elective. (I choose it because preaching was scary to me and I think I might have to preach someday as a diaconal minister - so I'd rather figure it out now than in front of a couple hundred people.) Preaching class did not help this lost I'm feeling right now. I would dare even say I love preaching....now that I've actually tried it. I think I might even be pretty good.

I can't help but wonder what God's doing with me and where I'm headed. Is this ground-breaking work of diaconal ministry where God wants me? or maybe I'm being coaxed towards that P-word. I guess discernment isn't something we ever get to check off our list of things to do....even though it is certainly on my list this week.

Hit the fan

I remember when a Luther Seminary faculty member told me that it’s about this time of year that many students have a “glazed over” look on their faces. This past weekend was relaxing – perhaps a little too relaxing. It went by a little too quickly if you ask me. This week is quite intense (make that very intense). The end of half-semester courses means finals for three of my classes on subsequent days. This is a delicate balancing act as one can’t forget about regularly assigned homework and readings. I’m taking the week off from being a teaching constituent so that I can spend all the extra time I can in our lovely library. I’ve been taking a class on common source materials (and subsequently commonalities) between Judaism and Christianity. Here’s something interesting for you. I was blessed enough to attend a Friday evening worship service and Mount Zion Synagogue in St. Paul. Many of my classmates were there. The cantor had the most beautiful voice. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Hebrew sung as beautifully. I can also attest that the congregation definitely knows how to cater a fellowship hall – there wasn’t the regular “bars and fruit punch” – but all sorts of “exotic” enticing goodies (can you say – red velvet cake?). The sense of community was astounding. I hope that many of you take the opportunity to visit. It’s a great opportunity to converse, have fellowship, and advance Christian-Jewish relations. Have a good night. I’m off to write a paper on DtrH (Deuteronomistic History).

-Dan

Those Dang Money Changers

So, funny thing happened at St. Martin's Lutheran Church. Really I couldn't have made this up any better if my life depended on it.

Sunday we read John's Gospel text where Jesus overturns the money changers in the Temple. Now I understand that Jesus was making a theological claim about him "tabernacling" through the incarnation. But, the irony is that we don't normally sell stuff in the narthex. This past Sunday however, there were FIVE MONEY EXCHANGING BOOTHS - and NO! this wasn't part of the sermon illustration...

1. Buy tickets to see the Luther Nordic Choir performance.
2. Buy banquet tickets for the 125th anniversary celebration with Bishop Mark Hansen
3. Purchase your copy of the annual women's cookbook
4. Raffle tickets for the large screen TV to help the Youth go to the gathering
5. And my personal favorite...BUY your copy of The Lutheran Study Bible.

No, really. I'm not kidding. Five. Money. Changers.

What is worse? The fact that Pastor Craig preached on the gospel text last week or that I went ahead and bought a Lutheran Study Bible despite the fact that Pastor Craig made fun of the money changers in the sermon?

IRONY.

Poll the Audience

It's that time of the semester where I find myself in a bind. (Are you there too?) It happens every semester. Even though I hope to avoid it and try to work hard through it- it still comes. Even though I prioritize and make charts of my reading and written assignments, project due dates and tests - it still comes. I'm guessing this happens to everyone, but maybe it's only a few of us.

I am now behind in every class. (Hopefully, none of my professors are dedicated readers of this blog). I cannot keep up with the reading assignments, exegetical exercises (digging into scripture for those of you who don't get to use that word all the time), papers, sermons, projects, research, etc. This happens every semester. It doesn't seem to get any easier, either. You'd think I'd get used to disappointing my own (and the professors') high expectations - but I never quite get there. Still, I never know whether to abandon that which I did not complete and focus on keeping up with the rest of the class, or to hunker down and catch up (at least in some classes), or to simply throw in the towel and stop trying. Inevitably, I end up in a moment of crisis every time - trying to figure out what my strategy should be.

I'm curious what you do.... If I were an administrator (rather than a contributor) of this blog I would make one of those fancy schmancy polls and find out. Instead, I'll invite you to comment on how you handle situations like this in school or in life. Here are the I'm-pretending-this-is-actually-a-poll options:

1. Stop whining and do it.
2. Leave what's behind, behind - move forward.
3. Take a walk, eat chocolate and stop trying so hard.
4. Some other amazing strategy that I've not even considered (please tell us what it is).

