(Ir)religiosity

Introduction: It Should Change, But to What?
Part I: The Community of God

Just to warn you, this may end up being a pretty long post.

I hate to break the flow of things here, but I really need to. I started this series to explore different images and metaphors that we could use instead of the old image of “the kingdom of God.” Something vernacular. Something subversive. Something visceral. Something revolutionary. And something political.

I started with a regular generic, noncontroversial image/metaphor that I think everyone could be on broad with. An image that could come as close as possible to being a sort of catch all phrase, though I’m opposed to any sort of universal meta-image, for the same reason I’m opposed to metanarratives. It takes away the possibility of local fidelity and contextual adaption.

Now I’d like to begin to introduce some of the more subversive and iconoclastic images I’ve come up with, or stolen, however you see it. But in order to do that, I need to have a sort sub-introduction, if you want to call it that about why I think any metaphor or image or phrase we use to replace “the kingdom of God” should be deeply political, or rather (a)political. I have several “political” images I’d like to submit, but to avoid being redundant and rehashing my justification as to why these images should be and are political, I thought post those thoughts first.

Before I do that let me say a few things about a word I just used above. (a)political. I hesitate to even use the word because of its implied conventional meaning, but I chose to anyway. Let me be as clear as possible, I am not using the term (a)political here as a means of negation. That is to say when I use the word in relation with “the kingdom of God” I do not take it to mean that the kingdom of God is not interested politics or is not association with politics. Like I said, I believe it is deeply political. I am using the word “(a)political” here to emphasize the political nature of the kingdom of God and to especially demonstrate that it is not partisan or politicized. Because of the nature of American politics, political media, and political theater, we usually associate the word “political” with “partisan,” or “politicized.” Here I am not. To speak abstractly, the kingdom of God should never be in bed with a certain political party of political affiliation, but should most definitely be actively involved in political action. and resistance. Now, that is a gross over simplification, but I think you get the point. So, when I use the word “political” I do not mean partisan or politicized and when I use the word “(a)political” I am merely underscoring that assertion.

Ok. Deep breath. Here we go.

The word “kingdom” was a very visceral and politically charged word for Jesus and his hearers. It referred to the royal/imperial rule and was important for two main reasons: 1) it conjured up the ancient image of the Davidic rule, the golden-age of prosperity and security in the collective consciousness of the 1st century subordinates to the Roman empire; and 2) it referred to the current oppressive and imperial rule of Caesar and his Galilean puppet Herod.

So when Jesus spoke of the “kingdom of God” and the “kingdom of heaven” he was using a poignant vernacular image. But with a twist. Here it is helpful I think to note the use of Caesar’s imperial propaganda. He was proclaimed to be, among other things, “the Son of God,” “the Savior of the world,” and “the Lord.” In fact, it was said throughout the empire that Caesar brought “Good News” or “Gospel” to the entire world ushering in a “golden age of peace and prosperity.” Caesar conquered the world and established the Pax Romana an ideology of “peace” through conquest, domination, and brutality; perhaps a better description is the Oppressio Romana—a rule of grotesque tyranny.

Enter Jesus who begins spreading this message of God’s kingdom, a kingdom of peace and equality. To his hearers, Jesus’ kingdom of God program would be seen as a direct and overt challenge to the rule of Caesar. Jesus exposes Caesar’s system of domination for what it really is—illegitimate authority undermining God’s intentions. So the kingdom of God stands in direct opposition of the Caesar’s authority. It rejects Caesar’s authority, usurping his pseudo-reign. To borrow from Bernard Brandon Scott, Jesus’ program re-imagines the world, wondering what reality would be like if God were on the throne not Caesar.

From this vantage point it is hard to imagine how the kingdom of God couldn’t possibly be political. The question is how can we re-interpret this image within our context? How can we retain the original veracity and subversiveness and still in some create a visceral, vernacular metaphor? The ideal image I think would incorporate the two main reasons I listed above. But as I’ve said, I don’t think it’s particularly good to attempt to boil everything down to one catch all metaphor. That’s why I’m working on several “political” metaphors. Each is correct and enriching in its own right. Each is good insofar as it is good, in other words each is good in the ways it is good.

