One month we've been in California, second week of Fuller classes. We talked a lot about finances before we came out here and even more now that were here. I could have gotten the same degree on paper in Ga for 1/3 of the cost... but it would only be the same on paper. The Fuller classes have been so refreshing, eye opening, and simply wonderful- I'm so glad we chose Fuller.
I had an interview yesterday for a potential job working with Autistic children and their families to develop "Floortime". Its a technique that uses natural play time with developing communication and connection- using play to learn! I don't know much of the technique yet but I am so excited to have the opportunity to counsel even before my degree!
Here's a short clip on Floortime with its founder Dr. Stanley Greenspan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrXGh9bT0Sw
Right now I am in a Christian Ethics class, in which we are study where did our general moral standards come from, the mindsets of modernism and postmodernism and their effect on our society's morality today. I had always heard of modern and postmodern but never really understood their mindsets- now I realize that I've been influenced by both! I won't go into their details, but I do want to highlight on a point that I've been questioning for awhile. Theocracy.
Ever heard, "We need to get back to the morals that made this christian nation great!" or "Its all gone down hill since they took prayer out of schools," or even "Homosexuals should not be allowed to marry in this country!" I've heard these phrases a lot coming from the right, the church, and people in general. I have always thought, what role should christians play in government that governs all people, not just christians? "Jesus for President" by Shane Claiborne first struck a chord in me by emphasizing that we don't put our trust in Red or Blue, but in our Trinity God to save us. We are under a new party, Christ.
In Christian Ethics, we're studying a book "Choosing the Good" by Dennis Hollinger, that speaks about how some christian groups are trying to form a Theocracy, a government controlled, in some aspect, by a religion. For a reference point Iraq and Iran are theocracies of Islam, completely controlled and directed by the faith. Hollinger points out that this mode of government is unfair to other religions/sects and has a history of corruption. Catholic indulgences, Henry the XIII and his church of England... his 7ish (cant remember #) beheaded wives. Forcing others to convert or die by military force like the missionaries to North and South America (not all missionaries). There is considerable evidence in our history that a religiously bias government is just that, a bias government. If one religion, whichever it may be, is favored in a government other religions are the outsiders and their right be heard can be comprised.
"There is a different and better way... a commitment to truth and pluralism that need not contradict". (pg.252) Pluralism here meaning the mixing of many different cultures and beliefs so common in our global society. This approach would mean Christians advocating for their voices to be heard in the pubic area, which is now so often dominated by the 'secular', there is no ear to hear the concerns and opinions of people of faith. But it would also mean Christians advocating for the rights of all other religions to be heard. We don't necessarily have to believe everything they do to seek their right to be heard along side us. It is our "cherishing of human rights and freedoms, which come from an understanding that all people are created in the image of God" that motivates Me to this position.
This is just one point Hollinger makes about how and why Christians can and should interact with the public area differently. Not seeking to force our morals legally onto another... that does not cultivate a relationship with the loving God. That is giving disciplinary power to the police to ticket you for 'taking the Lord's name in vain' or another one of the Ten Commandments. If you're interested in more, I'd love to send you some more info via email:
andrew.phillips08@gmail.com
May our Lord's love and peace be in your lives. New adventures are on the horizon.
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