LTSP Conversations 1/4

Senior Seminarian, Mercedes Lee, gathered a collection of students and staff to discuss Bishop Eaton's online course "What Would Luther Do Today?" Mercedes decided to use the beautiful gift we call technology to broadcast a healthy discussion everyday around a particular lesson. After I had just completed my critique of the course, I was thankful to be invited to share in the discussion. Personally, it was nice to be included in seminary activities since I am abroad. The direct conversation was much more helpful than the online forum. I encourage more seminaries and pastors to take the initiative in broadcasting live reflections of the course. 

We used Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Zoom and later uploaded the recording to Youtube to continue to share with others.

#ReclaimMissionary

What Would Luther Do Today? QTNA

Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Elizabeth Eaton, launched a free online course today, “What Would Luther Do Today?” in honor of the 500 year anniversary of our faith tradition. In my present context we are constantly talking about the significance of the reformation today and brainstorming how we can articulate that best to our local Lutheran Schools as well as our congregations. Unfortunately I did not pack my Book of Concord so a course taught by an ordained National Bishop seems like a solid substitute. The course itself was not made to be sophisticated and academic but rather a tangible way to educate a technological generation seeking to deepen their general understanding of the late reformer. Overall, the course did exactly that. However as someone preparing to return to what seems to be the prologue of a dystopian novel, I was also expecting more.

First off I want to reinforce how significant it is for a National Bishop of around 10,000 congregations has made the time to offer free theological education to all who seek it. This is special. As we reflect on the late Martin Luther, we recall the tale of him posting the 95 theses on the church doors as a public declaration. He created a space for public criticism and a call for change in the structuring of the Catholic Church. Nearly 500 years later Bishop Eaton presents a public forum posted on the internet opening our faith tradition up for criticism and redemption. This is what we believe, this is why we believe it, and this is where we can go from here. Bishop Eaton also made history in the ELCA when she became the first elected Bishop to not be a white male. For women like myself who are in the ministry, her existence presents us with hope that more of us can rise to administrative roles regardless of our gender. While there are also some instrumental Synodical Bishops who are also women (nine out of sixty five), we can also look at our workforce and see that there are less CEOs that are women than regional managers. Keep in mind the ordination of women in the ELCA is still relatively recent. November of 2015 was the 45 year anniversary of the ordination of women. Looking back at a 500 year history, it took 453 years for us to acknowledge women as competent enough to be pastors. I begin with this all to say I deeply appreciate the effort made in creating this course before I passionately critique it.

The course consisted of four core lessons; the origins of Lutheranism, poverty and ecumenism, caring for creation, and the legacy. Each lesson contained a prep, a short video followed by a multiple choice review of the video, and finally three discussion questions meant to create community dialogue amongst classmates. If only all online classes were this simple. Again, for the average parishioner this is an excellent format and allows you to be challenged in various ways while also still being gentle with our own beliefs. Regardless of your academic background this is good because theological language is not commonly thrown around and in all honesty much of this stuff is essentially subject.

What strikes me is the choice of topics. Living in a world that is normalizing sexual assault and the murder of unarmed black civilians, I am curious as to why Luther is not being invoked to also address more specific sins of our church today.

Clearly beginning by explaining the origin of Lutheranism makes sense as it is a starting point of dialogue. We are to keep mindful of the time period, the social climate, Luther’s heritage and status, as well as the importance of technology (the printing press). This subject clearly transcends into the conversation of social media and technological platforms to proclaim the word of God. I think at this point anyone in seminary has had this conversation. However the lessons begin to focus more on present day social issues and Luther’s take on the matter. It was then when my eyes began to roll to the back of my head and remembered that our church is as political as they are passive aggressive. While there is obviously truth and validity to all that is being shared, I can't help but wonder why that?

Bishop Eaton clearly articulated Luther’s stance on government assistance for the poor and calling upon all people to enhance the quality of life of our neighbors which fit right in with today’s issue with the Affordable Care Act repeal and the recurring debates around SNAP, Section 8, and other social welfare programs. She continues to speak on our ecumenical commitments to six other denominations and our interfaith relationships domestically and internationally. Again, fits perfectly with our modern conflict of Islamophobia in the United States. Bishop Eaton refers to Luther’s theology that we are all dependent on the grace of God and that is not exclusive to Christians.

 While Luther did not necessarily have statements around climate change, the Bishop weaves in the Luther’s understanding of Jesus being both divine and human to explain how the material world is as worthy of care as the spiritual world. In fact, in this same lesson she discusses historical opinions of women being perceived as material and men as spiritual which has harmed the way humanity has valued women. She refers back to Genesis and suggests that is not necessarily dominion that we have over all of God’s creation but responsibility. In U.S. Politics today there are still politicians denying climate change and trying to persuade the nation that we are not obligated to take responsibility over our waste and abuse of natural resources. I highlight this to clearly draw the connection as to how timely are these topics in regards to the shift in power in the United States. While all of these were spot on, I will be the one to ask what else?

