We Are Jonah

Commuters - Redeem the Time

Thursday, August 30, 2007

I - as you may also - catch the train home from work every night.


It is my first breath of fresh air and freedom after work, and it normally precedes the "dinner-bath-bed" rush that begins when I get home. You see, by the time I get home the kids are normally way into "Arsenic Hour", or the "5 o'clock Fit", as we've dubbed it, and Marianne is on a razor thin edge between "loving mother of 3" and "missing person". The moment that I set foot in the house at 5:45, it is complete madness until about 7:15.

I often occupy myself during my voyage ("into the mouth of madness", as it were) by reading, flicking through a copy of MX if one has been left nearby, or listening in on other train-dweller's conversations. If my day was really tough, I may even just stare blankly into space for 20 minutes.

But Justin Taylor from Between Two Worlds has done many times, I've been challenged to do something more with my time than waste it. This time is not just a last little moment of relaxation before stepping into a warzone, but a transition time where I make sure that my head and my heart are in the right place to be the servant-leader that I should be to my family.

Home is not just the place where I put my feet up and relax after work. First and foremost, it is the place where I engage in some of my most sacred duties, to shepherd - that is look after, teach, guide, protect and care for - my wife and children. My roles as a father and a husband are, after my role as a son of God, the most important ones I have, and I can tell you that after a long day, I need to get my head in the right zone to appreciate that fact.

So, whether you're a husband / dad or not, check out http://theologica.blogspot.com/2007/08/transitioning-your-soul-during-your.html and think about it. We *all* need to - continually - be transitioning our minds from self-centredness to God and other-centredness.

Grace and peace

-- Nate

Author: Nate » Comments:

A Snapshot...

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Yeah, I've been a little slow lately, but that's because I signed myself up to list all the people that have influenced me, and then I thought how biiiiiiiiig a list that would be... So yes, I wimped out, but it will come soon. I promise...

Instead, though, I thought I would offer a snapshot of where I'm at right now:

Wednesday 22nd August, 2007

I am feeling:

Meh. Still not quite well, but it seems that Marianne is getting over her cold, which makes me happy.

I am wearing:

My new funky jacket from JAG!. It's trenchcoat colour (yes, that may be the technical term), and Richard pointed out that from the waist up I look like Columbo or something, but I like it! It is seriously so cool to have a sister-in-law that works at a clothing store - I get to have nice looking clothes without spending the money that the horrible money-grubbing corporations ask for them - yay!

I am thinking:

About gender, creation, headship, submission and Corinthians 11. We're coming up to the good ol' controversial "Headship passage" in a few weeks, and I want to be thoroughly read, thought and prayed up.

As to where I land on the whole issue, I'm beginning to see more and more that in God's Kingdom, as in all of God's world, there are indeed relationships of authority and submission (as much as some may want to refute that, you really can't get out of it...), but the way that they play out is very different from the wisdom of the world.

So, we can't just throw this portion of inspired, divine Scripture out because we're uncomfortable with it. It doesn't work that way. What we must do, instead, is look at the "why's" of Paul's instuctions regarding head coverings and such. We must see what timeless truths these culturally-sensitive practices were symbolising and proclaiming, and then creatively and sensitively set about demonstrating the same truths to the world that we live in. Easy, right :) And FTR, thoughts are definitely welcome!

I am struggling:

To work out -- still! -- what we should do with regards to Church. Where to call home. Who to commit to building community with and working alongside. Honestly, it is driving Marianne and I slowly insane! We are craving community and belonging, but strangely reluctant to commit to anyone or anything. We are cynical and skeptical and lonely and more than a little scared >:(

Here's my current thoughts:

Williamstown Church of Christ, which we have been going to quite often, have asked me to join their "Experimental Design Team", which is all about taking stock of where the Church is and finding creative ways of moving into a more missional stance. It is admittedly a "long-term" solution, and I definitely do understand - major large-scale cultural change is a long process...

