The Roman Nails

Hills of the North, a blogger from Rome, Georgia isolates and elucidates one key part of Judge Bellows opinion in the Virginia lawsuits.

I Taunt You a Second Time

There are several books which have had a profound impact upon my life, that in one sense or another were life changing. Some are genuinely profound (The Bible, St Augustine's Confessions, Pilgrim's Progress, All Quiet on the Western Front, Cyrano de Bergerac and Plato's Dialogues), others were more superficial (Atlas Shrugged, Stranger in A Strange Land, Lord of The Rings, and The Machine Stops). But those are all famous to one degree or another. There are two books that have influenced me profoundly that very few people have even heard of, much less read. The first is Propaganda by Jacques Ellul and the second is Psychological Warfare by Paul M A Linebarger. Both books are considered to be modern classics. They are both well written and quite deep. They were both written by intellectuals who were also men of action (M. Ellul was prominent in the Resistance in WWII, Prof. Linebarger was also a colonel in the U S Army who was in active service in both WWII and Korea). They were also both Christians and devout ones at that.

Propaganda is about just that, the unbridled advocacy of a position in disregard of the truth. Something with which attorneys are intimately familiar. Propoaganda can be factual. The best propaganda usually is. It can also be false, in part or completely. What it is is information presented for advocacy, that is to promote a position of some sort. M. Ellul strips away all of obfuscations that surround propaganda in its many forms and shows how dangerous it is to leave unchallenged. I think he would be dismayed and delighted at how the blogosphere has turned out in that regard. It's an important book. One more people should read. And I own it. I have owned it for over twenty five years.
(Taunt number one)

Psychological Warfare is a textbook written on the subject described by its title by one of the world's foremost practitioners of the art. In it he describes how to turn men's minds away from the cause for which they are fighting and over to ceasing to fight. Lest you think I'm indulging in hyperbole, Col. Linebarger came up with a method for persuading Chinese soldiers to surrender during the Korean War that produced more prisoners of war than any other cause. He was that good at his trade. The techniques he describes have been adopted by just about everyone currently in the business of altering and forming opinions. It is well worth reading if you want to know why a candidate or an advertising campaign or what have you has adopted a certian methodology. And I own it. I have owned it for over ten years.
(Taunt number two)

These are books well worth reading before you let your mind get shaped by the current thinking, the buzz, the trendy websites, shows or publications. They are well worth reading by everyone.

Episcopal Derangement Syndrome

Back in the Clinton Presidency, I had some friends that basically came unhinged at the very mention of the phrase "President Clinton". More recently, my neighbour across the street starts foaming at the mouth at the mention of "President Bush". He is a nice guy and a good neighbour, he just can not mentally handle our current President.

It would appear that the current litigation is affecting the Rev. Terry Martin, who blogs over at Father Jake Stops the World. In a comment thread, he wrote "So, Peter Akinola not only gets to terrorize Nigerians, he also gets to steal American property? I don't think so."

Unfortunately, it's neither his place, nor my place, nor your place, Dear Reader, to decide that issue. It is in the hands of a judge. Also, there having been no warrants sworn or criminal charges made, the use of the word theft in the preceding passage is inaccurate at best and libelous at worst.

I think perhaps the good reverend and his followers might want to take a break from the litigation and bake bread or walk a labyrinth or something. If any of them are here in Atlanta, they can use my garden and pull weeds. I've always found pulling weeds to be excellent therapy for any anger or frustration I might be feeling. Just drop me a line and I'll set you up with gloves and anything else you might need.

Oh and Bill Clinton was our President and George Bush is our President. Get over it.


Addendum: It appears that the Rev. Martin has a garden of his own, or practices some other excellent form of anger management. Kudos to him!

Friday Stress Relief

Because I like care, and stuff, here's a highly addictive site to help everyone decompress a bit and get ready for a relaxing weekend.

Warning: Highly addictive means just that. It helps to have the sound on your computer working. Manic mode is even more gratifying.

Friday's Rousing Anthem

This ought to get your blood going and put spring in your stride.

Anglicans 1, Episcopal Church 0 in the First Inning

The judge in the Virginia case has issued his opinion. There has been a division in the Episcopal Church as well as the Anglican Communion. The Virginia division statute applies. Further argument will be heard at the trial level as to whether or not the Virginia statute is constitutional.

I'm thinking 815 loyalists are likely going to have a bad day today. By way of consolation, I'd like to point out that this case will almost certainly be appealed, possibly even to the Virginia Supreme Court.

The bad news is that it's my personal opinion that 1) the statute was complied with, 2) there has been a division and 3) it is constitutional. Were I a betting man, I'd be wagering against the Episcopal Church here. That doesn't mean that the Anglican case is a slam dunk. Just that the odds are in their favour.

PS As of this morning there has been no official reaction from 815. When there is, news of their reaction ("we're disappointed and we're appealing") will likely be posted here.

Addendum: The ENS has released an article on the subject. I found it curious that the first and last sentences of the article are all about property.

Ending Musical Discrimination

I got an email from Dave saying I don't post any metal videos. So Dave this is for you. I really can't think of any musician that has more metal than this:

Good News about Islam

Recently, the Catholic Church reported there were more Muslims than Catholics. Which is true, by the way. However, there are more Christians than Muslims, which has not always been the case.

The Vatican never makes a splash about something without a reason. And now it's apparent why the Vatican chose to publicize its statistics.

Interesting images

Oleg Volk takes both beautiful pictures and thought provoking ones (sometimes simultaneously). A gun-control site picks up the images and calls them terrifying. Much commentary follows.

