Hoisting the Euro trophy for the FIFTH time! 

Liverpool Triumph Again

You may have read that I'm from Liverpool in England. This is a good day for us "scousers" around the globe...., ..here's why:

These are some of the adjectives being used to describe our victory in Turkey over AC Milan:

"Amazing, astounding, awe-inspiring, breathtaking, extraordinary, hair-raising, heart-stirring, magnificent, marvellous, miraculous, moving, overwhelming spectacular, spine-tingling, striking, stunning, stupefying, stupendous, wonderful."

I'm posting a pic above. More can be seen with the full story at www.liverpoolfc.tv

I'm a happy Red!

Peter

Page Display

A friend brought to my attention that some readers of this blog (hi, you two!), are not getting the page to display correctly in Internet Exploder.

Why am I not surprised!? It looks fine in Firefox. For those who don't use Firefox, go get it. It is SO much faster and more useful than IE. Mozilla.org

The page displays perfectly in Opera as well. Opera is also a very good browser, orginally from Norway. Get it here: Opera.com

I am wondering whether to swop this blog to another blog host. Not sure yet.

Otherwise, watch this space....

Cheers!

Peter

At The Office

We had some good friends over on Saturday evening. As well as a splendid meal, we commenced the use of a version of the Daily Office, Celtic Daily Prayer, which you will find on my links to the right of this posting, or here.

We were in Florida about a year ago, when I stumbled across this little gem of a prayer book in a second hand bookshop in Sarasota (Parkers?) while visiting some dear friends. For some time, I had been seeking a way to break through a (another!) spiritual plateau, and had found some relief by employing a great little book of prayers which I have had since about 1981, "The One Who Listens" by Michael Hollings and Etta Gullick.

For those who are not familiar with the Daily Office, variously known as the Liturgy of the Hours, and the Breviary, it is a structured was of praying the Palms with other prayers, scriptures and readings that are used at set times of the day. Originally, the Office (from a Latin word for "Duty") was birthed in the Monastic world and has been in use for a very long time, both privately and in groups. All around the world, Monks, Nuns (Religious), clergy, and all kinds of people are using this same method to give order and rhythm to their spiritual lives.

I love the Celtic version because of the immediacy and vividness of it's content. These are powerful prayers that have over a thousand years of heritage, yet, they are being lived and prayed out in the context of a neo-monastic community of ordinary people; the Northumbria Community.

Some may find it boring or stodgy to use these kinds of prayers, but I have come to (re-)discover their value and would recommend this practice. (Or just add it to your spiritual tool belt to be used as and when you see fit -especially for specific times of retreat or even spiritual dryness). You have to think of the power of the ocean, wearing away at the cliffs, or of the (continual) drop of water falling onto hard rock which eventually wears it down, and leaves an impression.

The Office is not only a way to pray, but it is a means to drive the truth and beauty of God from merely out of our mouths and head, and into our hearts, so that we can really resonate with the truth that are repeating or pondering.

You might feel that this is too catholic or prone to steal away spontaneity, but no spiritual practices are free from some kind of issues if we use, miss-use or abuse them.

A good article about "Vain Repetition" can be found here.

From a Jewish perspective on "Fixed Prayer and Spontaneity," go here.

Ultimately, it all boils down to what is in our heart as we do things, rather than getting hung up on methods. Perhaps you would appreciate reading my earlier blog about the use of liturgy.

If you want more information about the Daily Office, here are some links,

Introductions:

http://www.historicchristchurch.org/worship/daily.htm

http://www.prayerbook.ca/library/resources/praying_offices.html

http://www.icmi.org/Newmonasticism/dailyoffice.html

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/20966_49266_ENG_HTM.htm

There are many sites offering version of these daily prayers. Here are some of them,

http://www.sacredspace.ie/

http://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html

http://www.oremus.org/liturgy/ccp/

http://www.universalis.com/

http://cofe.anglican.org/worship/liturgy/commonworship/texts/daily/generalintro.html

http://www.saint-luke.org/dailyprayer.html

I close with this prayer from the front page of Celtic Daily Prayer:

Invocation of the Holy Spirit

Most Powerful Holy Spirit,

come down upon us and subdue us.