But I would like some input. I wrote this post to not only show how I think our metaphors must be political, but to also gather my thoughts. I’ve been chewing on what I believe are several possible political metaphors, but I’m reluctant to go public with them just yet. I’m not sure what to think.

So, in addition to joining the conversation and commenting on what I’ve already said, I would be interested to hear any ideas you might have for some subversive, political metaphors that challenge Caesar and the empire.

~bh ><>

So, the Super Bowl is this Sunday. I doubt it will be much of a game, although I would love to see the Giants win. But there will be commercials. There will be multi-million dollar commercials. And before the new ones hit, I thought I’d post a few of my favorites. To be clear, I hate the principal of our advertising and our commercials. Mainly because they perpetuate our addiction to consumption and the idea that, as an unnamed senator said on the senate floor yesterday, our job as citizens is to be “good consumers.” But nevertheless, some of them can be pretty funny.

I don’t normally laugh out loud at a lot of commercials, especially when I’m alone, but this one gets me every time. You gotta love some REO:



And this one is not too shabby either:



~bh ><>

I originally intended on posting the next installment of my series on “kingdom language” today. I even wrote most of it. But then I started watching the State of Disunion, er, I mean the State of the Empire Address. I got so pissed I decided that I needed to blog about it. So, I’m posting the text of the president’s speech below with my commentary in bold brackets. It’s pretty long. I don’t blame you for not reading it all. If anything, it’s cathartic for me.

Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:

Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens.

These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve answered the call.

Yet history will record that amid our differences we acted with purpose, and together we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government. All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people’s business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. It remains our charge to keep.["the people's business" eh, I wonder when the last time you seriously listened to one of the people was. and no, i don't mean someone planted for a media ploy. i mean a real average joe. "a charge to keep." save the religious rhetorical innuendos. we're all tired of it.]

The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.

From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we’ve made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done. In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens.[if only that were true. the imperial elites in leadership are hardly ordinary citizens. we haven't had a voice for a long time.]

And so, in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions and empower them to improve their lives for their futures. To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America’s added jobs for a record 52 straight months. [funny how he doesn't quote the statistical rate. i'm sure jobs have been added. they're always added in the long run, what about the trend?] But jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future. In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth, but in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing.

So, last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.[the stimulus plan won't work. it may seem to work in the short-term, but we're only mortgaging our debt and deficit, which he conveniently fails to mention. whatever.]

We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we’ve delivered over the past seven years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who will see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.[aren't we funny? how dare citizens be willing to offer help for others financially. how dare we refuse to be completely self-centered.]

Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about the federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There is only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the tax relief permanent. Members of the Congress should know, if any bill raises taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it. [great idea. veto on principle just because something might require citizens to live relationally and communally. don't even bother to look at the details. just veto the damn thing.] Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely.

Next week, I’ll send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs, totaling more than $18 billion. The budget that I’ll submit will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families have to balance their budgets; so should their government.[given the current deficit and the careless of the current administration with the national budget over the last 7 years, this statement rings rather hollow.]

The people’s trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks, special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. committee reports that never even come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So, this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I’ll send it back to you with my veto. And tomorrow I will issue an executive order that directs federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by Congress. If these items are truly worth funding, Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote.

Our shared responsibilities extend beyond matters of taxes and spending. On housing, we must trust Americans with the responsibility of home ownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the housing market. My administration brought together the Hope Now alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. And Congress can help even more. Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages.

It’s been a difficult time for many American families and, by taking these steps, we can help more of them keep their homes. To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control.[yes! consumerism is the answer! people deserve health care, but only if they pledge to be a good little consumer placing their faith in corrupt hmo's and insurance companies who only care about making some more cash than the well being of a person. great idea.] So I propose ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year.

Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create association health plans for small businesses, promote health information technology and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. With all these steps, we will ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor’s office, not in the halls of Congress.

On education, we must trust students to learn, if given the chance, and empower parents to demand results from our schools. In neighborhoods across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams. And a decent education is their only hope of achieving them. Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results. [i laughed out loud at this. i'm sure no one would deny the results, but i doubt anyone sees the results bush naively believes he has constructed.] Last year, 4th and 8th graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. African-American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs. Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibilities for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, provide extra help for struggling schools. Members of Congress, the No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America’s children, their parents and their teachers to strengthen this good law.