Anglican Chat Session

Chris Johnson over at MCJ has been kind enough to post the text of a chat session that was held recently. Mr. Johnson is and remains a comic genius.

Why I'm Glad I Don't Live In Canada: Reason 45

Fifteen year old daughter heads out to meet her drug dealer boyfriend. Father grabs her and pushes her in his car to thwart her fat headed plan. Father gets charged with assault. Two years later, an appellate court decides the father acted properly.

Sometimes, I think the ancient Romans had the right idea.

From the Great Nordic Musical Wonderland

OMG! I think I am in rock 'n roll ecstasy. This video is simply wonderful! Once again, Finland leads the way!

[H/T Rachael Storm]

Addendum: Other Finnish musical goodies you may have missed. Finland is such an amazing country. How shall we (the world) ever repay them for all the gifts they have given us?

What Can Disconcert the Supremes?

Fantasy baseball, apparently. Five of them participate in it and three have recused themselves from a case because of it.

From the same post, it appears that Sidd Finch, the legendary Mets pitching prospect is gunning for a comeback.

Gentility

Mrs. du Toit has much to say about manners and the world, as well as the pursuit of beauty.

Beers Reveals Some Tidbits

Rick, a friend of mine had a tete a tete with David Booth Beers, chancellor of the Episcopal Church, a recent CLE seminar. Nothing really earth shaking, but the tidbits he let slip about his passion for the Episcopal Church are revealing.

Here's some further information.

Here's One of Them

Quicky version: St. Paul Visalia voted 160-97 to leave the Episcopal Church with the rest of the Diocese of San Joaquin. Forty or so of its members have left the church building to form a loyalist parish.

Editorial comment: I hope that both congregations grow and flourish. I wish them all well. It would really lovely if no litigation results from this, but I think we all know better.

Refresher on Stewardship and Such

In the year of my birth the population of the United States was 180,671,158. The membership of the Episcopal Church was 3,444,000. In 2006 (the last year we have current figures for) the population of the United States was 296,410,404. The membership of the Episcopal Church was 2,205,376.

I know most Episcopalian loyalists are going, "Ok, we lost 1,200,000 people in 45 years." That is where you are wrong. The population of the US grew by 64% in that time. The membership of the Episcopal Church ought to be 5,650,000. We lost 3,444,000 members. We lost 3/5's of our numbers. Where did they go? In a church that says everyone is special, everyone is important, everyone has a place, why are they not missed?

One would think that confronted with a catastrophic loss of members, the Episcopal Church would be desperate to recruit to reach out to evangelize and also to retain the members it already has. One would be wrong. The Episcopal Church is desperate to retain the property to which it has any form of legal claim, but that is all.

Here is a challenge: Tell me how much money the national church spent last year on actual, real live evangelism. Not on having conferences to talk about evangelism, but actually going around and talking to non-Christians about becoming Christian. Now compare that money to the amounts spent on property retention. If we had anything worth knowing, doing or hearing, we would be telling folks about it. We don't, so we aren't.

What are the priorities of the Episcopal Church?

To make my question personal, if you stopped going to your church, would anyone notice? Sometimes preachers ask that question to motivate you to make a difference. I'm asking it because it's likely that you wouldn't be.

What, again, are our priorities?

Please don't believe the platitudes, official line. Look for yourself where the money is being spent, really spent, not just nominally spent, and then tell me what the church's priorities are.

Never, Ever Pray For Justice

Cany, who seems rather pleasant, posted the following comment, below:

Matthew: couple of thoughts:

1. 3 of the members of the standing committee belong to churches that have voted to go south. they are, then, in the southern cone, not TEC. they must be a member of TEC to sit on the standing committee. therefore, at best, the standing committee has three members... cannot function.

2. the PB has a fiduciary responsibility to TEC... for assets. she cannot just turn away from that responsibility.

3. how the HOB issue will turn is unknown, but the VERY SAME process has been used in depositions of other bishops... and not a blink.

4. there are other churches, above and beyond the 18 that are staying with TEC in the SJDiocese who have still not decided what direction to take. members of churches who did leave to go south are migrating back to TEC.

5. Shofield left TEC, not the reverse. He has no right to assets in the church. Christ would not support thievery. There is no special commutation for bishops who act badly... and there shouldn't be. If a vestry embezzled funds, would we excuse that?

blessings, cany

Sounds reasonable, right? Unfortunately there are a few problems with Cany's message.

First is a mea culpa. I should know better than to post a 'woulda coulda shoulda' post. They can lead to all sorts of pernicious problems, such as conflation of timeline. At the time PB Schori failed to recognize the San Joaquin Standing Committee, it had six, not three, members. I'm sorry if I were less than clear about when the things I outlined should have occurred. That the churches they belonged to voted to go, could not have happened. Remember 'individuals can go, not churches, not diocese and certainly not property.' By the official stance of the Episcopal Church, those churches could not have left. The SC members therefore did not leave.

Secondly, as an attorney who mostly does real property, trusts, and estates, I am up on fiduciary responsibility. As the Presiding Bishop, the PB is first and foremost a bishop, one who has sworn to defend the faith, as well as uphold the canons and covenants of the Episcopal Church. There is a Bible verse that appertains to the theft of property, 1 Corinthians 6: 1-11. However, I think 'theft' is a rather strong word. Certainly, the national church has contributed little to no funds to the former Diocese of San Joaquin or its individual churches. The Diocese, or rather Bishop Schofield has legal title to the property. The Dennis Canon is an attempt, and the California Courts are about to decide how successful, to insert an equitable ownership claim by the Episcopal Church. There is also an equitable claim that could be made by the individual donors to the churches in question. The term 'theft' is therefore a prejudicial and un-Christian word to use as it is apparent to anyone other than a loyalist of either side, that there are facts and circumstances that can justify either parties position.

