Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Ayn Rand is Alive and Well in Minnesota
And she is apparently working for the Episcopal Church there.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Firestorm over Canterbury
Rowan Williams put his foot in his mouth over the weekend concerning US foreign policy. The Archbishop of Canterbury is a genuinely brilliant man. He is a theologian of international repute. Unfortunately, his somewhat intemperate and misinformed comments have stirred up a fair amount of controversy.
Alas, Rowan+ has quite the history of flat out foolish remarks. Our good Archbishop is yet another man who really ought never to comment outside his own narrow area of expertise.
Alas, Rowan+ has quite the history of flat out foolish remarks. Our good Archbishop is yet another man who really ought never to comment outside his own narrow area of expertise.
Because I'm a tease
If the Democrats win the Presidency, a fairly safe investment will be in home use machine tools, the companies that make home use machine tools or that sell them. Unfortunately Harbor Freight is a private company. Explanation to follow.
National Debt
Kendall Harmon over at TitusOneNine is linking to an article moaning about the national debt. It is high. It will get higher. That is probably, but not necessarily a Bad Thing. Our national debt puts us at #26 worldwide by the only realistic measure of debt (as a % of GDP). That is definitely too high. The interesting bit is who is at number 2. Lebanon is number one as their debt has remained high whilst the GDP has plummeted because of the endemic strife there.
For the record, the chances of recession in the near future are fairly slim. They increase a bit over the next year but remain low.
The odds of me explaining how I can predict that are very high indeed. I'll probably post an article later in the week on that subject.
For the record, the national debt while currently too high, is on the whole, a good thing.
For the record, the chances of recession in the near future are fairly slim. They increase a bit over the next year but remain low.
The odds of me explaining how I can predict that are very high indeed. I'll probably post an article later in the week on that subject.
For the record, the national debt while currently too high, is on the whole, a good thing.
More Church Snarkiness
I had an excellent Thanksgiving with my family. So I have a huge reservoir of snark that accumulated during my much needed break. Here goes.
I was looking up a priest at the episcopal clergy directory. I generally see three book advertisements every time I use the directory and this time was no exception. Here they are, in all their 'glory'. The three books are written by two priests and a theology instructor at General. "Jesus Family Values" is the most scholarly of the lot. It is also the least persuasive unless you adhere to the revisionist credo. It will persuade no one of anything, it will only reinforce existing beliefs.
I can't really comment about the 'Womb of Advent'. I just can't. It's the sort of reflective writing that really needs never to see the light of day.
Which brings us to "Gay Unions". I know Gray Temple. At the time I knew him, he was a very liberal priest in charge of a charismatic, growing parish. Membership peaked at his church back in 1997 and has declined since. Average sunday attendance has declined steadily since 2003 (Now, what happened in 2003?).
His theological tendencies have not changed and his church has, over time, adjusted itself to fit him. St Patricks, is to my mind, a good example of how important it is to have a sound rector. I haven't been there in several years (I am not a charismatic), but the reports I've heard from both past and present members is that the church is going to decline even more. It's growth was despite Gray Temple, not because of it, and now that the theology of the Episcopal Church has been revealed as little more than Unitarianism in drag, it will decline further. There is little room for true charismatic expression in the modern Episcopal church.
On to the book. He's not a bad writer. But the theology is mushy. And the Scripture is restricted to the usual array of biblical verses selected to demonstrate God's unconditional and unwavering love for us, despite anything that we might do. And that's true as far as it goes. But there is nothing about sin. What sin really is and what forms it may take. And there's even less about marriage, as in the reasons for it and the Church's take on it.
I have always been surprised by the lack of discussion by those who use the three legged stool as justification for gay unions because the stool has at best one leg. Scripture is dead against it. There is a whole, lovely discussion on marriage in the 1928 prayer book that states the Church's tradition about marriage. It's also in the 39 articles. One would think that since the tradition of the church on matrimony is encapsulated in those sources, and since the author of the book was ordained back in 1968, he might have some passing familiarity with it.
Is there so little teaching of logic in our seminaries, or has the faculty for it atrophied by inactivity?
One would think that such a sensitive and caring man would have had more regard for the environment to have had such a book published, thus resulting in unnecessary slaughter of so many trees.
/rant
I was looking up a priest at the episcopal clergy directory. I generally see three book advertisements every time I use the directory and this time was no exception. Here they are, in all their 'glory'. The three books are written by two priests and a theology instructor at General. "Jesus Family Values" is the most scholarly of the lot. It is also the least persuasive unless you adhere to the revisionist credo. It will persuade no one of anything, it will only reinforce existing beliefs.
I can't really comment about the 'Womb of Advent'. I just can't. It's the sort of reflective writing that really needs never to see the light of day.
Which brings us to "Gay Unions". I know Gray Temple. At the time I knew him, he was a very liberal priest in charge of a charismatic, growing parish. Membership peaked at his church back in 1997 and has declined since. Average sunday attendance has declined steadily since 2003 (Now, what happened in 2003?).
His theological tendencies have not changed and his church has, over time, adjusted itself to fit him. St Patricks, is to my mind, a good example of how important it is to have a sound rector. I haven't been there in several years (I am not a charismatic), but the reports I've heard from both past and present members is that the church is going to decline even more. It's growth was despite Gray Temple, not because of it, and now that the theology of the Episcopal Church has been revealed as little more than Unitarianism in drag, it will decline further. There is little room for true charismatic expression in the modern Episcopal church.
On to the book. He's not a bad writer. But the theology is mushy. And the Scripture is restricted to the usual array of biblical verses selected to demonstrate God's unconditional and unwavering love for us, despite anything that we might do. And that's true as far as it goes. But there is nothing about sin. What sin really is and what forms it may take. And there's even less about marriage, as in the reasons for it and the Church's take on it.
I have always been surprised by the lack of discussion by those who use the three legged stool as justification for gay unions because the stool has at best one leg. Scripture is dead against it. There is a whole, lovely discussion on marriage in the 1928 prayer book that states the Church's tradition about marriage. It's also in the 39 articles. One would think that since the tradition of the church on matrimony is encapsulated in those sources, and since the author of the book was ordained back in 1968, he might have some passing familiarity with it.
Is there so little teaching of logic in our seminaries, or has the faculty for it atrophied by inactivity?
One would think that such a sensitive and caring man would have had more regard for the environment to have had such a book published, thus resulting in unnecessary slaughter of so many trees.
/rant
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Superhero
Your results:
You are Spider-Man
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
You are Spider-Man
| You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.  |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test
If they only had more limbs...
This story by Pejman Yousefzadeh made me think of an aphorism. Any society that requires a fundamental change in human nature is doomed. It seems like any time a social experiment fails the creators of the experiment blame the participants for a failure to change or adapt.
Yet these experiments continue to be tried. If an inventor were to blame gravity for the persistent failure of his space ships, he would be written off as a crank. Why does the same not happen to utopians?
Yet these experiments continue to be tried. If an inventor were to blame gravity for the persistent failure of his space ships, he would be written off as a crank. Why does the same not happen to utopians?
I love economists
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard proves yet again that economic news can have a variety of interpretations.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
More Helpful PSA's
I know most of my readers won't have any trouble sleeping after tomorrow's feast. If sleeplessness occurs, this ought to help.
I know it's early
But I think it's important we all brace ourselves for the onslaught of merchandising that is the Day after Thanksgiving. Here's a PSA of how Christmas ought to be.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
My secret recipe
for tomato sauce. I learned to do this as a bachelor, but I've gotten raves for it.
Take one can (whatever size you like) of whole peeled tomatoes. Open the can.
Get a skillet or frying pan of some sort and set it at medium heat. When a drop of water sizzles when it hits the pan, remove the tomatoes one by one from the can and smoosh them over the pan. I usually throw the liquid in the can away, but you can reuse it for something else if you want.
Add anything else that you think might be tasty. I've used browned ground beef, prosciutto ham, garlic, olive oil, cumin, cilantro, basil, really the skies the limit.