There are obviously people there who are passionate, aware of their problems and willing to change to see the community impacted with the Gospel, which is awesome! But on the downside - not counting us there are *TWO* people under 40 there! They realise that what they need is a surge of young, passionate, active, Jesus-lovin' young people, but I don't know whether it is even *possible* for a bunch of 40, 50 and 60-somethings to reach out, embrace and get along with young professionals and families... But then again, impossible is God's middle name (well not literally, but you know what I mean...)

On the other hand, John Jensen has told me about all the awesome things happening in Footscray and Ascot Vale, which is not just one Church doing alright, but his bunch, and Footscray Salvo's, and Footscray CoC, and people from Urban Seed in the city, all working together to take the Gospel to the kinds of places that need it most... They seem to have the right idea about spreading out and networking, and basically they seem to be actually *doing* what I've only found myself talking about.

I don't agree with all of the "emerging-ness" that I've seen, and I can see the potential in these sorts of situations to easily (and sometimes gladly) slip away from the historic, orthodox Christian faith for something a little more hip, accepting and modern. But honestly, sometimes, compared to some of what I've seen and heard, the EC can look like the freakin' doctrine police! And they don't always get it right, but at least they think about it...

I think that given a little time, I could fall absolutely in love with the passionate chasing of community, social justice and living differently to the cookie-cutter mold that the world bombards us with. I mean, younger people that actually love Jesus and are reaching for a better world? You don't see that everyday (unfortunately...) I think that, even if we go with Willy, I will be keeping in touch with John and his peeps. The opportunity to talk, learn, debate and argue with a real guy that loves and follows Jesus, and walks in his footsteps no matter how radical it may look, is far too much to let it slip by. And the creative ideas and opportunities for service that hooking up with these guys presents is amazing, especially in the oft-creatively burned out state that I find myself in quite a lot right now...

I'm Reading:

Not a lot of books, actually, though I'm really wanting to get my hands on "Colossians: Remixed". As I said before, we're going through 1 Corinthians right now, so I've been reading over that for the millionth time (which is excellent, difficult, challenging and really enlightening), and I'm reading Ezekiel and a little Hebrews in my own time... I just finished reading "Fallen", which is a novelisation of the Fall, told backwards from Cain's death to Eve's apple-biting. It's really good, kind of weird, excellently written and a little angry at God... =/

Finally, I am listening:

To a lot of free stuff on MySpace. I am, unexpectedly, really getting into The Killers and The Strokes, as well as the current crazes of Muse, Copeland and Dashboard Confessional, though they've recently replaced all their songs and I'm really missing "Stolen".

Just yesterday I even found myself listening to Panic! At the Disco and 30 Seconds to Mars (two bandnames that I really love, actually), and on the rare moments that I'm away from the computer, I'm listening to Switchfoot's "Oh, Gravity" and "The Beautiful Letdown" albums on repeat.

Labels: church, life, snapshot

Author: Nate » Comments:

Something Else Completely Different...

Monday, August 13, 2007

Hey, check this out -- 101 Frightening Ice Cream Flavors from Around the World! All I can say is:

Author: Nate » Comments:

On Prophecy...

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, 'Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

'Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken.'"

- Isaiah 4:3-5 *

OK, maybe you thought I was going to start some long-winded controversial rant on what prophecy is and what it's not, but I won't. Yet (hee!)

Instead, I will point out some elements that are *always* there in true prophecy, from Ezekiel's "woes" to Mary's Magnificat --

God's Words build up and tearing down. They pronounce "woe" and speak comfort. They exalt the valleys - the humble, people downtrodden and oppressed, people suffering under God's judgement - and bring low every mountain - that is, the proud and arrogant, the fools who say there is no God, and the hypocrites who profess God with their mouth but deny him by their actions.

God's Word brings forth equality, births righteousness ("making the crooked straight") and softens hearts to God ("making the rough plain"). It "prepares the way". And it does all this for the glory of God - so that "all flesh may see it together" and that all may praise God's glorious grace.

