(e)mergent Voyageurs

With Halloween once again upon us, churches throughout America are buzzing with warnings and condemnations about the evils of the holiday. Surprisingly given my rural, conservative upbringing, this was largely a non-issue in our church. There was that one year in the early 80′s, in the height of Evangelicalism’s scare tactic era, when we had a Bible character costume party (one woman came in a suit covered in zippers- get it? Zipporah), but other than that, it was dressing up and scoring candy for us.

However, after years in ministry with youth, the question of Halloween continues coming up. I’d be a rich man if I had a dollar for every different “true origin” of Halloween story I’ve heard from pastors or other Christian leaders. Most of these theories contained a kernel of truth, but by some accounts, you would think Satan himself invented the whole thing.

As most of us know, the name Halloween derives its origins from All Hallowed Eve (or All Saints Eve), acknowledging it as the day (or evening) before All Saints Day. While some have suggested that Pope Gregory IV chose the day to intentionally correspond with the Celtic celebration of Samhain in an attempt to redeem the pagan holiday for Christian purposes, there is no evidence that he was even aware of the connection, making it likely to be pure coincidence.  (UPDATE: While this point was cited in several of the source I researched over the week before I posted it here, I have been informed that this is untrue.  I have been told that the Church was absolutely aware and it was an intentional choice.  As the Church has clearly done this with other pagan holidays, it would not surprise me if this was true.  My intention in noted it here was not to defend Christianity, but show a historic incidental that I was unaware of.  My apologies to anyone offended by my stating it).

It is interesting that this emerging culture we now live is often referred to as a liminal time, as Samhain was sacred to Celts because it was the celebration of the end of one season (Summer) and the beginning of another (Autumn). A time between times. A time of liminality. This celebration was culminated on Samhain Night (or Oíche Shamhna), where the dead were said to revisit the mortal world, but where evil spirits are also about and need to be guarded against. While this emphasis on death might seem strange to us, when you consider they were entering Autumn, with dying leaves and fallow fields, this emphasis on death makes sense. In fact, while it was misguided in some respects, their spirituality that moved with the rhythm of Creation is far closer to traditional Judeo-Christian spirituality than the often sterile, rational religions of today.

Over time, in large part due to the influence of a Christianity that solidified its authority by demonizing anything that was contrary to their position, the emphasis on warding against evil overwhelmed the otherwise pastoral/agricultural emphasis of the holiday. The actual practices and beliefs surrounding these spiritualities are difficulty to pin down. What little historical and archaeological evidence that does exist is inconclusive. Add to that other influences, such a Christian propoganda, influence of traditional and romantic mythology/legends and (largely) the neo-paganism that irresponsibly and haphazardly recreated the spirituality.

However, the history of costume wearing in some way relates to the warding off of evil spirits. Whether it was donning animal skins for pagan rituals and sacrifices or mimicking the evil spirits by dressing like creatures to confuse them, the practice was inspired out of an deep commitment to disempower the evil in the world by mocking them through imitation. That in time it was children who would primarily dress up, the evil was further diminished by making our worst fears the playthings of children.

While the theology and practice of these belief are often misguided, reflecting the true powerlessness of people living at the mercy of deeply dangerous and spiritual world, it is less about “wanton paganism” and more about people seeking to live faithfully in a world according to their understanding. Of course the whole thing changed when Western consumerism got its hands on it, making it the 6th most profitable holiday in the US, but its core retains that redemptive edge.

In my neighbourhood, there will be no trick or treating. Just over a week ago a group of kids, ages 12 to 15, beat a women in our community to death, a random act of violence with no motive at all. This past Sunday, in another home in our neighbouhood, a man shot and killed another man and wounded a teen during a fight at a party. Added to the our “notorious” drug trade, prostitution and gang problems, parents have worse things to fear than ghosts and goblins.

Why do we get so worked up about the pagan origins of Halloween? Why is dressing like a ghost, vampire or zombie so much more spiritually offensive than the more rampant and blatant evils that face us every day? Perhaps, in this rare and communal ritual, we can learn something about overcoming evil- not through empassioned and aggressive assaults against the enemy, but through our shared celebration of a hope so strong, not even our worst imaginations are a threat. After all, greater is He that is in us…

Many generations after the light of Revelation had spread through the land through the torches of Faith, the people began to realize how vast their great land really was.  While they had learned much in their many explorations, these random explorations could not provide them with a coherent idea of all that they had discovered.  The Elders convened a council to consider the matter.