We must also do more to help children when their schools do not measure up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you approved, more than 2,600 of the poorest children in our nation’s capital have found new hope at a faith-based or other nonpublic schools. Sadly, these schools are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America’s inner cities. So I will convene a White House summit aimed at strengthening these lifelines of learning. And to open the doors of these schools to more children, I ask you to support a new $300 million program called Pell Grants for Kids. We have seen how Pell Grants help low-income college students realize their full potential. Together, we’ve expanded the size and reach of these grants. Now let us apply the same spirit to help liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools.[this may be the only thing in the speech i can applaud. i hope it passes.]

On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American goods and crops and services all over the world. So we’re working to break down barriers to trade and investment, wherever we can. We’re working for a successful Doha round of trade talks. And we must complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we’re pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements. I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. And now I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia and Panama and South Korea. Many products from these nations now enter America duty-free. Yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They will give us better access to nearly 100 million customers. They will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world, those whose products say, “Made in the USA.”[i'll believe it when i see it. i don't think we're capable. we are utterly depend on foreign imports. we simply cannot live without them.]

These agreements also promote America’s strategic interests. The first agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror and fighting drug traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life. Trade brings better jobs and better choices and better prices. Yet, for some Americans, trade can mean losing a job. And the federal government has a responsibility to help. I ask Congress to reauthorize and reform Trade Adjustment Assistance, so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs. And I ask Congress to reauthorize the Reform Trade Adjustment Assistance so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs.

To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. Our security, our prosperity and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together, we should take the next steps. Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions- free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fund which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.

The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change, and the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy-efficient technology.[again, given the action of the federal gov't over the last 7 years, this sounds very, very hypocritical.] To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow.

Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask Congress to double federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on earth.

On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life.[as long as we can stop fighting and move on with it, fine with me.]

So we’re expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And, as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life treated with the dignity it deserves. And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting or cloning of human life.

On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. I’ve submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.

In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the past seven years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair with newfound support from the federal government. And, to help guarantee equal treatment of faith-based organizations when they compete for federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend Charitable Choice.

Tonight, the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. [did he really just say that? "armies of compassion"? are you serious?? need i say more?] America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before. And tonight I’m pleased to announce that, in April, we will host this year’s North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans.

There are two other pressing challenges that I’ve raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration. Every member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs — like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid — is growing faster than we can afford. We all know the painful choices ahead if American stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, and crippling deficits. I’ve laid out proposals to reform these programs. Now I ask members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and our grandchildren.

The other pressing challenge is immigration. America needs to secure our borders. And, with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We’re increasing work site enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings. We’ve effectively ended the policy of “catch and release” at the border. And by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents.

Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved, and it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals. This is the business of our nation here at home. Yet building a prosperous future for our citizens also depends on confronting enemies abroad and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the world.

Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace.[i've read the national security strategy several times and that never came across. it sounds much more like imperial hegemony to me.] In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty. We’ve seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand up for their right to free and fair elections. We’ve seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We’ve seen Afghans emerge from the tyranny of the Taliban and choose a new president and a new parliament. We’ve seen jubilant Iraqis holding up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom. These images of liberty have inspired us.

In the past seven years, we’ve also seen the images that have sobered us. We’ve watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassins’ hands. We’ve seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. On a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant.[there it is, i knew it. i though he could make it through without mentioning it, but i guess not. seven years and we're still enmeshed.]

These horrific images serve as a grim reminder. The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists — evil men who despise freedom, despise America and aim to subject millions to their violent rule. Since 9/11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense. We will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to our enemies.[good god. don't get me started on justice. i'm convinced that anyone in the current administration is incapable of using the word without severely perverting it. i just can't take that seriously. it's sickening.]

We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. [here we go again with the false dichotomies. we've heard this before. we're tired of it. it's not that simple.] The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear. Yet, in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on. In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny. And that is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to the people in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom.

Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time. From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we’ve made good progress. ["progress" coming out of the mouth of any administration official is, to me, meaningless. word can't simply be redefined and twisted to suit an agenda.] Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done. In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. [here we go, ordinary citizens again. elites are not ordinary. they are elites. they are imperialists. and they don't really give a shit about ordinary citizens. the grand imperial strategy trumps all.] And so, in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.

In Afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country. Thanks to the courage of these military and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al Qaeda is now a young democracy where boys and girls are going to school. New roads and hospitals are being built. And people are looking to the future with new hope.

These successes must continue. So we’re adding 3,200 Marines to our forces in Afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and train the Afghan army and police. Defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda is critical to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America’s vital mission in Afghanistan.[if only we'd done this seven years ago.]

In Iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty and fighting to establish safe havens for attacks across the world. One year ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos, so we reviewed our strategy and changed course. We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. We gave our troops a new mission: Work with the Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in his strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the country. The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened.

Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return. And they saw our troops, along with provincial reconstruction teams that include Foreign Service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life.

Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with courage and distinction, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation. The Iraqis launched a surge of their own. In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda’s brutality and started a popular uprising called the Anbar Awakening. Over the past year, similar movements have spread across the country.

Today, the grassroots surge includes more than 80,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists. The government in Baghdad has stepped forward as well, adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year. While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago.

When we met last year, many said that containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high-profile terrorist attacks are down; civilian deaths are down; sectarian killings are down. When we met last year, militia extremists, some armed and trained by Iran, were wreaking havoc in large areas of Iraq. When we met last year our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of return on success, and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home. This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders.[yes, and now we're back to square one, the same place we were at almost two years ago before the initial escalation of sectarian violence. progress? not hardly.]

This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the front lines, soldiers and sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast you and more. Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight, in this hallowed chamber with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our nation. And I ask Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops. Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated and we can still expect tough fighting ahead.[iran, anyone??]

Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations to partnering with Iraqi forces and eventually to a protective over-watch mission. As part of this transition, one Army Brigade Combat team and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Taken together, this means more than 20,000 of our troops are coming home. Any further drawdown of U.S. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in, quote, “the disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al Qaeda- Iraq regaining lost ground, and a marked increase in violence.” Members of Congress, having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen.

In the coming year, we will work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they’re making toward political reconciliation. At the local levels, Sunnis, Shiite and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad.[progress?? well, they never met the benchmarks YOU set forth. but what the hell, let's give them a pat on the back anyway.]

We’re seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Baathification reform. They’re now debating a provincial powers law.

The Iraqis still have a distance to travel. But, after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future. The mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation, but it is in the vital interest of the United States that we succeed. A free Iraq will deny al Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty is possible. A free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror and a source of stability in a dangerous part of the world.[free oil!!!]

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists, strengthen Iran and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies and our homeland. The enemy has made its intentions clear. At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al Qaeda’s top commander in Iraq declared that they will not rest until they have attacked us here in Washington. My fellow Americans, we will not rest either. We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated.

We must do the difficult work today so that, years from now, people will look back and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight and left behind a more hopeful region and a safer America. We’re also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security.

This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do and I will do everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side by side in peace.[this seems so contradictory to everything the administration has done in seven years.]

We’re also standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the regime in Tehran. Iran’s rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever freedom advances in the Middle East, it seems the Iranian regime is there to oppose it. Iran is funding and training militia groups in Iraq, supporting Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and backing Hamas’ efforts to undermine peace in the Holy Land. Tehran is also developing ballistic missiles of increasing range and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon.[this sounds eerily familiar. anyone remember 2003?]

Our message to the people of Iran is clear. We have no quarrel with you. We have respect your traditions and your history. We look forward to the day when you have your freedom. Our message to the leaders of Iran is also clear. Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean about your nuclear intentions and past actions. Stop your oppression at home. Cease your support for terror abroad. But above all, know this: America will confront those who threaten our troops; we will stand by our allies; and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf.[which is code for: more oil!! expand the empire!!]

On the homefront, we will continue to take every lawful and effective measure to protect our country. This is our most solemn duty. We are grateful that there has not been another attack on our soil since 9/11. But this is not for the lack of desire or effort on the part of the enemy. In the past six years, we’ve stopped numerous attacks, including a plot to fly a plane into the tallest building in Los Angeles, and another to blow up passenger jets bound for America over the Atlantic. [all of which proved to be non-threats according to later assessments, but hey, it's my last hurrah, why not bring them up?]