Cook the smooshed tomatoes until they look like a sauce.
You're done. Enjoy!
Take one can (whatever size you like) of whole peeled tomatoes. Open the can.
Get a skillet or frying pan of some sort and set it at medium heat. When a drop of water sizzles when it hits the pan, remove the tomatoes one by one from the can and smoosh them over the pan. I usually throw the liquid in the can away, but you can reuse it for something else if you want.
Add anything else that you think might be tasty. I've used browned ground beef, prosciutto ham, garlic, olive oil, cumin, cilantro, basil, really the skies the limit.
Cook the smooshed tomatoes until they look like a sauce.
You're done. Enjoy!
Sometimes
I'm proud to be an American. A really nifty First Amendment opinion is here.
Hat tip: Volokh Conspiracy
Hat tip: Volokh Conspiracy
Supremes to Rule on 2nd
Amendment that is. The US Supreme Court said today they were going to hear arguments on District vs Heller. Of course what they'll decide is anyone's guess.
Millennium Development Goals
The Episcopal Church has been touting the UN's Millennium Development Goals. One of my favourite things to do to determine what an organisation's priorities really are, is to see where they spend their money. Call me a materialist, but I firmly believe that reveals more about people than their rhetoric.
So let's look at the national church's budget. I note two items, the actual amount designated MDG partnership for 2007 is $308,000(.59% of the total budget). The amounts allocated for "Title IV Investigation, Trial and Legal" as well as "Property Protection for Mission" are $800,000(1.54% of the budget).
Which is more important to the Episcopal Church: the highly touted Millennium Development Goals or litigation?
And just FYI, the projected shortfall for 2007 is $805,435. That's an interesting figure when compared to the legal fees budgeted, isn't it.
So let's look at the national church's budget. I note two items, the actual amount designated MDG partnership for 2007 is $308,000(.59% of the total budget). The amounts allocated for "Title IV Investigation, Trial and Legal" as well as "Property Protection for Mission" are $800,000(1.54% of the budget).
Which is more important to the Episcopal Church: the highly touted Millennium Development Goals or litigation?
And just FYI, the projected shortfall for 2007 is $805,435. That's an interesting figure when compared to the legal fees budgeted, isn't it.
Monday, November 19, 2007
In the 'Fed Up Dept.'
When arguing for an innovation, especially in the area of church doctrine, please do not argue from 'relevance'. I have no desire to be hip or cool. Please confine all discussion to tradition, Scripture or reason. Those I can handle.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Reactionary quote of the day
Mr. By-Ends: "Tis true, we somewhat differ in religion from those of the stricter sort, yet but in two small points: First, we never strive against wind and tide. Secondly, we are always most zealous when religion goes in his silver slippers; we love much to walk with him in the street, if the sun shines and the people applaud him."
From Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan.
From Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Alien law
I really like this proposal. It's never going to pass. But I still think it's a great idea.
On this day #3
The finale
Hat tip to Samizdata
Translation:
Little brother, don't sob, it is not a bansheeDon't be frightened, it is only soldiers,
Who arrived in sharp-edged metal caravans
Through tears caught on eyelashes we look at each other
Come with me little brother, I fear for you
On the uneven roads, little brother, in children's shoes
It rains and it is getting dark
This night will not be short
The wolf has a yen for the lamb
Little brother, have you closed the gate?
Little brother, please do not sob
Do not waste your tears
Hold back the curses and save your strength
You mustn't blame me if we do not make it
Learn the song, it is not so hard
Lean on me, little brother, the road is rough
We will stumble forth, we cannot turn back
It rains and it is getting dark
This night will not be short
The wolf has a yen for the lamb
Little brother, do close the gate!
Please close the gate!
I love technology
I blew a fuse late last night. No big deal, except that we were out of the kind of fuse it was (20 amp TL) and Home Depot had just closed. The circuit that it was on was not a major circuit (mostly the microwave and our powered litter boxes) so I thought getting a new fuse could wait until morning.
When I woke up this morning, I did a little web surfing to check prices and I discovered these bad boys. Holy cow! As the owner of an older home, I am seriously in love. I only wish they made a 30 amp version as that is what most of our fuses are.
So one quick trip to the big orange box and I have two shiny new circuit breakers where fuses used to be.
To any corporate executives out there, I would have gone to Lowe's, but according to the website, Lowe's didn't carry them.
Disclosure: We are very minor stockholders in both Lowe's and Home Depot.
When I woke up this morning, I did a little web surfing to check prices and I discovered these bad boys. Holy cow! As the owner of an older home, I am seriously in love. I only wish they made a 30 amp version as that is what most of our fuses are.
So one quick trip to the big orange box and I have two shiny new circuit breakers where fuses used to be.
To any corporate executives out there, I would have gone to Lowe's, but according to the website, Lowe's didn't carry them.
Disclosure: We are very minor stockholders in both Lowe's and Home Depot.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
More Fun With Church Statistics
I had a wild hair today and thought I'd do some quick comparisons of structure between various churches and the Episcopal Church. I crunched the numbers for the Methodists and the Roman Catholics before I ran out of steam. All numbers come either from the denomination itself or from Wikipedia. They are all for 2005.
Episcopalians had 100 dioceses, each with a bishop.
16,493 clergy which yields 165 clergy per bishop.
2,205,376 members which yields 22,053 members per bishop and 133 members per clergy.
787,271 ASA which yields 7,873 attendees per bishop and 48 attendees per clergy.
There are actually a fair number of additional bishops, but 100 gave me a nice round number to play with.
Methodists had 68 bishops
44,987 clergy which yields 660 clergy per bishop.
8,251,175 members which yields 121,340 members per bishop and 183 members per clergy.
I know the Methodist structure isn't really analogous, but it is a point of comparison. I couldn't find anything that would yield ASA for the Methodists.
Roman Catholics had 208 bishops.
42,839 priests which yields 205 clergy per bishop.
64,800,000 members which yields 311,538 members per bishop and 1,512 members per clergy.
22,680,000 ASA which yields 109,038 attendees per bishop and 529 attendees per clergy.
This confirmed my suspicion. The Episcopal Church is ludicrously over-staffed. I derived ASA by taking membership and multiplying by the percentage of Catholics who reported attending church in a given week (Gallup).
The real eye opener for me was comparing members per clergy between the Methodists and the Episcopalians. Why on earth do we need or even have 100 dioceses?
I Have No Comment
John Podoretz on Sally Quinn, an post about the press and religion. Be sure to read the comments. I'm gobsmacked, quite frankly.
Car Geekery
This is probably old news to some of my readers (possibly most), but there's a guy in Wichita that rebuilds cars to achieve absurd levels of fuel efficiency. If it's true, I'm in serious auto-lust.
Hat tip to Daily Kos of all places
Hat tip to Daily Kos of all places
Legal Geekery
It's probably not of general interest, but I found Chief Judge Easterbrook's decision highly entertaining.
In even more legal geekery, the ADL has a website with rebuttal citations for 'idiot legal arguments'. It has the usual laundry list of tax protester gibberish, but my personal favourite has to be "objections to fringe on flag".
In even more legal geekery, the ADL has a website with rebuttal citations for 'idiot legal arguments'. It has the usual laundry list of tax protester gibberish, but my personal favourite has to be "objections to fringe on flag".
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
We were wonderful back then
The Rev Irene Monroe has an op ed piece on a gay website that discusses how progressive the Episcopal Church has been over the years, all the way back to the Civil War. I guess no one has ever told her about Bishop Leonidas Polk.
Contrarian
I think this essay sums up nicely why I'll never conform to the Spirit of the Age. For those of my readers who are not as rabid an Anglophile as I am, George Monbiot is the English writer who inspired the epithet "moonbat", or "barking moonbat" to give it its full glory.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Survival
I've been thinking about assembling a backpack of needed items for emergencies. In the process of doing that I've been intrigued by who recommends what. I found the Smith and Wesson kit somewhat amusing, but not particularly useful (a book about bear attacks?). On the other hand Kim du Toit had some useful ideas, even if he is strangely silent on the subject of fishing line and fishing hooks. The US Army has a great, free manual. But the Red Cross has the most common sense approach.
