Wow, these posts are going to get sparingly spare soon enough. Things will still be happening for sure, but I know that I will be lacking time and energy to write many. Also, there wasn't anything of note to note on Sunday, but today was good.
Today we were supposed to have a "mock interview" with a rep's aide, but he forgot about us. Some aide... Anyway, I had the afternoon open, so I visited Betty McCollum's office! Unfortunately, she was not there, but I got to write her a note, see her office, and sign up for a Capitol tour. I then took the Metro, ALL BY MYSELF, to Target. I could have cried because of how much I felt at home. So I got some crap at Target, and then I ate at Panda Express. You know, their food is ok. It's like someone making homemade Chinese food the first time, using the Betty Crocker cookbook. Nevertheless, its fairly cheap, so I will continue to eat there. I'll just bring my own MSG, thank you very much.
From there I took the metro, ALL BY MYSELF, back to home, where we had class. The subject was "Ideas have legs, why institutions matter." We learned about the importance of studying institutions, which we classify as either organizations, rules, or offices. Even institutions have their own narratives, so Peter Baker sez. Then it was the discussion group. We talked about postmodernity, faith, reason, and doubt. Then it was the community dinner. I love the community dinner, because its lots of free food.
From there the guys planned to play football on the Mall. I only went along to take pictures. However, upon getting to the mall, I discovered my battery was dead (it worked before I left). Lamo. So, I went back home, but I did stop at Starbucks for a Signature Hot Chocolate. It was watery. Here's to you Matt and Tim, the best baristas in Binnesota!
-Me
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Concerning Bleu Cheese
Dear Ramona,
Today was good. I woke up at 11:00 (not good) and commenced to clean our bathroom, considering that it was my assigned chore. I then went and chatted with some peeps, took pictures from the rooftop of my 'partmen', then chatted with those same peeps once more (the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace). Then I went out "shopping" with my friend, Phil. I wasn't planning on shopping, I was only going along to take pictures (cheque facebook/picasa). However, when we got to "Yes! Organic." I saw terrific deals. They had great priced lettuce, $2 off tea, and more! So I got stuff, ha! Upon returning to the 'partmen', it was time for Guy's Night. We were originally planning on going to Hooters, but we went to the Green Turtle in Gallery Place/Verizon Center/Chinatown. I had the "Black'n'Blue" burger, which had crumbles of bleu cheese on it. Good food, except the buns collapsed easily, which made eating difficult. Also, the service was bad. I actually left a 10% tip. I'm usually very generous, but, ya gotta earnit, pal.
Nothing of metaphysical significance to-day.
All of my love and more,
John
Today was good. I woke up at 11:00 (not good) and commenced to clean our bathroom, considering that it was my assigned chore. I then went and chatted with some peeps, took pictures from the rooftop of my 'partmen', then chatted with those same peeps once more (the Sith will rule the galaxy, and we shall have peace). Then I went out "shopping" with my friend, Phil. I wasn't planning on shopping, I was only going along to take pictures (cheque facebook/picasa). However, when we got to "Yes! Organic." I saw terrific deals. They had great priced lettuce, $2 off tea, and more! So I got stuff, ha! Upon returning to the 'partmen', it was time for Guy's Night. We were originally planning on going to Hooters, but we went to the Green Turtle in Gallery Place/Verizon Center/Chinatown. I had the "Black'n'Blue" burger, which had crumbles of bleu cheese on it. Good food, except the buns collapsed easily, which made eating difficult. Also, the service was bad. I actually left a 10% tip. I'm usually very generous, but, ya gotta earnit, pal.
Nothing of metaphysical significance to-day.
All of my love and more,
John
Friday, January 23, 2009
Concerning Jews
Dear Diary,
Today we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum (see pictures on my picasa, you should know how to get there now). It was a beautiful exhibit, a first-rate museum. I highly recommend it. Then, I went out to lunch with friends at the Old Post Office. We took the elevator to the top and saw all of the city. Then, we went back to the shop and had a class. Then, I "laid" down and napped, then I read, then I had an enlightening discussion, then I wrote my blog.
