Hopefully this discussion continues. My reply to the post is down in the comments (#3). It's really hard to get into the mind of how Israel and, by extension, the early church read her Bible when we focus first on what (we think) they read. Narrative theology and "criticism" attempts to get at the how question first and then apply it to the what question. Biblical authors were not primitive cavemen; they were artists. A narrative approach to Bible reading recognizes the incredible nuances behind and within the text; things we often miss. More to come, I hope.
“Narratology”, “narratological”
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Among Exiles
First, Ezekiel and John embodied the situation of the people, before they spoke to the people. Ezekiel was present physically with his exiled people, no doubt feeling the sting of their solitude and disorientation. John wasn't present with the people he served, but his state, the state of "exile", no doubt paralleled that of the people he attempted to reach. Second, both Ezekiel and John developed a theology of exile and wove that theology into their message. Not only this, but they lived a theology of exile, embodying a faithfulness sustained by hope.
Is our context too different to warrant a connection to the example and exile theology of Ezekiel and John? Different, but not completely dissimilar. God's people today, no matter their setting or geographic location, are in a sense in "exile". It may not be a forced exile as in Ezekiel's day, or an imposed exile as in John's case, but as we long for the fullness of God's kingdom on earth, we realize our present circumstance is tainted by "exile". This present world doesn't completely align with God's promised reality and God's certain victory. Exile theology also places (sometimes thrusts!) God's people into the situation they are sent to address. Both Ezekiel and John saw the horrors a world in exile can produce, which no doubt gave them both the perspective of their God and the compassion necessary to talk to people in a compelling way.
"Exile" is disorienting and unsettling. By nature it is uncomfortable. However, it is where we sit. But, will we grumble about our vantage point, or recognize the blessing of our vantage point. Both Ezekiel and John used their position as exiles to powerfully speak to the powers set at odds with God's kingdom, using any means necessary to reach exiles in the grip of those powers. May God help us to do the same.
A Better Plan to Save the Astrodome
HT: New Geography
A Better Plan to Save the Astrodome
Google I/O via Fast Company
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Summer League - Week 1
Some observations on the opening night of the North Seattle Community College summer league.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
What Politicians Are Really Saying on Arena Proposal
The SoDo arena proposal is now mired in political rhetoric from political politicians - the worst kind! What are they really saying?
- What about Key Arena? - The Key is a dead-end cul-de-sac of a facility. We can't solve it, so we want someone smarter than us (read: you, Chris Hansen) to solve it!
- What about Bellevue? - Gosh, I wish those rich eastsiders would take this off our plate!
- What about a public vote? - I'm too chicken to make a tough decision...
- Mr. Hansen is in it to make a profit. - He has evil motives and is an evil man.
- I haven't seen the plans. - I haven't seen the plans, but I'm too stupid to know that plans are not required at this point and will be coming in due time.
- Will create too much traffic. - I just don't want this "gift" from Chris. I just don't want it.
- The Port will create 100,000 jobs. - The Port is bleeding jobs and needs a rhetorical dagger.
In the end, I don't think political rhetoric will win out; common sense will. But, political rhetoric can certainly log-jam even the most well laid plans.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
2012 Recruiting Class - Total Bust?
The Huskies have effectively closed the books on the 2012 recruiting class after unsuccessfully attempting to land William Howard and Mouhammadou Jaiteh. The Huskies did add two transfer recruits, only one of which will play this season. Is 2012 then a bust?
Pay it Forward
Closing 2012 with one scholarship remaining, means it can essentially be rolled over to 2013, the class that Romar and his staff have their sights set on. Romar’s off to a great start in landing a bona fide leader in Nigel Williams-Goss, who has also stated a desire to attract other 2013 recruits to UW.
McLaughlin...Fill it Up, Son!
It seems that every year national writers and fans alike are asking, “Where will the Huskies turn to replace the scoring that left?” due to graduation, or in the case of this year, the draft. 32 points per game walked out the door as freshman phenom Tony Wroten and sophomore sharp-shooter Terrence Ross declared early for the NBA draft. The answer, in part, to that pressing question is Mark McLaughlin, a transfer from Tacoma Community College, where his 27.5 points per game lead the nation. Long recognized a D-1 talent, expect McLaughlin to make an immediate contribution at the wing. McLaughlin is also an above average passer and has respectable handles for a guard with his size, 6’6” and right around 200 lbs.