After much deliberation, they selected several women and men from the people known for their ability to explore the land, commissioning them to purposefully explore the land of Mystery in order to collect information and draft maps.  They would face the unknown risks, make contact with any they encountered and chart a path for those who would come after them.  They were called the Voyageurs.

For several years, these brave Voyageurs explored the land of Mystery.  The exploration was dangerous, fraught with dangers that led to the explorers becoming lost, injured and, sadly for a few, death.  However, they persevered against all odds.  Every few months, they would emerge from the wilderness to bring what knowledge they had gleaned.  The Elders examined all that they shared with them, drafting maps and writing volumes of information.

One day, as the Voyageurs begin to prepare for yet another journey of exploration, the Elders called a community meeting to which they were all required to paricipate.  Curious, they joined the growing crowd to hear what their Elders had to share with them.  The crowd buzzed with anticipation as the Elders approached, smiles of excitement lighting all their faces.  They raised their arms and everyone went silent.

“Brothers and sisters,” one of the Elders began, “We called you here today to share with a wonderful gift.  After years of exploration, examination and compilation, we want to unveil to you the fruit of this labour- The Comprehensive Encyclopedia Of Mystery: A Systematic Study!  In this collection you will find maps, guides and facts about this wonderous land.”  The crowds cheer tore through the air, silencing only after the Elder raised his hand in order to continue.

“We would like to honour and thank our Voyageurs for all their years of blood, sweat and tears.  This day not only celebrates the completion of this great work, but the promise that our Voyageurs no longer need to risk their lives in exploration”.  The crowd stood in stunned silence, the Voyageurs not the least of those who were shocked.  Suddenly, a grumble of confusion swept through the people.

“But surely,” someone cried out, “They have not explored the whole of Mystery, have they?  Surely there is so much more to learn!”  Other shouted their agreement and concern.  The Elders gently silenced the crowd once again with raised hands.

“Of course, the land of Mystery is infinitely wide.  And, of course, we cannot every fully exhaust all that we can learn from this land.  However, after examination and conference, we have come to believe that the core knowledge- the foundational understanding of Mystery has been firmly established.”

“But even what has been recorded, is there no chance of error?  Are the maps flawless in detail?”  All eyes turned to the Voyageurs for answer.  One explorer, the oldest among them stepped forward nervously.  He cleared his throat, kicked at the dirt, considering his words.

“The- uh, the Elders speak truly that we have established many foundational understandings of this great land.  I have every confidence that what we have gathered and they have, umm, organized is trustworthy.”  The Elders nodded in agreement, but the Voyageur cautiously continued, “That being said… every detail cannot be known for an absolute certainty.”  Many shouted in agreement.  Red in the face, the Elders could attempted to due damage control after such a reckless statement.

“Be that as it m- BE THAT AS IT MAY!” shouted the learned leader, “There is enough written and recorded in these volumes that the citizens of Mystery will take more than two lifetimes to study and understand, and generations more to find application for it all.  We have no need to risk more lives exploring Mystery!”  Now, it was the Voyageurs who were confused.  The older explorer spoke up once again.

“With due respect, honoured Elder, but surely we spent so much of our lives, spilt our blood, lost our sisters and brother, so that others might go into the land and see it, explore it, engage it for themselves, did we not?”

“Of course not!  Why should anyone want to reinvent the wheel, risking so much for what is readily available here.  Besides, we have spent years studying your findings.  These people would not know what to do with all they encountered.”

“Of course, revered Elder.  However… would you not join us in the journey?  Then you could experience Mystery for yourself, sharing your wisdom with us all alng the way.” Despite his wise words, the crowd exploded into arguments.  Soon, factions began to develop.  Many of the people refused to told what to do, immediately running into the darkness to explore Mystery for themselves.  Some of the Voyageurs led others on expeditions.  Many stood with the Elders, trusting their leaders and the knowledge they had recorded.  Not since the Great Torch Revolution had the people been so divided.

And yet, in a glimmer of hope, few of the Voyegeurs and a few of the Elders drew yet others around them and decided to go together, carefully, to explore the great land together.  As they went, they saught to reconcile the others they encountered along the way.  They shared the explorers passion to engage Mystery firsthand.  They honoured the wisdom and understanding of their Elders and those who remained with the Encyclopedia.  They could only hope that, with time, patience and grace, others would learn this generous embrace.  Until then, they would continue their journey of exploration and reconciliation.