So, here are some telltale signs of true prophecy -

• It doesn't tickle the ears. It doesn't speak of "power" and "great authority". Often, it's what you really don't want to hear.
• It doesn't just condemn, and it doesn't just give warm fuzzies. It convicts, it brings low those that need it, and it encourages and lifts up those who need it.
• It brings forth fruit of righteousness. It inspires and compels people to turn away from sin and to renew their passion for God and his purposes in the world.
• It has it's eyes firmly planted on what's most important. It realises that all this - all that we do, all that we are - is for the glory of God. Everything is "so that ye may know that I am the Lord".

--

* - I chose KJV this time. I think that the "thee"s and "thou"s were particularly appropriate when talking about prophecy. Heh.

Labels: charismatic, prophecy, Scripture, social, theology

Author: Nate » Comments:

Now for something completely different...

Check this out - this is a really awesome old hymn by a guy named William Cowper:

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs
and works his sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds you so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
in blessings on your head.

His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
and scan his work in vain:
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.

The most far out thing, though, is that this wasn't written by some ivory tower intellectual professional hymn writer - Cowper (pronounced like "Cooper", FTR) was a British poet and writer, and was all about putting real-life experience into writing, rather than delving into lofty, intellectual realms that are disconnected from real, lived experience.

And beyond that, this glorious song that praises God's sovereign might even through suffering was written by a man who suffered his entire life through severe depression, particularly so after the death of his wife.

He never bounced back from that, you see. He never saw the light at the end of the tunnel while he was still on this earth. But he still held on, still believed in the mighty God that holds every circumstance - good and ill - in his hands. God does move in mysterious ways, which is often uncomfortable, difficult and painful for us to come to terms with.

Sometimes, for reasons we may never know on this side of eternity, his ways involve us suffering extreme pain and loss. But we will be alright if we can learn to say, with our brother William Cowper, "His purposes will ripen fast,unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower".

Author: Nate » Comments:

An Addendum...

Hey, hey, I just realised that I forgot two awesome bunches of books...

The Quickening Trilogy, by Fiona McIntosh

Not as in "Highlander", but a really good low-but-with-some-elements-of-high fantasy trilogy by a good ol' Aussie artist.

Here's the gist - a realistic world (as in, no elves!) dominated by two Kingdoms - Morgravia and Briavel - who are hoping to find peace amidst a bitter, ancient feud. Enter Wyl Thirsk, the young general of the Morgravian Legion and the hated enemy of his new King - and one-time childhood companion - the arrogant and charming Celimis. Jealous that Wyl was like a son - a favoured son - to his late father, Celimis sends Wyl on a suicide mission into Briavel that will likely plunge the entire land back into a terrible war. But a most unexpected plot twist, offered by a dying witch that Wyl comforted in her final moments, changes everything...

Seriously, these books are a little bit "mature", but they are the most accessible fantasy books I have ever read! I didn't like the fantasy genre at all until I read this, and I quickly bought the rest of the trilogy as soon as I could find them. Seriously, I will lend these to you!

The Screwtape Letters, and Basically Everything Else by C. S. Lewis

I realise that I've already mentioned him, but Narnia is just the tip of the iceberg for this dude. The Screwtape Letters is one of the most intelligent books I have ever read, and I could seriously put this in all three categories of books - for the mind, the creativity (heart?) and for the spirit.

And his non-fiction is amazing! The Weight of Glory, so they say, "addresses some of the most difficult issues we face in our day-to-day lives." That, though, won't do it any justice, so I will just quote it to you, and point you to where you can read it for free --

"If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but
too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Author: Nate » Comments:

Bibliography Pt. 2 - Books that Rocked my World!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Books That Grew Me Spiritually

1. The Bible

Duh! I'm not quite sure where the point was that I stopped reading the Bible because "it's the thing to do", or to pull out a quote to back me up in a debate, or to find all of the really weird names in there (my fave is still "Mephibosheth") .

But at some point, somewhat recently, I stopped reading it as a passive observer, and started reading it like a student. Like a devoted, hungry student that *needed* to understand, that *needed* to be challenged and inspired and encouraged. Or better yet, like a real child of God that needed every last breadcrumb, every last word that came from the mouth of the Father, to survive.