Sincerely,
John
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Holocaust Memorial Museum always has this imperative postered around and through its halls: Think About What You Saw. I think I will, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't hit me that hard, unlike some people who go through the exhibits sobbing. I had seen the stuff before, studied the history, watched the movies. It's like I knew it already. But that's not the case entirely. Sure I was emotionally writhing inside, but parts of the museum hit me in a profound way.
Now, before I say what I have to say, I'm not getting all "beatnik" on y'all. Going through the museum, they had thousands of photographs posted everywhere of regular Jewish people who were in the Holocaust. I looked at all of the pictures, and this is what I thought "They are so many beautiful people."
I didn't necessarily mean 'beautiful' along the lines of physical attractiveness, but the humanness of each human struck me so profoundly. These were not statistics, these were loving, beautiful people. Gorgeous people because they were people. Each a different person, a different smile, and different stare. I loved the pictures of some smiling and smoking. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of the women with short, bob cuts and the men with mustaches. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of old orthodox Jews and little ones with their dreidels. Beautiful. In each picture, I saw the beauty of mankind in each picture. I believe God has developed in me the past year a terrific love for mankind, his creation, and his church. I don't even have to know the person, or be in the same generation, and my love pours out. It was the same thing yesterday at Gospel Rescue Missions. I loved everyone there.
Beautiful people, made wonderfully by God.
Beautiful.
Today we went to the Holocaust Memorial Museum (see pictures on my picasa, you should know how to get there now). It was a beautiful exhibit, a first-rate museum. I highly recommend it. Then, I went out to lunch with friends at the Old Post Office. We took the elevator to the top and saw all of the city. Then, we went back to the shop and had a class. Then, I "laid" down and napped, then I read, then I had an enlightening discussion, then I wrote my blog.
Sincerely,
John
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Holocaust Memorial Museum always has this imperative postered around and through its halls: Think About What You Saw. I think I will, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the exhibit didn't hit me that hard, unlike some people who go through the exhibits sobbing. I had seen the stuff before, studied the history, watched the movies. It's like I knew it already. But that's not the case entirely. Sure I was emotionally writhing inside, but parts of the museum hit me in a profound way.
Now, before I say what I have to say, I'm not getting all "beatnik" on y'all. Going through the museum, they had thousands of photographs posted everywhere of regular Jewish people who were in the Holocaust. I looked at all of the pictures, and this is what I thought "They are so many beautiful people."
I didn't necessarily mean 'beautiful' along the lines of physical attractiveness, but the humanness of each human struck me so profoundly. These were not statistics, these were loving, beautiful people. Gorgeous people because they were people. Each a different person, a different smile, and different stare. I loved the pictures of some smiling and smoking. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of the women with short, bob cuts and the men with mustaches. Beautiful. I loved the pictures of old orthodox Jews and little ones with their dreidels. Beautiful. In each picture, I saw the beauty of mankind in each picture. I believe God has developed in me the past year a terrific love for mankind, his creation, and his church. I don't even have to know the person, or be in the same generation, and my love pours out. It was the same thing yesterday at Gospel Rescue Missions. I loved everyone there.
Beautiful people, made wonderfully by God.
Beautiful.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Concerning Theodore Geisel
Today was good. We did our service project with Gospel Rescue Ministries (www.grm.org). It was incredible. I got to tutor two African American gentlemen in reading. One read "One Fish Two Fish Read Fish Blue Fish" all the way through, and I helped build confidence in the other. It was an incredible experience. Upon returning home, I went to RiteAid with two friends, got crap, and returned. I then had a long discussion with one of the friends, as well as anyone who came in, on Christianity and politics, free will, personalities, first impressions, etc. It was great.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, the experience at Gospel Rescue Ministries was incredible. I love to teach and help people learn. I was able to share that passion today. Gospel Rescue Ministries helps former drug and alcohol addicts to get back on their feet, healthy both physically and spiritually, and then prepare them for a job with education. Many apply to the program to complete their GEDs. I highly recommend you look at their website. They are doing incredible things in DC.