I am thinking of making some kind of art reflection to be a regular Friday feature here. Above is another Mark Tansey piece called “Discarding The Frame”. Share your thoughts.

After the early buzz surrounding the Join (RED) Campaign (which I introduced here), my wife & I went to GAP at the mall to check things out.  While browsing, a woman was chatting with her husband and I overheard her say:

“Gee, if I want to give money to fight AIDS in Africa, I’ll send it directly.  I don’t need to buy these expensive clothes!”

I was impressed by this comment, as she sincerely wanted to give to this great cause.  She didn’t need anything in return.  I thought to myself, Good for her!  Since then, I have heard several other people discuss this interesting issue.  Why must we get something in return to inspire our generosity?  In response to this, some have come up with ways for people to give the money more directly and selflessly.  This is from Mike Todd at Waving Of Drowning:

Here’s the choice: You can lay out $200, get a new iPod, and contribute $10 to a good cause. Or, you can just contribute the $10. We believe we can get 1000 people to donate $10 each. We’d like $10 from everyone in the developed world, but we’ll settle for you, and everyone you know. And when we’re done, we’ll pass the money–all of it–along to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

First, we need your $10. Just as importantly, we then need you to reach out to all your contacts. Post a link on your blog, send out an email to your friends, hang a banner from your window… whatever it takes. We’ll keep you posted on how we’re doing.

Together, we can do this. Help prove us right. Thank you.

I think this is a great idea which I want to endorse.  Check it out, get involved.

That being said, I have also heard a trend around this turn in the conversation to overly criticize the Join RED Campaign, as well as the lack of enthusiasm surrounding this (Red)emption idea.  Let me try to sum up my feelings:

First, many people buying the products are doing so as gifts.  This means that they are not simply giving out of a desire to get something in return, but to creatively give a gift they would have purchase elsewhere, alowing that purchase to be a gift to others too.  Further, the products themselves have already served to create increasing awareness about the realities of AIDS and poverty in Africa.  As far as I am concerned, this is suversive branding at its best.

Second, the language of guilt and disappointment used by some seem to suggest that people (in some cases especially Christians) are selfishly motivated, giving only when something is received in return.  On one hand, this is somewhat true- but is this really a surprising revelation?  This campaign was created to intentionally subvert this tendency.  Is it perfect?  No, but it seeks to do everything and use any means to raise awareness and funds.  On the other hand, I can think of no time in human history where the level of generosity has reached the proportions that exsist today.  And while there needs to be more generosity (including that which extends beyond simple finances, but I am getting ahead of myself), Christians are often among the first and most generous to give.  In fact, some stats suggest that Christians do not give, but in truth, most of these studies are about giving to the church itself.  (I will be honest: My wife & I won’t be giving to the (Red)emption idea- NOT because we don’t believe in it, but because we have a strong, existing commitment to giving in other ways, as do MANY other people).

Third, while we seek to challenge people to deeper and truer expressions of generosity (which I believe Mike is doing), we do not serve ultimate purpose by undermining and criticizing the “good” in our advocacy for the “ideal”.  In other words, why can’t we call people to generosity without attacking less ideal methods that are still having a positive impact?  This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t evaluate and critique methods, but we need to be as generous of spirit and grace as we expect of peoples finances.  In fact, if we are going to look at generosity for the purpose of fighting poverty and disease worldwide, I think we need to go far beyond financial support.  Just as buying a (RED) shirt might be wrongfully motivated by selfishness, so too can giving money be buying out our deeper responsibility to see, touch, know and engage the people behind the issues.  Both can keep us as Christians- as people- at a distance from the connectedness of all humanity.

In the end, I think we need to keep the table open for all kinds of people and ideas to engage these criticals realities, both locally and globally.

Several years ago, while working on staff with YWAM in Vancouver, we came into the office one morning to discover emergency vehicles parked in the YWAM lot. We soon learned that over the previous night a kid on heroin ODed under the overhang in the back of our building. When the neighbour called 911 it was already too late. Shaken up, we went inside the office as the body was taken away.

Later that day we went into staff intercession where we were spending time praying for the recent events of the September 11th attacks. So many of us were moved by compassion for the people impacted by these tragedies (as we well should have been), some even crying through our time of passionate prayer. When we had finished, I returned to my office to work. I suddenly stopped at the realization that where I sat was only a few short feet from where the young man had died. With this realization came the unsettling question of why his death on our very property had stirred so little in me, especially compared the depth of feeling I had for the 9/11 victims.