Turn to the Returning
Recruiting classes are only part of the equation, which is strange, I know, to assert in an article on the same topic. Recruiting classes make for good national discussion for sure, but what about what a team returns? Keep in mind that Scott Suggs will be returning for his final season - treat him as a one and done! I think Husky fans will see immediately why he was sorely missed last season - sharp shooting, calm and collected, knowledge of the Husky way. The aforementioned departure of Ross and Wroten and the need for backcourt scoring and able defense will also be filled by C.J. Wilcox. The Huskies perimeter game will put enormous pressure on opposing defenses, which creates other lanes and looks for others.
No Fronting on the Front Line
With the Huskies unable to land Howard or Jaiteh, another member of the frontcourt will need to step up. Aziz N’Diaye returns for his senior season and it’s reasonable to expect what he’s already proven - an intimidating 7 footer clogging the middle and windexing the glass. However, there are minutes to be had at the small forward spot, and while Desmond Simmons has the advantage returning after an effective freshman campaign, it remains to be seen who else can contribute at that position. Perhaps Romar will opt for a “by committee” type of rotation, but there are viable candidates in Breunig, Kemp and Jarreau. See the great analysis on the matter by John Chase.
Time will tell how the 2012/2013 team gels, but I believe the pieces are there, even if the 2012 recruiting class was a bit “thin” in terms of numbers. As such, the stage is set for those who have played in the system for a few years to contribute in a big way and the “newcomers” - including redshirt freshmen - to carve their own important niche.
Pay it Forward
Closing 2012 with one scholarship remaining, means it can essentially be rolled over to 2013, the class that Romar and his staff have their sights set on. Romar’s off to a great start in landing a bona fide leader in Nigel Williams-Goss, who has also stated a desire to attract other 2013 recruits to UW.
McLaughlin...Fill it Up, Son!
It seems that every year national writers and fans alike are asking, “Where will the Huskies turn to replace the scoring that left?” due to graduation, or in the case of this year, the draft. 32 points per game walked out the door as freshman phenom Tony Wroten and sophomore sharp-shooter Terrence Ross declared early for the NBA draft. The answer, in part, to that pressing question is Mark McLaughlin, a transfer from Tacoma Community College, where his 27.5 points per game lead the nation. Long recognized a D-1 talent, expect McLaughlin to make an immediate contribution at the wing. McLaughlin is also an above average passer and has respectable handles for a guard with his size, 6’6” and right around 200 lbs.
Turn to the Returning
Recruiting classes are only part of the equation, which is strange, I know, to assert in an article on the same topic. Recruiting classes make for good national discussion for sure, but what about what a team returns? Keep in mind that Scott Suggs will be returning for his final season - treat him as a one and done! I think Husky fans will see immediately why he was sorely missed last season - sharp shooting, calm and collected, knowledge of the Husky way. The aforementioned departure of Ross and Wroten and the need for backcourt scoring and able defense will also be filled by C.J. Wilcox. The Huskies perimeter game will put enormous pressure on opposing defenses, which creates other lanes and looks for others.
No Fronting on the Front Line
With the Huskies unable to land Howard or Jaiteh, another member of the frontcourt will need to step up. Aziz N’Diaye returns for his senior season and it’s reasonable to expect what he’s already proven - an intimidating 7 footer clogging the middle and windexing the glass. However, there are minutes to be had at the small forward spot, and while Desmond Simmons has the advantage returning after an effective freshman campaign, it remains to be seen who else can contribute at that position. Perhaps Romar will opt for a “by committee” type of rotation, but there are viable candidates in Breunig, Kemp and Jarreau. See the great analysis on the matter by John Chase.
Time will tell how the 2012/2013 team gels, but I believe the pieces are there, even if the 2012 recruiting class was a bit “thin” in terms of numbers. As such, the stage is set for those who have played in the system for a few years to contribute in a big way and the “newcomers” - including redshirt freshmen - to carve their own important niche.
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