Today, I helped one man read, whose name is, oh, let's say, Gerald. From what I heard, Gerald was incarcerated at some point, and during which, he taught himself to read. He had gray hairs in his beard, but did not look too old. Together, we read through Dr. Seuss' masterpiece "One Fish Two Fish..." Gerald put so much energy into reading, and he was determined to learn how. He has two twins, one of which has a daughter. He's a grandfather and he cannot read. He looks forward to seeing his kids and granddaughter soon.
The other man, we'll call him Sulley, did not really have a bad history. He just joined because of the religious part of the program, as well as learn to get a job. He too was not a good reader, but he came a long way in his 9 month program. We barely read together, we just talked. He was so open with me about everything. He was disappointed in the program and in life. He felt like he was just doing busy work and not learning how to get a job, which is what he desired greatly. He had a book he had to read, "Who Moved My Cheese," which dealt with people experiencing changes. He was to meet with a supervisor and talk about the book. He had his son and his niece help him through it, and it seemed like he mastered the content of the book. He knew the characters, and even identified with them. He admitted to me that he was very angry and sad about not being able to read, and how he wallowed in self-pity over it. We barely read, I just let him talk. He had so much to say, we both encouraged each other, and we both learned a lot that day.
This was a truly maginificent experience. They were all so grateful for the help. I have never been so open with people I did not know. But I was open because I was there to help them. I was there to help them read, but more importantly, I was there to support them, build their confidence, and just be a friend to them. God is working wonders in that ministry and in the lives of those who work there and who come for its services. I truly love Gerald and Sulley, even just after one day. I love them because they are wonderfully created by God. They have gone through tough stuff, and my compassion for those people is overwhelming. I love to help people learn, teach them, and disciple them into a life of serving God. Today was a most holy day. I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday.
In fact, when I return to Minneapolis, I want to volunteer, or even work, at a place like this. God is working in amazing ways through the Gospel Rescue Ministry, as well as DC, and I want to do his work here in Mpls as well.
Tomorrow we're going to the Holocaust Museum. That's all to be said until tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Like I said, the experience at Gospel Rescue Ministries was incredible. I love to teach and help people learn. I was able to share that passion today. Gospel Rescue Ministries helps former drug and alcohol addicts to get back on their feet, healthy both physically and spiritually, and then prepare them for a job with education. Many apply to the program to complete their GEDs. I highly recommend you look at their website. They are doing incredible things in DC.
Today, I helped one man read, whose name is, oh, let's say, Gerald. From what I heard, Gerald was incarcerated at some point, and during which, he taught himself to read. He had gray hairs in his beard, but did not look too old. Together, we read through Dr. Seuss' masterpiece "One Fish Two Fish..." Gerald put so much energy into reading, and he was determined to learn how. He has two twins, one of which has a daughter. He's a grandfather and he cannot read. He looks forward to seeing his kids and granddaughter soon.
The other man, we'll call him Sulley, did not really have a bad history. He just joined because of the religious part of the program, as well as learn to get a job. He too was not a good reader, but he came a long way in his 9 month program. We barely read together, we just talked. He was so open with me about everything. He was disappointed in the program and in life. He felt like he was just doing busy work and not learning how to get a job, which is what he desired greatly. He had a book he had to read, "Who Moved My Cheese," which dealt with people experiencing changes. He was to meet with a supervisor and talk about the book. He had his son and his niece help him through it, and it seemed like he mastered the content of the book. He knew the characters, and even identified with them. He admitted to me that he was very angry and sad about not being able to read, and how he wallowed in self-pity over it. We barely read, I just let him talk. He had so much to say, we both encouraged each other, and we both learned a lot that day.