I've found that I need God's truth. Where else are we going to find a sure anchor in this world? When "news" and "current affairs" bleed into eachother, when we get old enough to realise that our old school teachers are humans just like us, and we know a lot less than we thought they did at our age - you know that you need *something*.

2. Knowing God, by J. I. Packer

The first book that I read that was a hardcore, almost systematic approach to "God", it was still really readable. The best thing about this book is that it's not all about pushing you to live a better life, or to read the Bible or pray more, or anything like that. The simple aim of Knowing God is to tell you how great God is. To provide rich fodder for meditations on God's greatness. What better goal is there for a book?

And better yet, when this stuff goes into your soul - deep down where you can't stop thinking about God's glory, or his amazing mercy, or his absolute, almost-alien holiness - you get inspired to pray more, to work harder for him, to love others more. It's win, win!

3. Blue Like Jazz, by Don Miller

Hmm, what could I possibly say about Blue Like Jazz? This book gave me hope for Christianity when I was really, really messed up and couldn't see how God could possibly love - let alone use - seriously screwed up people like Christians.

Don Miller showed me that it is possible to be a "real" Christian without looking down your nose at people that are different from you. He gave me hope for an experience of Christian community that I still haven't found, but I'm not giving up on. He gave me an example of Christians who haven't given up their ancient, historic roots but who are still vitally relevant to the world of today.

Most importantly, though, he showed me that it's alright to be brutally, horribly honest about where you're at. Personally, this book did so much for me (so thanks Annie for lending it to me, BTW)

Books that Inspired my Creativity

1. The Bible

I know I already listed it, but there is nothing that has inspired me to write a new song, or jot down pages and pages of notes, or even write a short story, like the Bible. I read a really good quote the other day which lamented the way that the world is draining away our creativity with its marketing slogans, reality TV and mind-numbing jingles.

We need a touch of the divine, guys - we need the words of God to awaken creativity and passion in us. We need to be able to dream - to dream of what could be and what *will* be. The Bible is so, so much more than just a crusty old book of theology - it is reality written down!

2. Lord of the Rings, by J. R. Tolkien & Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis

Yep, the nerd in me had to come out somewhere, and this is it. I love the idea of world building, and our friend Tolkien has refined it to perfection! Where else can you find books that devote pages to explaining the historical migrations of tribes of hobbits, all to make a point about how one of the characters has hairier feet than the rest?! (though the question could be raised of how many actually give a rip why Samwise has hairy toes...)

Seriously, though, these books really are literary classics, with good reason. They weave together powerful stories, rich in symbolism, pathos and epic grandeur. I love that these two guys were friends, too, inspiring each other to write awesome, well-crafted stories for the glory of God. It is extra cool that Tolkien would give Lewis crap for writing such a blatant allegory to Christ in Narnia, while you have to look a little deeper to find it in LoTR...

3. Uh... Comics

Now the *real* nerd comes out! Seriously, there are so many well written (not to mention drawn) graphic novels out there that it is a shame that the comic book industry is still seen as "trashy" by so many. They were my staple diet for most (oh, ah, I mean "some!") of my teenage life, and look how I turned out (...)

Particular faves have been X-Men, the earliest issues of Night Man, X-Factor, Bat Man and Spidey (though I thought Scarlet Spider was cooler, so nyeh)

Books that Trained Me Intellectually

1. Yes, the Bible

You should have known I was going to put this here, too, you know.

I firmly believe that if the Bible is the Word of God, we need to be diligent in understanding what it means. How many cults and crazy people have taken the Word of God out of context, butchered it, and then used it to justify everything from gay marriage to genocide? How many people own a Bible (which may or may not be propping their couch up), yet they don't really know what God has to say about how they spend their money, treat their wife or spend their time and attention on?

Consequently, I have devoted myself to learning what the Bible *actually* says, to come to the Word as a humble student, eager to learn whatever mysteries God is willing to reveal to one such as myself. And seriously, when you gather with a small bunch of people, read through the Word and together figure out what God is saying to us - it all comes together! It all makes sense! And it is so awesome!