Third, the point is about prior behaviour. The claim is made that it justifies the current bad behaviour as it set a precedent. If you steal a dollar from me every day for a week, can you then claim when I catch you seven days later stealing again, that your prior behaviour established a precedent? The bishops in question did not and are not disputing the charges. Personally, I think Bishop Schofield is no longer an Episcopalian bishop. So does he. That still does not excuse a failure to follow proper procedure. And that is what all this is about. A failure to follow proper procedure. There is a widely shared perception that 815 has been cutting corners to achieve desired results (Compare and contrast the processes for approval of Bishops Lawrence and Johnston for example).

Fourth, I have yet to count eighteen churches forming the Diocese of San Joaquin. I put the count at twelve. I could be wrong, but I'm getting my information from their own website. I would love to receive any additional information as to what other churches have joined or rejoined the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. As for individuals moving back and forth between the two diocese, I don't think anyone is shocked or surprised by such happening.

Fifth, we are back to the 't' word again ("theft"). I would note in passing it is a crime in California to steal property. The value of the property in question is more than enough to cause the stealing of it to be a felony. I seem to have missed the news that criminal charges have been filed against Bishop Schofield. Please see point two, supra, about property theft and the proper reaction to it.

To hammer home my primary concern, I'm not interested in this because I'm a member of the Province of the Southern Cone. My perspective is that of an Episcopalian. I do not see how my church is diminished by the loss of certain real property in California. I very much do see how my church is diminished by a substantial number of former members in California.

That my church's leadership is more concerned about the loss of property that has been and is being used by the people that left, rather than the people themselves tells me that the leadership of my church's priorities are wrong. I do not mean a little wrong, I mean totally wrong. I get rather wound up when I think about this.

There is no justification for the 'don't let the door hit you on the arse on way out' attitude that I hear from the church loyalists. No justification. None.

When you cite Jesus as justification for not excusing theft, you run afoul of His own words. (Luke 6: 27-36). The problem is I keep hearing people clamouring for justice. No Christian ever wants justice, not ever. The true radical nature of Christianity is shown by its demand that we deal more than justly with others. We must deal lovingly, even when we are dealing with the unjust.
I fail to feel the love expressed in any of the positions taken by 815. On the other hand, Bishop Schofield, whose position does have some merit, has let it be known that churches who do not wish to break apart, may remain Episcopal. However much you may despise him, that is the right thing to do. It is the right thing to do for 815 as well.

On a meta note. As I alluded to above, I really don't care whether Bishop Schofield is counted as an Episcopalian or not. The same holds true for Bishop Cox. I do care, very much, about due process and fairness. A great deal of my concern stems from what is likely looming for Bishops Duncan, Iker and MacBurney. As Cany mentioned fiduciary responsibility, another concern stems from my fiscal concern that the church is spending its resources wisely. Adding together the sums spent or committed to be spent as a result of the San Joaquin morass as well the Title IV procedures and the ongoing civil litigation, the Episcopal Church has burnt through over a million dollars on all this. I'm just a humble attorney, I don't have anything close to a million bucks lying around.

Finally, it's patently obvious that no one at 815 has really done a cost-benefit analysis on all this. The Episcopal church is already closing more churches than it is opening. These churches are being sold to raise cash to support the hierarchy. As has been noted by others, the Presiding Bishop is dead set against any settlement with those who wish to leave. This includes disallowing buy outs of church property. How is that being fiduciarily responsible? How is that being fair, let alone loving?

The Gospels make quite clear that the one thing one should never ask for is justice. When we ask for justice, God looks at our own actions. As the confession makes quite clear, all have fallen short of the Glory of God. None of us ever deal justly. And therefore all of us are rightly condemned. I know all this is kind of new to progressives, but it really is all sound doctrine. I'm not running off the rails here. What we need to ask for is Mercy. And that is what we are all called to demonstrate. That is what we do not demonstrate in regards to our dealings with those who wish to leave.

I am seriously tempted to despair when I contemplate my church. We are not behaving justly. We do not exemplify Christ to the world. We repent of sins we did not commit, in times past. We fail to acknowledge the faults we do possess. And we love money and property more than we love our fellow Christians, with whom we disagree. We are not a church, where all are welcome. We are a clique, where if you hold the trendy opinions and agree with the cool kids, you get to hang out. And our circle of pals is going to keep shrinking because no adult really is very interested in joining a clique. Adults do care about learning about who God is, what God has done for them and how they ought to believe and behave as a result of that.

Perhaps we ought to sell the assets of the national church, convert it to cash and use the cash to feed the hungry in Africa and India. Perhaps we need to learn to live as a poor church. I know that we need to live as a humble church.

Property Law in Middle Earth

Jacob Kaufman has a great take on the true meaning and purpose of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

[H/T Volokh Conspiracy]

Pooh Personality

Your Score: Tigger

You scored 14 Ego, 9 Anxiety, and 19 Agency!

And as they went, Tigger told Roo (who wanted to know)
all about the things that Tiggers could do.

"Can they fly?" asked Roo.

"Yes," said Tigger, "they're very good flyers, Tiggers
are. Strornry good flyers."

"Oo!" said Roo. "Can they fly as well as Owl?"

"Yes," said Tigger. "Only they don't want to."

"Why don't they want to?" well, they just don't like it
somehow."

Roo couldn't understand this, because he thought it
would be lovely to be able to fly, but Tigger said it was
difficult to explain to anybody who wasn't a Tigger himself.