This was a truly maginificent experience. They were all so grateful for the help. I have never been so open with people I did not know. But I was open because I was there to help them. I was there to help them read, but more importantly, I was there to support them, build their confidence, and just be a friend to them. God is working wonders in that ministry and in the lives of those who work there and who come for its services. I truly love Gerald and Sulley, even just after one day. I love them because they are wonderfully created by God. They have gone through tough stuff, and my compassion for those people is overwhelming. I love to help people learn, teach them, and disciple them into a life of serving God. Today was a most holy day. I cannot wait to go back next Tuesday.
In fact, when I return to Minneapolis, I want to volunteer, or even work, at a place like this. God is working in amazing ways through the Gospel Rescue Ministry, as well as DC, and I want to do his work here in Mpls as well.
Tomorrow we're going to the Holocaust Museum. That's all to be said until tomorrow.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Concerning Wuthnow's After-the-Baby-Boomers
+READER'S DIGEST+
Today was good. We had a meet and greet with people who work with the CCCU, which my friend and I ducked out of as soon as we had our coffee and doughnut. Later that day, I had class. We had a really cool guy from the Clapham Institute. He talked about narratives and the ought-is-can-will frame of mind. He was funny. I then discussed with people where we were going to eat, and after no decision, had food in my 'part't. Since then, I've been working on my capstone and have done good work. Ok!
(^)o(^)HAPPY FUN TIME EDITION(+)_(+)
Dunkin Donuts coffee is the best worst coffee I ever had.
Umm, prolly not gonna go into the ought-is-can-will thing. Too tired.
I've been working on my capstone this evening, but I made a cool break-through. Wuthnow identifies that 20-30-somethings marry later in life, males at 27 and females at 25. Part of my research has me compare the Salvage Yard to Wuthnow's work. Out of 22 people interviewed, I had 10 people married. However, I had to eliminate four of them because they were over 35 years of age (extraneous variables if you will). So, I only had 6 married subjects, but out of them, their average age for when they got married was 25 for men and 25 for females!!!! That is an excellent result.
For more on my results, wait till the paper is done.
Tomorrow's going to be fun. Doing a service project at Gospel Rescue Mission.
www.grm.org
Awight Awight!
Today was good. We had a meet and greet with people who work with the CCCU, which my friend and I ducked out of as soon as we had our coffee and doughnut. Later that day, I had class. We had a really cool guy from the Clapham Institute. He talked about narratives and the ought-is-can-will frame of mind. He was funny. I then discussed with people where we were going to eat, and after no decision, had food in my 'part't. Since then, I've been working on my capstone and have done good work. Ok!
(^)o(^)HAPPY FUN TIME EDITION(+)_(+)
Dunkin Donuts coffee is the best worst coffee I ever had.
Umm, prolly not gonna go into the ought-is-can-will thing. Too tired.
I've been working on my capstone this evening, but I made a cool break-through. Wuthnow identifies that 20-30-somethings marry later in life, males at 27 and females at 25. Part of my research has me compare the Salvage Yard to Wuthnow's work. Out of 22 people interviewed, I had 10 people married. However, I had to eliminate four of them because they were over 35 years of age (extraneous variables if you will). So, I only had 6 married subjects, but out of them, their average age for when they got married was 25 for men and 25 for females!!!! That is an excellent result.
For more on my results, wait till the paper is done.
Tomorrow's going to be fun. Doing a service project at Gospel Rescue Mission.
www.grm.org
Awight Awight!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Concerning Ugly People
On le metro, a very friendly man and his wife helped direct us to one of our locations. They were heading for a ball, and they were commenting on seeing celebrities. The wife said that she would easily recognize Ted Kennedy, but she would never be able to recognize Jessica Simpson, to which her husband wittily quipped: Washington is the Hollywood for ugly people. Apparently this was borrowed from John McCain, but I still find it hilarious. Hence, the title of this entry.