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray and other Works, by Oscar Wilde

This short-ish story by (also loaned from Annie), and the assorted poetry that came with it, is a really gripping tale of obsession, arrogance and external beauty vs internal character. Oscar Wilde, though a really weird guy, had a way with words that entrances you. I'd definitely recommend it if you're the olde-school language type...

3. Every Damned Reading that I had to do in Uni

OK, I studied communications and professional writing, so I learned a bunch of stuff about communication theory, the history of public communication in Australia, syntax, editing principles, grammer, public relations, book writing, radio writing, screenplay writing and a whole lot more.

I'm slowly forgetting everything now, but I still use a lot of the grammatical principles that I learned on many long nights at Uni.

4. The Gospel in a Pluralist Society, by Lesslie Newbigin

This book was a heavy slog - and I don't think that I could have handled it if not for my Uni training (as above) - but it is a very intelligent, very thoughtful look at the current paradigm permeating the public sphere of the Western world. Newbigin knows his philosophy and postmodern theory inside out, and uses it to great effect to show how the dichotomy of "fact" and "value" - where "facts" like evolution are to be accepted by all, while "values" like Christian morality *cannot* be pushed on others - is misguided, not to mention can never really be put into practice.

I thoroughly recommend this book, if you are the sort of person that can sit there and philosophise about how you can know *anything* at all.

OK, there are many more, but I will leave it there for now. Next time, I think I will go on to Pt 3 - People who have Influenced Me. You may be surprised!

Author: Nate » Comments:

An Annotated Bibliography of Nathan, Pt. 1

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Hey hey, I saw someone else do something similar, and I thought I'd try my hand at it...

Below you will see a (growing) list of some of the influences that made me "me". Not all of them are *good* influences, mind you, and there are some that I really wouldn't recommend, but they all went a good way in making me the man that you see before you.

(...well, not "before" you, because you're sitting in front of a computer instead of having a meaningful, face-to-face relationship - but THAT is for another day!)

An Annotated Bibliography of Nathan, Pt. 1
- Things that Influenced my Taste in Music:

• KoRn - the heavy stuff
  
  Heh, yeah, it's true. KoRn is the band that dragged me out of the darkness of "yeah, music's alright I guess" to the blistering, searing light of "I'm a teenager and music defines me, man!"
  
  They lead to the disaster of long, dirty, lanky hair, ridiculously ripped jeans that I think gave me hypothermia and the signature t-shirt that saw so much use that it went from black to pale, pale grey that characterised my teenage years. That t-shirt lasted until Marianne threw it out on me in secret, long after we were *married*!
  
  I don't really listen to them so much these days, but their signature sound (really complicated bass made unintelligible by so much distortion, really emotive lyrics revolving around anger, depression and death, and a vocal range with two settings - screaming and crying pitifully) still gets me. They also lead me onto a lot of other bands which probably won't get a mention here, such as Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Evanescence and I even had a little thing going with SlipKnot and Marilyn Manson for a while there, too.
  
  Faves would include "Freak On a Leash", "Clown", "Blind", "Twist", "Got the Life" and "Let's Get This Party Started", though "A.D.I.D.A.S." was a very meaningful song for me as an undersexed teen.
  .
• Matt Redman - the light stuff
  
  Now on the absolute other end of the spectrum, British worship leader and songwriter Matt Redman showed me that "worship music" (as in, music played in church to sing along with) didn't just have to be "campy" 90's Hillsongs. His passionate pop-rock music and authentic lyrics made a real imprint on me, so much that a big portion of the songs that I play in church are "Redmans", or originals which sound a lot like him.
  
  One of the greatest things is that, in person, he is such an average guy (who's not very good at soccer, for a Brit). He's kind of shy, and is quick to leave the spotlight as soon as a set is finished - he's not about getting all the glory for himself, but in using his music to point people to God and say "isn't *HE* great!"
  
