Last semester I wrote a paper on how the sub force really displayed the basics of discipline that many churches will never have the guts to seek. As I wrote that paper, I started to develop a mental list of other areas that the military could inform the church on. Granted many of the ideas will be based on my Submarine experience, but as I get into the Chaplain community, I am pretty sure that these ideas will encompass most of the other warfare communities and service branches I work with/in.
I was browsing a submarine blog yesterday and ran across a post that discussed the basis for respect and authority in the submarine world. I knew that only one's ability to perform was the basis for true authority and respect in that world and I am pretty sure that if the church focused on granting the same criteron, who knows how things would turn out. I am thinking there is a very large paper in this somewhere. Maybe later when I have time, if that ever happens again.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
I needed this....
A friend posted this on his facebook account yesterday and it couldn't have come at a more opportune time. On Wednesday I had to endure a dedicated pacifist hold court in a small group discussion of our ethics class. Now, in all honesty, I appreciate and want pacifists in the world. They provide a great check on some of the horrors of war and violence. What really torqued me about this guy was his close-mindedness and how he was spouting off about how if you aren't of his belief you aren't really Christian. Talk like that does wonders to further your argument. Luckily, we will have more opportunities to discuss items and hopefully he will start to let others talk. But, this photo really summed up my feelings and gave me quite a laugh yesterday. Maybe I will email it to him at the end of the course. He needs to know that he can mouth off and be close minded because of a number of people laying it all on the line for his rights.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Let It Snow
After freezing here in Durham for the last week, we might actually catch a break and enjoy some snow overnight. They are predicting from 2-5" for this area and I can't wait. Even if school doesn't get canceled, it doesn't matter. I just want to throw a few snowballs and see some snow finally. I lived in Hawaii for so long I have only seen substantial snow when driving across country or on ski slopes since I joined the Navy in 1996. I hear it snows during the winter, but have forgotten since my childhood. I think the last snow over 1" that I saw was in 2003 at Snowshoe and other than that it was in 1993 in Atlanta. So I say bring it.
Update 29 January
So I had serious camera issues but here are photos from last week.
Update 29 January
So I had serious camera issues but here are photos from last week.
Friday, January 16, 2009
This Could Get Interesting for Some Chaplains
Today while listening to the news, I heard that Obama's Press Secretary told a Youtube Q&A session that he would repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for the US Military. That made me think back to a conversation I had with an Active Duty Chaplain after the election in November.
First: I personally don't care about anyone's sexual orientation whom I serve with or have served with in the past. When I was on the boat, the only thing I cared about was if a certain individual would be able to back me up when needed and not do anything to endanger my life or the lives of the others on board. For me it was that simple. During qualification boards, the only question I asked to determine their worthiness to wear fish was, "Is this guy going to keep all of us safe in any situation no matter how dire?" If I felt he would, he got my vote. If not, back to studying.
Second: This post is not about discussing the pros and cons of the present policy or for the repeal of that policy. I am only discussing the ramifications for an already significant shortage of Navy Chaplains (other services have them too, but out of my lane).
After the election, I was discussing how I was certain that Obama would repeal the policy within the first 100 days of his administration. I never expected the announcement to come before the inauguration. I just assumed it would be buried in some obscure bill and would just happen overnight. When my fellow member of the Chaplain Corps and I were discussing this, we pondered the effect of repealing that policy and allowing openly gay individuals to serve would have on certain denominations. Many denominations still have issues with ordained women, something I witnessed at Chaplain School. Mostly they behave in a passive aggressive mode or just completely ignore the women. The women in my class were understandably frustrated at this kind of behavior.
So, we discussed some possibilities for Chaplains of denominations that are openly hostile to the idea of homosexuality, much less allowing gays to serve openly.
1) They just resign over the issue, or at least leave the military after their commitment is over.
2) Their denomination pulls all of their endorsements over the issue. This would result in losing a certain number of Chaplains overnight as when you lose your endorsement, you are done as a Chaplain. Doubt this would happen, but it is not unforeseeable.