Celebrating Irish Saints

It is St. Patrick's Day. I am wearing green. I remember reading at one point, that Protestants are to wear orange, rather than green on St. Patrick's Day. I have no idea if this is a true tradition, but it seems like yet another great way to concentrate on the division between "us and them." Despite my Protestant Pride, I'm glad we happen to unite on this.

It's interesting the way we celebrate this Saint's day. Chapel today even had stringed instruments and we sang/heard two Irish traditional tunes. Tomorrow is the feast day for Saint Cyril of Jerusalem. What is the traditional musical genre of the 4th century in Jerusalem? And what color am I supposed to wear?

Spring

We can see the light at the end of the dark tunnel of winter. 

Yesterday, members of my household were heard exclaiming, "Thank the Lord! We're gonna make it!" It's a funny thing to say, but it betrays a true experience of winter, or any persistent condition. While you're in it you don't think there is anything else. So, you live as if there were nothing else. Or, perhaps in your hibernating imagination you remember dimly that this isn't all that there is. So, with that dim hope you go about your daily existence, constantly forgetting and reminding yourself that spring will come and the T-shirt you are wearing beneath your sweatshirt and coat will someday stand alone. 

But, near the end, when we get a glimpse of the new life to come we unfold in rejoicing like your favorite flower in spring. We vividly remember that this was the future we had been promised the whole time, even when we couldn't imagine or remember it. The gospel is like this and that's why we feel like exclaiming "Thank the Lord!" when the seasons change.

Heretics 5-2 for the season!

We ended our regular season on Sunday with a 2-0 victory. Our defense was solid and our offense found great opportunities to score. Dennis, the flying Deutchman and Matt, the red-haired wunderkind gave the heretics the edge over a very well-rounded team. Great help from Justin and Robert as always.

Our defense was almost all aces on Sunday; three people took shots to the head to protect the team: Colin, Catie and Jenny. Tough noggins. Aaron cleared every ball that came his way and Danae was a solid sweeper.

We've never been a 5-2 team and for once we are in the winner's bracket for this season's tournament! Our first playoff game is this Sunday at 6:30; meet in the OCC parking lot at 5:45 if you'd like a ride.

The Temptation of Adam

Because I don't quite know enough html to link to a page in the comment section, I thought I'd put some requested information here.

I wrote this about the song The Temptation of Adam last month:

The Temptation of Adam, or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to See the World.

I consider one of my greatest successes on internship to be learning the lyrics to the song “To the Dogs or Whomever” verbatim. “To the Dogs or Whoever” is the opening track from Josh Ritter’s 2007 album The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter. It was no easy feat, but in 6 minutes increments (the time it took me to get from my apartment to the church), over months of sustained discipline, I can now sing the song on command. Think Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” meets hyper-literate narratives complete with historical, biblical and fictional images.

Josh Ritter grew up Lutheran. Baptized and confirmed, he grew up in Moscow, Idaho and cut his teeth in singing, songwriting and playing his guitar in Lutheran summer camps. His Lutheran identity is heard in his lyrics, most notably with his awareness and understanding of the keys of the kingdom in the songs “Girl in the War” (“because the keys to the kingdom got locked inside the kingdom”) and “Thin Blue Flame” (“If what’s loosed on earth will be loosed up on high/It’s a Hell of a Heaven we must go to when we die") from the 2006 album Animal Years.

Ritter and The New Pornographers were constant companions for me while on internship. Perhaps an apology for The New Pornographers ought to fit in this issue, one on adultery and sex, but they’re name is nothing more than a response to a 1950s pamphlet by Jimmy Swaggart stating that rock ’n’ roll is “the new pornography.” (Magnet, October 13, 2005). But no, I’ve been dreaming about the song “The Temptation of Adam” also from The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter for this particular issue.