What would Luther Do Today about mass incarceration and the war on black and brown bodies? I want to hear my subversive bishop publicly relate Luther’s rejection of indulgences and how the Catholic Church profited off of the sins of the disenfranchised to how big businesses and private prisons continue to profit off of the sins of the disenfranchised. I want to hear Luther’s teaching of us being both sinners and saints and how that regardless of our appearance we do not deserve to get gunned down on the street with an ice tea and a bag of skittles in our hands.one of the prompts for our community discussions was that if all sins are the same is Hitler equal to Mother Theresa in the eyes of God? But I wonder what it would have been like to ask if Darren Wilson and Michael Brown are equal?  What would Luther Do Today about oligarchies and businesses buying politicians? We have declared Luther in favor for caring for God’s earth but how would he react to Nestle declaring people should not be entitled to water as California suffers a drought. I am waiting for my brilliant bishop with the same logic to declare that Luther too would be at Standing Rock protecting precious water and indigenous land from Hazardous pipelines. Why did this class neglect to address the real time statements Martin Luther made around capitalism and how the oppression of the lower class is an injustice. During his era there was a major business and banking firm under Jakob Fugger who financed what we know as the Vatican today. Fugger was well known across most of europe at this point and his business methods were well known for ostracizing the poor. Surely Martin Luther today would have a field day with our economy as the future president of the free world continues to make international business deals that benefit his multimillion dollar company. What would Luther Do Today about the attack of women’s bodies both physical and political? My eyes and ears crave the dictation of Luther’s theology out of the mouth of the first Bishop that possesses a vagina. Tell me Bishop, would Luther recite the last words of Jesus when he looked at the weeping women and told them not to cry for him but rather for themselves and their children? Would Luther condemn the violation of the body and reflect on the violation of Christ’s body as he awaited his execution? Would Luther refer to the suffering we experience in the world that is to be met with peace in eternal life? Or maybe he would examine the woman's body as a place of creation meant to be nurtured and cared for by humanity. Maybe he would relate the body of where humans are born to the sacrificial body that makes us new. Would he condemn those that infiltrate this holy garden of Gethsemane as if they were the Romans capturing Jesus? As we await the inauguration of “Grab her by the pussy,” I want to learn about my favorite reformer’s position in hopes that I and others affected by this ideology can find redemption in this chaos. What would Luther Do Today about our silence in the genocide in Syria? I feel like he would refer to works righteousness and our faith in God as a celebration should empower us to do Her word rather than be stagnant in honoring the Kingdom of Heaven. I believe Luther would demand that we mobilize and care for our neighbor as it is part of our teaching and tradition to love our neighbor as ourselves. He would wonder why those who believe in a life ever after would be afraid to do what is right as he says, “even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” But please I ask you, What else?

I was disappointed in the content because it was safe with an edgy appeal. It was just enough to maintain our progressive appearance while also staying in our lane. I find it amazing how we continue to write social statements and speak on our beliefs yet when given the space to act we are quite hesitant. How can we not actively address serious issues in our country today when we now have a list of mass shooters and domestic terrorists associated with our tradition? In 2017 more Americans will know the name of Dylan Roof than Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Is that the legacy we shall leave as a church tradition?

What I (and arguably many more) needed “What Would Luther Do Today” to be did not necessarily happen. Granted, that may not have been the purpose of the class but then I cannot help but ask, is this class then purposeful for today? Or maybe that was exactly what I needed, a reminder that even after a year like 2016 and a history as radical as publicly dragging your own faith, we will still play it safe and wait for someone else to do the dirty work.

Before the final lesson there was a brief space created encouraging classmates to ask questions directly to Bishop Eaton at future@elca.org. What I would like to ask is, “Does my life matter to my reformer?” And no, not just my black life, my female life, or my queer life. Does my quality of life based on my education, access to stable housing, my safety as a refugee, or my safety from guns inside of my local schools matter? Not that I do not already know the answer but I want a public theological statement made from the elected Bishop of the ELCA to tell the rest of our members that. If not for our own peace then at least for the trans youth that have been committing suicide in Lutheran heavy states. I wanted greater conviction with our education that would empower us to do right by our neighbors. Then again, maybe this was just the first step. I could be jumping the gun with these wild hopes that our church would be as subversive as we are broken. But I digress.

Let this not be a essay of deterrence but a essay of curiosity. I challenge anyone who reads this to take the class and challenge me equally. All are invited to use this information to go further and ponder, well what Luther Do Today and how do I deliver this message to other members? Overall, this was an informative class. The forums were quite interesting to read and the engagement of participants give a good insight to the makeup of our denomination. I look forward to sharing much of this with my present context and use these points for preaching and teaching in my congregation. Regardless of my critique, this was rich with knowledge and full of quotes for reflection. Bishop Eaton did a wonderful job of articulating her points and incorporating contemporary examples to bring Luther into the 21st century. We are lucky to have such an interactive and committed leader. We cannot simply accept what we are given and we must continue to ask questions.


For anyone interested in taking the class you can click here to register.


#ReclaimMissionary

Vicar Goes To Camp

To start my year off right I went to camp with the youth and friends of San Lucas. While I knew that this was happening, my mind could not neccessarily grasp the idea since Advent was so hectic. A group of us clergy-like folk got together for weekly Skype meetings planning a curriculum, games, and other details. As I sat in on calls, I could not help but think, "Do they realize you really don't speak Castellano and none of this makes sense to you?"

Regardless, my ideas were best articulated on paper as we shared Google Docs and I explained ideas, presented examples, and waited for criticism. I was both surprised and thankful at how much of my ideas were implemented into the structure. About a few days before camp I was informed that I was in charge of a Slavery themed bible study to kick off the week. Crap. 

I was a little nervous and quite insecure as I was not sure of the guidelines to creating this study. What was appropriate? What would get me in trouble? After sitting down for about two hours with Genesis 37 and my ipad, I came up with a relatively simple yet indepth study of the value of human life. I slid the ipad over to my supervisor for a quick thumbs up or thumbs down. She approved. Then again, she is very relaxed so I remain a little anxious if I was going to sink or swim next week. Let's just say if this was the Olympics, I was Symone Manuel.

Ok, maybe it wasn't that good but I atleast qualified to go to Rio.

Suprisingly enough, bible study was the least of my worries when I arrived at camp. As it turned out, there were plenty of other adjustments I had to make which I did not even think of before. One of the main adjustments was the structure. I think I say that in five different ways in the video above. At the end of the day, rather than speaking on certain subjects, I just wrote some notes to better analyze my struggle.

"When MBA meets MDiv.

I am walking on an Argentine tight rope of accompaniment trying to balance humility and knowledge. With each step I take, my body sways back and forth trying to  center my equilibrium. My front foot vibrates as if it is doubting my decision making. "Should you have really moved me forward? Was I your best your move?" The vibrations beneath my soles travel upward into my chest. Some call it anxiety. Do I speak or do I observe?

When do I feel most American?

A. When I become anxious watching others not optimize their resources in order to receive the maximum return on investment.
B. When I am significantly bothered by the lack of structure or productivity occurring during an organized event.
C. When I become cognitive of how detailed oriented and time sensitive are my operational skills.
D. When I struggle with dictating to others how to do something that others are clearly capable of doing solely because it is different from how I do it.
E. All of the above."


There was this point that I realized much of my programming was related to efficiency and maximizing the available resources. How do we translate our year round youth ministry into camp attendance? The thing is, I was not in Argentina to be a Business Analyst for IELU. I came here to learn how to be a Pastor in a missional setting. However I talk about most of this in the very entertaining video above. I lived. I learned.


#ReclaimMissionary

Resource: Slavery Bible Study (Esp)

Motivación

Hay un pozo de unos siete metros en la tierra. Tu teléfono cae de tus manos y está rodando hacia ese pozo. También, vos ves una mujer que cae y está rodando hacia el pozo. Podes solamente salvar a uno. Cuál salvas?

Un mago te ofrece proveer un deseo. Sin embargo, tenés que decidir entre dos opciones. Podes tener el más nuevo tipo de tecnología o podes salvar un niño del hambre. Cuál es tu deseo?

Estás en el desierto y tenés hambre. Extranjeros llegan y te ofrecen intercambiar algo de su comida  por tu hermano. Vos aceptas el ofrecimiento o lo rechazas?

Book

Cual es la definición de esclavitud?

La condición en la cual una persona se adueña de otra persona como propietaria y esta está bajo el control del dueño , especialmente en involuntaria servidumbre.

Importante palabras: persona, propiedad, dueño (ownership?), involuntario.

--->Para que la esclavitud pueda tener éxito, es necesario tener una mentalidad que justifique la posesión de una otra persona. Superioridad y con derecho

Genesis 37 (notas para la reflexión)

(1-4) superioridad de los mayores porque ellos son mayor. Envidiosos (jealousy) que su derecho no fue reconocido por su padre.