From heaven, where the ordinary is made glorious,

and glory seems but ordinary,

bathe us with your brilliance of your light like dew.

Amen to that!

Cheers,

Peter

Long-Winded

I notice that my posts are tending to be quite long. I guess I have to get better at being more brief and to the point. It's amazing to me how the thoughts in one's head take much longer to become real and manageble in the real or written world!

I would be glad of feedback that will help out.

Otherwise, it's a lovely day here in Georgia. The temps. are back in the eighties, at last! I do love the sunshine. I hope you have a nice day wherever you are. Remember, that God shines down on all of us even though it may seem that clouds are occluding the view. He likes you. Honest!

Cheers!

Mud in the eye

You can come in
You can come a long way..
But you won't be inside.

- R. S. Thomas

All of the bru-ha-ha about the emerging church (EC), serves to show that a nerve has been hit; that something important is happening. Hab 1:5; "I will do something you could not imagine," springs to mind.

Who could have envisioned some of the things that EC churches are doing even a few years ago, and what they are daring to challenge, but actually things that have been due to face the music for way too long?

Of recent note, is D. A. Carson's very poor critque of the EC in his book, "Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church", may, in fact, be proving their point. Carson considers the EC to be a threat to the Gospel, see here: http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=20420
when in fact, the Gospel is more under threat from things he and others do not see - which is more serious. They (and I) are so blind to the cultural accomadations and wider influence of modernism, which we live and breathe - actually, more so than those outside of the Church. Though, at least, I, and maybe you too(?), are aware that there is a problem.

The mainline church has many things to be both ashamed and glad about. However, in general, the famous fable, the emporers new clothes, illustrates things well. For all of the well intentioned efforts and devotion, the sub-culture of much of the (American) Church - I must resort to using broad strokes, in kind with the way the opponents of the diverse, EC do - though a large segment of society, has largely failed to turn the world upside down, as we might expect. According to Barna, there is little difference in the lives of the churches when compared to the un-churched. Now this does not invalidate the truth of the message, but it does impugn the messengers and practitioners of that message. I believe that the Gospel is true, but I am not sure that our evangelical perception of it is all true. How else can we explain the impotency of our churces, which fight more often about external matters and other such things that add nothing to the spread of the Gospel? "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 4.

New Wineskins

One thing that stands out from my experiences of revival and renewal in the church - the older, or stick-in-muds parties, usually do not accept or embrace the "New Thing" that they may have actually prayed for when it does come! Jesus said that new wine needs to be put in new wine skins. His context may have been Judaism of the first century, and the people to whom He came, but out from which arose the Church, where the wine of the Gospel was poured into, so to speak. We are perhaps, facing a form of crisis between the evangelical "judaizers", who have it "all sown up, thank you very much!" and the upstart, post-moderns, almost-called, apostates. I feel that this face-off is a diversion - a false dichotomy between "truth claims" and "truth lived", if you will, which I'm sure the enemy of souls and of love will foster as much as possible.

Leaving aside the knee-jerk reactions, there are certainly things I do not like or am critical of in the EC, but there is an abundance of life beginning to flow; new, prayerful and sincere groups, grappling with Christ and His message. These groups are seeking to emulate the sermon on the mount, but are not afraid to dispatch many sacred cows onto the grill, which are long overdue for roasting, in my opinion. I'm avoiding specifics here because, so often, we fight about petty things, such a preferences and styles, rather than exercising ourselves on a critical, personal level, against biblical imperatives about the kind of people we are, and the attitudes we are to have, more than we care to admit. We're not so good at the weightier issues, such as keeping a rein on our tonques, offering charity to all, and giving a good hearing to our fellow-believers, never mind our enemies!

Keeping the Baby, Not the Bath Water.