  He pointed me in the direction of too many artists to name, and I have far too many favourites to name, either, so I will just *highly* recommend that you see what this guy is one about.
  .
• Switchfoot - the pop-punk stuff
  
  Mmm, yeah, Switchfoot are the ultimate in surfy rock that tells it like it is. Yes, they are a bunch of Christians, but they do anything they can to avoid being labelled as a "Christian band", even refusing to go to the Dove Awards to receive an award (a "Dovey"?).
  
  They are pure power-pop, alternately fun-loving and serious, and their cool, "frullety" hairstyles hide the really deep, artistic minds beneath them, which are more than capable of writing evocative, challenging lyrics and tunes that get stuck in your head for days. I love how they don't feel the need to go on singing "Oh Jesus, we love you", but they constantly challenge what the world holds dear - money, sex and power - with an authenticity rarely seen in Christians. Absolute faves would be "Meant to Live", "Oh Gravity", "Dare you to Move", "Awakening" and "The Beautiful Letdown".
  .
• Incubus (and to a lesser extent Hoobastank) - the rockin' deep stuff
  
  I have always loved Incubus' musical talent and spiritual attitude (though I disagree with them on the finer points of *Jesus*), but I *adore* Brandon Boyd's voice. Pshhahh, I *wish* I could sing like that guy! Both these bands are perfect examples of how spirituality gets into music, and resonates with people, if you chill out and write from your heart (something so many Christians seem unable to do, preferring to write songs about how you'll go to hell unless you go to church on Sunday). Incubus faves would be "Privelege", "Warmth" and "Nice to Know You", but seriously, every single song is awesome!
  
  Hoobastank *are* basically Incubus' younger brother, but I have found an old CD of theirs and fallen back in love with "Crawling in the Dark" (especially their acoustic version!) and "Pick Up the Pieces". And I could never go without mentioning "The Reason" - Anthony Callea strangled it to death, but man that is such a good song!
  
  These bands have also served to "form my palate" (eh, wine reference, eh?), predisposing me to other "deep", "emo-ish" bands such as Dashboard Confessional, Copeland, etc. I would suppose that John Butler and Pete Murray would fit in there, too, not so much for the style as the content.
  .
• Muse, Radiohead, Phil Wickham, System of a Down, et al. - the weird stuff
  
  OK, I'm running out of steam now, but there has been a slight current in all of the music that I have *really* enjoyed - starting all the way back with KoRn - of "strangeness". I don't know what exactly, but a certain little *something* that makes them different from the rest. Looking at the list, I think it has to do with the vocals - great range, interesting technique and some ridiculously good falsetto for good measure.

OK, that's it for now! Man, that was hard! And long! And it didn't have nearly enough exclamation points! Until now!!!

And now, for one final exclamation point...

Next time on Nathan's blog -- Bibliography Pt. 2 - Books!

Labels: bands, influences, music

Author: Nate » Comments:

The Light...

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Hey guys (guy?), what up?

I'm kind of pumped, and I've got to tell someone!

Jerry and I have about finished recording our first song! Yay! It's called "The Light", and it is fairly typical "Nathan-style" muzak - acoustic rock that is most likely a little too confronting to be warmly welcomed anywhere but church, but a little too "grungy" to really be appreciated in church. Ho hum.

I do like it, though, because it is a deep, moody look at the metaphor of salvation as a "coming of the light", and because it honestly looks at what we humans generally do when faced with an uncomfortable experience like that - shut it out. It's full of awesome guitar riffs courtesy of Jerry, a pretty interesting vocal timing and lots of layered backing vocals by both Jerry and myself. I highly recommend it (of course).

When we're totally finished we're going to throw it onto MySpace - and yes, of course I'll link to it so ya'll can give it a listen - but in the meantime, let me share a small sample of the lyrics --

The light - so bright - like the sun in the height of
summer;
And we've shut our eyes so tight;
Because it
lights up all
our selfishness.

-- But the light
has shone;
In the dark, on our hearts;
And the light
has shone;
From the face of the Son of God, yeah.

Yeah, maybe you have to be there... but at least I think it sounds good.

Labels: God, lyrics, music

Author: Nate » Comments: