Bonnhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy – A Righteous Gentile vs. The Third Reich
August 31, 2010
Available in the All Saints Bookstore.
Review by Lillie Ammann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bonnhoeffer inspires us because he lived out his faith. I tend to think that liberalism started taking over the mainstream denominations in the 60s, but Bonnhoeffer was taught liberal theology in the 1930s. However, he didn’t accept everything he was taught—he studied the Bible and thought for himself. He focused on Scripture and putting faith into practice, and he believed that doing God’s will was more important than following specific rules.
That is how he came to the decision that Hitler had to be killed and that he would be part of the plot to accomplish the death. Bonnhoeffer came from a prominent and affluent family, many of whose members were highly placed in science, government, and the church. As a result of his insider connections, he recognized the evils of Nazism long before most Germans had any idea of what was happening. He was in his late 20’s when Hitler came to power, and he was speaking out against the Fuhrer a few days after Hitler’s election.
He joined Military Intelligence as a front for being part of the conspiracy to kill Hitler and end the Nazi regime. “Bonnhoeffer was pretending to be a pastor—but was only pretending to be pretending, since he really was being a pastor. And he was pretending to be a member of Military Intelligence working for Hitler, but … he was in reality working against Hitler. Bonnhoeffer was not telling little white lies. In Luther’s famous phrase, he was ’sinning boldly.’ He was involved in a high-stakes game of deception upon deception, and yet Bonnhoeffer himself knew that in all of it, he was being utterly obedient to God.”
During all this, he was a faithful pastor, especially to pastors he had trained in the illegal seminary he ran, and he wrote prolifically. After learning so much more about this inspiring man’s life, I want to read The Cost of Discipleship and other Bonnhoeffer writings.
Metaxas said of Bonnhoeffer: “His strength was borrowed from God and lent to others.” Bonnhoeffer borrowed and lent that strength all the way to his execution. Even the Nazi camp doctor said that in his 50 years as a doctor, he had never seen anyone die “so entirely submissive to the will of God.”
I saw similarities between the state of the German church before and during World War II and the state of many of the mainline denominations in the US today. The German church allowed itself to become a political arm of the Nazi government and swore loyalty to Hitler instead of to God. Bonnhoeffer was a leader in the Confessing Church, the pastors and churches who resisted the Nazis. However, even many of the Confessing Church eventually succumbed to assimilation into the Nazi world.
No, we don’t have a single national church as the Lutheran Church was in Germany, and I don’t see churches pledging fealty to an evil, murderous dictator. However, many of the churches are failing to stand up as God’s militant church and are accepting and promoting the values of the world more than the truth of God. Tolerance is a higher priority than God’s laws. The Bible isn’t believed as God’s infallible Word. Churches are more concerned for members’ comfort and prosperity than for their souls.
May Christians everywhere dedicate themselves to God’s will above all else, as Dietrich Bonnhoeffer did—even when it cost him his freedom and ultimately his life.
Liturgy Lesson for the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity: Lessons and Prayers
August 29, 2010
In our prayerbook, pp. 90-269, we find the Collects, Epistles, and Gospels. Called the “propers” from the Latin proprius, meaning own, they’re the lessons and prayers belonging to the particular Sunday, Holy Day, or special occasion, such as weddings. These very ancient devotions were probably arranged in their present order by St. Jerome, in the 4th century, and although designed to be part of the Communion service, we also use the collect all week for the daily offices of Morning and Evening Prayer. The term collect refers to these as the collected (unified) prayers of the people; our collects mostly originate in the writings of Gregory the Great, who gathered them out of 4th and 5th century liturgies. Archbishop Cranmer, the father of the English Reformation, along with other Godly men, authored some in the 16th century, and a few a bit later. These ancient Scripture readings and prayers harmonize a central truth appropriate to the liturgical day’s devotions and lead us to worship as St. Paul commended, “decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40)—a Scriptural tasking to all Christians seeking God. However, to really get the full benefit from the propers requires us to enter worship well prepared for a spiritual interface. That’s why, in the Newcomers’ course, we teach everyone that the best way to approach worship is to prepare ourselves through personal examen and invoking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for ourselves and all around us. That way, we not only ensure St. Paul’s “decency and order” but also enable ourselves to another Scriptural injunction—to worship in “spirit and truth” (St. John 4:23-24). After all, God looks on our hearts—the real proper of the day that we lift to Him.