What it boils down to is the purpose of the bag. If you're looking to fend off ravening zombie hordes then you need the ever popular chainsaw and shotgun. But what I'm anticipating are ice storms, possibly a flood, car wrecks and assorted power outages. Which means less on the long term and more for the short term.
Where I stand convicted on this is how few real medical supplies we have in the house. I do have a one person supply of general use antibiotics. But we are sadly lacking in bandages and antiseptic items.
What I'm going to do is make a bag for each car with some general utility tools, a flare or two, a can of tire inflator (is that stuff great or what), jumper cables, a space blanket, some cord, a couple of power bars and a bottle of water. And then assemble a box full of stuff for the house. Distilled water, first aid supplies, a back up cell phone with charger, a hand crank charger, capacitor flash light or two, candles, jewelers loupe, magnesium flint, rope, etc.
My long term survival will depend upon my trusty .22 and the bricks of ammo I bought for cheap at Wal-Mart. If civilization breaks down and society collapses, I reckon squirrels will start to get mighty scarce in these parts. I hear they taste like chicken.
What it boils down to is the purpose of the bag. If you're looking to fend off ravening zombie hordes then you need the ever popular chainsaw and shotgun. But what I'm anticipating are ice storms, possibly a flood, car wrecks and assorted power outages. Which means less on the long term and more for the short term.
Where I stand convicted on this is how few real medical supplies we have in the house. I do have a one person supply of general use antibiotics. But we are sadly lacking in bandages and antiseptic items.
What I'm going to do is make a bag for each car with some general utility tools, a flare or two, a can of tire inflator (is that stuff great or what), jumper cables, a space blanket, some cord, a couple of power bars and a bottle of water. And then assemble a box full of stuff for the house. Distilled water, first aid supplies, a back up cell phone with charger, a hand crank charger, capacitor flash light or two, candles, jewelers loupe, magnesium flint, rope, etc.
My long term survival will depend upon my trusty .22 and the bricks of ammo I bought for cheap at Wal-Mart. If civilization breaks down and society collapses, I reckon squirrels will start to get mighty scarce in these parts. I hear they taste like chicken.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Deja Vu All Over Again
I posted below about the Presiding Bishop's correspondence with the Bishop of Pittsburgh. Well, she sent the same exact letter to the Bishop of Fort Worth. He sent his reply today. And unlike the last exchange, noted below, Pisky Pravda hasn't as of this moment formulated a spin to it. It's almost as though they're ignoring it......
Update: Ask and ye shall receive. ENS has posted a news story with a minimum (for them) of spin.
Update: Ask and ye shall receive. ENS has posted a news story with a minimum (for them) of spin.
Fun with Statistics
I ran the Episcopal Church stats through some tables provided by the NCHS. If things continue as they are, and barring any members actually leaving, the Episcopal Church will dwindle by 33% over the next twenty years. The numbers and percentage will likely be much higher than that.
The bottom line is a church of less than a half a million people. The future of the Episcopal Church is that of church closures and property sales.
Bishop Spong was right. The present Diocese of Newark is the future of the Episcopal Church.
The bottom line is a church of less than a half a million people. The future of the Episcopal Church is that of church closures and property sales.
Bishop Spong was right. The present Diocese of Newark is the future of the Episcopal Church.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Monday, November 05, 2007
In Honour of Guy Fawkes Day!
“Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder, treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.”
Summary of what's going on in Pittsburgh
Jonathan Millard gave a very nice summary of the situation in the Episcopal Church. (The link is to a PDF file).
Friday, November 02, 2007
A Man of God
It's only temporary, but I actually respect an Episcopal Bishop. Here is the letter our 'beloved' Presiding Bishop wrote Bishop Duncan. Here is his response. I truly wish he was bishop of Atlanta, instead of Pittsburgh.
By the way, Pittsburgh has voted to secede from the Episcopal Church. The TEC propaganda machine has already begun the spin cycle.
It's not my respect that's temporary. I suspect that Bishop Duncan will continue to merit it. It's his condition as an Episcopal bishop that is. I wonder if +Rowan will withdraw his invitation to Lambeth?
By the way, Pittsburgh has voted to secede from the Episcopal Church. The TEC propaganda machine has already begun the spin cycle.
It's not my respect that's temporary. I suspect that Bishop Duncan will continue to merit it. It's his condition as an Episcopal bishop that is. I wonder if +Rowan will withdraw his invitation to Lambeth?
It's a lot of money for me
but the cost of building a space elevator is surprisingly affordable. Why hasn't it been built already?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Putting Things in Perspective
I think from now on, if ever I start feeling like I'm having a really crummy morning, I'll reflect on Nadege Brunacci and the morning she had this past Monday.
I really can't imagine what could top that....
I really can't imagine what could top that....
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Whither Newspapers?
Marcy Burstiner, a media professor in Humboldt County Californis, has written an excellent essay excoriating newspaper on their local religion coverage. The only thing I can add is that too much of our local paper is wire service fodder.
When I was a mere lad my father told me that my name should appear in a newspaper on only three occasions: My birth, marriage and death. The AJC does not report births. They report marriages and deaths only if you pay them to. I can remember people buying extra copies of the newspaper on such occurrences. If the newspapers do not understand that the failure to report local news is killing them, then they are even more clueless.
When I was a mere lad my father told me that my name should appear in a newspaper on only three occasions: My birth, marriage and death. The AJC does not report births. They report marriages and deaths only if you pay them to. I can remember people buying extra copies of the newspaper on such occurrences. If the newspapers do not understand that the failure to report local news is killing them, then they are even more clueless.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
New, Proposed Holiday
In the spirit of "Talk Like a Pirate Day", may I present "Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day"?
Mark your calendars for December 8th.
Mark your calendars for December 8th.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
FDA Prescription Proposal
The Wall Street Journal has an article about the FDA plan to move certain drugs from prescription required to 'behind the counter'. I think that it's a great idea and probably overdue. Once safety is determined by widespread use and if there isn't any real potential for abuse, then there really isn't any reason not to do this.
By way of example, I used to use an albuterol inhaler for asthma. It worked well. The major side effects of albuterol are dry mouth and a chance of raised blood pressure. I really don't see any reason not to make it available without a prescription. It has no neat side effects and will only be used if it is really needed.
Likewise, I'm a type 2 diabetic. I medicate with Metformin and glipizide. These drugs provide absolutely no benefit for non-diabetics. If I am allowed to purchase them without a doctor's prescription, I can save the fee for visiting my doctor. Were I a doctor running a prescription mill, generating fees for writing scrips, then I would think it's a bad idea. As I am not, I think it's an idea whose time is come.
By way of example, I used to use an albuterol inhaler for asthma. It worked well. The major side effects of albuterol are dry mouth and a chance of raised blood pressure. I really don't see any reason not to make it available without a prescription. It has no neat side effects and will only be used if it is really needed.
Likewise, I'm a type 2 diabetic. I medicate with Metformin and glipizide. These drugs provide absolutely no benefit for non-diabetics. If I am allowed to purchase them without a doctor's prescription, I can save the fee for visiting my doctor. Were I a doctor running a prescription mill, generating fees for writing scrips, then I would think it's a bad idea. As I am not, I think it's an idea whose time is come.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
House of Bishops meeting
The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church just wrapped up a meeting. The ultimate response to the communique from the primates of the Anglican Communion was a resounding "We like fudge." The primates asked that 'same sex blessings' stop. The HOB replied that they aren't authorized. Since the lefties have a history of non-compliance with unenforced resolutions and canons, and especially since Bishop Bruno of Los Angeles has been caught on camera lying about them, I'm not real confident that this resolution will fool anyone.
This video has everything you need to know about Episcopal Bishops.
