Week 8- Wednesday

Today during our in-class conversation we talked about justice and deconstruction. When we usually think about justice, what comes to mind? Do you initially think about redemptive actions, revenge, war, peace, kids, or is it something greater than that? I agree with Wes in that justice is not of ourselves, but something we gain. I think at some level we all desire to act justly or to see justice served, but that is not something of ourselves, but something we only receive. Further, as Wes suggested, justice is never finally actualized, it is sort of "already not yet." Just as Paul describes the kingdom of God, being here, but not yet. We continued in our conversation about deconstructing parts in our lives, the church, and Jesus. Question: What would Jesus deconstruct? Focus on the 'would' here. The first response to the 'would' is the Church. 'Would' the Church deconstruct anything or can we deconstruct the Church? Secondly, deconstruct yourself. What is meant here is that are you a realist, antirealist, or a hyper-realist. I would suggest most individuals are hyper-realists. Thinking and speaking in reality, but with an eye towards the promise, the kingdom of God. What do you need to deconstruct in your life? What are you currently deconstructing in your life?

Week 8-Monday

As we journey through life, do we consciously think about what we do day in and day out or even think about how we have another opportunity to live just one more day? The answer is probably no, but what if you began to think about how precious life is, how beautiful the birds sound in the morning, and how wonderful the sky looks in the morning. Now, imagine if you began to live that way, how would that change? And now think, what are things in your life that you hold true to you heart, that might be considered myths? What I mean is, we trust in the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and security (just to name a few), but as some level these may be myths. Roland Barthes believed in myths. He believed that we view things two ways: denotative and connotative. Denotative would mean the exact description of the meaning (whether that is text, a sign, picture, etc) and connotative means the searching for more than just the meaning. What is the problem with myths? That's a question for you to think about. So we close with a thought from one of my classmates and I quote:

"Oxyclean is the shit!"

Enough said.

Week 7-Response to Joe's Blog:

I appreciated Joe's comments in regards to youth culture and youth subcultures. One of things that still baffles me, is the attraction to facebook and myspace. I think there is something to be said when students would rather communicate emotional, mental, or spiritual on the website. There seems to be some sort of "safety" to the whole thing. I think one of the reasons why students are so attracted to these online communities is for two reasons: one being it is a safe place for them to be in and two it is the only world they feel like people can relate to them. Students desire to be heard and it seems as though they feel the only way they will be heard is through the internet. Technology has evolved into this huge machine that we haven't fully tapped into, but to students this is their life and they love to be connected to someone or something on the internet. Further, text messaging is now the primary source of communication for students and again it is a safe space for them, to get away, and continue to live in their world without any interruptions from adults. 

Week 7-Barker, Chapter 14 (Cultural Politics and Cultural Policy)

As we have all experienced and currently experience is cultural politics and policies; and it is with these influences that create tension and even disrupts our ability to live in society at some levels. As we are affected by these influences, much of it has to do with political power, which Barker identifies as social regulation that is productive of the self, enables some kinds of knowledge and identities to exist and not others. And power is usually translated into authority and leadership, but this isn't always a good thing for society. Further, we understand different types of people exist through cultural politics and policies, such as intellectuals. To note here, Antonio Gramscian describes traditional and organic intellectuals as individuals who are active in our culture, but play very different roles. How does an individual identify with political decisions being determined within cultural politics and policies? We see movements and languages transforming because of the influence of power and politics, however, as discussed previously in the text on identity, where does an individual find their "true" identity when we see differences in beliefs, ethical and moral standards? Hall suggests an individual's identity or self-discovery are merely fictions of temporary meaning. Our culture continues to struggle with this issue of cultural power and in turn we discover governmentality ultimately creates institutionalized forces and further challenges of power. 

Week 7- Barker, Chapter 13 (Youth, Style, and Resistance)

Cultural studies has found that youth (which may include children, adolescents, and students ranging from 6th-12th grade and even college), is one of the most misunderstood cultures. Barker has captured some of the conversations that are being talked about and need to be critically addressed further because it is the "youth" that will be the future. I have been studying and doing research of the student culture (youth culture) for a few years and it amazes me how much hurt, pain, and suffering these individuals are experiencing. As Paul Willis suggests, young people are active, creative, and symbolically productive in relation to their youth culture. However, the downside to a culture that is active and creative is the rise in consumerism among youth, which in turn creates even more concerns, issues, and further conversations. One of the main issues vaguely touched upon by Barker, is the level of authenticity of the youth culture. Meaning, the youth culture can easily sense authentic and transparent individuals, and this is something many people aren't writing about or researching, but I think it is something desperately needed to be analyzed and critiqued. I think the "depth model" can be a useful model and I would even suggest it be a model used more frequently if used properly. The youth subculture is the central reason why I am pursuing further education and desiring to be a student pastor. 