You scored as Tigger!

ABOUT TIGGER: Tigger is the newest addition to the Hundred Acre Wood, and he lives with Kanga and Roo, because Roo's strengthening medicine turned out to be the thing that Tiggers like best. Tigger is bouncy and confident -some of his friends think he is a little TOO bouncy and confident, but attempts to unbounce him tend to be fruitless.

WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT YOU: You are a positive and confident person. You feel capable of dealing with anything and everything, and funnily enough, you usually ARE. You don't worry about much, and you love to go out and find new adventures.

Your friends and family might sometimes be a little exasperated by your boundless enthusiasm. You don't like to admit your mistakes, and when you find yourself in over you head, you tend to bluff your way out of things. You would be surprised, however, at how happy the people around you would be if you would actually admit to a mistake. It would make you seem more human, somehow.

Link: The Deep and Meaningful Winnie-The-Pooh Character Test written by wolfcaroling on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Re: Your Brains

Just 'cause it's a spiffy song and I like the video.

Lowdown on Lodi

Because I have an active fantasy life, I thought about how I would have handled the San Joaquin morass were I a litigation prone Presiding Bishop. First, I would have tried to cut a backroom deal with the existing Standing Committee. The deal would have been as follows: Recognition of the Standing Committee (hereafter SC) provided they 1) call a diocesan convention forthwith, 2) at that convention repudiate the last conventions actions, 3) select a mutually agreed upon and agreeable retired bishop to serve as bishop pro tempore and 4) step down, opening the field for fresh elections. They would be free to run for the Standing Committee.

I would have had Mr Beers and certain trusted associates get into communication with wavering parishes and attempt to bribe and/or strongarm the waverers into loyalty. I would have accepted Bishop Schofield's resignation and treat it as a resignation from the Episcopal Church, not just from the House of Bishops(hereafter HoB). I would have a resolution of the HoB with the required numbers for an abandonment vote accepting the resignation. This is both a tad more gracious and preserves the 815's litigation positions.

I would allow free and open elections at the Diocesan Convention, including those for the SC and a search committee to find a permanent bishop. However, behind the scenes, I would make it clear that any candidates for the same had better be loyal to the Episcopal Church or else.

That is how a competent thuggish Presiding Bishop would have handled things.

From a power political perspective, the Presiding Bishop is making too many enemies and fighting on too many fronts. If you really want to make an example of someone 'pour encourager les autres', then it's best to pick and chose one target rather than pursue all of the offenders.

If it were really up to me, I would have said to Bishop Schofield "Good luck on your new venture, go in peace and go with God". And I would have gone about gathering the remaining Episcopalians into an adjacent diocese. There would have be no litigation. But what do I know? I have these odd notions about how people are much more important than property and how it's better to let the property go than to behave unlovingly.

TSA and jewelry

The blogosphere is expending much pixelage on the incident in Texas involving the woman with nipple piercings. Gloria Allred is involved.

I have to confess my first thought on hearing about it was: "Of course they're dangerous. You could put your eye out."

New motto for 815

As a bunch of aging hippies, they should even remember it: "We had to burn the village to save it."

My recommendation is to modify to say: "We had to sell that church to save it."

Faith of Our Fathers, Sort of

You’re St. Melito of Sardis! You have a great love of history and liturgy. You’re attached to the traditions of the ancients, yet you recognize that the old world — great as it was — is passing away. You are loyal to the customs of your family, though you do not hesitate to call family members to account for their sins. Find out which Church Father you are at The Way of the Fathers!

Fitna: Islam in the Netherlands

This is the movie by Geert Wilders that was pulled by Youtube. It's an examination of extremist muslims in Europe generally and in the Netherlands specifically.

This is a slow download (the hosting site is getting slammed right now), but if I could highlight a single post on this blog and say "Look at this!" this would probably be the one.

[Addendum: If the link has gone bad again, here is a link that should work]

Nashville Cats

By the Lovin' Spoonful and then a cover version by Flatt and Scruggs.

U2 "Bad"

Youtube is currently very slow to 'share' videos. This is a test. I am posting it at 4:05pm EST via code embed.

Besides, it's U2 and an excellent version of one of their better songs.

Edit: Well it posted at 3:59 pm EST. Make of that what you will......

Created by OnePlusYou - Free Online Dating

Interesting Survey

The last election pretty much eliminated what remaining faith I had in public opinion polls, but Gallup has released the results of a survey they did on the Second Amendment. As usual, the wording of the questions is almost more interesting than the responses.

Thursday Morning Pulse Pounder

If this doesn't get you going this morning, then aught else will.

(Yes, I've linked to it before.....)

Policeman vs. Fireman

This is the first of six videos on Youtube. All are funny and none of them are safe for work.

Best Show on Television

(H/T for Clifford)

The Hit Parade Continues

The Living Church reports that 815 is gearing up to try the former bishop of Quincy, Bishop McBurney. This will be the full version, not the 'Lite' one used for Bishops Schofield and Cox.

For +Katie on Her 54th Birthday

XOXOX from all of us here at Ockham Manor.

For Gene Robinson+

Good Propaganda

This is well worth considering....

My Own Personal....Tap

Now this is news guys can use.

Why I Like Country Music

And it has almost all the critical elements: Getting drunk, prison, shotguns, pickups, dogs and smoking. All it lacks are Mom and trains. And it's home made (unofficial) video!

(H/T Tam)

On this day the Queen of Soul was born

Soul Revealing

On Sarah Hey's recommendation I bought Mikhail Pletnev's conducting of the Russian National Orchestra of all nine of Beethoven's symphonies. I have just finished listening to all of them.