This video has everything you need to know about Episcopal Bishops.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
RIP, Robert Jordan
Robert Jordan (Real name James Oliver Rigney, Jr.) died yesterday. He was a decent writer and a good churchman.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Friday, September 07, 2007
RIP Madeleine L'Engle
She was one of my favourite authors when I was young teenager. I believe that I've read everything she's ever had published. Even though the main character was a girl, I identified strongly with Meg Murry in Wrinkle in Time, because she was one of the few child heroes who wore glasses.
She was 88.
She was 88.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Curse..
... of the Gunnies! It seems another prominent gun control advocating law enforcement type is in trouble. If I were a corrupt sheriff, I'd not want my constituents to be armed.
Don Surber is playing 'name that party' with the same story.
Don Surber is playing 'name that party' with the same story.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Really Really Small
IBM is saying that they now have the ability to make transistor equivalents the size of a molecule. It's not quite nanotechnology, but it's getting close.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Mainstream Media
I think I have fallen in love with a Frenchman. But in a manly, heterosexual kind of way.....
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Simbabwe
I'm having to rethink the whole Mac vs PC thing. Well, actually, no I'm not. The flexibility of the PC's trumps the fact that the one game I'd really like to play is available only for Macs.
On a related note, I had a friend try to persuade me to invest in a mutual fund that was putting money into Zimbabwe recently. Investing in developing countries can be a good way to generate a nice return on investment. Putting money into a country with negative GDP growth is exactly the same as burning it or giving it to winos hanging around outside liquor stores.
On a related note, I had a friend try to persuade me to invest in a mutual fund that was putting money into Zimbabwe recently. Investing in developing countries can be a good way to generate a nice return on investment. Putting money into a country with negative GDP growth is exactly the same as burning it or giving it to winos hanging around outside liquor stores.
Friday, August 24, 2007
It Really Works
Great Britain is often held up as an example of how gun control (and England has some of the most stringent on the planet) genuinely works.
The English courts have consistently held that the citizenry have no practical right to self defense. What sort of government wants a citizenry that is universally disarmed and helpless? What sort of citizenry would such laws produce?
And what sort of person desires such a society?
The English courts have consistently held that the citizenry have no practical right to self defense. What sort of government wants a citizenry that is universally disarmed and helpless? What sort of citizenry would such laws produce?
And what sort of person desires such a society?
Because I haven't been doing much law blogging
A reader sent me an email complaining that I depsite being an attorney, I don't law blog very much. So David M, this one goes out to you!
(No I don't work at Nixon, Peabody even though everyone there is a winner.)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Confluence of Music and Theology
Shannon Johnston years ago introduced me to the practice of reading philosophy with appropriate music when he recommended reading Nietzsche whilst listening to Wagner. Shannon has gone on to bigger (and hopefully better) things, but that advice had stuck.
Which is a long winded way to say that this essay immediately brought this song to mind.
Which is a long winded way to say that this essay immediately brought this song to mind.
Today's Meditation
In these troubled times, sometimes we must turn our gaze East and meditate upon ancient truths.
Duality
One of the things that has always bugged me is that I'm typically categorized as a 'baby boomer'. I was born in 1960, which demographically was the height of the baby boom. However, none of my friends or myself ever felt like we had anything in common with the 'Woodstock generation". Our attitude has consistently been that of Cartman.
There's a bit of a buzz in Anglican circles about a perceived generation gap between the orthodox (Generation X) and the re-appraisers (Baby Boomers). Brad Drell started it, Stand Firm and Baby Blue have commented on it and I'm the same age as Kendall Harmon. Which fact has made me feel ambivalent about the whole thing.
The good news is that I am not only a Baby Boomer, but I'm also a member of the much cooler and more hip 'Generation X'. To quote my sister "Go me!".
There's a bit of a buzz in Anglican circles about a perceived generation gap between the orthodox (Generation X) and the re-appraisers (Baby Boomers). Brad Drell started it, Stand Firm and Baby Blue have commented on it and I'm the same age as Kendall Harmon. Which fact has made me feel ambivalent about the whole thing.
The good news is that I am not only a Baby Boomer, but I'm also a member of the much cooler and more hip 'Generation X'. To quote my sister "Go me!".
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Free Audiobooks
My friend Russell from deepintheheartoftexas showed me this incredible website. Hours of listening joy for those who like audiobooks and all completely free! Because the works are read by volunteers and the original text is public domain there is no issue with piracy. And there's an incredible amount of audiojoy there. Everything from classic poetry to mysteries, short stories of every flavour as well as a good selection of classic literature.
A Modern Horror Story
Natalie Solent tells a tale of procedure and rules run amuck. I'd like to think that it couldn't happen here, but I'm afraid it already is. Jobsworth is fast become an international icon.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Court Decisions
One of the few things I know for certain is that the mainstream media (blogs, newspapers, radio and especially television) get court decisions wrong. I know why that is, but that doesn't change that the reporters rarely understand what's actually been decided.
Legal parlance is obscure at best and very few reporters have any training in law at all. Add to that that most court decisions, especially supreme or appellate court decisions, are lengthy affairs. The reporter, who is generally results oriented, has to make a quick decision as to what the relevant bits are for the story. The story that results typically gets some of the results correct, but rarely the rationale.
Even the most activist court in the land rarely issues a broad change in the law. From a judicial standpoint, a Roe V. Wade decision can be a nightmare, triggering years of dependent litigation as the courts try to sort out what rights have been changed, created or eliminated.
Furthermore the press typically discusses courts, especially the Supreme Court in political terms, conservative or liberal. This is not very meaningful. For example, Justice David Souter was nominated by Pres. George Bush Sr, he was and (I presume is) a Republican. I'd be startled to find out that he does not vote the straight party ticket. Politically, he's a conservative fellow. Judicially, he is not a usual ally of Justices Scalia and Thomas. In judicial terms, he's a developmentalist, to a certain extent.
Moral of this entry? Don't believe what you read. The Internet is glorious in that even if you don't want to bother checking the source material, you can check out opinions of persons you trust about the source material.
In my case, that would be Eugene Volokh and his merry band of libertarian law professors.
Legal parlance is obscure at best and very few reporters have any training in law at all. Add to that that most court decisions, especially supreme or appellate court decisions, are lengthy affairs. The reporter, who is generally results oriented, has to make a quick decision as to what the relevant bits are for the story. The story that results typically gets some of the results correct, but rarely the rationale.
Even the most activist court in the land rarely issues a broad change in the law. From a judicial standpoint, a Roe V. Wade decision can be a nightmare, triggering years of dependent litigation as the courts try to sort out what rights have been changed, created or eliminated.
Furthermore the press typically discusses courts, especially the Supreme Court in political terms, conservative or liberal. This is not very meaningful. For example, Justice David Souter was nominated by Pres. George Bush Sr, he was and (I presume is) a Republican. I'd be startled to find out that he does not vote the straight party ticket. Politically, he's a conservative fellow. Judicially, he is not a usual ally of Justices Scalia and Thomas. In judicial terms, he's a developmentalist, to a certain extent.
Moral of this entry? Don't believe what you read. The Internet is glorious in that even if you don't want to bother checking the source material, you can check out opinions of persons you trust about the source material.
In my case, that would be Eugene Volokh and his merry band of libertarian law professors.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The End Justifies the Means
The American Red Cross is an organization that does much good work, no doubt about it. I've been very supportive of it over the years by donating my time, money and blood (5 gallon pin). But it appears that all the good they accomplish has given them a world class case of entitlement.
In 1887 Johnson & Johnson began using the red cross logo on their medical products. In 1895, Clara Barton, founder and head of the American Red Cross reached an agreement with Johnson & Johnson that allowed the American Red Cross to use the Red Cross emblem, but only for items that did not compete with Johnson & Johnson's commercial products.
In 2004 the American Red Cross began licensing products under its name for sale.