So what might be at stake? What criticisms are valid? I have observed several things that trouble me (I could be wrong) about the EC, but it is early days yet.Time may prove my concerns unfounded, (and those of others). Perhaps, many of the dangers will be ameliorated quite naturally, as the pendulum swings back to the center (whatever that might be, it will be some sort of balance, tempered by wisdom). Notwithstanding the fact that, quite ironically, a balanced view of the Gospel appreciates that it is essentially radical and scandulous to our sensibilites at it's core. Converting Jesus' parables into our own context can be quite a shock, if you have not tried it! If you are comfortable with everything, then take heed, and ponder the significance of that fact.

The enemy, if we can even use that term, is not so much from post-modern accomodations, or it's perceived threat (which may actually be a very good thing), but it is from failing not to take the Gospel to heart, where and when we are now. Of allowing the shape or power of the modern AND post-modern (and what comes next) mindset to squeeze out the Gospel, and/or distort it's present day application, and eternel essence. Like missionares, but in our own culture, there is a vital task of enculturating the Gospel into our sitting rooms, so that it is neither denuded of it's message, nor it is unintellible to those around us. It is replacing some things and embracing others, with the Gospel as the yardstick; which actually makes this effort tougher to do, because the Gospel frequently up-ends our thinking and values. The Gospel is messy when it intersects with human lives; it's truth is wonderful and terrible, and certainly not a, "one-dose-for-all-time" formula. Some things need to be thrown out. Some practices and attitudes need to be left behind. And yes, some fears say more about us, and less about others or what we are afraid of.

May Father help all of us to wash the mud from our eyes so we can see clearly. We may have been healed in Christ by receiving salvation, yet many of us might only be seeing "men as tree's walking", i.e., partially, (Mark 8:24;) without a second (and third) touch from the Master, so that we might really see, might humbly believe, and might love more than our own.

Wallace Memorial - Some Inspiration! 

A Spiritual Health Warning

Below is a short article that I have written, and that I hope, will be taken with a dose of kindness, and is not intended to be sectarian or negative. It expresses some of my concerns about the dangers inherent in the use of liturgy, and may apply equally to non-traditional settings.
You may scroll down for the endnotes. God Bless you.

-----------------
A Spiritual Health Warning - A Short and Gentle Critique of the Liturgical Resurgence

by Peter W. Gilroy, 12th April 2005

Introduction

There is a resurgence of hunger for spirituality in our day. It seems like every other week Time and Newsweek feature cover stories on religion. A recent survey conducted by the UCLA Higher Education Research Institute announces that:

“There is a high level of spiritual engagement and commitment among college students, with more than half placing a high value on “integrating spirituality” in their lives (58%), 77% saying “we are all spiritual beings,” and 71% indicating they “gain spiritual strength by trusting in a higher power.”

Substantial numbers of students, upwards of 84%, have had a spiritual experience at least occasionally (e.g., witnessing the beauty and harmony of nature, listening to beautiful music).

Regarding perspectives on religion, among the third-year college students surveyed, three in four report that they pray, that religion is personally helpful to them, and that they discuss religion and spirituality with friends. The …. data provide further evidence of the general theme of spiritual and religious interest among students.”1


The massive and unexpected response to The Passion (of Mel Gibson!) is another sign of this spiritual revival, or at least, of real curiosity. For those of us who are believers in Jesus, this is a good thing. (But can we have more God and less religion, please! These are two forces that seem alike but are polar opposites!?).