The Shack – Book Review by Father Chip Harper
August 24, 2010
Been asked several times about this work. My advice: shuck The Shack.
Well-written? Yes. Harmless or helpful fiction? Sadly…no. It is creative and facilitates the idea of a welcoming God that meets us “where we are,” but the author’s grasp of solid, Biblical doctrines of God is simply not firm.
The operative issue here is too many take this as an accurate portrayal of God. It’s not. Creative expression has supplanted Scriptural enlightenment powered by the Holy Ghost.
God is an overweight African-American woman? Jesus is not The Christ? There is no penal, substitutionary atonement of Christ? More “universalism” than Solo Christo (Christ Alone) as our Narrow Gate and One Advocate and Mediator? It’s all that, along with a bent toward overly anthropomorphizing our holy and perfect God—in short, a humanistic approach to crafting God in our image, instead of a transforming Gospel that changes us into His image by a real, personal, indwelling Paraclete.
Some issues here. But wait…there’s more.
There’s the “Holy Spirit” in the book telling us “I have a great fondness for uncertainty” (p. 203). While Scripture does not place such words in the mouth of the Holy Spirit, Young’s love for uncertainty becomes frustratingly clear as he outlines his concept of salvation…which, again, in conflict with the Word seems based on more “Kum ba yah” and emotions than repenting and being baptized, per Jesus’ command.
God (in the book) says repeatedly He is particularly fond of all people (true!), when God claims that He has forgiven all sins against Him, not citing Jesus’ propitiation (e.g. 118-119), that He does not “do humiliation, or guilt, or condemnation” (p. 223) and, contrary to large hunks of Scripture, God is not a God of judgment. (That should come as huge surprise to the folks in Sodom.) “I don’t need to punish people for sin, sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside,” He says. ” It’s not my purpose to punish it; it’s my job to cure it” (p. 120). While Young’s comment has some validity, it doesn’t track with Scripture which shows God actively judges, convicts, and punishes sin, and that Jesus is our cure.
Sure, Jesus came to restore us to fellowship with God. And yes, God will forgive all sin. However, we still have to repent—admit it, quit it, and forget it. The Shack infers we can short-cut to the last step. “Jesus,” (in the book) also implies that people are on many roads that lead to their self-transformation, when He speaks clearly in Scripture that HE is the Way, the Truth and the Life…no one comes to the Father, except through Him. Look at this: Jesus to Mack’s question, “Is that what it means to be a Christian?” Jesus says, “Who said anything about being a Christian? I’m not a Christian…Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrat, Republicans and many who don’t vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions… I have no desire to make them Christians…”
Say what?
And look at the portrayal of God throughout the novel—one which humanizes Him rather than exalts Him. The author quotes Jacques Ellul, “No matter what God’s power may be, the first aspect of God is never that of absolute Master, the Almighty. It is that of the God who puts Himself on our human level and limits Himself” (p. 88). Sorry, but this is not the El Shaddai I serve.
The concept of authority and submission in the Godhead is denied (pp. 122, 145), although 1 Cor. 11:1-3 makes it clear that such authority/submission exists.
Further, we are told Jesus “as a human being, had no power within himself to heal anyone” (p. 100). So how did he do so? By trusting in the Holy Spirit. “Jesus” says, “is just the first to do it to the uttermost—the first to absolutely trust my life within him…” (p. 100). There is enough truth here to be confusing but not accurate. Jesus, fully man, but, as we say in the Creed, “very God of very God” never ceasing to be fully God, had all Divine power dwelling within Him. That He chose to limit His use of that power and rely on the Holy Spirit while on earth in no way diminishes His essence. While Jesus is our example, He is not a guru blazing a trail in which in this life we too can be like God. This idea smacks of New Age teaching, not Scripture. Jesus even tells Mack that “God, who is the ground of all being, dwells in, around, and through all things—ultimately emerging as the real” (p. 112). This is pure New Age spirituality.
