holistic
SYLLABICATION: ho·lis·tic
PRONUNCIATION: h-lstk
ADJECTIVE: 1. Of or relating to holism. 2a. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. b. Concerned with wholes rather than analysis or separation into parts: holistic medicine; holistic ecology
Mark 12:30 NASB
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
Last night we had our first creative worship arts team meeting (boy, do we need a name) at TFB. During the course of our rather randomized discussion--a good thing, by the way--the term holistic came up. This word has been tainted by certain belief systems in our culture, but I say we take it back (or appropriate it, which ever the case may be). It's a good word. Are not humans integrated wholes? We are not merely immaterial substance. The body is not a mere add-on; the body is part of who we are. We do not merely see and hear; we also feel, taste, and smell. Our soul is not merely a mind; we are emotive as well as intelligent. So, if we are to worship with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength, should not worship reflect our integrated wholeness?
One thing that I find fascinating is the assumption of some that the purpose of holistic worship is to "reach the young people." Bah! the purpose of holistic worship is to reach GOD with all of who we are. Worship is our whole selves--our whole lives--focused on following, valuing, and being totally in love with something. True worship--worship that conforms to the truth about the world and humanity--directs that following, valuing, and loving toward the Almighty Creator of the Universe: Yahweh. So, if God made us as integrated wholes, should we not worship as integrated wholes? Yes.
The next issue--and it's a big, deep, process-type issue--is what that looks like in a 90-year-old baptist church in Torrance. Not sure yet. But I think a place to start is that since we're the ones worshiping, our worship should look like us--the God-focused us, not that other us that is all about us (we do that all too well).
Friday, February 06, 2004
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Last night I was reading Psalm 12 and when I got to verse eight I couldn't help but flash back to the flesh flash during the Superbowl--I didn't actually see it (not a football fan), but who can help hearing?
"The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men. "
Gives me pause to wonder about our--my--participation in our society and its direction. I remember something apparently said by Edmund Burke, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’
I'm not sure of the next steps, but rather than complaining about the direction of American society, I think it's high time we spread around some salt and light.
"The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men. "
Gives me pause to wonder about our--my--participation in our society and its direction. I remember something apparently said by Edmund Burke, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’
I'm not sure of the next steps, but rather than complaining about the direction of American society, I think it's high time we spread around some salt and light.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
REFLECTIONS OF IMAGO DEI
I've been using this picture as my desktop decor at work and pondering what I meant by "there is beauty in the details of everyday human creations that reflect the imago dei--the image of God--in humanity."
This is a picture of a faucet knob--a regular tool--but look at the shape of the curves; that beauty is not necessary to its function. The image of God is reflected through the human creation of faucet knob design. On the other hand, it's totally covered with rust and the paint is chipping--the image is messed up, just like the imago dei in humans. So, it's sort of a metaphor, but it's also evidence. I mean, why should a faucet knob be beautiful?
Enough pondering for now.
I've been using this picture as my desktop decor at work and pondering what I meant by "there is beauty in the details of everyday human creations that reflect the imago dei--the image of God--in humanity."
This is a picture of a faucet knob--a regular tool--but look at the shape of the curves; that beauty is not necessary to its function. The image of God is reflected through the human creation of faucet knob design. On the other hand, it's totally covered with rust and the paint is chipping--the image is messed up, just like the imago dei in humans. So, it's sort of a metaphor, but it's also evidence. I mean, why should a faucet knob be beautiful?
Enough pondering for now.
NEW LOW
Great quote from Spike Lee about the "new low." So why isn't good singing enough? Why do people support "singers" who feel the need to add offensive crud to their performance? What exactly are they selling, 'cause I don't think its music? (I know, DUH... just had to say it.)
"'What's gonna be next? It's getting crazy, and it's all down to money. Money and fame,' said Lee, the director of 'Malcolm X' and 'Do the Right Thing.' 'Somehow the whole value system has been upended.' "
Read the whole article here.
Great quote from Spike Lee about the "new low." So why isn't good singing enough? Why do people support "singers" who feel the need to add offensive crud to their performance? What exactly are they selling, 'cause I don't think its music? (I know, DUH... just had to say it.)
"'What's gonna be next? It's getting crazy, and it's all down to money. Money and fame,' said Lee, the director of 'Malcolm X' and 'Do the Right Thing.' 'Somehow the whole value system has been upended.' "
Read the whole article here.
Monday, February 02, 2004
Over at Laura`s Mind: The Fotolog, I've been exploring the idea the there is beauty in the details of everyday human creations that reflect the imago dei--the image of God--in humanity.
Let me know your thoughts.
Let me know your thoughts.
BUS STOP VIOLENCE
"Arrests made after apparent gang attack, murder near Inglewood
(Los Angeles-AP) -- Police say six gang members are behind the random beating and shooting of a man at a bus stop near Inglewood Saturday night. "
Read the article here.
This reminds me why I'm basically paranoid and usually look really mean when I'm coming to and from the bus stop. Stuff might still happen, but vigilance is a good thing--so is screaming and running!
"Arrests made after apparent gang attack, murder near Inglewood
(Los Angeles-AP) -- Police say six gang members are behind the random beating and shooting of a man at a bus stop near Inglewood Saturday night. "
Read the article here.
This reminds me why I'm basically paranoid and usually look really mean when I'm coming to and from the bus stop. Stuff might still happen, but vigilance is a good thing--so is screaming and running!
COFFEE WOES
Okay, it's the first day of the Spring semester, so I go out to the Coffee Cart for my big double latte made with Seattle's Best coffee, and what do I find? An inoperative coffee cart due to a broken water pump. Now, I understand stuff happens, but this is just cruel. Ya think they would have fired the puppy up before today. I mean, we're talkin' coffee here!!
Is it okay to pray for the healing of a water pump?
Okay, it's the first day of the Spring semester, so I go out to the Coffee Cart for my big double latte made with Seattle's Best coffee, and what do I find? An inoperative coffee cart due to a broken water pump. Now, I understand stuff happens, but this is just cruel. Ya think they would have fired the puppy up before today. I mean, we're talkin' coffee here!!
Is it okay to pray for the healing of a water pump?
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