3) They stay in the military and try to convert people back to being straight. The military does have policy in place to deal with this behavior, so if it happens would bring swift punishment.
4) They stay in and refuse to even minister to openly gay members. They would have policy behind them:
SECNAVINST 1730.7B
Chaplains shall not be assigned collateral duties which violate the religious practices of the chaplain’s faith group, require services as director, solicitor, or treasurer of funds other than administrator of a Religious Offering Fund, serve on a court-martial or stand watches other than that of duty chaplain.
OPNAVINST 1730.1D
Chaplains shall not be assigned duties that violate noncombatant status or the religious practices of the chaplain’s religious organization, undermine privileged communication, as defined in reference (m), or involve the management of funds other than the ROF.
or,
5) The best option in my opinion: They continue to do their jobs and minister to every individual in their care.
It is my prayer that #5 proves to be the option all individuals with a theological stance against gays utilize. This defines ministry and it is what all Chaplains are called to do.
The second interesting thing about all this is what happens to the force if a large number of Chaplains leave over this issue? The mainline denominations have done a good job keeping people out of military ministry through their explicit or implicit behavior towards the military on either theological, or more recently political views. The mainline denominations have let this important ministry opportunity pass them by and that has significantly changed the demographics of the military and the church. So, when a large number of Chaplains jump ship, there is no one around from other denominations ready to fill the gap because they misunderstand what military ministry is all about.
Just my thoughts. It should be interesting to watch it play out over the next few months.
First: I personally don't care about anyone's sexual orientation whom I serve with or have served with in the past. When I was on the boat, the only thing I cared about was if a certain individual would be able to back me up when needed and not do anything to endanger my life or the lives of the others on board. For me it was that simple. During qualification boards, the only question I asked to determine their worthiness to wear fish was, "Is this guy going to keep all of us safe in any situation no matter how dire?" If I felt he would, he got my vote. If not, back to studying.
Second: This post is not about discussing the pros and cons of the present policy or for the repeal of that policy. I am only discussing the ramifications for an already significant shortage of Navy Chaplains (other services have them too, but out of my lane).
After the election, I was discussing how I was certain that Obama would repeal the policy within the first 100 days of his administration. I never expected the announcement to come before the inauguration. I just assumed it would be buried in some obscure bill and would just happen overnight. When my fellow member of the Chaplain Corps and I were discussing this, we pondered the effect of repealing that policy and allowing openly gay individuals to serve would have on certain denominations. Many denominations still have issues with ordained women, something I witnessed at Chaplain School. Mostly they behave in a passive aggressive mode or just completely ignore the women. The women in my class were understandably frustrated at this kind of behavior.
So, we discussed some possibilities for Chaplains of denominations that are openly hostile to the idea of homosexuality, much less allowing gays to serve openly.
1) They just resign over the issue, or at least leave the military after their commitment is over.
2) Their denomination pulls all of their endorsements over the issue. This would result in losing a certain number of Chaplains overnight as when you lose your endorsement, you are done as a Chaplain. Doubt this would happen, but it is not unforeseeable.
3) They stay in the military and try to convert people back to being straight. The military does have policy in place to deal with this behavior, so if it happens would bring swift punishment.
4) They stay in and refuse to even minister to openly gay members. They would have policy behind them:
SECNAVINST 1730.7B
Chaplains shall not be assigned collateral duties which violate the religious practices of the chaplain’s faith group, require services as director, solicitor, or treasurer of funds other than administrator of a Religious Offering Fund, serve on a court-martial or stand watches other than that of duty chaplain.
OPNAVINST 1730.1D
Chaplains shall not be assigned duties that violate noncombatant status or the religious practices of the chaplain’s religious organization, undermine privileged communication, as defined in reference (m), or involve the management of funds other than the ROF.
or,
5) The best option in my opinion: They continue to do their jobs and minister to every individual in their care.
It is my prayer that #5 proves to be the option all individuals with a theological stance against gays utilize. This defines ministry and it is what all Chaplains are called to do.
