Week 1 Comment on John Brennan’s Blog

I would like to take a moment and comment on some of the thoughts that John has brought to light regarding the Segovia piece. I resonate with John on the idea that it is indeed liberating that the Bible functions for both the colonized and the colonizer. I think this is something that would serve us well to keep in mind as we examine the Westernized and antiquated ways in which we have tried to missionally engage the 2/3rds World. Do I believe that a strong look needs to be taken at how we are presenting the gospel to the “other”, and if this presentation that we have been engaging in is at all affective. Yes, this is extremely important and necessary. But to propose that we should cease all missional engagement outside the West for the sake of examining our methods is probably a bit too drastic…this of course is assuming that no matter what extent we take in our study of missional methods they will always be flawed, always be culturally biased, and always imperfect. To simply wait and hope that we can eliminate the things that are deeply ingrained into our persons is something I think we can ill afford to do in the Christian community. It is my opinion (quite humbly!) that one of the things that makes the gospel so attractive is that God is interested not in using perfect vessels…but changing vessels. Is change needed…. yes, I think that’s obvious. Is cessation of missional activities needed…no, I think that’s contrary to the message of Jesus who equipped imperfect/culturally biased/somewhat dense fishermen with a perfect message. It’s a work in progress, but progress is key. I appreciate John’s thoughts on change, but I think this step is a bit too much.

Week 1 Wednesday

The engaging and intriguing discussion of the McDonaldization of church structure and how this affects the presentation of the gospel was the highlight of today’s class. It was very rewarding to hear several different view points on how the church has adopted a Westernized culture and how this culture or even the church’s own views on culture have shaped the conversion rates of those both inside and outside the United States. An interesting question stemming from this discussion…The emerging missional communities that appear to be the draw for many Christians attempting to live out the life message of Jesus, are these communities becoming the new “mega-churches” in the sense that they now appear to be the cultural norm for Christians in their 20’s and 30’s. Are these churches merely conforming to an attitude of non-conformity that is already in place? I.e. Christian tattoos, coffee shops, emerging culture in general?

Week 1- Biblical Criticism and Postcolonial Studies- Segovia

This article outlining the necessity for the enmeshing of both biblical studies and cultural/postcolonial studies is a compelling look at what has defined our interpretations of various sacred/secular texts surrounding our religion. The most thought provoking idea within Segovia’s piece is his coupling of the 3 stages of Western imperialist tradition with the Western missionary movement. In doing this Segovia brings up several provocative questions on the nature and motivation of missional engagement with the “other” by the West. I think this is an idea that could even be stretched to the point of viewing the church as the primary binomial or the cultural subordinator instead of just an aspect of a larger imperial system. Another question that is raised because of our contextual and cultural biases in the West is, as the church, are we able to engage the world free from the ideals and underpinnings of imperialism?

Week 1- Charting the Aftermath -Sugirtharajah

Sugirtharajah’s article “Charting the Aftermath” was an informative (although somewhat drawn out) look at what academics and scholars mean by the terms colonial, postcolonial, and neo-colonial. Sugirtharajah does a great job of using concrete examples to highlight what postcolonial thought is, its patron saints (Said for example), and how it attempts to critique rather than analyze. The article was intriguing in this format, as it clearly lays out the goals and benefits of postcolonial thought. It also finishes strong with a good critique of postcolonial studies and what can be misused and muddled amidst scholarly diatribe. The downfall of this overview of postcolonial studies came in the final 1/3 of the article in which Sugirtharajah attempts to explain the issues concerning whether or not America is colonial, postcolonial, or neo-colonial. Although thorough, this section was overly wordy, presumptive, and confusing.

Week 1- Discrepant Experiences – Said (Castle)

This article by Edward Said clearly and concisely poses several interesting ideas regarding our varying “histories” whether they be clearly Western in their predisposition, or from the margins of the colonial and postcolonial eras. One interesting idea proposed by Said was his discussion on differing perspectives in recorded history using both Fourier and Jabarti as lenses to show the contrasts that exist because of our cultural biases, which are a direct result of the contexts in which we find ourselves. This article raised a few questions about the education that I have received thus far. Are the histories and texts used to form not only our cultural identities but also what we regard as “canon”, as fact, in reality more fluid and subjective than we would like to admit? I would have to agree with Said in his proposal that to truly experience and grapple with history we must first push aside our defensive natures and biases to find the truth that exists just below our own locus.

Week 1- Spontaneity: Its Strength and Weakness- Fanon (Castle)

This article consisted of thoughts articulating the social constructs that exist within a weaning colonial regime and the ensuing constructs within a rising revolution. The article clearly laid out the differing groups that exist within these troubled times, the forgotten countryman, “the lumpenproletariat” that exists on the outskirts of the colonial city, the middle/working class nationalist (whether he be revolutionary or politically passivistic). The most provoking thought I found within the article was the conclusion that violence (although educated) was the only method and means for educating and sustaining a lower class-centric revolution. This stands in clear contrast to the successful methods of both Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, which promoted an educated and motivated non-violent opposition.

Week 1 Monday

The first class meeting in CIM 500 was an intriguing start to my seminary career. The most interesting aspects of our class time today were the introduction of this idea of “missional engagement in the west” which is a somewhat controversial statement considering the hegemonic power of the church in western culture. As well as Said’s “On Orientalism” which brought up the lenses with which us as Westerners view the surrounding “others” and how rooted and foundational these lenses are in our cultural educations. An excellent beginning to an interesting course.