Jan 30
Jan 25
Here All Things Scream, Silently.
The Holy Land is a complicated place. As Christians, it seems we sometimes ascribe to the idea that holiness implies magical powers. Miraculous, certainly (at least in the history to which we ascribe), but, at the end of the day, it is a collection of people attached to their land, a people removed from their land, and a people that long to 'go home', though the idea of 'home' in war-torn nations hardly conjures the image of home many of us have as Americans. Having come from traditions of farming, I find it strange that, one generation removed from the farming tradition, I feel no attachment to land anyplace. I feel attached to people in particular places, but necessarily the places themselves. When I think of my great grandfather, I recall the state taking a way their rural Iowa farmland and his death six months later. Once the farm was gone, my great grandfather's identity, his life, all he had ever known, was finished. The attachment to land here runs so deep, it seems it would take miracle nothing short of the hand of God to end the conflict. Almost all of the people with whom we have spoken, both Israeli and Palestinian, have talked about desiring peace, fairly consistently asserting the 'other side' is not interested. We spend our time here listening to the stories, complicated, with histories longer than Americans can fathom (churches here talk of 300 year plans - can you imagine?), only to realize that, perhaps, the most important thing we can do as theologians, as pastors, as fellow human beings, is listen to the stories. In the end, the stories of the people here are representative of the living stones, crying out to God for that which they cannot achieve on their own. Perhaps our role is to continue the story, to participate as living stones, and trust Jesus words, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid," (John 14:27). In having the courage to listen to the call of the living stones, to the call of Christ, and to trust those small, still voices, we give a testament to faith that neither war, nor injustice, nor oppression, nor death can vanquish. ~Mandy
Jan 24
after person went to the wall with small slips of paper and prayer
fervently for others. I did not. My prayers took place throughout the
day. My prayers for many people, both close and far away. God is in
the world and hears our prayers where ever we may be and for this I
say loudly, "Thanks be to God." Jody
i am being made to blog
What has been most captivating, while on this journey through the Holy
Land is how much worship there is of the places. In my context I have
been focused on asset based ministry and what it means to see God
working in the world as part of our congregational mission. But here,
in this Holy place people come from all over the world to experience
God in a 'new' way.
after person went to the wall with small slips of paper and prayer
fervently for others. I did not. My prayers took place throughout the
day. My prayers for many people, both close and far away. God is in
the world and hears our prayers where ever we may be and for this I
say loudly, "Thanks be to God." Jody
Jan 23
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea.
As I looked out from the walled fortress of Masada down to the Dead Sea, I thought of the amazingness of God. We so often take it upon our shoulders to explain our achievements and our conquests and our victories. Yet, it has nothing to do with us. We can be at the top of the mountain or at the valley below yet God is there. And God is in control.
Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” The overwhelming presence was with me standing on the mountain today as I looked into the valley and imagined the Roman armies camped around bringing death to those on the mountain. And I thought, “How comforting…that God carries the burden so I don’t have to.”
Jan 23
Like the little children…
Matthew 19:13-15 13 ¶ Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." 15 And after laying His hands on them, He departed from there.
In a land where people are oppressed, the children are the hope. The faces were without care and without burden. They did not bear the burden of years of torment and toil. They were fresh and most of all…hopeful. I don’t wonder that this is what God wanted of us. In the face of conflict and turmoil and oppression, God wants reliance…complete reliance and nothing less. Let the children alone, because you should consider how they come to me. If you follow their example, hope will eventually bring you peace.
Jan 22
because sometimes I over romanticize things...
A few years ago I was taking my first photography class...a darkroom class at the Southwest School of Art & Craft. It was a spiritual experience for me in many ways. I found it contemplative and healing to slow myself down and take more careful notice of what is all around. I was using my grandfather's camera — there's something about a boy and his grandpa's camera. That summer I attempted to do a series on the way small town Texas refuses to change. When I finally got to do peer review my work was called "romantic." "What! really?" I was trying to show the ridiculousness of it all and I ended up with "romantic." But its true, you see. I do romanticize my own lens through which I see the world. I'm an enthusiast to the core and I can not help over compensating. These shots are intentional. They are my confession of the way I've over romanticized this experience of the Holy Land. Because its a paradox of a place...filled with both deep awe and painful conflict.
- Tim Snyder
Jan 20
Gehenna
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
While traveling to the Holy Land with Professor Gary Simpson and fellow seminarians, we’re studying how its people, places and prayers serve as sources of hope. While the external events and circumstances surrounding the people living in Israel, Jordan and Palestine hold much violence and conflict, its people, places and prayers serve to bring light to the darkness and hope in the midst of despair.
As we were driving through southern Jerusalem towards the Dead Sea, our tour guide pointed out the window and said “Gehenna is to your right.” I looked at my traveling companion next to me wide-eyed. Gehenna? Does he mean “Hell”? Is Hell an actual place? My also-startled companion nodded and we both looked out the window upon Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom, Hell.
Historically, Gehenna has held horrors we may struggle to comprehend today. Jews detested it, as it was the place where children were sacrificed to the idol, Molloch. During Jesus’ time, it was the garbage dump just outside the city. Its fires were constantly burning to keep the garbage from decaying and included not only human waste, but also dead animals and the bodies of unburied criminals. With its eternal fires and putrid stench, this place held the seeds of nightmares.
Yet, as we looked upon the green, well-maintained valley, it didn’t haunt me at all, but rather did just the opposite: it gave me hope. It reassured me that nothing was beyond God’s love and redemptive powers. Even the most vile, horrific places of suffering were being redeemed and made new by God. Despite our human sinfulness, God’s judgment has come and has declared us “good, good, very good.” Definitely worth saving. Even in our world so filled with pain and suffering, greediness and violence, fear and anxiety, God’s love is at work: creating, promising, redeeming. God continues to make all things new.
- Ben Durbin
Jan 19
Day 2: Worship and exploration in Bethlehem, Palestine
After getting settled in at the Guesthouse in the International Center of Bethlehem, day 2 had us visiting the Evangelical Christmas Lutheran Church. We participated in a Lutheran service in both English and Arabic. Then we had time to explore the Palestinian city of Bethlehem. We tasted new foods, did some shopping, and best of all met new people. The afternoon had us visiting the Church of the Nativity. The experiences so far have been so unbelievable, it is hard to think that they can be topped but... Chip
Jan 19
The Wall
Prof. Simpson spoke earlier this week about MLK and his 3-fold scheme for enemies: the opponent, the enemy within and the enemy of the system of oppression. This is the wall. The wall is in some ways all three. It creates division that clearly constitutes an undeniable "us vs. them" framework. For each side, the other is the opponent. This is the wall. Standing there next to it made obvious the walls I conveniently erect in my own heart to avoid engaging the realites in which I actively participate in a government that funds this wall. This is the wall. And obviously it represents a systemic condition of oppression for the Palestinian people who live in cities under seige. The two sides of the wall look very differently. This is the Palestinian side. The otherside is built to appear only a few feet tall with pleasant greenery and beautiful displays of landscapes — advertisements for the Ministry of Tourism. But I won't even photograph that side to give the illusion that a balanced presentation is due. This is the wall.
Jan 17
Day 1: Seminarians heading to the Holy Land
I made the decision to go to the Holy Land this past summer. To go back to the roots. To experience the land at the center of our faith. It seemed like an surreal dream...waiting and waiting. Then Friday got here and we loaded up. Twenty-four people representing Luther Seminary in some form or fashion. We made the 10 hour trek across the ocean and this is how the first day looked. Stay posted for more on our trip and the experience of our lifetime.
Chip