Apparently, Johnson & Johnson is somewhat upset that the 112 year agreement has been breached. What I find interesting is that the American Red Cross disputes none of the facts, but instead defends its conduct purely upon the idea that the American Red Cross is engaged in noble work and therefore is entitled to as it pleases. I'm amazed that Johnson & Johnson would take on the American Red Cross. J & J has the facts and the law, from what I've read, but the ARC has a tremendous reputation. Of course the press is already lining up on behalf of the embattled charity (and getting its facts wrong, as usual). On the other hand, the Internet is a wonderful place, and it's much more possible for a company to get the facts out these days than in years past.
Quite frankly, I don't understand why the Red Cross didn't use the alternative symbol for the commercial products. That would make such products usable internationally and avoid any possibility of trademark infringement.
In 1887 Johnson & Johnson began using the red cross logo on their medical products. In 1895, Clara Barton, founder and head of the American Red Cross reached an agreement with Johnson & Johnson that allowed the American Red Cross to use the Red Cross emblem, but only for items that did not compete with Johnson & Johnson's commercial products.
In 2004 the American Red Cross began licensing products under its name for sale.
Apparently, Johnson & Johnson is somewhat upset that the 112 year agreement has been breached. What I find interesting is that the American Red Cross disputes none of the facts, but instead defends its conduct purely upon the idea that the American Red Cross is engaged in noble work and therefore is entitled to as it pleases. I'm amazed that Johnson & Johnson would take on the American Red Cross. J & J has the facts and the law, from what I've read, but the ARC has a tremendous reputation. Of course the press is already lining up on behalf of the embattled charity (and getting its facts wrong, as usual). On the other hand, the Internet is a wonderful place, and it's much more possible for a company to get the facts out these days than in years past.
Quite frankly, I don't understand why the Red Cross didn't use the alternative symbol for the commercial products. That would make such products usable internationally and avoid any possibility of trademark infringement.
Irredeemable
I'm currently listening to Jasper Fforde's latest Thursday Next book, First Among Sequels. It's an excellent listen but I'm close to the end. That's good.
Up next is a book by Martha Stout: "The Sociopath Next Door". I suspect it's going to be fairly pop psychology, but I have a great interest in the subject of antisocial personality disorder. I've known at least two church leaders who were sociopaths, in my opinion. I've known others in the secular world that have shown signs of being that way. None of the ones I've known are anything close to the popular image of a sociopath as a serial killer.
The problem of sociopathy is this. Psychology has pretty much abandoned any hope of treating it. At least that's my understanding of modern psychology. How does one convert a sociopath? How do you bring a man without a conscience to Christ? I know that with God all things are possible, but this, along with the problem of pain are the two great challenges to my faith. How can a woman without love and without knowledge of sin come to God?
I wish I knew an answer to that.
Up next is a book by Martha Stout: "The Sociopath Next Door". I suspect it's going to be fairly pop psychology, but I have a great interest in the subject of antisocial personality disorder. I've known at least two church leaders who were sociopaths, in my opinion. I've known others in the secular world that have shown signs of being that way. None of the ones I've known are anything close to the popular image of a sociopath as a serial killer.
The problem of sociopathy is this. Psychology has pretty much abandoned any hope of treating it. At least that's my understanding of modern psychology. How does one convert a sociopath? How do you bring a man without a conscience to Christ? I know that with God all things are possible, but this, along with the problem of pain are the two great challenges to my faith. How can a woman without love and without knowledge of sin come to God?
I wish I knew an answer to that.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Blinded Me With Science
And this is why I'm not PC.
Historical note
When people discuss the 'glory days' of Islamic science, they're discussing two different periods, separated not only by time but also by space. The first period occurred rather briefly in Baghdad around the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The second in Spain about the 14th century. Neither period lasted long and, maybe I shouldn't point this out, a great many of the scientists and mathematicians responsible were not Muslim. They were Jews.
I'm not belittling anyone's accomplishments. But intellectual curiosity basically died in the Arab world after the 11th Century. The Spanish period was probably an aberration under very special circumstances.
Historical note
When people discuss the 'glory days' of Islamic science, they're discussing two different periods, separated not only by time but also by space. The first period occurred rather briefly in Baghdad around the 9th and 10th centuries AD. The second in Spain about the 14th century. Neither period lasted long and, maybe I shouldn't point this out, a great many of the scientists and mathematicians responsible were not Muslim. They were Jews.
I'm not belittling anyone's accomplishments. But intellectual curiosity basically died in the Arab world after the 11th Century. The Spanish period was probably an aberration under very special circumstances.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
What is it about Denmark?
I've just ordered Bjorn Lomborg's new book about global warming. I thoroughly enjoyed his previous book and so Amazon gets yet more of my hard earned shekels.
I'm not sure if there's something about Denmark that breeds a gentle, rational skepticism, but Lomborg and Kierkegaard are only two of my favourite Danes.
I'm not sure if there's something about Denmark that breeds a gentle, rational skepticism, but Lomborg and Kierkegaard are only two of my favourite Danes.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Scorched Earth
Back in the bad old days of incessant European wars, the Russians had an unbeatable defensive strategy. They would burn every building and field that lay in the path of the attacker. The Russian army would carefully stay just out of reach of the enemy. After a while, the enemy's army would simply dissolve due to disease, fatigue and starvation.
The Episcopal Church seems to be pursuing a similar approach in its litigation. Any church that attempts to walk with its property gets sued. The vestry gets sued, individually. Even if you leave the real estate, they still sue you for the cash. I understand that TEC wants to retain the property and wants very much to intimidate the waverers into remaining.
My question is why?
On a purely secular level, Falls Church and Truro Church both are very valuable pieces of real estate. I understand suing over them. The value to TEC if they win far outweighs what the cost will be. I don't understand suing over the smaller churches. Most Episcopal churches are rather small, with an Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) of under one hundred. Especially if the church has debt, as many do, why sue? The remnant congregation will be unsustainable. The buildings and land will wind up either in foreclosure or being sold for far less than the amount of money spent on them.
And that's the secular analysis. From a Christian perspective, the lawsuits are reprehensible. Assuming that TEC is legally right in every respect, even so there is no good reason not to try to negotiate. It is our duty as Christians to behave ourselves and to act out of love and charity. Suing over real estate is never loving. It is never kind. And it rarely ends well for any of the parties.
The Episcopal Church seems to be pursuing a similar approach in its litigation. Any church that attempts to walk with its property gets sued. The vestry gets sued, individually. Even if you leave the real estate, they still sue you for the cash. I understand that TEC wants to retain the property and wants very much to intimidate the waverers into remaining.
My question is why?
On a purely secular level, Falls Church and Truro Church both are very valuable pieces of real estate. I understand suing over them. The value to TEC if they win far outweighs what the cost will be. I don't understand suing over the smaller churches. Most Episcopal churches are rather small, with an Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) of under one hundred. Especially if the church has debt, as many do, why sue? The remnant congregation will be unsustainable. The buildings and land will wind up either in foreclosure or being sold for far less than the amount of money spent on them.
And that's the secular analysis. From a Christian perspective, the lawsuits are reprehensible. Assuming that TEC is legally right in every respect, even so there is no good reason not to try to negotiate. It is our duty as Christians to behave ourselves and to act out of love and charity. Suing over real estate is never loving. It is never kind. And it rarely ends well for any of the parties.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Public relations
One of my favourite movies is a fairly obscure little film called Shattered Glass. In it, a New Republic editor discovers to his horror that his star writer has been fabricating stories. While time is compressed and two women were apparently merged into one, the movie is apparently fairly accurate in its portrayal of what happened. In the real world, The New Republic investigated, fired the writer and issued an apology.
That is the way that responsible adults of any stripe behave. We make mistakes. We apologize for those mistakes, and we pay for them. Then we make sure not to repeat the same error twice.
Unfortunately for the New Republic, they've been caught once again with 'cooked stories'. Scott Thomas Beauchamp, a private in the Army, provided TNR with some hot 'n juicy stories about himself and his peers misbehaving in Iraq. TNR apparently found them plausible enough to print them. Unfortunately for TNR, they're entirely fictional. The change from the Stephen Glass incident is that TNR is not owning up to its mistake.
The Beauchamp fiasco will cost TNR dearly. Credibility is a precious commodity in todays information age. Even among the New Republic's true believers, doubt and skepticism will creep in.
But until they apologize for their severe lapses in judgment, I will not be able to believe anything they print. Adults apologize of their own will. Children do so only when forced. I have no interest in the opinions of children. And there seem to be more and more persons of advanced years who are nothing but children, whether in leftie news magazines or elsewhere.
That is the way that responsible adults of any stripe behave. We make mistakes. We apologize for those mistakes, and we pay for them. Then we make sure not to repeat the same error twice.
Unfortunately for the New Republic, they've been caught once again with 'cooked stories'. Scott Thomas Beauchamp, a private in the Army, provided TNR with some hot 'n juicy stories about himself and his peers misbehaving in Iraq. TNR apparently found them plausible enough to print them. Unfortunately for TNR, they're entirely fictional. The change from the Stephen Glass incident is that TNR is not owning up to its mistake.
The Beauchamp fiasco will cost TNR dearly. Credibility is a precious commodity in todays information age. Even among the New Republic's true believers, doubt and skepticism will creep in.
But until they apologize for their severe lapses in judgment, I will not be able to believe anything they print. Adults apologize of their own will. Children do so only when forced. I have no interest in the opinions of children. And there seem to be more and more persons of advanced years who are nothing but children, whether in leftie news magazines or elsewhere.
Irenaeus is posting his admirable 'Revisionist Dictionary' over at StandFirm. He has some wonderful definitions listed, but he omitted one. So here's my definition of 'Presiding Bishop'.
PRESIDING BISHOP: The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the Heresiarch of the denomination. While she is not a primate, she functions as one in her dealings with foreign primates. It is believed that she is a marsupial.
PRESIDING BISHOP: The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (TEC) is the Heresiarch of the denomination. While she is not a primate, she functions as one in her dealings with foreign primates. It is believed that she is a marsupial.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Hmmmm
I subscribe to two Episcopalian mailing lists. One is Magdalen House, which I would describe as the view from the pew. The other is the House of Bishops and Deputies (HOBD) mailing list. Which is more a reflection of what the church leadership thinks. For whatever reason, Gmail is sorting the two. Every post to Magdalen goes into my inbox. All of the HOBD posts are being sent to the spam folder.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Poetry Monday
Here's one of my favourite poems of all time. The language is a bit dated, but the spirit of ecclesiastical compromise lives on to this very day.
The Vicar of Bray
In good King Charles's golden days,
When Loyalty no harm meant;
A Furious High-Church man I was,
And so I gain'd Preferment.
Unto my Flock I daily Preach'd,
Kings are by God appointed,
And Damn'd are those who dare resist,
Or touch the Lord's Anointed.
And this is law , I will maintain
Unto my Dying Day, Sir.
That whatsoever King may reign,
I will be the Vicar of Bray, Sir!
When Royal James possest the crown,
And popery grew in fashion;
The Penal Law I shouted down,
And read the Declaration:
The Church of Rome I found would fit
Full well my Constitution,
And I had been a Jesuit,
But for the Revolution.
And this is Law, &c.
When William our Deliverer came,
To heal the Nation's Grievance,
I turn'd the Cat in Pan again,
And swore to him Allegiance:
Old Principles I did revoke,
Set conscience at a distance,
Passive Obedience is a Joke,
A Jest is non-resistance.
And this is Law, &c.
When Royal Ann became our Queen,
Then Church of England's Glory,
Another face of things was seen,
And I became a Tory:
Occasional Conformists base
I Damn'd, and Moderation,
And thought the Church in danger was,
From such Prevarication.
And this is Law, &c.
When George in Pudding time came o'er,
And Moderate Men looked big, Sir,
My Principles I chang'd once more,
And so became a Whig, Sir.
And thus Preferment I procur'd,
From our Faith's great Defender
And almost every day abjur'd
The Pope, and the Pretender.
And this is Law, &c.
The Illustrious House of Hannover ,
And Protestant succession,
To these I lustily will swear,
Whilst they can keep possession:
For in my Faith, and Loyalty,
I never once will faulter,
But George, my lawful king shall be,
Except the Times shou'd alter.
And this is Law, &c.
The Vicar of Bray
In good King Charles's golden days,
When Loyalty no harm meant;
A Furious High-Church man I was,
And so I gain'd Preferment.
Unto my Flock I daily Preach'd,
Kings are by God appointed,
And Damn'd are those who dare resist,
Or touch the Lord's Anointed.
And this is law , I will maintain
Unto my Dying Day, Sir.
That whatsoever King may reign,
I will be the Vicar of Bray, Sir!
When Royal James possest the crown,
And popery grew in fashion;
The Penal Law I shouted down,
And read the Declaration:
The Church of Rome I found would fit
Full well my Constitution,
And I had been a Jesuit,
But for the Revolution.
And this is Law, &c.
When William our Deliverer came,
To heal the Nation's Grievance,
I turn'd the Cat in Pan again,
And swore to him Allegiance:
Old Principles I did revoke,
Set conscience at a distance,
Passive Obedience is a Joke,
A Jest is non-resistance.
And this is Law, &c.
When Royal Ann became our Queen,
Then Church of England's Glory,
Another face of things was seen,
And I became a Tory:
Occasional Conformists base
I Damn'd, and Moderation,
And thought the Church in danger was,
From such Prevarication.
And this is Law, &c.
When George in Pudding time came o'er,
And Moderate Men looked big, Sir,
My Principles I chang'd once more,
And so became a Whig, Sir.
And thus Preferment I procur'd,
From our Faith's great Defender
And almost every day abjur'd
The Pope, and the Pretender.
And this is Law, &c.
The Illustrious House of Hannover ,
And Protestant succession,
To these I lustily will swear,
Whilst they can keep possession:
For in my Faith, and Loyalty,
I never once will faulter,
But George, my lawful king shall be,
Except the Times shou'd alter.
And this is Law, &c.
Image of God
One of the freedoms that we enjoy as Christians is that we can try to imagine or portray God. Neither Jews nor Muslims are allowed to by their respective faiths. This freedom has both good and bad points.
I've come to believe that the progressive image of the conservative God is something similar to this:
And I know that the orthodox view of the progressive image of God is very close to this:
But, in reality, this comes closest to my experience of God:
I've come to believe that the progressive image of the conservative God is something similar to this:
And I know that the orthodox view of the progressive image of God is very close to this:
But, in reality, this comes closest to my experience of God:
Sunday, August 05, 2007
A New Fisking
It's been a while since I've done a fisking, so here goes. This gem comes from the blog 'Father Jake Stops the World'. First comes the set up:
Actually, the above is what has already been offered. Point #1 is just behaving oneself in a Christian manner. Point #2 was offered, withdrawn, re-offered, emasculated and ignored by the Bishops who caused the request for DEPO in the first place. Point #3 is already occurring. Point #4 was promised when Women's Ordination was first enabled. Assurances were made that no diocese or congregation would ever have to accept female clergy.
I doubt it would be accepted. It's nothing new and nothing that was already offered and withdrawn. I don't think the re-appraisers are aware of how little they are trusted or believed at this point. Absent some real repentance, acknowledgment of bad faith and of sin, I do not foresee any such scheme working.
I love the use of absolutist language here. The word truth is used twice for emphasis. Fr. Jim is emphasizing that there is going to be some straight talk. I don't know the good Rev. Stockton, but somehow I do not think he will stick to Aristotelean talk. Call me cynical, but I suspect Relativism will rear its pretty little head in short order.