Week 7-Bevans, Chapter 7 (The Synthetic Model)

The synthetic model or as some have described as "the dialogical model" or "the conversational model." I like how Bevans gives us these other interpretations, because I think that is exactly what the synthetic model is, the opportunity for others to be in conversation about a particular situation or thought and allows the flexibility for conversations to happen frequently. Further, Bevans suggests the synthetic model would say that it is only when women and men are in dialogue that we have true human growth. I think this certainly rings true, because as human beings that are created to be in relationship with other human beings and God, we must communicate with each other in order to build relationships, talk about each other's stories, adventure with others through conversation, and journey with God. The synthetic model includes experiences of the past, the present (including social location and change), and influences of other contexts and thoughts. Influences, thoughts, and experiences all derive from the openness and dialogical privilege with others. The model is extensive, influential, and creative. A model that is used in our everyday lives and we may not even realize it. 

Week 7-Cobb, Chapter 7 (Sin)

As the old saying, "We live in a fallen world," certainly rings true in our culture today and some have even suggested this generation has been the most effected and continues to feel the ramifications of this fallen world. Oh the paradise we could have lived in, however the reality of it all is that we live in this world and it is up to us (humanity) how we will exist for the rest of our lives. I pose this question, have we lost "paradise"? We have breathe, the opportunity to be creative, study, write, draw, travel, read, interact with people, and connect with nature. Some may suggest we do live in a paradise and others say you can only experience paradise if you travel to a remote island. Further, I think what we do here and now, as Cobb referenced Micah: to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God," described, will determine how we live now and how we will live for years to come. Sin has brought many into serious turmoil and others to live as though they are going to a funeral everyday of their life. We have a generation of people who desire to be set apart and have nothing to do with God or other human beings. How will we be a movement of people who walk humbly with God for other human beings who seek meaning in a world that is dirty, broken, and full of pain?

*Further thoughts* As described in Cobb, Gothic individuals, are people who think of this life as a waste, no meaning, no reason, no purpose, and no feeling experience hurt, pain, and brokenness. Interesting though, many people share those same feelings, but maybe aren't willing to express those emotions as Gothics. Now, the Gothic style is much more than wearing black or wearing makeup, to some it is the influence of books, movies, and music. Further, Cobb describes the Gothic style as separation...from society and from God. This was only one subculture described in this chapter, but there are many people who share these same expressions, interests, and influences. What will we do to help and influence others for the sake of Christ?

Week 7-Wednesday

Today was a fun experience because we were asked to develop some thoughts and ideas for two different situations using the Praxis Model as described in our readings. The two different situations included: developing and implementing a church plant within a subculture and the other was to create an "outreach ministry" from within a church that already exists. Our group came up with the "Mission Restaurant," which actually included both of these situations. We felt through the restaurant atmosphere we could meet the needs of the community with food and friendships, but also provide a space for simple conversations and even spiritual conversations. We would give individuals without jobs the opportunity to work at our restaurant and they can get on-site job training through different "classes." Such as budgeting, computer programs (basic computer skills) and much more. We also suggested giving students the opportunity to learn through these classes also, through music lessons, photo shop, etc. We addressed the need for there to be a cyclical response and conversation through these classes, during restaurant operating hours, and our Sunday gatherings as well. 

just to be raw..... as much i have to aspirations sometimes to be this great writer/ professor/ intellectual.... none of that will bring me joy.... i think it is self-satisfying but once a achieve a little i'll always want more.... and when i really get my head and heart nsync with one another.... theres nothing else that would bring me greater joy than to give my life to love a group of people so that they know their life was not lived in vain and that they are loved.... i honestly believe that if i have that i could not be insatiable.... so i'll be there.... maybe not forever.... but i'm coming

thoughts from a friend moving across the country!

Week 7-Monday

"Language works like a game of chess." The quote of the afternoon during our in-class conversations. It was interesting to see such a unique picture painted before our eyes about the importance of language, the difference in Langue and Parol, and how that affects and effects each one of us. I like what we talked about later on in the class about how language constructs its meaning from other languages and the difference begins to determine the difference between languages. Further, meaning comes from the differences. Also, language is a tool rather than a mirror. This is so true because language should be identified with uniqueness, meaning, difference, and viewed in such a way that not everyone sees the same thing or describes things the same!

