A quote from Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin said in "The Phenomenon of Man" published in 1959 (A highly controversial book in the Roman Church [and subsequently probably Protestant as well] ),

"Our century is probably more religious than any other. How could it fail to be, with such problems to be solved? The only trouble is that it has not yet found a God it can adore."

Obviously he was progressive. In this book he attempted to weave together like a jacket zipper two unseemingly divergent points: science, viz. evolution, with theology. And this is what got him into trouble. However this little quote from the book seems to be very interesting to me. For in this statement there is a sense of progression. That as the church continues to be the church, living into the realities of the kingdom of God, the world will find the God it can adore. Idealistic, yes; Romantic, yes; Ivory tower, no. Maybe the optimism of grace. Maybe a little bit of Moltmann's Panentheism?

What say you?

Addendum:

Thanks to Curt, who is always graciously helping me say things better, I will try to give a clearer thought.

I find this quote to be fascinating. A world with so many problems to be solved and his thought that this makes our world more religious. It could be the very reason we have the problems that need to be solved is due to the very lack of religion (and I mean it in the historical sense, and in the idea of Wesley--a religion of the heart). Yet de Chardin's thought isn't left in that paradox, but the simple realization that the god the world serves is itself.

I could be reading into de Chardin's thought when I said that it points me to an optimism of grace...and that if the church re-orients herself to God's kingdom and the triune God working in the world to set all things to rights and participates in that, the world begins to see this God it can adore. I see in this quote (for whatever reason) a call to live more intentionally in the ways of Jesus. I think of Hauerwas who talked of the church being the identity the world is so desperately looking for, which it doesn't have.

Am I in left field blowing dandelion seeds?

The smallest small group in America

Todd Hunter has recently initiated a new small group ministry called Three is Enough. Here is an article saying that three might be too big.

http://larknews.com/august_2004/print.php?page=4

Gregory the Great on Pastoral Care

Today, I read in Celebrating the Seasons a selection from Gregory the Great's "Pastoral Care." It actually comes from chapter seven of Book One, "Of the Life of a Pastor." Celebrating the Seasons does a great job of using more modern vernacular. But I think that the way the Early Church Fathers series writes them is still understandable.

Here in this reading, I find it interesting, that even in life "back then" pastors could get caught up in things that pull us away from what we need to be doing. Read this below and tell me what you think. Does this exhortation need to be heard by more of us today? If you need a more modern reading, go to Google Books and do a search for Celebrating the Seasons and go to page 332.

The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have been put over their brethren for their souls’ sake, devote themselves with the whole effort of their heart to secular concerns; these, when they are at hand, they exult in transacting, and, even when there is a lack of them, pant after them night and day with seethings of turbid thought; and when, haply for lack of opportunity, they have quiet from them, by their very quiet they are wearied all the more. For they count it pleasure to be tired by action: they esteem it labour not to labour in earthly businesses. And so it comes to pass that, while they delight in being hustled by worldly tumults, they are ignorant of the things that are within, which they ought to have taught to others. And from this cause undoubtedly, the life also of their subjects is benumbed; because, while desirous of advancing spiritually, it meets a stumbling-block on the way in the example of him who is set over it. For when the head languishes, the members fail to thrive; and it is in vain for an army to follow swiftly in pursuit of enemies if the very leader of the march goes wrong. No exhortation sustains the minds of the subjects, and no reproof chastises their faults, because, while the office of an earthly judge is executed by the guardian of souls, the attention of the shepherd is diverted from custody of the flock; and the subjects are unable to apprehend the light of truth, because, while earthly pursuits occupy the pastor’s mind, dust, driven by the wind of temptation, blinds the Church’s eyes.

Ancient Faith sermon series

What would a sermon series look like today preaching through the Apostles Creed? The Creed is a succinct telling of the orthodox faith. In a world of swirling belief systems and competing narratives, how could we approach this statement of faith in a relevant way that calls a congregation to live out/practice, as well as call those who are on the way to faith, to experience this faith?

Born of God, Arise

This song was a part of the Morning Office at Mission St. Clare today. The words are pretty simple. The song reminds us of who we are and calls us to enter fully into our new identity given to us by the risen Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Come and be clothed in God's righteousness:
Come join the band who are called by God's name.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Look at the world which is bound by sin:
Walk into the midst of it proclaiming new life.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Words and music: Mimi Farra, adapted (20thC)

The Future lies in the Past

Christianity Today ran an article in the February 2008 edition entitled "The Future Lies in the Past." I'd be very interested to get your input on this. I am among these whom Webber called "the younger evangelicals" and resonate with the article. Do you agree with Webber that the path to the future runs through the past?

The Kite Runner

Tonight, Amy and I watched The Kite Runner. I found it to be a very deep and beautiful story. Beautiful? But, it's a movie of such violence and silence! Grace is woven all through the film. It is beautiful how Hassan refuses to hit Amir, even after he is pelted by his best friend in an effort to move him to attack him for his cowardice. I find it fascinating how the son of Hassan continues his work of redemption...even as he is being saved. I find it interesting how the Amir, whom we never see pray in the film before, is brought to a place of prayer. There's so much to this film.