+READERS DIGEST+
Today was depressing at the beginning then damn fun at the end. Late last night I decided I was not going to the Inauguration tomorrow. I chose to stay home to pray, fast from media, and read the Bible, specifically Jeremiah. My heart was heavy throughout the day, and that made everything else depressing. However, later that day we had to finish our scavenger tour of Washington, which was great. I even got to see Obomb's motorcade on his way to a ball. I further justify my not going to the inaugs on the basis that I was closer than any "normal person" was today.
(OoO)EXPANSIONS(OoO)
Why did I not want to go to the inaugs? Well, selfishly, I didn't want to deal with the crowd. Also, even though it was a "historical" moment, I didn't feel like it was necessary for me to be there to say that I was there to my grandchildren someday. I had that going for me as the sole reason for a while, until epiphs occurred, with two r's. In my last blog, I hinted at today being too much idolatry. I still believe that. But before I go off on my schpiel, some discretions:
1. I do not consider Obombs to be the anti-Christ. If he is, then the religious right/left is the Whore of Babylon. Suck on that!
2. I like Obombs, I voted for him (if you want to know why, ask me please).
With that out of the way, I still believe that our nation, and especially some Christians, have committed idolatry. Obomb's campaign has been centered around "hope." People have taken this and ran with it. This 'hope' is the sole end for them, but hope in what? Doesn't sound like hope in Christ. No, its hope in the political system, and especially, hope in one singular man to change it. I look at all of the t-shirts, buttons, and paraphenalia around town, and its depressing for many reasons, but to put it succinctly, they are capitalizing an idolatry. Ooh, I like that, make a note to self. I hear people on the bus and le metro and all they talk about is Obama, and everyone wearing Obama on their shirts. We have committed idolatry by adorning ourselves with the image of a man we have determined to be our saviour. Christ alone, ladies and gentlemen, Christ alone.
So, what do I do about it? I decide to stay home and read Jeremiah, fast from media, and pray/repent. My church, the Salvage Yard (www.thesalvageyard.org) has identified themselves in a season of mourning and repentance. I feel that I must join with them while I am here, and this is a perfect opportunity. While millions gather on the Mall to praise Obombs, one sits in his apartment and prays. I'm not trying to make myself sound all haughty-taughty, but I want to encourage others to consider practicing this. Things happen, small and large, because a few people ask the Holy Spirit to direct it. It is incredible. I picked Jeremiah because he was a prophet that warned Israel/Judah of their coming destruction because of their idolatry and adultery with pagan idols and gods. We have a lot to learn from the prophets today, we most certainly do. More later, perups.
As for the fun stuff, my group finished our scavenger hunt. We took le Metro to Foggy Bottom and took a shuttle to the Kennedy Center and then to the Watergate Hotel. We then took le metro to Chinatown, which is where we met the nice couple mentioned above, and walked towards the Convention Center, which was nearby our last stop, the Cato Institute. However, we did not make it because the police stopped everyone for the Obomb's motorcade to his next ball. It was very cool and exciting to see the motorcade. Then I got Chipotle and went back home. Cool stuff.
Also, I intend on posting images of the scavenger hunt and more Washington photos on my picasa. http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake Bookmark that baby!
=END TRANSMISSION=
+READERS DIGEST+
Today was depressing at the beginning then damn fun at the end. Late last night I decided I was not going to the Inauguration tomorrow. I chose to stay home to pray, fast from media, and read the Bible, specifically Jeremiah. My heart was heavy throughout the day, and that made everything else depressing. However, later that day we had to finish our scavenger tour of Washington, which was great. I even got to see Obomb's motorcade on his way to a ball. I further justify my not going to the inaugs on the basis that I was closer than any "normal person" was today.
(OoO)EXPANSIONS(OoO)
Why did I not want to go to the inaugs? Well, selfishly, I didn't want to deal with the crowd. Also, even though it was a "historical" moment, I didn't feel like it was necessary for me to be there to say that I was there to my grandchildren someday. I had that going for me as the sole reason for a while, until epiphs occurred, with two r's. In my last blog, I hinted at today being too much idolatry. I still believe that. But before I go off on my schpiel, some discretions:
1. I do not consider Obombs to be the anti-Christ. If he is, then the religious right/left is the Whore of Babylon. Suck on that!