However, within the youth of today, and amongst certain Evangelical and Charismatics, (who seem to be looking for more substance as opposed to the sometimes, over-hyped, faddish, or café bar world of certain Church celebrations), there is a more specific hunger for a more particular kind of spirituality, in short, a return to the liturgy of ages past and a fascination with “community life” that has led to an interest in, of all things, the monastic life. Taizé, in France, is a shining example that embraces both of these foci. Other fresh examples are the Vine & Branches Community and Vineyard Central, two from amongst of a growing number of “emerging churches”, stamped with the hallmarks of the post-modern ethos, who practice the Daily Office (A long established method of daily prayer, including psalms and readings), and who are not averse to chanting like monks, though probably wearing jeans and thrift store clothing. 2

When I use the term liturgy, I mean the formal pattern for Christian worship that includes sacred readings, reciting written or set prayers, and using symbolic gestures or elements, that are all intended to foster a spiritual mindset and corporate participation in relating to God, typically led by a clergy-person, and involving sung or spoken responses, with or without music. 3

It is significant, and germane to this short discussion, to note that the word liturgy derives from a Greek word, “latreia”, Heb 9:1,6; which denotes “the work of the people”. Indeed, it is at once informative and ironic, for the work of the people has become mostly the work of the clergy, be they Protestant or not. Though, this pattern of “equipping the saints to [watch] the work of the ministry,”(My paraphrase), is a probably a far cry from Paul’s idea of ministry. Eph 4:11-ff;

Here, I will not speculate further as to the causes and influences that have given rise to this interest spirituality, but I would like to press believers to look with more caution on the inherent (but perhaps not, apparent) dangers in the celebration or practice of liturgy. One important caveat: I do not assume that liturgy is wrong or inherently bad in some sense. Liturgical worship can afford one a tangible sense of the divine and is genuinely inspiring to many people.

Learning and Warning

Surely, there is much we can learn from the past and the wider Christian tradition, and therefore, a need for humility is needed in these matters, but we are all too easily led into fads, and may be blind to the dangers of methods that others have used (and abused) in the past, precisely because the needs and questions of our are day are quite different, or because our background, especially that of Protestants, has kept us from experiencing such things, either the good or the bad. There is also a growing, understandable and needed reaction, against the besotting nature of consumerism in the, so-called, Western World that probably makes the liturgical and spiritual world seem more preferable and increasingly attractive to lots of people. But how can we avoid the perils (of a zealous embrace of liturgy, and even, of religion in general) that might be hidden to us?

For instance, how can we know what it was truly like for Martin Luther to anguish over the torments of his diabolically over-active conscience in the face of the demands of Medieval Roman Christianity, and of the stultifying abuses of the Church that ultimately precipitated his thesis-nailing on that door in Wittenberg; in actuality, the beginning of the Reformation.

Luther writes:

“But I, blameless monk that I was, felt that before God I was a
sinner with an extremely troubled conscience. I couldn't be sure
that God was appeased by my satisfaction. I did not love, no,
rather I hated the just God who punishes sinners. ”4

No Finger Pointing

Here below, are several areas of concern regarding the use of liturgy by Christians and a brief rational that follows each issue raised, that I hope, might shed light on these things, rather than merely seeking to be controversial or reactionary. There are, of course, dangers and weaknesses in all human endeavors, including types of spirituality, whether inside or outside of Christian orthodoxy and praxis. Furthermore, some of the matters discussed might equally apply to Evangelical and other Churches who are apt to snipe at the Catholic Church without due caution as to their own failings and less-than-charitable attitudes.

As noted above, I am not against liturgy, per se, but as an ex-Catholic, and ex-seminarian, I want to caution others with the benefits of these (my) insights, such as they are, so that we might all go forward with our eyes and hearts open in a way that is God-honoring, and I hope, that will help to serve others too.

Religion and Rote can be deadly

It is my firmest belief that religion (and its vile progeny: legalism, control, intolerance, and elitism – a veritable cluster-bomb of death, Matt 23:23; John 7:19-25; 2 Cor 3:6,17;) is the most critical threat to man, and that Christ, and Christ alone, is the true font of all light, truth and the only path to freedom in the power of His Holy Spirit, both individually and corporately, and in means or practice of Christian spiritually.

Danger’s inherent in Liturgy and Religious Observances

Therefore, I would like to posit that liturgy may allow, produce, or foster the following:

Liturgy - May reaffirm, a clergy-lay divide, and overly hierarchical structures..