Week 6- Response to Simon's Blog:

Cobb does bring some interesting views to the table when relating the human nature to popular culture and the text challenges us to ask difficult questions about ourselves and questions about motivation, intention, and identity. Simon suggests there to be a general agreement that "simple people" understand reality a little closer than others might understand. I would argue that yes this may be true, but I would even suggest the ones who help the "simple people" identity what "true reality" is, may also be influencing them in such a way that they understand a false sense of reality. Further, I would agree that technology has had huge implications on our lives as we understand culture and movements throughout history and even in our day to day lives. It is kind of sad how much we rely on technology for answers, theories, and even meaning, however technology has given us the opportunity to do further research, expound upon our understanding of human history and life, tendencies, and cultural movements. 

Week 6-Barker, Chapter 12 (Cultural Space and Urban Place)

"Home...is a manifestation of an investment of meaning in space. It is a clim we make about a place. It is constructed through social relations which are both internal and external and constantly shifting in their power relations (Silverstone, 1994)." Is home constituted as a place of relaxation? Maybe a space that is private or public? Is space considered to be sacred? Should it be? Should "our" space be ours and not be interrupted by others? As we look further into the intimacy of space and place, we journey to discover that our space has changed and morphed into something we may not be comfortable being in. Now that we are living in the midst of an incredible technological age, it seems to be difficult to find a sense of peace in a "myspace world." And we come to the reality of it all and find that subcultures are being developed throughout cities, web-communities, and we find comfort in different situations depending on your space.  

Week 6-Barker, Chapter 11 (Television, Texts, and Audiences)

Our creativity, thought-process, key influential beliefs and theories, almost all stem from the influence of multi-media corporations who broadcast globally "issues" and "concerns" that are relevant to humanity. It is because of this influence we are seeing a rise in political and social movements and getting involved in global matters. However, I would also suggest that the "simple consumer" is understands what these multi-media corporations want you to consume for your own understanding of global issues and concerns. We need to do better research for ourselves, find new avenues of finding information, understand society and culture on another level that hasn't been tapped into fully, and begin to have these conversations not with our television, but with others. Texts that are perceived on the television may not always be true, so step forward for humanity's sake and make a difference, because we are individuals among other individuals who need to know the truth, the truth of God's fingerprints and God's story being revealed among us. 

Week 6-Cobb, Chapter 6 (Human Nature)

"Simulation of Identity," is an interesting concept when analyzing the human nature because the simulation of identity is the process of consuming a particular "image" and coming to the understanding that this new "identity" is 'who I am," however it is merely a false sense of identity. An image created and consumed so that the individual lives their life in something else. So if we are the image of God and as some have described, a "reflection" of God than why do we constantly seek false identities, why do we find our self-concept in magazines, clothes, furniture, and money? We should reflect God with honor, respect, humility, power, adventure, and love. We must discover ourselves, just as Augustine suggests in his Confessions, to seek out the mysteries of our true identity and I would take it further and suggest to seek out the mystery of God for our identity. Culture desires that we look to the elitist for our discoveries, why don't we change that mode of thinking and seek out God's discoveries? 

Week 6-Bevans, Chapter 6 (The Praxis Model)

I love how Philip Berryman referred to the word "praxis by Paulo Freire as, praxis is "action with reflection." Also it is reflected-upon action and acted-upon reflection. In contextual theology and living in society, praxis and the praxis model must be used not only in reflective meanings, but taken further into action. Knowledge and academics are good, but what good are they if one can't put them into practice? In whatever context we are in, the praxis model gives us the opportunity to seek truth with knowledge to put into action, because as a follower of Christ who lives by faith in God, my faith is still without action. Further, I think God calls us to action in our lives and so the praxis model brings us to the understanding to have faith, but take it a step further and live a contagious life for God with God by faith.  

Forest Home Winter Camp 2008!

Check out this video we made of our experience!

Enjoy!

Dance with me?

This is a powerful video that we all need to watch. I pray you watch it, not moving, not talking, but watching, imagining, and reflecting. 

You might need some tissues when you watch this, so be prepared!

blessings-

Jason

Week 6-Wednesday

I thought the most peculiar part of today's lecture was the in-class conversations about individualization and McDonaldization. I naturally gravitated towards these topics because as we talked about first and second modernity I couldn't help but think how critical both of these movements have been for the last several years. We see a common trend in our culture: efficient, "my way," quick, private, etc. We literally can go through our day and not speak to a human being, why is this? Are we so intrigued with our own self-worth and self-promise that we completely shut out the rest of the world around us? Possibly. I lean to the side that would suggest, probably. Through radical changes over the last 20-30 years with technology, machinery, new and improved ways of doing things, we interact so much less. 