I can honestly say, I've never heard Beethoven like this before. That is both good and bad. The reviewers over at Amazon pretty much hit the nail on the head.

But, for me, the defining bit for Beethoven is the last movement of his last symphony. I've always never really cared for Karajan's version. He is technically perfect, but I've always thought it lacked something, somehow. Pletnev lacks nothing. He brings to the Ninth the soul, the fire, the passion that such a piece demands.

I'm exhausted, devastated, alive and at peace all at once. Give it a listen. You will either love it or hate it. I can guarantee you will not be indifferent.

Reflection

One of the reasons I am a Christian is that my God has defeated her god. One of the blessings of this modern time is that the masks have fallen off of the church going non-Christians.

Thank you Lord for Your gift of clarity.

I believe in the Resurrection. I live in that Hope.

Grace and Heartbreak

This article about one church in the Diocese of San Joaquin is well worth reading. Please note that even though the priest decided to 'Remain Episcopal' he still trusts his soon to be former bishop, Bishop Schofield.

This is how the split ought to go. The take home portion of this lesson is: Why doesn't it always happen like this and who is responsible for the majority of the additional pain, expense and litigation? What does that say about their priorities? And how do you reconcile those priorities with our call to service for God?

Common Error Number 61

Dr. Madsen Pirie writes a basic truth elegantly.

Moving

We had dinner last night with my brother and his wife. They confirmed that they are likely leaving Atlanta by mid-summer. My sister and her family are moving out of their apartment into a new house this weekend. Sally and I are staying right where we are.

I'm probably moving as well though. I do not know where, but I think that I can no longer be a part of an organization that revels in injustice. I do not think I will be an Episcopalian for much longer.

The Episcopal Church has been moving in the wrong direction for decades. I have fought the changes with every fibre of my being. I have participated in church politics, I have done committees, written letters, politicked, campaigned, you name it. Some time back I burnt out and almost ceased being a Christian, let alone an Episcopalian.

The argument I hear from my reappraising mother and moderate father is that I ought to remain. That doctrinal disagreements are no reason to leave. That it is possible to reform from within. They are correct. 2008 is by no means the worst year in the history of Christianity. Arguably, that honour belongs to 1378, when there were two Popes serving at the same time.

However, there is more to membership than working from within. We are more than Episcopalians. We are also Christians. And the second is much more important than the former.

For some time, the label Episcopalian has been hindering my Christian witness. That is unacceptable. Given the lack of commitment of my church to mercy, charity, grace or even justice at the present time, I can not see that remaining will constitute anything other than an endorsement of my church's actions.

I think I will stay to see what happens to Bishop Duncan. That will be the final straw, the last ditch, the line that must not be crossed. If the Episcopal Church behaves as I believe it will, then the following things will happen.

I have been donating anonymously to my alma mater. That will cease. I have given money to my home church. That will stop. All of my time and energy that I have spent protesting, corresponding and communicating with anyone who will listen about the current state of affairs in the Episcopal Church will be spent on finding a new home for my wife and myself.

I don't expect to hear anything from the institutional loyalists other than 'don't let the door hit you on the arse on the way out'. But....

How many people have to leave before our leadership acknowledges that there is a problem? How small can the Episcopal Church get and remain viable? If there is no physical resurrection, no life after death, no real theology or ethics or even morality other than “God won't fix in a box” then what reason is there for the Episcopal Church?

The Baptists have better sermons, the Methodists have much better music, the Catholics have better liturgy, the Orthodox have greater solemnity, and the Presbyterians just know what's going to happen. And all of them have Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. So why be an Episcopalian? What do we have to offer that is valuable?

That's the core of the current crisis. Because if you do not believe that Jesus is God and that you are a sinner and therefore separated from God. And do not believe that God loves you and died for you and rose again triumphant over death. Then you have no reason to live as a Christian. Because you are not one.

Your god may not fit in a box. But mine doesn't either. And mine is much more powerful and active than yours is. My God died for you. Your god can not even live, much less act. My God acts on a minute by minute basis in the world. He performs miracles with astonishing regularity. Your god is limited. Your god is dead. Nietzsche said so and he was right.

I no longer wish to bear the responsibility of the acts of the godless. I can no longer worship in a place of disbelief. It's time to worship the Lord amongst my fellow believers.

Safety Thoughts

As my readers know I own several firearms. My wife owns more than I do. However, reading this article caused me to reflect upon safety.

I have been taught, in one variation or another, the following safety rules:

The Four Rules of Firearms Handling
by Jeff Cooper

Rule 1
ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
The only exception to this occurs when you have a firearm in your hands and you have personally unloaded it for checking. As soon as you put it down, Rule 1 applies again.

Rule 2
NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY
You may not wish to destroy it, but you must be clear in your mind that you are quite ready to if you let that muzzle cover the target. To allow a firearm to point at another human being is a deadly threat, and should always be treated as such.

Rule 3
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
This we call the Golden Rule because its violation is responsible for about 80 percent of the firearms disasters we read about.

Rule 4
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT
You never shoot at anything until you have positively identified it. You never fire at a shadow, or a sound, or a suspected presence. You shoot only when you know absolutely what you are shooting at and what is beyond it.


They are very good advice indeed. Guns scare me. So I treat them with respect. I have yet to have a gun related injury.

But the single most scary thing in our home is not a gun. It's useless for home defense. I have never enjoyed using it. And it frightens me much more than anything else, far and away.