The second interesting thing about all this is what happens to the force if a large number of Chaplains leave over this issue? The mainline denominations have done a good job keeping people out of military ministry through their explicit or implicit behavior towards the military on either theological, or more recently political views. The mainline denominations have let this important ministry opportunity pass them by and that has significantly changed the demographics of the military and the church. So, when a large number of Chaplains jump ship, there is no one around from other denominations ready to fill the gap because they misunderstand what military ministry is all about.
Just my thoughts. It should be interesting to watch it play out over the next few months.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A Decisive Victory, Finally!
Finally, in our 4th season over two years of outdoor and indoor soccer, my divinity school team achieved an overwhelming victory in soccer (11-3). The scores are much higher in indoor as the momentum can change instantly and a rash of goals can erase any kind of lead. For reference, we only scored 6 goals all season last year. I even scored 2 and haven't scored a goal in over 5 years because I normally play defense. We are still only 1-1 in this season and have had a few times around .500 in other seasons, so I am cautiously optimistic about our chances to finally earn a playoff spot. I find this amazing because we never load the team with ringers and people outside our program like many of our competitors seem to feel the need to do all to win a simple and cheap T-shirt.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
One Reason Why Seminary at Duke is Great
Great Basketball and the ability to have some great seats in which to watch said sport. It is nice to see Duke at #2 right now. Hopefully that will continue this season (At least until Georgia Tech). I know Tech probably is a long shot at a win, but one can dream.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Way to Go Buffy!
Congrats to my old ship, USS Buffalo on winning the Submarine Squadron 15 Battle "E" for 2008. For those not familiar, it is presented to one ship in each squadron every year for overall excellence in doing the job we get paid to do. Unfortunately, I don't get to share in this award as I transferred a year too early. It seems that I leave ships the year before they win the award. For a list of all other winners in the force and the individual category winners a blogger named Blunoz has both lists for everyone to view. Again, good job to my old shipmates and keep up the good work. You have deserved this for a few years now.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Jack of All Trades, Master of None
For all the submarine type readers, I have to disappoint you in this post as the title actually describes my estimation of the PCUSA denomination. There are many similarities between the two behemoth organizations and I will mention a few of them here. I spent the last few days at the Montreat College Conference and got to hear an amazing keynote by Congressman John Lewis. His book just doesn't do justice to hearing his powerful story in person. What an amazing man with a phenomenal story that evokes confidence and hope in humanity.
I don't want to focus on his story, because I could never do it justice, but a common thread I noticed in listening to two leaders of my denomination. One was the moderator and the other the head staffer of the church for Campus ministry. Many people think the denomination will fracture and split over issues that are in the press for all denominations. However, after following the discussion for a few years and applying some good old submarine thinking of root causes. I think the root cause is a lack of denominational identity.
Whenever a proposal or issue rises to the top of the denomination at the General Assembly, it seems the PCUSA decides to take it on and study the issue. They then release a report and say it is on their radar. There are a myriad of issues which follow this pattern. What happens is that precious resources of time, talent and money are thrown at all sorts of issues and all of them important to some group of people. I appreciate acknowledging everyone's worth in the body. However, with so many issues to grapple with everyone suffers.
Take campus ministry for example. I think they said there were 64 universities affiliated with the denomination and another significant number that have campus ministers. However, as the resources have dwindled, the church as significantly reduced their support for nurturing the members who are in college. The conference is a start, but really a band aid and political gesture so show the denomination cares as no real support stems from the conference. Kind of like a steinke hood. There is no real movement or support for college ministry because there are too many things to occupy the denominational offices.
This is similar to one complaint many submariners make about the sub force, myself included. The sub force, around the same time of the Greeneville collision, decided to make everyone experts in every single mission area a submarine could possibly encounter. When I was a Junior Officer out in Pearl, each squadron focused on one or two mission areas and everyone knew what the squadron's main mission was. We learned basic competency in each area, but became experts in a few areas. We felt confident in our ability and overall mission impact and accomplishment. This new focus puts a great strain on the entire force to excel in so many areas that the overall performance seemed to suffer. There is no way to be the best in everything imaginable, humans are designed that way.
