Stromata

Jo (the wife, the boss) read an interesting article at Christianity Today about what is euphemistically called "contemporary worship." It's well worth a read, and the URL is http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/june/culturalmedium.html.

From my advanced age, it doesn't seem to be as big a problem as it does to some younger pastors. Part of the reason is that I've been seeing this kind of stuff for almost 30 years. It's made headway with people who don't really care about the Scriptures, and may not care that much about Christ, and it has certainly drawn the attention of some people. At the same time, there's something obviously lacking, as demonstrated in the self critique that Willow Creek did on themselves a couple of years ago. In effect they said that they had spent millions of dollars and made people comfortable, but they hadn't made them Christian disciples.

It reminds me with conversation I had in the mid-80s with a DCE at a neighboring congregation. The DCE had been concerned about whether people are turned off by the worship service. I made a comment that worship was going to be the easiest thing they did in their Christian life. It made no sense to me then, and makes no sense to me now, to worry about worship and not be concerned about how Christians will live a life of faith, how they will struggle against doubt and temptation, how they live their Christian life in a world that will, at the very least, make fun of their profession and life, and, at worst, will kill them for it. It seems to me that worrying about worship and whether it's "contemporary" or not is definitely missing the mark, and is not helpful for the individual Christian as they live their Christian lives in a sinful world.

Patristics

“Continue in harmony among yourselves, and in prayer with one another; for it becomes everyone of you, and especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honor of the Father, of Jesus Christ, of the apostles.”    Ignatius,Trallians, XII, ANF 1: 72

Baier's Axioms

Non omne dogma, quod ex sua natura aliquod fidei necessario praesuppositum aut eam consequens astruit vel destruit, idem in hominia cujusque mente illud efficit.
 
Not every teaching, which from its nature builds or destroys something necessarily presupposed of faith or its consequent, effects the same [faith] in certain human minds.

Luther quotes

“He [Martin Luther] said that there are many fluent preachers who speak at length but say nothing, who have words without substance. Philip Melanchthon said, 'every age has had such Thasas, for Cicero was reported to have said when he heard [247] an exceptionally loquacious man chatter, “I have never heard anybody say nothing with such authority.”'”  Tabletalk, Lauterbach & Weller, #3637, November 1, 1537,    LW, AE, 54:246-7

Latin proverbs

Philosophum non facit barba. (Plutarch)

A beard doesn't make a philosopher.


(A beard was one of  the marks of a philosopher, therefore a modernized version of the proverb would be 'Just because you look like a philosopher, it doesn't mean you are one.')

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

Simon Peter - crucified upside down in Rome, 64 AD

Luther quotes

“Cursed be every preacher who aims at lofty topics in the church, looking for his own glory and selfishly desiring to please one individual or another. When I preach here [236] I adapt myself to the circumstances of the common people. I don't look at the doctors and masters, of whom scarcely forty are present, but at the hundred or the thousand young people and children. It's to them I preach, to them that I devote myself, for they, too, need to understand. If the others don't want to listen they can leave. Therefore, my dear Bernard, take pains to be simple and direct; don't consider those who claim to be learned to be a preacher to unschooled youth and sucklings.” Tabletalk, Lauterbach & Weller, #3573, between March 28 and May 27, 1537 LW, AE, 54:235-6

Imitation of Christ

Felix quem Veritas per se ipsam docet, non per figuras et voces transeuntes, sed sicuti se habet. Nostra opinion, et noster sensus sæpe nos falllit, et modicum videt. Quid prodest magna cavillatio de occultis, et obscuris rebus de quibus nec argueur in judicio, quia ignoravimus? Grandis insipientia quod neglectis utilibus, et necessariis, ultro intendimus curiosis, et damnosis. Oculos habentes, non videmus.