It is my table saw. Non-woodworkers are probably chuckling right now, but anyone who has ever used a table saw knows why I wrote that. I have a good quality saw, I know how to use it and I do use it. But I hate and fear it. The alleged safety gear makes working with it cumbersome and makes me much more prone to making a bad move. Removing the safety gear allows me better access to the wood, meaning that I can use it more skillfully and thus more safely. But even with correct technique and skilled use, accidents can and do happen. All it takes is one small piece of wood whizzing past you at a very high rate of speed to drive the fear of Delta deep into your soul.

Unfortunately, even though I have a good band saw, sometimes there is no good alternative to the table saw. Which means that I have to use a device that is inherently dangerous or abandon a project out of fear.

One day I may very well sell my table saw. But having it has helped me realize that life is not without risk. There is no absolute safety anywhere. It is best not to dwell upon that fact, but to carry on and do the best that one can. Sometimes when something bad happens, no one is to blame. Cliches all, but true nonetheless.

I reckon having a table saw is why I am no longer a left winger. I am willing to be responsible for my own safety and for the safety of others. I am willing to assume the risk, because I am an adult and I have weighed the risks and benefits.

Of course if I slice my hand off Saturday, I may be voting for Nader. ;)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Spring is Dangerous

I ran across a nursery website and the inevitable happened. In two weeks we should be getting a shipment of two muscadine vines, two seedless grape vines and two containers of strawberry plants.

Now I have to dig some postholes and put up some trellises.

But if all goes well, we will be awash in grapes in two or three years.

It also appears that nothing short of nuclear war can kill either my rosebush or the snowdrops. Never have such beautiful plants been so neglected.

My Last Post on the Schofield-Cox Attempted Deposition

I think that pretty much sums it up.

Just Amazing

More Helpfulness

I looked for a Youtube video for this, but couldn't find it.

Mr. Beers, here's a bit more help for you. It's a quote from a rather good movie.

Judge Slade: According to the provisions of the statutes of our territorial commonwealth, you gentleman of the jury have been selected as representative citizens of our fair community. We want to see that the public's faith is justified. So when you boys retire to consider a verdict, stay out awhile. Mr. Kent will see that you are plentifully provided with liquid refreshments. And after you have deliberated sufficiently, weighed all the evidence fair and square, and brought in a verdict of not guilty, you will be amply rewarded. You understand?

It's from here. Amazon carries it if you wish to buy it. It's also available from Netflix. Please pay attention to Judge Slade when he speaks. You will learn something.

Good Advice

Because I am kindly soul and am in a particularly good mood today (I bought a new toy!), I have some advice for David Booth Beers as regards to his debacle earlier this week.

Tacite inepte.

And I mean it. Your damage control is only making you look even more mean spirited, foolish and incompetent. Even some of your most committed supporters do not believe you.

You went after two old men, shaved the rules to do so and got caught.

My advice, and it's even free, is call a special meeting, get the necessary super majority and do it over again. It's not as though they are going to fight you over it. This time bring your A game, because you are going to be eaten alive when you sue Bishop Schofield if you don't.

In the mean time, stop. Just stop.

Tornado

Downtown Atlanta was hit by a tornado last night. No one is believed to have been killed, but two buildings were at least partially demolished and the Georgia Dome lost part of its roof.

More:

Friday Afternoon Cheese

You've been warned.....

A Light Amidst the Darkness

Anthony Sacramone discussed Christ Church NYC in a recent post. Visiting their website, I almost, almost wished I lived in New York City. What a wonderful church!

21 Accents

Nifty Series

There's an interesting set of videos about the decline of Western Civilization in Europe over at National Review.

More Inspirational Political Videos

You Can't Make This Stuff Up Department

A local theatre group is putting on a musical based upon l'affaire Jennifer Wilbanks.

Thursday Morning Classical Music: Opera!

Thursday Morning Classical Music

Feeling Homesick for the Mountain....

Durufle: Requiem, Op. 9, Agnus Dei

Just FYI

I Am A: Lawful Good Halfling Wizard (7th Level)


Ability Scores:

Strength-13

Dexterity-14

Constitution-12

Intelligence-15

Wisdom-15

Charisma-13


Alignment:
Lawful Good A lawful good character acts as a good person is expected or required to act. He combines a commitment to oppose evil with the discipline to fight relentlessly. He tells the truth, keeps his word, helps those in need, and speaks out against injustice. A lawful good character hates to see the guilty go unpunished. Lawful good is the best alignment you can be because it combines honor and compassion. However, lawful good can be a dangerous alignment because it restricts freedom and criminalizes self-interest.


Race:
Halflings are clever, capable and resourceful survivors. They are notoriously curious and show a daring that many larger people can't match. They can be lured by wealth but tend to spend rather than hoard. They prefer practical clothing and would rather wear a comfortable shirt than jewelry. Halflings stand about 3 feet tall and commonly live to see 150.


Class:
Wizards are arcane spellcasters who depend on intensive study to create their magic. To wizards, magic is not a talent but a difficult, rewarding art. When they are prepared for battle, wizards can use their spells to devastating effect. When caught by surprise, they are vulnerable. The wizard's strength is her spells, everything else is secondary. She learns new spells as she experiments and grows in experience, and she can also learn them from other wizards. In addition, over time a wizard learns to manipulate her spells so they go farther, work better, or are improved in some other way. A wizard can call a familiar- a small, magical, animal companion that serves her. With a high Intelligence, wizards are capable of casting very high levels of spells.


Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?, courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)

Liberality

I have a natural tendency to take the opposite side in any debate. My disposition is to play "Devil's Advocate". So, outside of family, very few of my friends and acquaintances have a take on my politics. If anyone is curious to know what I really believe, David Mamet says it far better than I can.

That's is what liberalism truly is about.

And he is right about Thomas Sowell. When our generation has passed, he will be remembered.

{H/T The Anchoress}

Wonderful

The Subprime Lending Crisis Explained

In pictures, no less.

(H/T Denny)


Addendum, in the 'for what it's worth' department: I'm opposed to any extensions of repayment, easing of interest rates or debt forgiveness as relates to the current real estate crisis. That sort of thing makes the politicians feel better, helps the lenders out and does little to nothing for the debtors or more to the point for the nation at large. Government interference in economic corrections, which is what this is, very much tends to draw out the agony (See Stagflation and Great Depression). Far better just to get it all over with (See Savings and Loan crisis).

Retro Goodness

Back in my youth I was a role player. We would play Dungeons and Dragons as well as lesser known games such as GURPS, Twilight 2000, Traveler, Star Wars, Paranoia (my favourite) and TORG. TORG was a meta role playing game in the sense that you could use the same system in several different settings. You could play in the medieval fantasy setting, pulp horror, Pellucidar, cyberpunk and others.

The setting we kept returning to was straight pulp fiction. One of the characters I ran was 'Fighting Father Bob McGarrity', founder and head of Kidsville. Old movie buffs will have spotted what genre of black and white movies I ripped off for that character.

So, imagine my delight when I saw this gem at the book store today. I don't care if the characterization is thin. Pulp fiction is a joy all of its own and I for one intend to wallow for a while in purple prose and airborne fisticuffs.

Inspirational, Isn't It?

It's rather important to know where the parade is headed before joining in.

Zombie Attack!

Good thing Teller is on watch in Vegas.

Hmmm

Blogger has eaten every post I've made since the fifth. I'm not quite certain what may be done about it. Posting should resume shortly.

History Lesson

Nice little video about genocide.

Requiscat in Pace

Gary Gygax died. He was 69. The games he designed and the genre he started resulted in me wasting more of my life than I care to admit. Je ne regrette rien.

Mark Harris Has Made a Video

And in it poses the question: Why not belong to the Episcopal Church?

I agree with all of the facts stated in his powerpoint presentation and almost none of the opinions.

The continued splintering of the Bride of Christ is a definite grievance. However, I well understand the desire to leave. I probably will not be leaving myself until after the next General Convention. If I do leave, it will likely not be for a splinter group.

You see, the problem with Mr Harris video is that it the arguments it makes can even be more forcefully be made by the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.

They have the added advantage of being authentically Christian. The Episcopal Church no longer has that. There are Christians still in the Episcopal Church. Its doctrine is largely Christian, but the hierarchy mostly is not.

The same is not true for either the Orthodox or the Catholics.

As for how I will make my decision, assuming it becomes necessary? My decision will based upon my understanding of what God has called His church to be, and after much prayer and exploration. It will not be based upon picking and choosing doctrines and practices because of my individual preference.

Religion is not Baskin-Robbins. There are not 31 flavours. There is only one.

Bertie and the Anglican Crisis.

Jack White is channeling P G Wodehouse. Hilarity is ensuing and all that.

Baby Blue Nails It

Mary Ailes has done it again.

I have been View free for the past three days and oddly enough I haven't missed it a bit.

Follow Up on Remain Episcopal

ENS has an interesting article on developments in California's San Joaquin valley. It appears that those who are remaining Episcopalian will be organizing a new diocese next month. I reckon 815 is willing to spend what it takes, as it were, to maintain an Episcopalian presence in central California.

One tidbit caught my eye out of the ENS article:

Moore noted as signs of progress the appointment of a 26-member steering committee to help continue the diocese (see roster below); 17 congregations who have opted to remain with tec; the anticipated March 29 special convention to elect a provisional bishop; establishment of new diocesan headquarters in Stockton and a partnership with Episcopal Life Media to facilitate dissemination of information and to provide a new diocesan newspaper edition. {Emphasis added}

The website for those who are Remaining Episcopal now shows eight actual congregations (counting St Nicholas which is homeless). This is an increase of two from my prior post. I had previously estimated the 2006 ASA of Remain Episcopal churches at about 470. The two new members bring the total to around 610 or 140 more. If we do not include St. Nicholas (I did not previously) then the ASA is about 570 or so.

The big question remains, who is still going to their former church? Neither ENS nor Remain Episcopal are crowing about booming attendance, so it seems safe to venture that attendance has either remained the same or declined in the Schori churches. Likewise the Schofieldistas do not seem to be celebrating overcrowded pews so the true winners may well be the churches in the neighborhood that are not affiliated with either faction.

The Bachelor Life

Mrs. Ockham is off visiting her cousin until Sunday, so I'm living the bachelor life here at Nominalism Manor. Some men would waste their valuable free time on strippers and liquor. Your friend Matthew prefers doing laundry his way, watching Fiddler on the Roof and spending some time at the range.

As part of the preparations for a day at the shooting range, I ordered a target hanger from Amazon.com. Amazon sells it themselves and we're Prime customers so two day shipping is free. Ordered on Tuesday and should have arrived today.

The pistol case I also ordered arrived. As did the Mezzo Wore Mink (I told you we live the wild bachelor life). And a four foot by two foot by four foot box. Which when opened was stuffed full of brown packing paper and nothing else. The cats are enjoying their new toy immensely.

The good news is that the young man with the indeterminate accent at Amazon customer service said they would be sending my target hanger out via one day delivery. I really have no complaints. These things do happen. And he couldn't have been nicer.

My only remaining question is whether that is 'one day' meaning Friday, 'one day' meaning Saturday or 'one business day', which might be Monday. My money is on Monday.