Dedicated men and women in our government toil day and night to stop the terrorists from carrying out their plans. These good citizens are saving American lives, and everyone in this chamber owes them our thanks. And we owe them something more. We owe them the tools they need to keep our people safe. And one of the most important tools we can give them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying and what they’re planning.[yes sir, big brother.] Last year, Congress passed legislation to help us do that. Unfortunately, Congress set the legislation to expire on February 1st. That means, if you don’t act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger. Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. We’ve had ample time for debate. The time to act is now.

Protecting our nation from the dangers of a new century requires more than good intelligence and a strong military. It also requires changing the conditions that breed resentment and allow extremists to prey on despair. So America is using its influence to build a freer, more hopeful and more compassionate world. This is a reflection of our national interests. It is the calling of our conscience.[i imagine every other major country around the world heard this and said, "what?" how hypocritical can you get? compassion? give me a break.]

America opposes genocide in Sudan. We support freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma. America’s leading the fight against global poverty with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We’ve also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account. This program strengthens democracy, transparency and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative.

America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world’s food aid comes from the United States. And tonight, I ask Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine.

America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we’re working to cut, by half, the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our emergency plan for AIDS relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years.[i agree with the last three paragraphs. it's great we're working on this issues. we should be leading the way. but that's not good enough. we're not doing near enough. the numbers he quote sound impressive, but when compared to the numbers spent on "defense" they seem minimal. we need a realigning of our federal budget.]

America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people. And some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us. we might live in freedom and peace.[again with the compassion. sickening!]

Over the past seven years, we’ve increased funding for veterans by more than 95 percent. And as we increase funding, we must also reform our veterans’ system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation. And, as we increase funding, we must also reform our veterans system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation. I call on Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala so we can improve the system of care for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of hope and promise and dignity.

Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home. We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask you to join me in expanding their access to child care, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children. Our military families serve our nation. They inspire our nation, and tonight our nation honors them.

The secret of our strength, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies not in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people. When the federal convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, our nation was bound by the Articles of Confederation which began with the words, “We the undersigned delegates.” Constitution, he offered an important revision, and opened with words that changed the course of our nation and the history of the world: “We the people.”[that sounds great, but i'm afraid "the people's" voice was lost a long time ago.]

By trusting the people, our founders wagered that a great and noble nation could be built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure and the state of our union will remain strong.

So tonight, with confidence in freedom’s power and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business. God bless America.

God bless America? After all this we still have the audacity and the arrogance to evoke such a claim. Shame on us. Shame on you Mr. Bush.

~bh ><>

I haven’t listen to Steve Earle all that much, but this makes me want to:



~bh ><>

Introduction: It Should Change, But to What?

The image of the community of God is perhaps the most simple and basic metaphor we could use when characterizing God’s alternative reality. Or so it seems.

We like to talk about community a lot in “the church.” We seem to understand that cultivating some sort of a community is at least something we should be doing. But our so-called communities look more like fragmented, arbitrary, collections of isolated individuals than genuine, authentic communities of persons sincerely concerned for the well-being not only of each other, but of the forgotten, the down-trodden, and the marginalized.

And that’s the thrust of our problem. We’ve gladly adopted the language. We use the right terminology. We know the buzzwords. But we refuse to let go of our deep-seated preoccupation with rugged individualism. And by doing so we’ve allowed “the church” to become just another carrier through which our self-interests can be stroked. God forbid we be challenged to become more than mere individuals who live more for others than for self.

We need community. Deep down I think we crave it. If anything, we need it for support and encouragement as we face tragedy. But it’s so much more than just that. We learn in community. We learn from one another. We cultivate virtues and nurture character. Stanley Hauerwas’s metaphor is that of the community of character–a group of persons committed to participating in God’s redemptive action in history. And as I’ve said before we need the community to help us keep our heads screwed on straight, to keep us accountable. I know I do at least.

But again, “I” rules these days and “we” as been swept under the rug. Hyper-emphasis on personal conversion, private religion, and a personal relationship with God/Jesus/whatever have all but negated the much needed emphasis on community.