Happy is the man whom Truth by itself teaches, not by figures and transient words, but as it is in itself. Our own judgment and feelings often deceive us, and we discern but little of the truth. What does it profit to argue about hidden and dark things, concerning which we shall not be even reproved in the judgment, because we knew them not? Oh, grievous folly, to neglect the things which are profitable and necessary, and to give our minds to things which are curious and hurtful! Having eyes, we see not.

Imitation of Christ, I, 3:1

Ecclesiasticus

"My son, perform your tasks in meekness; then you will be loved by those whom God accepts." Ecclesiasticus 3:17

Retirement

There are so many things that teach you patience in this life. Another thing that does so, I have found, is announcing your retirement, and then waiting for the months to roll by. I'll admit that I'm looking forward to the time when I don't have to get up in the morning, but I don't have to go into work. But there are downsides as well.


For 34 years, there's always been a struggle to try and make things better where you are, to try and get people to move in a particular direction, and to get them to see where everybody is heading. When the congregation is already moving to replace you, and it seems that even fewer people want to hear what you have to say, it is a real struggle to be patient. When the congregation seems to be heading in the direction that does not seem best, it's a real struggle to be patient, to bite your tongue and stop yourself from trying to influence them to go the way you think is best (although I know there are pastors out there who do not hesitate to try and force congregations to do things).


On the good side, however, this does make one more patient, and that is supposed to be desirable. By the time next year rolls around, I ought to be really, really patient.

Patristics

“As therefore the Lord did nothing without the Father, being united to Him, neither by Himself nor by the apostles, so neither do ye anything without the bishop and presbyters.” Ignatius, Magnesians VII, ANF 1:62

Baier's Axioms

Quidam articuli fidei etsi salva fide possint ignorari, attamen eadem salva negari nequeunt.

Although certain articles of faith for saving faith are able to be ignored, but nevertheless they are not able to be denied for the same salvation.

Luther Quotes

“It is remarkable that God has committed to us preachers the ministry of the Word for the ruling of men's hearts, which we can't look into. But this is the office of God, who says to us, 'Preach. I shall give the increase; I know the hearts of men.' This should be our comfort, even when the world laughs at our office.” Tabletalk, Lauterbach & Weller #3492, between October 27 and December 4, 1536, LW, AE, 54:213

Latin proverbs

Lupus non mordet lupum. (Binder)

A wolf doesn't bite another wolf.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st sacred

The first century was the time in which Jesus, the apostles and the evangelists lived. Jesus died, as best we can tell, on April 3, 33 AD, and Peter and Paul were both martyred in Rome in 64 AD. The last living apostle was John who lived until roughly 100, and he was reportedly the only apostle to die a natural death. All the rest were “martyred”, i.e., they died because of their witness to Jesus. [The picture is from the Shroud of Turin. The image on the Shroud has been used for some 1600-1700 years as the face of Jesus.]

Luther Quotes

“Our Lord God wishes himself to be the preacher, for preachers often go astray in their notes so that they can't go on with what they have begun. It has often happened to me that my best outlines come undone. On the other hand, when I was least prepared my words flowed during the sermon.” Tabletalk, Lauterbach & Weller #3494, between October 27 & Dec. 4, 1536, LW, AE, 54:213

Ecclesiasticus

"Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, but not into the hands of men; for as His majesty is, so also is His mercy." Ecclesiasticus 2:18

Imitation of Christ

Hæc est altissima et utilissima lectio, sui ipius vera cognitio, et despectio. De se ipso nihil tenere, et de aliis semper bene et alte sentire magna sapientia est, et perfectio. Si videres aliquem aperte peccare, vel aliqua gravia perpetrare, non deberes te meliorem exstimare. Omnes fragiles sumus, sed tu niminem fragiliorem te ipso tenebis.

That is the highest and most profitable lesson, when a man truly knows and judges lowly of himself. To account nothing of one's self, and to think always kindly and highly of others, this is great and perfect wisdom. Even if you should see your neighbor sin openly or grievously, yet you ought not to reckon yourself better than he, for you know not how long you shall keep your integrity. All of us are weak and frail; hold no man more frail than yourself.