Further thoughts:

McDonald's is not helping. They give us the opportunity to have it "our way" and move on throughout the day with more of a mentality to be more efficient, get things done, and worry about myself. Now is it wrong to get things done with more of an efficient manner? No. However, I would suggest though, there are things in this life that hold greater importance than doing things or even receiving things at a faster pace. Naturally, humanity enjoys going at a fast pace, producing and consuming things faster, especially in the business world when you must be aware of market trends, cutting-edge products, and consumer tendencies. Has McDonald's shown us a new way of producing a product with the same result every time? Yes, but some of us are realists and things just don't come out the same every-time, some may suggest it is called living life.

Week 6-Monday

Today was one of the most difficult classes because we were asked to create a situation in which we would use the anthropological model. This was difficult because it seemed as though we were right on the border of the anthropological model and translation model, because both have similar characteristics. Our group used the Touchdown Jesus situation and focusing it specifically on Notre Dame football and how we could see God here. The other groups had very creative ideas and made me realize what the anthropological model really represents and gave me a new appreciation of this model. I really enjoyed the in-class conversation that we had and I would love to have more of these conversations because it brings new thoughts and ideas to the table.

Week 5- Response to Todd's Blog:

I enjoyed Todd's thoughts on ethnicity, race, and nation. I thought it was interesting also that Barker raised some interesting thoughts about "switching of cultural codes." I would like to comment on his thoughts about "missional Christians might need to acculturate their identity." I find his thoughts intriguing, but something about it doesn't sit well with me. I'm not sure if we necessarily have to change our identity within different culture settings, yes of course at some level we might, but we must always remain with our identity in Christ. Now should we shift our identity depending on the situation? Maybe. This is a subject that we might be able to discuss further in our in-class conversations to get other classmates' views. Further, "boundary formation," I would agree is dehumanizing in many respects and this would a great conversation to have also. 

Week 5, Barker, Chapter 10 (Sex, Subjectively, and Representation)

The previous chapter discussed that our identity is founded upon a few variables: race, ethnicity, and nation. According to Barker and many other femininities and masculinities as discussed in the text expresses that identity can also be founded upon sex and gender (female and male). It may be suggested these are based on social and cultural constructions and in an ever-changing culture, we must be aware of the dynamics of each of these variables because each variable has significant meaning to humanity. We have seen movements throughout history of males and females standing up for strong issues in an attempt to culturally represent his or her "gender" well. Further, Foucault suggests gender is historically and culturally specific, subject to radical discontinuities over time and across space. And so when we move forward into cultural studies, we need to understand key characteristics of masculinity and femininity because it could look vastly different depending on the culture you live in. 

Week 5- Barker, Chapter 9 (Ethnicity, Race, and Nation)

Our race, ethnicity, and even our nation have created our identity whether we want to accept it or not. Historically, one could look at a nation, a city, or a state and identify its people either by the geographical location or the ethnicity of the people and in many places this still rings true, however in other places this does not. Barker describes ethnicity as a relationship concept divided into two areas: self-identification and social ascription. If our identity is found through our skin pigmentation, language, historical movements, etc. than how do we find our identity in Christ? Are we first a follower of Christ than an American or are we American first than a follower of Christ? (This is just one example). Even looking to the Old Testament as the Exiles experienced diaspora, (people scattered among many places), they didn't identify with true identity or community, because they were without any true representation of who they were at that moment. Wherever you are from, what language you may speak, or family background you may hold to; you have an identity that nobody can take and that identity has God's fingerprints all over it. 

Week 5-Cobb, Chapter 5 (Images of God)

When we think about God, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it an experience, a feeling, maybe butterflies, or could it be a song? Even when we think beyond our signs and symbols, who is God to us? We see God portrayed in films, art, and also many artists sing about God in their songs. Cobb references to a Joan Osborne song, "One of Us," as the song depicts God as a person in human form who is living and breathing just as we are here on earth. Do we picture a God who is just like us? Do we see that? Further, we move into what Marx calls, "commodity fetishism," as this approach to viewing God elicits respect, devotion, and trepidation. Some of the more common fetishes for Christians include: crosses, bibles, Christian books, etc. Are we so entranced in our "things" that we miss who God is? Just recently a friend of mine asked me to draw a picture of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and it was difficult, however it became clear how I picture God. I picture God as lighting, light that shines so bright that I can't look up or even open my eyes. So in the stories we read, the movies we watch, the theories that are presented, and songs we listen to, how do you picture God?