This being a free country, no one is barring the door against anyone, in terms of attendance and contributing money. I agree with that. The third sentence is where the truth lies. The truth of the disagreement, that is. The Episcopal Church officially has done much for it needs to apologize. Our Church officials have misled the other primates repeatedly, both under PB Griswold and PB Schori. Churches have been seized for no good reason. Clergy have been harassed, inhibited and deposed without just cause. Heresy has been proclaimed, preached and taught with official sanction. Church rule have been enforced according to a double standard with the Orthodox being held to a strict observance and the heterodox to a more relaxed one. Our entire denomination is out of communion with a majority of the world's Anglicans and shows no desire to re-enter such fellowship.
The whole thrust of the New Testament can be read as a manual of how to behave with one another. I think it contains much besides, but I'm going to speak 're-appraiser'. Last time I checked the whole idea of 'doing unto others' and 'loving your neighbour as your “sibling”' was still considered to be the standard of conduct. As such, it is incumbent upon the majority in a democratically run Christian organisation to respect the rights, privileges and beliefs of the minority. This has not occurred.
As a result, the protestations of good faith and well-meaning that have been offered recently have in fact been met with suspicion and distrust.
The DEPO that was offered was flawed from its inception. Further the Bishops whose congregations need it the most have refused to offer even the DEPO that's been on the table.
I agree that liberal and conservative can be viewed as relative terms. That is their utility, actually. Most conservatives in the Episcopal Church would be considered moderates or liberals in the larger denominations such as Southern Baptist or Roman Catholic. The rest of the paragraph is rather Orwellian. Fr. Jim conflates liberality in the sense of 'breadth of spirit or vision/generosity' with the current political or theological sense of the word. The former is always to be desired and is presently lacking in the discussions of this denomination. The second is omnipresent and stifling. The present TEC has very little liberality at present, as is shown by Fr. Jim's essay.
In the second part of the paragraph we have a false assumption. It is that the typical Episcopal Church congregation is broad. That is true theologically. Most the TEC are the heirs of the old Broad Church. But that reflects a lack of both theological knowledge and commitment. In any other sense TEC is rather narrow. We are narrow ethnically, with orthodox parishes being far more ethnically diverse than reappraising ones. We are narrow demographically, being older than most other denominations. We are narrow politically. Lefties far outnumber the right. In terms of leadership we are narrow theologically. Most priests are no longer orthodox in their beliefs. The higher up the hierarchy one looks, the less orthodox and more uniform the doctrines of those in power become.
I very much want to laugh every time I hear the term diversity used in a TEC setting.
Apparently at some point Women's Ordination went from optional to mandatory. The promise was made, and yes you really can look it up, that WO would remain forever optional. That no one would ever have to violate their conscience because of it. Apparently that was yesterday's eternal truth and now we have a new one. Fr. Jim plugs in an EOE statement and elevates it to the realm of theology. I'm all for not discriminating at law against sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability or marital status where it is inappropriate so to do.
However, such discrimination is often necessary. Police departments typically balk at hiring as police officers those with physical disabilities. Most of the women I know refuse to use gynecologists who are men. Everyone on the planet discriminates against teenagers. The Nation of Islam refuses to accept white people as members.
Theologically, a strong case can be made against Women's Ordination. The Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Coptic churches have all made and stuck by those arguments. It is painfully obvious that Fr. Jim and his ilk do not wish to address the actual theology of it. They are using a manifestly non-absolute standard of secular law and elevating to a Commandment: “Thou shalt not discriminate.” Furthermore, he offers up that discrimination is “condescending, manipulative and deceitful.” He does not offer up any substantiation of these charges. He does not explain how it is so. And it is clear me that he can not. If as a Church we say “You may not become a priest, you are too young” then that is not condescending, not manipulative and quite honest.
I think we may safely ignore all the discussion of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, etc and concentrate only on the one that is actually pertinent. Sex. What is needed is for those who wish it to be made obligatory to come forward and make their case on a theological basis. That has not been done.
There we agree. I bless the Lord each day for the election of PB Schori. She has given those of us in the right a God-given sense of clarity. At the very least, the fog of pseudo theological blather has been cleared away and we all see where we all stand. I stand with Christ, where I have stood since I became a Christian. TEC stands somewhere else now. I pray that one day that the hierarchy will take their vows seriously and repent and join me with the rest of the Church.
In a conversation being held elsewhere, some suggestions were made regarding how to "welcome home" those who may become disillusioned with the apparent splintering that has begun among the secessionists. Here is a paraphrased version of the four suggestions:
1. Seek ways to remove clergy from their posts who need to be removed without humiliating them, and reconsider previous removals as generously as possible.
2. Offering DEPO (Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight) to any congregation or clergy person that requests it.
3. Implement a non-biased way to identify conservative congregations so that they can be more easily found by those seeking them.
4. Make a commitment to not hinder a congregation that seeks only male clergy.
The above is, of course, a compromise. I think it was proposed in good faith. If we are honest, something like this is probably the bare minimum that would have to be offered to "welcome home" some of the more extreme elements that were previously aligned with the Network.
Actually, the above is what has already been offered. Point #1 is just behaving oneself in a Christian manner. Point #2 was offered, withdrawn, re-offered, emasculated and ignored by the Bishops who caused the request for DEPO in the first place. Point #3 is already occurring. Point #4 was promised when Women's Ordination was first enabled. Assurances were made that no diocese or congregation would ever have to accept female clergy.
Can such a compromise be offered? I don't think so.
I doubt it would be accepted. It's nothing new and nothing that was already offered and withdrawn. I don't think the re-appraisers are aware of how little they are trusted or believed at this point. Absent some real repentance, acknowledgment of bad faith and of sin, I do not foresee any such scheme working.
For the reasons why, I offer you the thoughts of the Rev. James V. Stockton, Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Austin, Texas:
I suggest that the reality of the situation requires that we acknowledge some truths. These may be uncomfortable for some, but ultimately, no tongue in cheek here, the truth really does set us free.
I love the use of absolutist language here. The word truth is used twice for emphasis. Fr. Jim is emphasizing that there is going to be some straight talk. I don't know the good Rev. Stockton, but somehow I do not think he will stick to Aristotelean talk. Call me cynical, but I suspect Relativism will rear its pretty little head in short order.
First: those who wish to come home will do so. No one is making this difficult for anyone to do so. Therefore, measures taken to cajole the malcontents, beyond a reiteration of the welcome that exists already, are simply undue and inappropriate. The Church has nothing for which to apologize, especially to those who have gone widely and wildly outside the structures by which they have vowed to abide. The democratic governance of this Church is a strong appeal to people who appreciate the many strengths of the Episcopal Church. So, token measures will be wholly unnecessary for anyone who truly wants to return; and will meet with only suspicion amongst those who do not trust the Church, and so will not be swayed by our good intentions.
This being a free country, no one is barring the door against anyone, in terms of attendance and contributing money. I agree with that. The third sentence is where the truth lies. The truth of the disagreement, that is. The Episcopal Church officially has done much for it needs to apologize. Our Church officials have misled the other primates repeatedly, both under PB Griswold and PB Schori. Churches have been seized for no good reason. Clergy have been harassed, inhibited and deposed without just cause. Heresy has been proclaimed, preached and taught with official sanction. Church rule have been enforced according to a double standard with the Orthodox being held to a strict observance and the heterodox to a more relaxed one. Our entire denomination is out of communion with a majority of the world's Anglicans and shows no desire to re-enter such fellowship.
The whole thrust of the New Testament can be read as a manual of how to behave with one another. I think it contains much besides, but I'm going to speak 're-appraiser'. Last time I checked the whole idea of 'doing unto others' and 'loving your neighbour as your “sibling”' was still considered to be the standard of conduct. As such, it is incumbent upon the majority in a democratically run Christian organisation to respect the rights, privileges and beliefs of the minority. This has not occurred.
As a result, the protestations of good faith and well-meaning that have been offered recently have in fact been met with suspicion and distrust.
Second, DEPO options that are possible under our polity exist already and have already been rejected by the malcontents.
The DEPO that was offered was flawed from its inception. Further the Bishops whose congregations need it the most have refused to offer even the DEPO that's been on the table.