Why? The "president" of religious services typically becomes dominant through continually leading the meetings; a premium begins to be placed on his or her involvement and competence to the increasing exclusion of others. The (eventual concern over the) efficaciousness of sacraments starts to tie us down to forms and words, and a superior priest caste arises. However, God tends to level us out, but we tend to want a King! 1 Sam 8:6-ff; “Would that all the people were prophets” Nub 11:29; “I will build a house for You…” “No!” Says God. 1 Chron 17:6-ff; We are “kings and priests”. 1 Pet 2:9;

Liturgy - May reaffirm, theological erosion, dilution, and/or pollution is a potential danger, eg., a leaning towards pre-resurrection faith, sacramentalism…

Why? We can be lulled into praying to God to do things that have already been accomplished; we borrow terms and forms (ie., from service books, Missals, etc.,) that may not reflect the current/actual theological truths that we hold dear. Many version of the liturgy come out of (even) early traditions that are based on a sacrificial/sacerdotal, and therefore, largely Old Covenant paradigm that does not apply to us - "there is one mediator" 1 Tim 2:5; and "one sacrifice for sins" Heb 10:12; - "we have remission of sins." Rom 3:25; 1 Jn 3:5;

One might also add that Greek and Roman thinking lie close to the root for the definitions of these matters, i.e., sacraments, church law, and liturgy, and are likely to be tainting our comprehension and application of the scriptural basis for much of these topics. (Including subsequent, and more recent innovations and ideas). It is obvious that the Church Fathers (and others after them into the Medieval period), employed the best tools of their day, ie., Plato and Aristotle, to devise their theological paradigms and to inform their world-view, with the inherent weaknesses or blindspots that must follow all such efforts.

We may also leave ourselves open to assuming that things are so which are not, (a weakness of all, so-called sacraments), e.g., a semblance of unity might seem to be present between all who are attending when some may not even be Christians, though they are participants in the service, or the sign of peace may be simulated without any real surety that people are all in harmony with one another. How many Parish Councils are, in reality, at each other’s throats outside of the services that they so cherish on a week-to-week basis?

Liturgy - May reaffirm, foster or feed: soulish/fleshly needs or preferences ...

Why? Liturgy tends to involve emotions and draws one in, though this is not necessarily spiritually efficacious. Some people actually fight over particular preferences of liturgy, music, bible version, or about which forms are more “holy”, in violation of the command to love, e.g., Jn 13:34:, which supercedes all of these matters. "The Spirit gives life, but the flesh profits nothing" Jn 6:63; “Seek those things that build up” 1 Thess 5:15; “Consider the needs of others.” Phil 2:4;

Liturgy - May reaffirm, foster or feed, the human propensity towards superstition, which may eaily come into play, and thus, supplant the vital place of true faith…

Why? We easily can fall prey to employing mediation (with/to God) through "holy" things, events and places (books, prayers, beads, oils, shrines, people, paraments, etc.,), that seem to "give a form of Godliness, but deny its power". It is easier to follow some “D-I-Y” method or tradition than to trust God and be patient! More alarmingly, we can become more distanced from God as a person with whom we can have intimate contact by relying on these things – Jesus said of His Father that, "eternal life is to know Him," Jn 17:3; Any mediator other than Christ is a dangerous thing. Paul’s one fear for the Corinthians was that they, with all of their other significant problems, might “be led astray from their simple and pure devotion to Christ,” 2 Cor 11:3; as had Eve, being deceived by the serpent. Religion both binds and blinds with anything other than the main thing – which is Christ himself.

Liturgy - May lead us to assume, that performing or celebrating liturgy, is automatically fulfilling God's desires…

Why? We tend to look at the outside and focus on getting things right, looking good, and being in control, however, we are then starting to displace or even quench the activity of the Holy Spirit, 1 Thess 5:19; quelling His presence, and the spontaneous contributions of gifted members of the wider body, ie., spiritual gifts and personal insights or perspectives which He bestowed in the first place! " Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” 2 Cor 3:17; “..each one has a song, a teaching, a revelation..." 1 Cor 14:26;

Liturgy - May lead us to become servers of the service, rather than servers of others...