(5-8/11) intimidados de su estatus. Ellos no vieron a su hermano como igual. Entonces la idea de su misión atacquieron sus orgullosos y masculinidad.

(Justificación Arriba)

(12-16) detalles de viaje

(17-21) Preguntas

Como pensas que los hermanos están oyendo/ percibiendo a José si ellos creen que deben matarlo?

Ellos lo ven cómo su igual?

Ellos lo ven como humano?

(22*) Que pudo Ruben hacer diferente? Con su actitud está protegiendo a su hermano o él está facilitando/ sustentando/ suponiendo odio?

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

“ Si vos te mantenes neutral en situaciones de injusticia, vos has elegido el lado del opresor”

(23-27) Que es peor, muerte o esclavitud, y para quién? Hay consenso en este pasaje?

-Dibujando el Árbol de Familia de Abraham

Quitar las ropas a José es símbolo de quitarle su humanidad, su familia, su valor.

Imaginate mirando tu plato y tu comida es muy pobre y entonces pensás, “oh si, yo intercambiaré a mi hermano por algunas especies, hebras, y sabores. Buena idea!” (En realidad este es exactamente un ejemplo del tráfico  transatlántico de esclavos.)

(28*) 20 Veinte Shekels de plata. Éxodo dice que un esclavo=30 shekels. Shekel=peso no moneda. (10.5 grams=1 shekel)

30=$315USD= $4725 ARP

20= $228USD= $3420 ARP *1/1/11

(29-33) manipulación de la historia, ellos mienten a su padre y claro que si. No van compartir la plata con los padres. Intentan ganarse la simpatía de su padre. Ellos trajeron las ropas de José para completar la mentira. José está borrado, desaparecido. Él no es una persona ahora es una  propiedad. Ellos tuvieron control de la narración.

(34-36) Realidad de los que sufren/ sufrieron esclavitud y los que se benefician/ beneficiaron. Ricos y Pobres. Imaginar ser el padre que perdió  a su hijo. Pero para el rico, el hijo es solo otra propiedad. (En nuestra realidad, ⅔  de las víctimas de tráfico humano son mujeres y jóvenes)(niños).

Look

Un juego de Jeopardy con cuatro categorías.

Esclavitud en Argentina| Trafico Humano| José y sus hermanos| Matemática en la Biblia|

100

EA- Los primeros esclavos llegaron desde este país.

TH- Este país tiene el mayor tráfico de humanos en el mundo. (Opciones)

EEUU

Brazil

India

Thailand

JYH- Si José hubiera vivido en Argentina, él no tendría obligación de votar Cuántos años tiene José?

MB- si 10.5 grams= 1 shekel, y 10.5 grams= 2 Quarters, cuantos Quarters son 20 shekels?

200

EA- Esta ciudad argentina tiene una historia de distribución y transporte de esclavos a diferentes paises vecinos.

TH- Nuestra economia Global de ganancia sobre trabajo forzado son 150 billiones de dólares. La porción más grande de esta economía es de está industria. Cuanto gana y el nombre de la industria.

JYH- La familia de Jose son de esta ciudad.

MB- Si los hermanos de José vendieron a su hermano por 20 shekels pero un esclavo en Egipto cuesta 30 shekels, a cuanto los Ishmaelites podrían vender de José?

300

EA- En 1813, durante la guerra de Independencia, Argentina escribió este Acta para empezar la liberación de los esclavos.

TH- El mundo tiene más de 7 billiones de gente. De 7 billiones, este mucho vive en pobreza.

JYH- En realidad, los Ishmaelites tiene que tipo relación a la familia de José?

MB-Cuanto es 210 gramos en Pesos argentinos? (1653.75 gram=1 peso)

400

EA- A pesar de que  Argentina proclamó la igualdad de derechos humanos en su primera constitución en 1853, la esclavitud no fue erradicada hasta que año?

TH- este país catolico tiene 100,000 personas explotadas cada día. (Dos respuestas)

JYH- Los hermanos de José no eran Veganos. Esta más que claro, ellos usaron este anímal para su mentira a su padre.

MB- El Padre de Jose tiene mucho concubinas, como se llaman los otros dos hermanos?

500

EA- Después de la erradicación de la esclavitud en Argentina, en las escuelas no se han estudiado a los pueblos negros en el país hasta 1970. La población negra en Buenos Aires decreció de un 30% negro a un mínimo porcentaje hoy en dia. Como se denomina en las escuelas, hoy, a este fenómeno?

TH- Cuan viejo es el traffico de humanos?

JYH- A que edad José muere y en que país?

MB- Cual es nombre de lugar donde José se encuentró el extranjero?

#ReclaimMissionary