I believe if we read the gospels–and by read I mean the gospels themselves, liberated from the rose-colored glasses of Paul and Augustine–and pay close attention to Jesus and his ethos we might discover a different type of approach: an approach that is very much community-oriented and relationship-centered. Jesus took community very seriously. He created a community with his disciples, a constant community with which he shared his experience, his dreams, his hopes, his aspirations, his friendship. Furthermore, Jesus was very much concerned with human relationships, a vital component of any community. And when faced with a choice, Jesus always chose human-beings, relationships, and community. Those were the most important. Not dogma. Not self. Not organized religion. Not tradition. Not legalism. People. Relationships. Friendship. Community.

This idea stuck. Well, for a short while at least (I’d say up unto the time of Constantine and the inception of the institutional church, but that’s beside that point here). In Acts we see this motley group of persons that followed Jesus and learn from him creating intentional communities centered around relationships and others. They shared everything with one another because “we” was more important than “I.” People were more important than self. Somewhere along the way we’ve forgotten this story. We’ve traded this beautiful narrative for one of selfishness, greed, and pride; and as a result what goes on within the confines of the church is virtually indistinguishable from the rest of our culture. We merely blend in with the chaos.

As we seek to reject this story, opting for God’s ongoing, participatory and synergetic story of restoration, re-creation, and redemption we must first reject the domination and glorification of self so we may be liberated, enabled, and empowered for collaboration and cooperation with one another. Because God only knows none of us can do it on our own.

~bh ><>

…I audaciously hope. I dare to believe.



~bh ><>

I’ve been thinking about what we call the “Kingdom of God” quite a bit recently. Well, for the past several months actually. This is what I’ve noticed. We do a great job of describing what the kingdom is, what it should be, and how it might look when actualized or realized within a given local context. We do a wonderful job talking about a type of alternative, subversive, counter-cultural reality and how it can function if we commit ourselves wholly to its cause. We’ve written books, given sermons, conducted interviews, and yes we’ve even blogged about it. And that is great. That is good. We need to be doing that. I hope we never quit.

But here’s the thing. We still use the old language. We still describe this alternative reality as a “kingdom.” And though some of us very effectively contextualize what “the kingdom” might look like in our locality, we still use the archaic term conjuring up ancient images of feudalism and chivalry whether we realize it or not. We need different language.

The bottom line is virtually no one can relate to a phrase like “the kingdom of God” anymore. It means nothing to us. It’s not as visceral and indigenous to us as it was to a peasant in 1st century Palestine. It just doesn’t resonate anymore. Most importantly, it doesn’t overtly challenge the status quo as it did when Jesus first spoke of it. At that time, simply uttering the phrase “the kingdom of God” was jarring in itself. Today we utter the phrase but feel the need to qualify it because it doesn’t seem to have the same veracity as it once did.

True we need to change our thinking and realign our interests with the interesting of this “kingdom,” but I think we need a different language in addition to a different framing story. So, over the course of several posts I’d like to suggest a few alternative descriptions that we might use to replace “the kingdom of God” in the here and now. I’m not convinced that there is only once such description, perhaps we need more than one. But we need something. Something that reclaims the original opposition and subversion Jesus intended. Something that will really catch the eye of the Empire. Something that will immediately and directly challenge the legitimacy of the Empire. We need something that is truly counter-cultural. We need something revolutionary.

~bh ><>

If this doesn’t get you fired up I’d check your pulse:


In honor of the only empire in which I remain happily complicit:

[Ht. Nick]

~bh ><>

Part I | Part II | Part III

Let me apologize up front. This has been a horrible attempt at a blog series. I guess it started well, but other things have happened (like Christmas, New Year’s…) and I haven’t had the time to write the last part of the series. So now, here we are a month later and I haven’t finished. What’s really bad is with all the holiday traveling and whatnot, I’ve kind of lost my train of thought. But I need to wrap things up, so here we go.