Why? We may so focus on getting this or that right, that we neglect or excuse charity and service towards all others and personal devotions, on a day-to-day basis. This may promote a legalistic mindset that is a terrible killer of personal and corporate life, and detrimental to the witness of the Church as we tend to become judgmental because of our "correctness" and exclusive in our holy club... "You tithe mint, dill, and cumin, but leave aside the weightier issues of justice, faithfulness, and mercy" Matt 23:23; Jesus is "Lord of the Sabbath" (all Holy days and things!) Matt 12:8; " The Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking...” Rom 14:17; or as Paul warns against, "weak and worthless things.., observing times and seasons," Gal 4:9,11;

Liturgy - May lead us to become increasingly, sin and man centered...

Why? Liturgies tend to borrow or resonate with the human/pagan sensibility of groveling before “deity” and we do not realize or take deeply enough to heart, the complete, imputed righteousness and fond welcome from the Father Himself. (Though, in no way would I try to ignore or underestimate the abominable matter of human sin). We can transpose our desire for forgiveness or need to divest ourselves of shame through religious acts and participation in ceremony, in lieu of holding fast to our acceptance in Christ, rooted in His “finished work” and fostered by “the renewal of our minds,” Rom 12:2; What we do can become more important than what He has done, which is the supreme folly of religious people, and too many, well meaning Christians.

Liturgy - May lead to that deceit that/of : The older, (seems) the better…

Why? We assume that because something is old, or sounds special and "holy", that is right and good for us. It is easier to hold on to our way of doing things (whether old or more recent), and/or to begin new practices in the same old vein, than to trust in the often wacky and unpredictably, or risky, faith-requiring ways of the Spirit. God is not necessarily nice, but He is good. How many "nice" services have never really changed anyone? “My ways are not your ways” Isa 55:8; “Christ has opened for us a new and living way” heb 10:20; Sometimes, thought, we want to build our own tower up to God. Gen 11:4;

My Spiritual Health Warning:
Liturgy - Use sparingly with flexibility, pass the ball around (i.e., let other join-in or lead), and add lots of kindness, with a little dash of Godly anarchy!

----------------------------------------------------
Further definitions of liturgy on the web:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oi=defmore&q=define:liturgy
----------------------------------------------------
1. Source: “Spirituality in Higher Education: A National Study of College Students’ Search for Meaning and Purpose ” conducted by The Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA
[ http://www.spirituality.ucla.edu/ ]

2. Links to Vine and Branches Christian Community: [ http://www.vbcc.net/vineblog.html ] and, Vineyard Central: [ http://www.vineyardcentral.com/hours ]. Taizé can be found at: [ http://www.taize.fr/en ]

3.Liturgy, as defined in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, [ http://www.m-w.com/ ]

“Main Entry: lit·ur·gy
Pronunciation: 'li-t&r-jE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural –gies
Etymology: Late Latin liturgia, from Greek leitourgia public service, from Greek (Attic) leïton public building (from Greek laos -- Attic leOs -- people) + -ourgia -urgy
i: often capitalized : a eucharistic rite
ii : a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
iii : a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances”

4. Except from: “Preface to the Complete Edition of Luther's Latin Works” (1545) by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546.
[ http://housatonic.net/Documents/393.htm]

© Peter W. Gilroy 2005. All Rights Reserved.

A Few Thoughts

Well, I suppose it's time that I started to blog. A blog is a weblog, hence, "blog". This is mine. It's a way to share thoughts, links, images, and ideas, in a form of electronic diary, so the creative output can be anything that takes one's fancy.

I am not much for writing every day, but I will put some things on here as the muse takes me.

I hope to add more articles and thoughts as this thing gets underway... For now, I'm planning to add some links and images.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers!

Peter