Imitation of Christ  I, 2:4

Retirement

It's interesting to see the "detachment" that comes with the announcement of a retirement. District officials charitably speak of this as 'the grieving process' even though they know full well that some people in the congregation are, figuratively speaking, dancing in the aisles, rejoicing that the man who has caused all of the problems in the church is finally leaving.

I have one elderly member who told me last night that he's mad at me because I'm leaving - even though I won't be leaving full-time ministry until a year from now. A couple of middle-aged ladies gave me 'good-bye' hugs, last month - even though I won't be leaving full-time ministry until a year from now.

The good thing (or is it good?) is that I can't see any real difference in the congregation - they pay me no less attention than they used to. I am noticing things differently, though - as my second son put it, "So, Dad, this is your last summer of full-time ministry." Since then, I've been having lots of 'is this the last time for _____' thoughts. It does make it a little more difficult to stay focused.

 On the other hand, you do get a glimpse of what future days will be like. This week I was able to supply a vice-president of the LCMS with some translations of Baier-Walther on church and ministry. He was gracious with his thanks and spoke of how this translating was so important for the church at large. I do look forward to the day when I have more time to translate.

Patristics

“Continue in harmony among yourselves, and in prayer with one another; for it becomes everyone of you, and especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honor of the Father, of Jesus Christ, of the apostles.” Ignatius,Trallians, XII, ANF 1: 72

Baier's Axioms

Du kannst nicht sprechen: Ich will christlich irren.

You cannot say: I will err in a Christian manner.

Luther Quotes

“Martin Luther said that he is often troubled in his sleep by the suggestion that he has to preach but doesn't have an outline.”  Tabletalk, Lauterbach & Weller #3494, LW, AE, 54:214

Latin Proverbs

Vitam regit fortuna, non sapientia. (Cicero)

Fortune, not wisdom, rules lives.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st secular

Nerva, 96-98 AD was an elderly Senator who was best known for adopting as his heir the greatest soldier of the age, Trajan. 

 

Luther Quotes

“Only a fool thinks he should say everything that occurs to him. A preacher should see to it that he sticks to the subject and performs his task in such a way that people understand what he says.” Tabletalk, Heydenreich #5489 LW, AE, 54:428

Ecclesiasticus

"Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or whoever persevered in the Lord and was put to shame? Or whoever called upon him and was overlooked? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction."  Ecclesiasticus 2:10-11

Imitation of Christ

Quiesce a nimio discendi desiderio, quia ibi magna incitatur distractio et deceptio. Scientes volunt libenter docti videri et sapientes dici. Multa sunt, quæ scire animæ parum vel nihil prodest. Et valde insipiens est, qui aliquibus magis intendit, quam his quæ saluti suæ deserviunt. Multa verba non satiant animam, sed bona vita refigerat mentem, et pura conscientia magnam ad Deum præstat confidentiam.

Rest from inordinate desire of knowledge, for therein is found much distraction and deceit. Those who have knowledge desire to appear learned, and to be called wise. Many things there are to know which profits little or nothing to the soul. And foolish out of measure is he who attends upon other things rather than those which serve to his soul's health. Many words satisfy not the soul, but a good life refreshs the mind, and a pure conscience gives great confidence towards God.

Imitation of Christ, I, 2:2

 

Retirement

I was talking last night with a member who survived a devastating heart attack last fall and is still feeling the 'after-shocks.' The doctors told him that his heart condition seems to have been caused by stress, and he was sort of wondering why he'd never noticed the stress. We agreed that people tend to have 'blinders', seeing only what is right in front of their face.

Pastors are like that, too, and we have such a great excuse - we're working for the Lord.