In the three preceding parts, I made an attempt to articulate my view of the bible. To summarize, I said that I believe we need a view of scripture that transcends the traditional, conventional view in which historicity and (t)ruth are inextricably linked because that view poses several problems. First and most obvious is the fact that modern science, medicine, cosmology, etc. completely fly in the face of many of the claims in the bible. As people living in today’s world some of us just can’t bring ourselves to believe some of those unreasonable things. Second and more importantly, to focus too much on historicity, indeed to reduce (t)ruth to be synonymous with historicity is to miss the larger question. Again, I would use the example brought up in the comments in part I of this series. Instead of preoccupying ourselves with questions like “Was there really, literally an actual historical man named Adam or a woman named Eve?” (from which all questions concerning scripture from the traditional/conventional vantage point are rooted and derived in my opinion) perhaps we should ask “What sort of experience did these pre-modern persons have that caused them to write this particular story in this particular way? And how can we learn more about ultimate reality through this story?” These questions do not hinge upon historicity, but they are deeply penetrating and provocative nonetheless (indeed, even more penetrating and provocative than the previous questions) . Ultimately, I believe we need to trade our set of questions concerning literalism and historicity for a set of questions concerning (t)ruth and mytho-poetic symbolism; we need a hermeneutics of generosity and post-naiveté re-affirmation a higher and deeper level of consciousness that not only rejects the ignorance of pre-modern blindness, but also the arrogance of modern criticism. We need a postmodern methodology that trancends both of these.

Now, critics of this view will be quick to point out that this is can be a very slippery slope ultimately leading us down into the evil valley of subjectivity and relativism. How do you interpret the bible if every word cannot be taken literally they might ask. What is your standard if you cannot accept The Standard of Gawd’s Word? What gives?

I would gladly welcome and embrace such questions. Actually, I would propose 4 rules of measure with an overarching lens of interpretation. My own personal trajectory emerges from the United Methodist tradition. As such, I am compelled to employ what is known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, with some nuance. This quadrilateral consists of scripture, reason, tradition, and experience. Now, lots of people get really hung up on the interplay between these four, which one should be primary and which ones should be emphasized over others. Most people, although they have adopted the “quadrilateral language” are still enmeshed within the aforementioned view of literalism and conventionalism. They would argue that scripture of course is primary and that the other three, when standing in direct, literal contradiction with scripture should be subordinated to it.

Now we’ve just taken two steps back. This does me absolutely no good whatsoever. Those that hold this position are preoccupied with the same naiveté I mentioned earlier, they’re only disguising and camouflaging it with certain set of words.

Instead I would like to treat this quadrilateral like…well…like a quadrilateral–all sides receiving the same amount of attention. I had one professor described it to me like this. Each “point” of the quadrilateral could be described as a base (lst base, second base, and so on all the back to home plate). The point isn’t to leave yourself isolated on a particular base, it is to score runs; and the more you round all the bases, the more runs you score.

So I guess what I’m arguing for here is a larger theological method wherein I use scripture, reason, tradition and experience (both collective and individual) to arrive at conclusions and questions. Again, I have a great amount of respect for the bible. I learn something new each time and open its pages. And more often than not, it reads me, not vice versa.

But I do not worship it. I can’t bring myself to believe that it is infallible, inerrant, literal, whatever. I believe it is a record of ancient, pre-modern people’s experience of God and thus a record of God’s ongoing liberative and redemptive action within the narrative of history. But it’s not a history book, or a science book, or a strict rule book for that matter. It’s a narrative, a story. And the better, deeper and more penetrating question to ask, I think, is where do I find myself in this story?

Now for the interpretive lens. If I sat around by myself with scripture, reason, tradition, and experience I could probably come up with some really messed up theological suppositions. In fact, I know I would. I would need some accountability. That is why it is imperative that there be a community. All of this must be guided by the community. This quadrilateral cannot exist outside the community. To keep with the baseball allegory, as Tony Jones and others have suggested, the community could be seen as the umpire. The community calls the strikes. The community is the hub of authority so crazies like myself can’t go completely hog wild. The community guides the use of this quadrilateral and the navigation of the narrative of God. Furthermore, the community helps and guides individuals as they find their own trajectories and their own places within the story of God, becoming faithful partners with God participating in God’s liberative, transformative, and restorative action in history for the entire cosmos.

To me–that is the meaning of the bible.

~bh ><>

Following the lead of a few others, I figured I would make a few “2007 lists” as we move into the dawn of 2008, one of books and one of podcasts. Books first.

In some ways this is a very eclectic list, most of the books weren’t even published this year; but in some respects they’re all very closely related. I attribute that to my intense research throughout the year in preparation for this. For what it’s worth here are the top 5 or so books I read this year. I’m not going to number them because it would be too difficult. They’re all outstanding. They are simply listed in the order I thought of them.