The lyrics tell the love story:

If this was the Cold War we could keep each other warm/ I said on the first occasion that I met Marie/ We were crawling through the hatch that was the missile silo door/ And I don't think that she really thought that much of me/ I never had to learn to love her like I learned to love the Bomb/ She just came along and started to ignore me/ But as we waited for the Big One/ I started singing her my songs/And I think she started feeling something for me

We passed the time with crosswords that she thought to bring inside/ What five letters spell "apocalypse" she asked me/ I won her over singin’ "W.W.I.I.I."/ And we smiled and we both knew that she'd misjudged me

Oh Marie, it was so easy to fall in love with you/ It felt almost like a home of sorts or something/ And you would keep the warhead missile silo good as new/ And I'd watch you with my thumb above the button

Then one night you found me in my army issue cot/ And you told me of your flash of inspiration/ You said fusion was the broken heart that's Lonely's only thought/ And all night long you drove me wild with your equations

Oh Marie do you remember all the time we used to take/ Makin’ love and then ransack the rations/ I think about you leaving now and the avalanche cascades/ And my eyes get washed away in chain reactions

Oh Marie if you would stay then we could stick pins in the map/ Of all the places where you thought that love would be found/ But I would only need one pin to show where my heart's at/In a top secret location three hundred feet under the ground
Oh we could hold each other close and stay up every night/ Looking up into the dark like it's the night sky/ pretend this giant missile is an old oak tree instead/ And carve our name in hearts into the warhead

Oh Marie there's something tells me things just won't work out above/ That our love would live a half-life on the surface/ So at night while you are sleeping/ I hold you closer just because/ As our time grows short I get a little nervous

So I think about the Big One, W.W.I.I.I./ Would we ever really care the world had ended/ You could hold me here forever like you're holding me tonight/ I think about that great big red button and I'm tempted

I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the correlation to Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 film “Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love the Bomb,” in which a mentally AWOL Air Force General, aptly named Jack D. Ripper, sets in motion a nuclear attack on Russia, who are threatening to pollute the precious bodily fluid of Americans. This attack sets off the doomsday device and annihilates the world, all to the soundtrack of “We’ll Meet Again,” by Vera Lynn).

In this song Adam learns to love the bomb by being infatuated with Marie in attempt to keep her for his own keeping. Beyond the explicit love song, Ritter zeros in on the temptation to avoid the world, buffering oneself from all that is outside and bad by preoccupying oneself with all that is good; in Adam’s case, with undistracted love. But the sheltered life is not a full life. “Ritter quietly revels in the simplicity of the end times, acknowledging that his romance would crumble if it weren't unfolding in isolation. In the process, he learns that he doesn't so much mind the world's annihilation, provided he gets to hold someone when it happens” (NPR, “The Bright Side of the World’s Annihilation,” Sept 4, 2007).

Whether it be love or “precious bodily fluid,” trying to protect the thing by destroying what’s external to it leads to its own destruction. Searching for peace by creating war, exporting democracy by attempting despotism and touting security while stripping freedoms all lead towards the destruction of those things that we hold so dear.

I wonder about those things we feel we need to uphold as if they would fall away without our safekeeping. We fight to preserve and protect God’s Spirit by demanding it works in one way but not another, though we believe John’s words that the wind blows where it chooses; we define church as buildings and statistics and measure growth in numbers, though it is where the word is preached and the sacraments given; we keep people from hearing the gospel when we bind it with rigid rules for its correct proclamation, though it is Christ’s own Word in our own words that creates faith and brings new life.

Peace is our profession.



Of course the last line "peace is our profession" is from the movie and was itself the slogan of the old Strategic Air Command, America's nuclear deterrent.


You can read this and the rest of the Concord here.

dipatches from austin...

As many of you know, as Distributed Learners, we spend 10 hours a week in a local congregation. During Lent at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church we have community meals and a short vespers worship, followed by classes, confirmation, choir practices, etc. Two weeks ago, Pastor Craig Sommers (my partner pastor) and I dished up soup and salad for the meal and then he led an adult bible study.

Here's a bit of what I'm learning from context. These relationships are central. Pastor Craig and I meet Wednesdays before evening programs start and those conversations range from leadership to pastoral care, to Apple products (essential to real ministry) to quirky elements of congregational life. These are holy conversations.

My context is a bit more complicated than some, as I'm also an ELCA mission developer, a networker with Luthermergent & recently launched an arts & literary magazine to celebrate stories of grassroots, alternative, and emergent Christianity.

Its has been a hetic few weeks, but finally my work is getting beyond the always mudane and I encouraged by its life-giving potential.

pax --

Shabbat Shalom!

I accompanied Colin's Judaism and Christianity class to the Synagogue last night. It was kind of rad. The Cantor stood next to the Rabbi and sang almost an opera of praise, lament and mourning, which was a treat to the ears and heart.