Week 5-Bevans, Chapter 5 (The Anthropological Model)

The anthropological model is defined as a model in which it gravitates towards finding and understanding of personal human meaning and relationships. Further, it desires to find social structures implemented within a particular culture and seeks to find a subject's identity. I think to adequately understand cultures, societies, and even meaning, the anthropological model would be helpful and bring us one step closer to understanding humanity. For Christ to be proclaimed in any culture we need to have a holistic view of the culture and understand the anthropos, the person or the people within that culture. How can we have a significant impact on a person's life if we don't desire to have a relationship with them? So that we can connect them with God's story. Humanity deserves to be known, to be needed, and to be loved. We (humanity) all have questions, concerns, and hurts, so God's people need to ready to be sent out in the name of Jesus for the anthropos.

Week 5-“Christ was a great revolutionary…Karl Marx would have subscribed to the Sermon on the Mount.” –Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro and Karl Marx may have taken Christ as a revolutionary who was an individual with authoritative power. Maybe they agree with the thoughts of others from the Sermon on the Mount, in which if you were to pay attention to the poor and the needy, maybe Marx would see that if we were concerned with all people, than yeah he might support Christ. However, there are some differences in which how power was displayed, used, and how power was practiced. Do these “revolutionaries” simply want to make a difference for others? I think they have made their mark in history, but it looks very different. Jesus says, “love your enemies,” which was completely counter-cultural and not what a revolutionary would suggest. What can we learn from this conversation? What are some of the similarities that we see here? What are the differences? Why would Fidel even say this? These are some of the questions proposed during our lecture. Interesting thoughts for us to ponder.

Week 5-Monday

Today's class was an interesting class as we were asked to implement the translation model into a practical theological way and this was not an easy project. Interesting about the translation model is that it focuses much further than just translating word for word in context of the Gospel, but it is also sensitive to meaning, feeling, and expression. It was fascinating to hear other groups in the class explain their thoughts on the translation model and how they would strategically reach people in the name of Jesus. I think collectively all the groups had a different way of looking at this model and I would suggest that the translation model is one of the most significant models Bevans provides. This model must be used very carefully when understanding other cultures and one of the things we discussed as a group was to deconstruct everything and construct it again to bring the entire picture into focus. 

Week 4- Barker, Chapter 8 (Subjectivity & Identity)

It may be suggested that our identity is established in others. Barker suggests that we live our lives in the context of social relationships with others. I think this rings true for all people; that we were created to be in relationships and we actually even move from an individualistic state of being to experiencing life with people. Adventuring through life with God and living in community with people around you. Further, Foucault suggests that we are individuals who are products of power and we certainly have technology, social structures, and economic trends to display this. Meaning, language, social structures are all means of our subjectivity and identity. In a fragmented world how will our identity be found? We have the opportunity to be an agent of change in a positive light if we so choose and one of the key elements of change is understanding cultural languages. 

Week 4-Barker, Chapter 7 (Enter Postmodernism):

Living within a society that values change (whether that relates to economic growth, politics, or social structures) at some level we find ourselves in the midst of time that seeks to find identity and functionality. Modernism (as described by Barker) is a "structure of feeling" that involves pace, change, ambiguity, risk, and more. Further, many modernists have concluded we live in a world that is "trying to find itself" and trying to find a sense of meaning. Then the movement into postmodernism suggests that this is a time of transition of economics, social, and cultural patterns that will shape our future. When I read about it artistic movements and these concepts (modernism/postmodernism) I can't help but wonder what am I doing to contribute to this radically-changing world for the kingdom of God, for people in search of higher truths and realities? 

*further thoughts*

Wow. Culture movements, language movements, social patterns, search of meaning; I feel as though I'm Waldo (in Where's Waldo?) in the midst of so many things happening, but just another person standing around wondering what to do next. Wonder, meaning, journey, and adventure are words that resonated within my soul while reading this material.

Week 4-Response to Harmony's Blog:

After reading the section of ontological faith and moral faith I had the same thoughts as Harmony's thoughts in which I would view the beauty of God's creation, but I didn't consciously think of it. Tillich did have some good thoughts and suggestions for both sides of these issues. I loved Harmony's words, "...to see God through things that are beautiful in nature and art." I tend to think we forget about praising God and being in awe of the Creator simply by viewing the things around us. I agree that both faiths are necessary for a person who is following Jesus. Art is such an incredible form of creativity that I wish I would have been taking more of an appreciation for art years ago rather than just recently. We may miss what God is doing if we don't stop and breathe in the goodness of God.