The Secret Message of Jesus & Everything Must Change – Brian McLaren. I think these two books must be read together consecutively. Each is a companion to the other and both are, in my opinion, McLaren’s best works to date. In The Secret Message of Jesus, McLaren places Jesus in his context, takes a step back, and lets the gospels speak for themselves, illustrating and emphasizing how imperative Jesus’ socio-political contexts are to understanding his life and teachings. In Everything Must Change, McLaren picks up where he left off, asking some very penetrating questions, in his usual iconoclastic and provocative manner, about the implications of Jesus’ teachings for the actions of our society (both personal and collective). He correctly diagnoses the “suicidal, societal machine” of which we are a part of and in which we remain complicit and remedies it with the ever revolutionary examples and teachings of Jesus. Two of the most influential books of the year.

The Powers that Be & Engaging the Powers – Walter Wink. I had to put both of these together because to me they are truly inseparable. At some point this year, I’d like to take the time to read Wink’s entire trilogy of which The Powers that Be is a digest. Other than the stuff coming from the various emergent authors, these two books have influenced my thought and theology more than any others. Wink’s work on the domination system and the myth of redemptive violence are truly remarkable.

God and Empire – John Dominic Crossan. This is the first work from this provocative Jesus Seminar fellow and co-founder that I’ve actually read cover to cover and it was well worth it. Crossan uses his characteristic inter-disciplinary approach to dissect what he and others call the “normalcy of civilization.” He traces the biblical alternative to this normalcy, a remedy of nonviolent peacemaking and “radical egalitarianism” from Genesis to Revelation arguing that “normalcy is not inevitability.” Perhaps Crossan’s best and most provocative work.

Jesus and Empire – Richard Horsley. Whereas Crossan focuses his discussion on the biblical narrative at large in response to imperialism, hegemony, and jingoism, Horsley limits his approach to Jesus and his subsequent subversion and resistance to the empire. Specifically, Horsely addresses the American Empire, its outright rejection of Jesus’ teachings, and the American Church, who remains comfortably complicit with American imperialism and militarism. This is a poignant book. A must read–especially the introduction and epilogue sections.

War is a Force the Gives us Meaning – Chris Hedges. I’ll be honest, this is a very depressing book. But it is also a very important book. Too often we are deceived into thinking that as we safely sit in affluence on our couches watching spoon-fed, government censored news entertainment (oops…I mean, media) we are somehow watching and seeing the true picture of “war.” Chris Hedges soundly destroys that assumption. And he does so with biting veracity and credibility. As a war correspondent, Hedges as seen the truth of the effects of war and he tells of those experiences without reservation. A sobering, yet revealing book.

The Politics of Jesus – John Howard Yoder. Yoder’s seminal work has quickly become a primer in Christian social ethics, heralded as the foundational work on which contemporary Christian nonviolence and pacifism as been built. I’ve heard people mention this book many times in my coursework at OCU. After growing very tired of hearing people drop his name, I broke down and bought the book. A true masterpiece. I can now see why Yoder’s magnum opus has influenced some of the most influential theologians of our time. I will be dealing with this books for the rest of my life.

Honorable Mentions: Liberating the Future – Ed. Joerg Rieger, The Sorrows of Empire – Chalmers Johnson, The Irresistible Revolution – Shane Claiborne.

Now for the podcasts; a much shorter list. And a numbered list. Three cheers for hierarchy. Anyway, earlier this week, Nick tagged me in his list of the top podcasts of 2007. So here we go:

1.) The Nick and Josh Podcast – best discovery of the year by far. Exceptional interviews. The best kept secret in the emerging podcastosphere.

2.) Philosophy Bites – short and sweet talks about various philosophical topics from well-known contemporary philosophers.

3.) The Emergent Podcast – great interviews, reflections, and best of all, the audio from all the emergent conferences.

4.) NPR: Fresh Air – some of the best podcast interviews out there.

5.) Napkin Scribbles – thoughts and reflections from Leonard Sweet. He tends to ramble, but other than that, pretty good.

Honorable Mentions: Parody of the President’s Weekly Radio Address, ALLELON Roxburgh Journal, Democracy Now!, The Tony Campolo Podcast.

~bh ><>