The new prayer and liturgy book was incredible. Transliterated for our viewing, we sang and read prayers...Baruch atah Adonai...It included psalms as prayers and modern prayers, quotes and songs.

My favorite quote came from Abraham Heschel:

The meaning of Shabbat is to celebrate time rather than space. Six days a week we live under the tyranny of things in space; on Shabbat we try to become attuned to the holiness of time. It is a day on which we are called upon to share in what is eternal in time, to turn from the results of Creation to the mystery of Creation, from the world of Creation to the creation of the world.


L'Chiam!

Headers, footnotes, and citations (oh my!)

Tonight was an evening of headers and footnotes. I remember hating them when I first started doing academic writing. My "Hell" consisted of footnotes and bibliographies! This week I’ve been whetting my editing skills as a teaching assistant by reading and grading student papers (I do the nitty gritty stuff - not the content). It’s actually pretty exciting. With each student comes a slightly (or radically) different interpretation or perspective fn the text. It’s strikingly refreshing. It's great to see how people interpret Scripture. On the other hand – it’s quite apparent when a student actually devoted significant time to their papers and when one did not. I won’t pretend that I pulled that off a few times in college myself. Know I know what it's like (empathy). There’s no excuse for that anymore (although sometimes conjecture does happen). Correcting headers and footnotes isn’t the paradigm of a perfect evening, but I’ve learned a few things in the process. As I edit my thesis for publication and binding – every little trick helps. I certainly wish you all the best on this chilly night. Sleep tight.

-Dan

U2 - No Line on the Horizon

In one of my other jobs, the Concord, I get to write about music and its intersections with theology. This year on the Concord we are following the 10 Commandments. Last month, for adultery, I wrote about Josh Ritter's song "The Temptation of Adam." This month, for stealing, I'm going to write about U2's new album No Line on the Horizon.

My distaste for Dave Egger's book The Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius as well as my disinterest in sushi in general (unless I'm literally sitting next to an ocean) pretty much makes it a sure bet that I am not a hipster. Well, these two and many, many other things. Liking U2 might only add to my exclusion from the hip list. Tragically unhip, you might say.

I like the new U2 album. It sounds great and the lyrics are quite fantastic. What have you heard? What do you like? What should I write about? Did you see them on Letterman (they were on all week!)

Here's the video for their song Magnificent:

Immortality

I've continued reading Anton Chekov's short stories and am currently reading "Ward No. 6." And, as I have been doing in past posts, I here continue lifting relevant quotes, decontextualizing them, and considering them in the theological and existential light of today. This habit, or devotion, extends from the odd prevalence in Chekov's stories of a religious and overtly Christian context. In most of his stories Christianity, its rituals and festivals, and its persons play a central role. For instance, the festivals tell us the time of year and explain the activities of the people in our stories. His stories present us with a unique view of what life was like when kairos (special time) held more sway in our lives than chronos (watches). This quote comes out of that foreign world and I consider it an intriguing and challenging description of immortality that can be gainfully considered in secret conversation with eternal life as we know it. As usual, I have hidden the context, but enjoy the passage, and the promise.

The doctor's coarse peasant-like face was gradually lighted up by a smile of delight and enthusiasm over the progress of the human intellect. Oh, why is not man immortal? he thought. What is the good of the brain centres and convolutions, what is the good of sight, speech, self-consciousness, genius, if it is all destined to depart into the soil, and in the end to grow cold together with the earth's crust, and then for millions of years to fly with the earth round the sun with no meaning and no object? To do that there was no need at all to draw man with his lofty, almost godlike intellect out of non-existence, and then, as though in mockery, to turn him into clay. The transmutation of substances! But what cowardice to comfort oneself with that cheap substitute for immortality!

Back in action

It’s almost as if I could narrate the last week of my life with a country-song (Dr. Nysse would be proud)! I broke my iguana’s terrarium and bought a new one. I messed up and fixed my computer. And – my dog was sick which resulted in a trip to the veterinarian (he’s chipper and spry again). It was a week of misadventure. The interesting thing is that I had significantly more time on my hands. North Central (where I am a teaching assistant) had their spring break (a little early if you ask me). Because I had more time I spent significantly more time cleaning—which ultimately resulted in the broken iguana cage, shorted out motherboard on my computer, and the dog eating something from under the couch cushions. Being a little “piggy” every once in a while is perhaps a good thing (or at least it won’t lead to cleaning related issues!) Well – I wish I had more time on my hands this week. It’s pretty ridiculous to say that the week is nearly half way over. This is particularly disheartening in light of upcoming mid-term and half-course finals that are readily approaching. This upcoming week will be the final day of six-week half-credit courses. Are you prepared? I hope so. I can’t say that I am ready to be done with any of my classes this time around. They are absolutely engaging—but alas, I’m sure the “second heat” of courses will be just as rupturing as the first. I certainly hope this wintery evening finds everyone well. Blessings.

-Dan

ooohhh, such brave seminarians

I just realized (in a moment of not concentrating on my homework) I have absolutely no idea where I will find myself 1 year from now. I could be just about anywhere. I still have another semester of coursework after this one, a good deal of candidacy paperwork, an official ELCA assignment to get through, and will still need to find a job.

And while many here at seminary are much closer to graduation, or have finished their candidacy paperwork and processes - many are in this exact same situation. Having absolutely no idea where they will find themselves in 1 year's time.

Talk about scary.
Talk about having to trust in the Lord.
I guess that's why we call it faith.

It is an adventure and, quite honestly, I'm mostly excited to see where I end up. It is also kind of terrifying - and I'm realizing people who come to seminary are very brave and of great faith. Even if we find ourselves fearing the unknown, we manage to (usually) trust in God to ease the anxiety of the unknown. Where do you think you might find yourself in 1 year?

Mission and Ministry

This Thursday the topic of discussion at the Mission and Ministry Forum is the Arab-Israeli conflict. This concern is frequently on our TVs and daily papers. We also see the conflict portrayed in movies, but after all of this attention do we understand what is happening and who all is involved? We know there are people involved, we pray for them frequently, and hope that peace is in their future. 

But, is that enough? Do we know what to hope for and what to pray for? Paul often advocates that members of his Christian communities grow in insight and knowledge. In other words love your neighbor with your eyes open. Thursday's Mission and Ministry Forum is a chance to open our eyes a little wider and learn about the people we hold in our hearts.

An Instructional Video

Ice crunching is an important part of Minnesotan culture. Please watch this instructional video I made to help understand what ice crunching is all about. If you're from these parts, this probably won't be too informative.

I recommend keeping your eyes open for crunchable ice patches along the sidewalks. These are especially fruitful in the morning. Plan to leave early if you're going to spend time crunching ice along the way, as it will slow down your usual travel time. Another good place, is by these bikes or in other paved areas where there are potholes or uneven ground. If you have any further questions, talk to a trusted friend or your pastor. It is best to learn by watching and practicing!

4th Annual Variety Show and Silent Auction

Want a chance to laugh with and at your fellow classmates and do something good during Lent? If not your fellow students, then perhaps your highly esteemed faculty, staff and administration? I thought so.

Come one, come all to the 4th Annual Variety Show and Silent Auction!

Thursday, March 26th from 4-9pm in the Olson Campus Center


Got an act you want to take on the road (to Fulham St, that is)? Sign up in Student Services.

Got something awesome that you'd love to see auctioned away? Go to Student Services.

You'll want to go to this.

right in the city

In the last week, I have been surprised by all the things that happen right in the middle of the city. I moved here from the woods. Seriously. Change the scenery from a quiet village in a mountain(ish) valley to smack in the middle of the metro Twin Cities. In the last week, however I have been gifted by the surprises of nature (thank God!).

Last weekend, I went snowshoeing in the woods around the seminary apartments. While I have spent plenty of time walking through these woods - there's something different about woods in winter. Quiet. Gentle. Feels not-so-much like the city. Wonderful.



Then....this is big news people... I have to draw it out and make you wonder what could be so impressive to create this much suspense- well, as I was walking from building to building on those oversized-street-like sidewalks around campus, something phenomenal happened. Right in the city, right on the Luther Seminary campus, right in the tree outside the library was an bald eagle. Of course, this is an impressive sized bird. And although I've watched bald eagles fish for extended periods of time, and knew where bald eagle nests were in western South Dakota - it was quite a delightful surprise to find right here in the city.

Shoter days these days

Like Jeni, I haven't given up blogging for Lent. I am still here trying to formulate my dissertation question.I thought I knew it but the more I write it the more it looks new and interesting. Then I realize that time is not on my side and so I turn my face and mind on other matters that demand my time and energy as well. Then I realize how faulty I am and beat my chest, "have mercy, on me."I do it in two other languages, "Nihurumie" Ndorere amabera." At this, I realize how much I miss home in Africa and wonder how the rest of my family are experiencing Lent. I remember how, at one Lenten season my colleagues and I planned to observe Lent together by giving up certain habits and practices, I say, we had communal Lent!
Back to my shorter days these days, I guess even if a day had 48 hours, I might still need more hours in one day. At this I can only beat my chest and say, "Nihurumie".

how these days grow long

I haven't given up blogging for lent. Apparently I've given up something called "free time" instead.

It's my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous fault; I've decided to take extra classes (because the ones offered this semester are rad and I like my electives more than my other classes with the exception of my bible class).

I'm also continuing to work like a mule; on average about 30 hours a week. I've actually cut down much to my sanity and Colin's happiness. Again my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous fault; I love my on-campus projects and am quite energized by them.

To drive the stake of grievous fault even further, I'm auditing Online Greek this semester. It's been a few years since I've taken it, but I wanted a refresher. Colin and I might get to teach a little Greek next year while we're out of the country, so I definitely needed a refresher. I've forgotten more than I thought I knew. How much more for Hebrew! Hmmm, maybe this summer. Nevertheless, the Greek is going well, if not painfully; I am enjoying the online forum, especially being able to pause lectures and go back to hear things again.

Back to it!

She’s alive!

Lo! (hinneh!) The computer lives! Isn’t it interesting how a new day can rouse in us a completely different state of mind? Last night I retired from my computer adventures. I was certain that all was lost. This morning, however, marshaled hope for my old friend. After a meeting at a computer repair center I was encouraged by a representative to try again. After a brief demonstration I figured that I had gathered enough information to give it another try. Sure enough - it worked! This is news for celebration (well, in my home at least). The only unfortunate thing about this morning is that I had to miss a precept in order to meet with the computer repair center. I will be able to make the precept up (thank goodness) so all should be well. On the plus side - I'm getting to spend a little extra time with my puppy (who happens to be sick). I certainly hope that everyone is having a productive (and happy) Wednesday so far. Have a wonderful day!

-Dan

First Test

Well, I'm in my 4th semester of seminary and I have my first test today. Can you believe that?


There really aren't very many tests at seminary, at least not in my experience. Of course, there is the dreaded Bible Proficiency Exam that everyone is supposed to pass by the end of their first year (but seems like many don't). So today, after at least a 6-year laps - I'm returning to the world of test-taking academia.


I have two essays and some multiple-choice awaiting me in Christian History: New Testament to Present and I'm really not sure I know, or knew, quite how to study. But, I'm not too worried - I'm going to write about the "Master of Satire:" Desiderius Erasmus. What a name!

What a bust

The machine won. This afternoon (and evening) I wrestled with my computer and lost. Two years ago I was forced to replace her motherboard. It looks like I’ll have to do it again. Earlier today I was hoping to replace the case on my desktop (it was beige and dated). I bought a slick, black case and replaced the old one. It looks sharp! Well, sharpness aside – something went seriously awry. When I turned on my computer – well, it didn’t turn on! It seems that I have once again destroyed her heart; the motherboard. I believe I shorted it out. There’s nothing quite like meticulously piecing together a project – only to find that everything you’ve done was a waste of time! I’m sure we all will (or have) experience this at some point in our lives. Sometimes we have to be brought low – so that we can learn to pick ourselves up. It is unfortunate that I will have to make some new investments in order to get my machine up and running, but at least I will have a quality computer for Bibleworks! I’m sure it will be powerful enough for me to open (gasp) multiple clients at once!

-Dan

Heretics Still At It

The Luther Seminary Heretics had another soccer game this weekend. For the (maybe) first time this year, there were not enough females. We convinced some random ladies hanging around the place to be temporary heretics - I think they secretly liked it.

We started the game off really well. A penalty was called in the box at about minute 8. Forward, Beth Wolslegel scored off our brilliant penalty kick fake out - executed by Robert & Matt. This was Beth's first goal and the only goal of the game.

Jonathan Davis held his own (and that of a few others) in goal for the Heretics. His hard work kept the other team scoreless through the duration of the game. Heretics win 1 - 0! I think the record is now 4-2.

Way to go Heretics!

the authority of humor and honesty