So, a risky work of fiction…undermines Scripture and the Church, presents, at best, a mangled Gospel, misrepresents Biblical doctrine/dogma concerning the Godhead and offers a New Age understanding of God and the universe. This is not a great novel to explain tragedy and pain. It is a misleading work which could confuse many and lead others astray.
Bottom line: The Shack, whereas it might suit our flesh a bit, does not reflect the Words of Eternal Life.
Liturgy Lesson for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity: Holy Communion Conveys Life
August 22, 2010
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.’” Jesus’ words amplify how important it is Christians take Holy Communion as often as possible—and why this is central to Christian worship. It conveys life. Yet, it’s not the ceremony that imparts God’s Grace and mystery—it’s the Spirit empowering it, and the attitude of our hearts. Ultimately, this is the case for all worship—liturgical and ancient or contemporary and unstructured. Our attitude determines our altitude. In short, how do we approach the Lord? Are we doing the “church thing” or are we, as we pray in the Kyrie, Confession, and Prayer of Humble Access approaching the Lord with an understanding of our brokenness—dependent on His Grace? This goes to the heart of the Gifts of the Spirit—the governance of our souls—that is, our minds and emotions. As disciplined adults, we can usually control our outward expression of inner dysfunctions, but, God looks on the heart—and, without the intervening influence of God the Holy Ghost and His Gifts, we won’t be able to effect that change of heart required to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth. In short, the liturgy will remain only well-founded Scriptural words said in a proscribed, traditional manner, without Divine help to the contrary. On the other hand, if we call the Holy Ghost into our lives, receiving Him in the manner the Church Fathers intended in the sacraments, we will have life in us—abundantly! Inhabit us, then, Holy Ghost—govern our hearts and bring power to our worship!
Liturgy Lesson for the Eleventh Sunday after Trinity: Holy Unction
August 15, 2010
Anglican Christian practice includes seven Sacraments, to build us up and empower our Christian Faith. Among these, Holy Unction, in Scripture in St. James 5:13-16 and St. Mark 6:13, is specifically intended to focus God’s healing power on our illnesses and infirmities. The prayer book permits this to be done at the minister’s discretion and calls on parishioners to give him notice that someone is sick. Accomplished in obedience to divine command as found in St. James 5:14-15, it’s also a Christian duty as described in St. Matthew 25:34-36. Plainly, any Christian has the authority to lay hands on the sick and expect their recovery, but application of the Unction (anointing) for the sick is specifically tasked to the presbyters (priests) of the Church, according to St. James. This begs the question, then, does everyone we anoint become well on the spot, by God’s power? Clearly not. God, after all, is God and He chooses where and when to heal. However, we are to be faithful to what Scripture tasks us—if there are sick among us, we are to call for the priests of the Church to anoint and pray for the sick. Scripture promises us, then, the prayer of the faithful saves the sick, and the Lord raises them up. How God responds is up to Him. However, since God is sovereign and Scripture tells us to pray for the sick and they will recover, then, there’s no reason not to expect God to heal miraculously by Holy Unction or simply laying on of hands in prayer. We serve a caring, sovereign God who triumphs over our problems!
God Working in My Life by Mary Marty
August 13, 2010
Dear Fr. Chip,
Just to let you and the intercessors know that every since a week ago Wednesday when you all prayed over me, the facial itching and hives stopped completely. Moreover, since praying regarding back problems, if I have any pain it is minimal. thank you all and praise be to Jesus Christ!
Mary
True Woman ‘10 Conference
August 9, 2010
Do you long to live a life of:
- Thanksgiving?
- Intercession?
- Intimacy with Christ?
You’re not alone! Spend time with speakers whose passionate love for Christ shows in all that they do and say.
- Fantastic breakout sessions on 14 different topics!
- A teen track with Dannah Gresh for girls in 9th-12th grade
- A leadership lunch/afternoon for women’s ministry leaders
When: October 14-16, 2010
Where: Ft. Worth Convention Center
Cost: $129/individual registration; $109/five or more from All Saints (one free registration if 10 or more in a group)
Group registration deadline: September 29th.
Contact: Anita Forbes, biblestudy@allsaintsanglican.net
Liturgy Lesson for The Transfiguration of Our Lord: Convincing Proof
August 8, 2010
In today’s festival, we celebrate the Transfiguration of our Lord, denoted by the liturgical colors of white and gold, heralding His purity and royalty. The Lord planned this special demonstration to edify His disciples’ faith in order to prepare their spirits and souls for the ordeal of His Crucifixion and death by providing them convincing proof He was Messiah and God. Although these men had been with Him in His earthly ministry—directly absorbing about three years of miracles and life-changing teaching, His divinity had been somewhat concealed beneath the drapery of His human nature. In the Transfiguration, He allowed His perfect Heavenly nature to shine through His flesh—the status He would assume once ascended to Heaven. From this, we can learn something about how we will be changed after the Resurrection on the last day. Our bodies will have passed death and will be changed, as St. Paul says, “…in the twinkling of an eye and shall become like Christ’s glorified body, and shall shine as stars with different degrees of splendor.” (Ref 1 Cor 15:52; Phil 3:21 & Dan 12:3) And here’s some more good news—the fact that Moses and Elijah were present and talking with Jesus demonstrates the saints who have passed from this life through death still live with God. The Father’s voice from Heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, hear Him,” tasks us to render to Jesus our unreserved attention and obedience. These powerful lessons prepare us all for our own Gethsemane—that time when we all come to the place of sacrifice of self—surrendering our lives so we may save them! Be Lord of all in our lives, Lord—maranatha!
Message in a Word: Inspired Succinct Sermons Uniquely Expressed
August 6, 2010
Message in a Word: Inspired Succinct Sermons Uniquely Expressed by Margaret A. Blincoe
Available in the All Saints Bookstore.
Review by Lillie Ammann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have a policy that I edit only books I love. Usually, I do a sample edit before taking on a new project so the author and I can determine whether I’m a good fit as the editor of that manuscript. Sometimes I have the chance to visit with the author in person even before that.
Early in April of this year, I received a phone call from Margaret Blincoe to schedule an appointment to discuss a book she had written. As soon as she described her book to me, I wanted to be part of this project. Margaret and I bonded immediately, and I knew working with her and working on Message in a Word would be a double blessing. I was right.
The book contains 52 devotionals, each based on a single word, defined in an acrostic that encapsulates the essence and essential truth of the word.
For example:
God’s
Only
Son
Purchased
Eternal
Life
Does that not perfectly describe the GOSPEL?
Here is a quote from the back cover blurb:
MESSAGE IN A WORD
MEANS
EXPLORING
SPECIFIC
SUBJECT
AND
GETTING
ENLIGHTMENT
IN
NUTSHELL
AS
WRITTEN
ORACLE
REVEALED
DEITY
Words can heal or hurt, save or destroy. Words are so important that the Bible describes Jesus as The Word. Often we have tunnel vision and focus on what we think a word means, when God has so much more for us to see and understand. This book gives a different perspective on many common words, revealing the divinely inspired and inspiring message in the word.
I interviewed Margaret on my blog: http://lillieammann.com/2010/07/22/messa… The story of how the book came to be is almost as inspiring as the book itself.
Salt & Light Begins This Saturday
August 4, 2010
The Salt and Light course begins this Saturday, August 7, 2010, at 9 AM.
This class is a primer or refresher for anyone who wants to learn more about what we believe. Call the church office (210-344-1920) if you haven’t already registered.