Thinking about the church, a denomination can't do it all and shouldn't try. We are told the church is a body with every person having a distinct function. Congregations and denominations are no different. This doesn't mean that my function is more important or vital to the overall body. If I am the hand, I can't be the eyes but I do appreciate what the eyes accomplish. Each denomination seems to be wanting to be the sole expert in every possible function of the universal church and that just seems absurd. This all got me to thinking what would be a good model for a denomination.
Well, maybe the PCUSA needs to spend the time at General Assembly prayerfully discerning what the denomination is called to act upon for the next two years until the next meeting. The church should make a statement of what their vision is and actively work toward that vision. I think they should take a stand and stake a claim to a certain number of issues/movements and put all of their effort into that. This is not to say that individual congregations can't work on their own. They should as each congregation needs to discern their place in the world. But if an outsider can't determine what issues are truly important to the denomination, they will leave it aside. In my experience, churches that succeed, and by extension denominations, are those that you know what they stand for. If you don't agree with their views you respect them and move on, if you agree you stand with them. There is an old saying, if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.
That being said, the other issue is that if a congregation wants to leave let them. Sign over the property recognizing they are our Christian brothers and sisters. Just because people are in different places theologically doesn't mean we can treat them as enemies. Let them go in love and make sure the path back to the denomination is just as loving if the priorities align once again. I just think that all sides on these denominational issues are looking for the complicated answers when the simple answer is usually the correct one. This idea, while still rough keeps the ability to be a theologically diverse organization, but still allows for a graceful exit for those who don't agree. People on the outside look at our behavior and turn away for good. We need to set the example and put aside our pride and take a stand on living a life of love for everyone.
My two cents.
I don't want to focus on his story, because I could never do it justice, but a common thread I noticed in listening to two leaders of my denomination. One was the moderator and the other the head staffer of the church for Campus ministry. Many people think the denomination will fracture and split over issues that are in the press for all denominations. However, after following the discussion for a few years and applying some good old submarine thinking of root causes. I think the root cause is a lack of denominational identity.
Whenever a proposal or issue rises to the top of the denomination at the General Assembly, it seems the PCUSA decides to take it on and study the issue. They then release a report and say it is on their radar. There are a myriad of issues which follow this pattern. What happens is that precious resources of time, talent and money are thrown at all sorts of issues and all of them important to some group of people. I appreciate acknowledging everyone's worth in the body. However, with so many issues to grapple with everyone suffers.
Take campus ministry for example. I think they said there were 64 universities affiliated with the denomination and another significant number that have campus ministers. However, as the resources have dwindled, the church as significantly reduced their support for nurturing the members who are in college. The conference is a start, but really a band aid and political gesture so show the denomination cares as no real support stems from the conference. Kind of like a steinke hood. There is no real movement or support for college ministry because there are too many things to occupy the denominational offices.
This is similar to one complaint many submariners make about the sub force, myself included. The sub force, around the same time of the Greeneville collision, decided to make everyone experts in every single mission area a submarine could possibly encounter. When I was a Junior Officer out in Pearl, each squadron focused on one or two mission areas and everyone knew what the squadron's main mission was. We learned basic competency in each area, but became experts in a few areas. We felt confident in our ability and overall mission impact and accomplishment. This new focus puts a great strain on the entire force to excel in so many areas that the overall performance seemed to suffer. There is no way to be the best in everything imaginable, humans are designed that way.
Thinking about the church, a denomination can't do it all and shouldn't try. We are told the church is a body with every person having a distinct function. Congregations and denominations are no different. This doesn't mean that my function is more important or vital to the overall body. If I am the hand, I can't be the eyes but I do appreciate what the eyes accomplish. Each denomination seems to be wanting to be the sole expert in every possible function of the universal church and that just seems absurd. This all got me to thinking what would be a good model for a denomination.