Since I announced my early retirement I've started noticing things that I'd been blind to for a while as well. For one thing, I noticed that I'd become more of a work-a-holic than I ever thought I would. Jo and I started taking late evening walks again last night - I remembered that we used to do it all the time, but I couldn't remember when, in my busy schedule, I had the time to take walks. I think I'm only beginning to realize that my schedule had been full of things that I didn't need to do.

Patristics

“..., I exhort you to study to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles,... Let nothing exist among you that may divide you; but be ye united with your bishop, and those that preside over you, as a type and evidence of your immortality.” Ignatius, Magenesians VI, ANF 1:61

Baier's Axioms

Fundamentum non generat fidem, aut causat salutem, nisi cognitum.

The foundation does not generate faith, or cause salvation, unless [it is] known.

Latin Proverbs

Occasio facit furem. (Binder)

Opportunity makes a thief.

Luther Quotes

“These wretched men think that building up the Church consists of the introduction of some sort of new ceremonies. They don't realize that building up [196] the church means to lead consciences from doubts and murmuring, to knowledge, and to certainty.” Tabletalk, Cordatus #3323b, LW, AE, 54:195-6

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st secular

Domitian, 81-96 AD (younger brother of Titus, last of his family) He expanded the frontiers in Germany, but made himself hated by the Senate and nobility of Rome. He attempted to revive the ancient Roman religion, cracking down on the “godless” or “atheists” who didn't worship the Roman gods. In 95 AD, Flavius Clemens (cousin) was executed and Flavia Domitilla (niece) was banished for “atheism” (possibly/probably for converting to Christianity).

Patristics

“It is fitting then, not only to be called Christians, but to be so in reality: as some indeed give one the title of bishop, but do all things without him. Now such person seemed to me to be not possessed of a good conscience, seeing they are not steadfastly gathered together according to the commandment.”    Ignatius, Magenesians IV, ANF 1:61

Ecclesiasticus

"You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not fail; you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy."  Ecclesiasticus  2:8-9

Imitation of Christ

Melior est profecto Rusticus humilis, qui Deo fervit, quam superbus Philosophus, qui se neglecto cursum cæli confiderat. Qui bene se ipsum cognoscit sibi ipsi vilescit, nec laudibus delectatur humanis. Si scirem omnia quæ in mundo sunt, et non essem in charitate, quid me juavert coram Deo, qui me judicaturus est ex facto?

Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. He who knows himself well becomes mean in his own eyes and is not happy when praised by men.

Retirement

Pastors must be, in one sense, mildly schizophrenic: that is, what they know and hear (especially in confession) must never be allowed to change your public behavior or unduly influence it. I'm finding out that preparing for retirement, and preparing a congregation for retirement, presents a similar situation. What you think a congregation should do and the direction you think it should go may be wildly dissimilar from what the people of the congregation might think that they want. It seems to me that one has to take special care not to try and force a congregation to do what you think is the right thing to do.

Patristics

“Now it becomes you also not to treat your bishop too familiarly on account of his youth, but to yield him all reverence, having respect to the power of God the Father, as I have known even holy presbyters do, not judging rationally, from the manifest youthful appearance [of their bishop], but as be prudent in God, submitting to him, or rather not to him, but to the Father of Jesus Christ, the Bishop of us all.”  Ignatius, Magnesians III, ANF 1:60

Baier's Axioms

Wer einen Artikel nicht recht gläubet, der gläubet gewisslich keinen mit Ernst und rechtem Glauben.

Whoever does not rightly believe a single article, certainly believes none with earnestness and a right faith.

Luther Quotes

“When somebody has the authority to preach he also has the authority to administer the sacrament, for we hold that the sacrament is less important than preaching.”   Tabletalk, Dietrich #512, Spring 1533, LW, AE, 54:90

Latin proverbs

Lis litem generat. (Burton)

One lawsuit generates another.

Murphysboro Centuries, 1st secular

Titus, 79-81 AD (son of Vespasian) was emperor in 79 AD, when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, burying both Pompeii and Herculaneum. During his reign, the Coliseum was dedicated.