Now, I want to clarify a few things before I go on. First, the staff of YWAM Vancouver were then and remain now committed to the people of their city and their neighbourhood. Second, I believe our time and passion in prayer for Sept. 11th was warranted and honouring to God. Third and finally, this post is about challenging towards something, not an attack on something else.

Over the last few years I have become increasingly involved on dealing with issues of global poverty and injustice- Northern Uganda (Invisible Children, Gulu Walk, DTS), Micah Challenge Canada, Make Poverty History, Join RED Campaign, etc. I believe in all of these things, will continue to be involved in them and continue to challenge others (yes, you!) to get involved as well. However, I have begun to wonder if they might make us susceptible to another all too common danger.

One of the most exciting shifts in larger Christian culture is an interest and engagement of justice issues that lie at the heart of the Gospel. However, as we seek to engage them, we can spend a great deal of time, energy and resources into large, but distant causes that, while they deeply touch and inspire us, keep us at a “safe” distance. The reality is that, should ever get close and personal with these issues, we would be exposed to the complex and messy realities of these issues (see my post “Demystifying Poverty”). This doesn’t reduce our need to be committed to them, but not out of some romantic sense of deservedness (as this is a huge part of the marketing machine for good causes).

I believe that for every degree of commitment we have to these important issues of global and systemic justice, we must put equal- nah, greater investment into these realities in our own community. Here’s the challenge- if we really want to engage these realities, we will only go so far with overly programmed approached, such as short-term missions or larger scale charity. These approaches are good, even essential, but will not truly bring real change. Rather, it will require very personal connection with the lives of the people impacted by these realities, as well as bringing change to our own lifestyles.

Therefore, my challenge to all of us, including myself, is that we work to make poverty history here. Does this mean I think local poverty is more important than AIDS in Africa or debt reduction in the global south? Not at all. However, there are two things we need to keep in mind (ok, there are more than two, but I’ll name two here): First, the way we live our lives, individually and together, in the Western world is deeply connected to the realities of global injustice. Many of the assumptions behind the (North) American Dream fail to acknowledge the costs our prosperity and even “freedom” exact on other, both within our borders and around the world. Second, until we can engage with these issues free of the romantic, paternalistic ignorances that play a (well intentioned) role in our involvement in justice issues, we will bring true and lasting change, either in society or in our hearts.

So, how do we do it? How do we start together to make poverty history here?

Over the last year or so, I have come to really love the art work of Mark Tansey. Above is a picture he painted called “Triumph Over Mastery”. I really wanted to get your take on it.

(NOTE: Tomorrow I fly out to Kelowna, BC for the YWAM Western Canada Leadership Team meetings, so I’ll going somewhat dark for a few days.)

Do ever just feel overwhelmed? Do ever think that if you read another good book with challenging theology that your brain will just explode? Do you find yourself deeply challenged to live in more authentic praxis in yet another area, but feel as though it means keeping yet another plate spinning? The last think I want to do is sound as though I am complaining. And while I appreciate all the affirmation and support so many of you so consistently provide, I am not looking for encouragement here. Rather, I really want to hear your thoughts on whether you resonate with this (or not) and how you respond to it.

I am in the middle of reading “The Irresistible Revolution: Living As An Ordinary Radical” by Shane Claiborne, one of the founding members of The Simple Way. It is an excellent book and I think an important read. As someone who has (clumsily) attempted to live somewhat amoung the poor, this book makes me feel how far I am from being even close to the ideals he puts forward (and that I most often share). And I become tired.

I genuinely wonder if it is simply that the call of God to incarnational living is simply more than I am willing to commit to. Perhaps I am too selfish, weak and lazy to pay the price it takes to truly follow Christ. I know for a fact that there is enough truth in it for me to reflect on. However, I think it would be self-indulgent whining to dismiss these questions with such a broad brush stroke. There is more to it.

Again and again, I come back to how much individualism impacts this struggle. We each read books, blogs, etc., challenged in our hearts and minds and actions, even share with each other the exciting passion and vision it stirs in us. And yet, we still have not learned to be incarnational communities together in such ways that are free from the paradigms of individual expressions that are so deeply engrained in our whole selves. There are, of course, examples of this change, but it has far from matured into something that has taken enough root in our souls.

So, I am tired. Still hopeful. Still passionate and visionary. Still here. But I am tired.