Well, maybe the PCUSA needs to spend the time at General Assembly prayerfully discerning what the denomination is called to act upon for the next two years until the next meeting. The church should make a statement of what their vision is and actively work toward that vision. I think they should take a stand and stake a claim to a certain number of issues/movements and put all of their effort into that. This is not to say that individual congregations can't work on their own. They should as each congregation needs to discern their place in the world. But if an outsider can't determine what issues are truly important to the denomination, they will leave it aside. In my experience, churches that succeed, and by extension denominations, are those that you know what they stand for. If you don't agree with their views you respect them and move on, if you agree you stand with them. There is an old saying, if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.
That being said, the other issue is that if a congregation wants to leave let them. Sign over the property recognizing they are our Christian brothers and sisters. Just because people are in different places theologically doesn't mean we can treat them as enemies. Let them go in love and make sure the path back to the denomination is just as loving if the priorities align once again. I just think that all sides on these denominational issues are looking for the complicated answers when the simple answer is usually the correct one. This idea, while still rough keeps the ability to be a theologically diverse organization, but still allows for a graceful exit for those who don't agree. People on the outside look at our behavior and turn away for good. We need to set the example and put aside our pride and take a stand on living a life of love for everyone.
My two cents.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
One Benefit of Being a Student Again
Traveling!
I am home for a short 24 hour break in travels. I have been able to accomplish a great deal over the last 18 months, especially the last semester now that I don't have a church I work in right now. I was down in Atlanta yesterday for the Peach Bowl where my Yellow Jackets were soundly thumped by LSU. Special teams and a lack of defense contributed to the embarrassment. However, I can deal with the loss. I had a great time visiting friends and just being at the bowl game. We did not get to a single bowl game in my time at Tech, even going 1-10 one season, so I am glad to attend any game. What I like about this photo is the Chick-Fil-A cows that were parachuting from the ceiling before the game started.
In the second half, the engineering side of the home crowd took over as the game was quite boring by that time. So, the Tech students began to make paper airplanes out of the sheets of paper placed in every seat at the Dome. There was one that went from the upper level in the end zone out to the 30 yard line. It took a little while, then the LSU fans got into the act, with less spectacular results. Then the PA announcer decided to threaten the crowd with prosecution for throwing paper airplanes. Though, after a paper airplane almost hit a thrown ball in play I can understand why they were a little upset. However the impromptu contest of engineering prowess was the most exciting part of the game after the first quarter. LSU put up 28 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Here is a photo of some of the aftermath of the paper airplanes. There were probably 500 along each sideline at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Now it is a night of watching football and off to Montreat for the College Conference tomorrow.
I am home for a short 24 hour break in travels. I have been able to accomplish a great deal over the last 18 months, especially the last semester now that I don't have a church I work in right now. I was down in Atlanta yesterday for the Peach Bowl where my Yellow Jackets were soundly thumped by LSU. Special teams and a lack of defense contributed to the embarrassment. However, I can deal with the loss. I had a great time visiting friends and just being at the bowl game. We did not get to a single bowl game in my time at Tech, even going 1-10 one season, so I am glad to attend any game. What I like about this photo is the Chick-Fil-A cows that were parachuting from the ceiling before the game started.
In the second half, the engineering side of the home crowd took over as the game was quite boring by that time. So, the Tech students began to make paper airplanes out of the sheets of paper placed in every seat at the Dome. There was one that went from the upper level in the end zone out to the 30 yard line. It took a little while, then the LSU fans got into the act, with less spectacular results. Then the PA announcer decided to threaten the crowd with prosecution for throwing paper airplanes. Though, after a paper airplane almost hit a thrown ball in play I can understand why they were a little upset. However the impromptu contest of engineering prowess was the most exciting part of the game after the first quarter. LSU put up 28 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Here is a photo of some of the aftermath of the paper airplanes. There were probably 500 along each sideline at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Now it is a night of watching football and off to Montreat for the College Conference tomorrow.
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