Third, it is, in my humble opinion, hazardous to the health of the Church to participate in any way in the false dichotomy of 'conservative' and 'progressive,' or 'orthodox' and 'liberal.' One person's 'conservative' is another person's 'liberal.' To pretend that these monikers represent defined categories is too simplistic to be helpful. In addition, it's liberality is the very virtue of this Church that enables the healthy inter-relatedness and coexistence of congregations and dioceses that differ in their theological convictions. It is this commonality that all of us need to experience and to invite more people to experience with us. Thus, if someone looking for a new church home happens across a congregation that happens to be a relatively poor match, so much the better. The seeker is free to continue seeking, but in the meantime, experiences the challenge and the blessing of the breadth this Church. Folks who simply refuse to tolerate their kindred in Christ who hold views differing from their own will likely not be comfortable in the Episcopal Church, and will be more comfortable in a more monolithic denomination. All of our congregations are Episcopalian. I suggest that this label is ample identification, indeed.
I agree that liberal and conservative can be viewed as relative terms. That is their utility, actually. Most conservatives in the Episcopal Church would be considered moderates or liberals in the larger denominations such as Southern Baptist or Roman Catholic. The rest of the paragraph is rather Orwellian. Fr. Jim conflates liberality in the sense of 'breadth of spirit or vision/generosity' with the current political or theological sense of the word. The former is always to be desired and is presently lacking in the discussions of this denomination. The second is omnipresent and stifling. The present TEC has very little liberality at present, as is shown by Fr. Jim's essay.
In the second part of the paragraph we have a false assumption. It is that the typical Episcopal Church congregation is broad. That is true theologically. Most the TEC are the heirs of the old Broad Church. But that reflects a lack of both theological knowledge and commitment. In any other sense TEC is rather narrow. We are narrow ethnically, with orthodox parishes being far more ethnically diverse than reappraising ones. We are narrow demographically, being older than most other denominations. We are narrow politically. Lefties far outnumber the right. In terms of leadership we are narrow theologically. Most priests are no longer orthodox in their beliefs. The higher up the hierarchy one looks, the less orthodox and more uniform the doctrines of those in power become.
I very much want to laugh every time I hear the term diversity used in a TEC setting.
Fourth, to 'permit' congregations to restrict their clergy hiring to men only is to sanction sexual discrimination. This is morally and spiritually wrong, and the Church does well to name it as such. Pandering to the impulse to practice discrimination, whether based on sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability, marital status, or other abstract and morally neutral descriptors is sin. For those who know it is sin to teach others to do it, it is a sin greater still. Validating discriminatory practices is not being truly kind. It is condescending, manipulative, and deceitful. Here again, the Episcopal Church is what it is; we are who we are. We need to be honest with ourselves, with one another, and with others. The truth is the greatest kindness we can offer.
Apparently at some point Women's Ordination went from optional to mandatory. The promise was made, and yes you really can look it up, that WO would remain forever optional. That no one would ever have to violate their conscience because of it. Apparently that was yesterday's eternal truth and now we have a new one. Fr. Jim plugs in an EOE statement and elevates it to the realm of theology. I'm all for not discriminating at law against sex, gender, age, race, ethnicity, disability or marital status where it is inappropriate so to do.
However, such discrimination is often necessary. Police departments typically balk at hiring as police officers those with physical disabilities. Most of the women I know refuse to use gynecologists who are men. Everyone on the planet discriminates against teenagers. The Nation of Islam refuses to accept white people as members.
Theologically, a strong case can be made against Women's Ordination. The Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Coptic churches have all made and stuck by those arguments. It is painfully obvious that Fr. Jim and his ilk do not wish to address the actual theology of it. They are using a manifestly non-absolute standard of secular law and elevating to a Commandment: “Thou shalt not discriminate.” Furthermore, he offers up that discrimination is “condescending, manipulative and deceitful.” He does not offer up any substantiation of these charges. He does not explain how it is so. And it is clear me that he can not. If as a Church we say “You may not become a priest, you are too young” then that is not condescending, not manipulative and quite honest.
I think we may safely ignore all the discussion of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, etc and concentrate only on the one that is actually pertinent. Sex. What is needed is for those who wish it to be made obligatory to come forward and make their case on a theological basis. That has not been done.
No one is barring the door to the return of those who are realizing that they've been taken in by the ACN. The Church's welcome home that existed before they began their departure is still there, now. Those who want to come home, will do so. In the meantime, for the sake of all those not yet a part of this Church, we will do well to be frankly honest about who this Church is and about the Gospel truth that has gathered us and set us free.
Jim Stockton
Priest, Diocese of Texas
There we agree. I bless the Lord each day for the election of PB Schori. She has given those of us in the right a God-given sense of clarity. At the very least, the fog of pseudo theological blather has been cleared away and we all see where we all stand. I stand with Christ, where I have stood since I became a Christian. TEC stands somewhere else now. I pray that one day that the hierarchy will take their vows seriously and repent and join me with the rest of the Church.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
StandFirm Commenters Dinner
I've just gotten back from our Atlanta reasserter banquet. Five of us met at Nicola's restaurant here in Atlanta for a get together. I had a blast. Present were Irenaeus, RLW6, John Stamper, Mary and myself. It was interesting how diverse we were in background, yet unified in faith. A model in small of how the Church ought to be, but rarely is.
It was so lovely to discuss, dispute and even disagree, but to do so civilly and with genuine respect.
I'll post more, later, after some reflection. I'm a little too wired from the excellent conversation we shared to be coherent in writing. Not that I ever am, but there you go.
It was so lovely to discuss, dispute and even disagree, but to do so civilly and with genuine respect.
I'll post more, later, after some reflection. I'm a little too wired from the excellent conversation we shared to be coherent in writing. Not that I ever am, but there you go.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Today's theme song
Given what's been posted about Greg Griffith over at StandFirm, I figured what the heck!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Yesterday's Little Meeting
Anglican TV webcast the ACN meetings for the past two days. Kevin Kallsen did a bang-up job doing it. The one person who made a huge impression upon me was Archbishop Gregory Venables. His Bible studies were profound, Scripturally sound and moving. Peter Ould had a webchat room set up as part of this and the one comment I made that I'm proudest of was something along the lines of "It's sad that I feel so elated to hear an Anglican teach the Bible so well".
Of course our honourable opposition had a different take on what transpired.
The Internet is a wonderful thing. Before the Internet, I would have had to rely on second party accounts of what happened and what was the mood of the meeting. Now I know. Because I witnessed it as it happened and was able to hear the side comments, the casual chatter, the jokes and the groans. I could see the faces of the people there and read their emotions for myself.
I'm certain there were those present at the meeting who felt as Ms. Sherrod reports. But I didn't see them, nor did I hear them. What I saw was unity, a sense of purpose and at the end a feeling of accomplishment and of peace.
I've been told that the videos will be posted later. Check them out for yourself when they are.
Of course our honourable opposition had a different take on what transpired.
The Internet is a wonderful thing. Before the Internet, I would have had to rely on second party accounts of what happened and what was the mood of the meeting. Now I know. Because I witnessed it as it happened and was able to hear the side comments, the casual chatter, the jokes and the groans. I could see the faces of the people there and read their emotions for myself.
I'm certain there were those present at the meeting who felt as Ms. Sherrod reports. But I didn't see them, nor did I hear them. What I saw was unity, a sense of purpose and at the end a feeling of accomplishment and of peace.
I've been told that the videos will be posted later. Check them out for yourself when they are.
Monday, July 30, 2007
ACN Council
Wow.
The stuff that's being said is fascinating. I'm not exactly sure what's going to come of it, but I suspect something will. Funnily enough this is ecumenicism in action as opposed to the 'God talk' that the ECUSA engages in.
The stuff that's being said is fascinating. I'm not exactly sure what's going to come of it, but I suspect something will. Funnily enough this is ecumenicism in action as opposed to the 'God talk' that the ECUSA engages in.
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