How about you? Let’s talk this thing through.

Did you know that in Canada, women were not considered persons, under the law, until 1929? That may seem like a long time ago, but my grandmother was in the first generation of Canadian women to be considered persons. Not so long ago after all.

Did you know that First Nations (native) Canadians were did not have the right to freely vote until 1960? They could vote prior to that, but were then required to relinquish all treaty rights. First of all, this was an unreasonable and unjust expectations. Second, treaty agreements were violated again and again (and still not fully honoured) by the Canadian goverment anyway. Third, 1960 is practically yesterday. We may have come a long way in a short time, but we have a long way to go.

I bring these examples up to demonstrate the realities of the human rights battle that are a part of our own, relatively progressive context. Looking at the global community, we discover that human rights have been (and continue to be) systematically violated. These are battles that must be at the forefront of our missional endeavours as Christian communities- simply as humans created in God’s image.

This is why I am excited about the The Canadian Human Rights Museum being built here in Winnipeg. The CHRM is dedicated to advancing understanding and support for human rights in Canada and throughout the world and will be a national and international destination – a centre of learning and history where people can engage in dialogue and commit to taking action to combat the forces of hate and oppression. Located in at The Forks in Winnipeg,the museum will be the largest human rights centre in the world, with a special focus on equipping and educating young people to become human rights leaders and advocates. Check out the website to find out more.

One way you can support this exciting venture is the Shine pin campaign. They recently launched “Shine” a commemorative “reach for the stars” pin in support of the Museum. The pin is a limited edition pin, intended to raise awareness and funds for the Museum and to promote the idea that everyone can be a human rights “star”. It is great, as it is not a pin at all, but a magnetic “pin”, strong enough to stay put, but without danger of being poked or damaging your clothes. Get it at the website here.

Check it out and get involved. While it won’t official open until 2010, it is worth getting involved with now.

No, this isn’t a partisan, political endorsement. No, I am not advocating a move to Communism. Rather, I am inviting you to consider taking part in an initiative that seeks to subvert- er, redeem consumerism for the greater good- Product Red. Product Red is the brain child of Bono and Bobby Shriver of DATA (Debt AIDS Trade in Africa) to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and other diseases. Product Red is a brand that partners with companies such as American Express, Apple, Converse, Motorola, Gap and Giorgio Armani. The companies produce products with the (RED) logo, giving a percentage of the profits from the sale of the products to the Global Fund. Many of the clothing products are actually made in Africa, adding fair trade industry to several regions. Here is the Red Manifesto:

I really like this campaign, especially with Christmas on the horizon. It seems I am not the only one. Launching yesterday, most of the products available at the Gap were sold by this afternoon – thanks largely to do with Bono’s visit to the Oprah show last week that featured this project. Now, take note. This is only time you will likely EVER see me advocating shopping at Gap.

So, come on! Let’s go Red!

UPDATE: I felt the need, after posting, to bring a bit of clarity. For those who are skeptical about this whole idea, I understand and probably share all/most of your concerns. However, I believe that, given the fact that the ideal approach(es) are not often available, this approach has great potential. In short, I am not embracing this whole idea uncriitcally, but with cautious optimism.

Some time ago, I received a copy of the now “infamous” book “A Heretic’s Guide to Eternity” by Spencer Burke and Barry Taylor for review.  However, between other reviews and a major increase in ministry activity, I didn’t get to the review.  When time did open up, I found myself unsure how to articulate my take on this provocative book.  In the mean time, many others have reviewed the book thoroughly and excellently.  The best I found, reflecting my own views quite a bit, was Scot McKnight’s take, found here:

Scot McKnight Review of Heretic’s – Part 1
Scot McKnight Review of Heretic’s – Part 2
Scot McKnight Review of Heretic’s – Part 3
Scot McKnight Review of Heretic’s – Part 4

There is a great deal to read, including the comment sections, but they are well worth the time.  In the end, I would say that I deeply appreciate the intentions of Spencer & Barry in writing this book.  I also resonate with many of the ideas and thoughts that had that brushed the edge of the status quo of Christianity.  However, I think they went too far.  In a medium that is so widely available, many people may or may not be able to process or engage these ideas safely.  Further, I am not sure those changes most needed in the Body of Christ were central in the book, with attention focusing on interesting, yet unnecessarily dangerous emphasis.

Therefore, this book does not get my recommendation, though neither would I hide my copy from (most) guests… wink!

Emerging Church