And our four cats are greatly entertained. If Amazon had rubbed the paper in catnip I doubt it would have enthralled our pets more.

Stuff White People Like

Including this blog. Very funny.

Ave Atque Vale Bill Buckley

This Means War!

I certainly hope not, but if relations with our northern neighbour deteriorate I certainly hope that our State government does the right thing rather than resort to violence.

I say we post State Troopers with sling shots at all the border crossings. When a car with Tennessee plates comes over the troopers pelt them with peaches until Tennessee surrenders.

That 'll learn 'em.

Wrong on so many levels

An Austrian diver hires a company to take him on a 'shark adventure'. The company advertises that they chum the waters and do not use shark cages. Guy gets bitten, Coast Guard is summoned. Guy gets airlifted to a hospital where he dies. I'm sorry the guy is dead, but that pretty much sets the bar for the Darwin Awards right there.

I'd love to know what other adventures the company runs though. Do they have an 'arctic adventure' where the tourists smear themselves with salmon and run naked past the polar bears? Or perhaps a 'jungle adventure' where the tourists jump into the Amazon River accompanied by hunks of beef and try to pet the piranha.

/sarcasm

Comfort in odd places

My sister posted about our cousin's suicide (She is the smart one of the family). As a result of her post, we had a fairly lengthy discussion about it. So imagine my surprise when I read this. I have found great comfort in that reply tonight.

For the record, my prior post on suicide was written in grief and anger (I really do not remember being that angry in quite a while). Please do not assume that because I write dogmatically, I think dogmatically. I do not have many answers and I seem to have less the older I get.

Calisthenics in Church

Episcopal Life has a lovely article about an exercise down by the Rev. Tom Woodward out in Santa Fe. His congregation said the Nicene Creed and each person sat during the bits they didn't understand or believe in.

The now rudderless Episcopal Life thinks the exercise was a wonderful celebration of the diversity that is the modern Episcopal Church. Hills of the North hits closer to the mark in terming it an exercise in heterodoxy. I think it's a damning indictment of the Episcopal church's total failure to teach the Gospel and the Christian faith.

It also makes me wonder why we say creeds in church that no one believes in. I don't mind saying them because I do believe. But why recite something you disagree with or don't feel to be true?

Yet More Julie Newmar

More of Julie Newmar

Retro Crush- Julie Newmar

Overlooked Animal Extinction

Here's the skinny on yet another animal that is hovering on the brink of extinction. That creatures such as these get overlooked by the regulators, lawmakers and other fatcats is an affront to the green community. Won't you do something to help?

Movie News

The documentary "Indoctrinate U" is now available as an internet download!

Coolness.....

The Future of Suburbia

Prof. Christopher Leinberger has an interesting article about the imminent decline of modern American suburbia. I found it thought provoking, but I'm not certain I buy his central thesis. I think he is ignores to a certain extent the changes modern technology has made possible in time allocation.

Assuming arguendo that his thesis is correct, our house will likely retain its value. We are in a close in, upscale urban setting of single detached homes. Tiny single detached homes, but they are nonetheless the models of the American dream house. Our situation combines the best of urban and suburban life. However, thanks to technological advances, I spend two to three days a week working completely from home. On those days, I have no commute time. Most of my peers are in a similar situation. Working from home is increasingly common. Those who do maintain actual physical offices have moved them from the inner city out to where they dwell, also trimming commute times.

As for the collapse of new development housing prices, all kidding aside, we've seen it before. Developers by their nature tend to be optimists and every seven years the real estate market cycles. If you are living in a boom area the downcycle may not be noticeable, but it is always there. Supply and demand plays a major role in real estate. When apartments are over built, rents decline. When houses are over built, the developer heads into bankruptcy, the units get sold for pennies on the dollar and a subdivision that was planned to be upscale becomes the land of section 8 housing.

Further, I think it the height of folly to discuss national trends in real estate. Real estate is about as local as you can get. To have any idea what the future holds, you have know what the local conditions are. "Location, location, location" remember?

Also, in the interest of a provocative article, the good professor looks too far into the future. Fifty years ago the brightest pundits predicted a golden future for Detroit. Today's reality is somewhat different. Fifty years from today, the trend might very well be the reclamation and restoration of today's much vilified McMansions.

{This is a first draft, I may come back and revise}

Hard Times

It appears that Seabury-Western seminary, outside of Chicago, won't be admitting any new students come the Fall. Whether or not the school will be offering any degree programs is up in the air at the moment.

Apparently there have been few applicants, little money and reduced support from the Episcopal Church.

I have mixed feelings about this. On the hand hand it is always sad when a school hits hard times. On the other hand, this is the same seminary that practices 'communion of the unbaptized' in its chapel.

A Health Tip From Billy Quan

Blast From the Past

One of my fave skits from the show 'Almost Live'

It Looks Like We Might Be Going To War

With Tennessee no less.

Light Posting

Blogging will likely be light for the next couple of days. My work has become more active, which is both unusual for February and lovely.

I'm still working on the Episciwiki for lawsuits as well as an analysis of the complete 2007 balance sheets for the Episcopal Church.

Laity

Mary hits the nail on the head as to what is driving the separation in the Anglican Communion.

Self Defense

As a human right. Excellent article on the subject may be found here.

{Warning! Law Review}

Computer Security, Pop Ups and a Cheery Day

This little item just made my day. Enjoy!

Good Song for a Day in February

I meant to post this yesterday for a 'Motown Monday' but was slammed by work. My apologies. Enjoy!

A Bevy of Bishops

Hills of the North has some excellent thoughts on the explosion of episcopates in North American anglicanism.