2. I like Obombs, I voted for him (if you want to know why, ask me please).
With that out of the way, I still believe that our nation, and especially some Christians, have committed idolatry. Obomb's campaign has been centered around "hope." People have taken this and ran with it. This 'hope' is the sole end for them, but hope in what? Doesn't sound like hope in Christ. No, its hope in the political system, and especially, hope in one singular man to change it. I look at all of the t-shirts, buttons, and paraphenalia around town, and its depressing for many reasons, but to put it succinctly, they are capitalizing an idolatry. Ooh, I like that, make a note to self. I hear people on the bus and le metro and all they talk about is Obama, and everyone wearing Obama on their shirts. We have committed idolatry by adorning ourselves with the image of a man we have determined to be our saviour. Christ alone, ladies and gentlemen, Christ alone.
So, what do I do about it? I decide to stay home and read Jeremiah, fast from media, and pray/repent. My church, the Salvage Yard (www.thesalvageyard.org) has identified themselves in a season of mourning and repentance. I feel that I must join with them while I am here, and this is a perfect opportunity. While millions gather on the Mall to praise Obombs, one sits in his apartment and prays. I'm not trying to make myself sound all haughty-taughty, but I want to encourage others to consider practicing this. Things happen, small and large, because a few people ask the Holy Spirit to direct it. It is incredible. I picked Jeremiah because he was a prophet that warned Israel/Judah of their coming destruction because of their idolatry and adultery with pagan idols and gods. We have a lot to learn from the prophets today, we most certainly do. More later, perups.
As for the fun stuff, my group finished our scavenger hunt. We took le Metro to Foggy Bottom and took a shuttle to the Kennedy Center and then to the Watergate Hotel. We then took le metro to Chinatown, which is where we met the nice couple mentioned above, and walked towards the Convention Center, which was nearby our last stop, the Cato Institute. However, we did not make it because the police stopped everyone for the Obomb's motorcade to his next ball. It was very cool and exciting to see the motorcade. Then I got Chipotle and went back home. Cool stuff.
Also, I intend on posting images of the scavenger hunt and more Washington photos on my picasa. http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake Bookmark that baby!
=END TRANSMISSION=
Monday, January 19, 2009
Concerning Narratives
It has come to my intention that my blogs are too long. I like to write, so I shan't shorten them. Rather, I will provide a Reader's Digest addendum at the beginning of each post, which I will follow with reflection, expandations, and meditations. That way, we all win!
READER'S DIGEST
Today was a good day. In the morning, we had a little more of orientation. We got our portfolios with all of the syllabi info in it and such. Afterwards I went upstairs to study, and then later that afternoon went to my first class, Leadership and Vocation. We are studying personal narratives and getting ready for our service projects. Then we had our discussion groups. My facilitator is the leader of ASP Jerry Herbert. I like him, he coo'. Took pictures of the Capitol from my rooftop. Look here: http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake/CapitolFromASP02#
---
THE BETTER PART
Today was the first day of real class, and real wake up time (8:00 this time, but I'll have to wake up earlier soon...booo-urns). I'm not gonna talk much about the orientation, it was orientation after all. However, I will talk about what I learned today.
Today we started our course in Leadership and Vocation, whose objective is:
1. Develop a vision for you calling int he world that is rooted in an understandind of the truthful and narrative nature of the Bible and its vision for the coherence of knowing and doing.
2. reflect on your public service project and internship experiences in order to evaluate the way in which your field of interest reflects both God's good intentions as well as the distortions of a sinful and broken world.
3. Think critically about how our culture seeks to press us into seeing the world through a dualistic fact/value, public/private framework about how our personal narratives can also shape the way we see and respond to the world.
I find the focus on 'narratives' interesting. I was opened up to the idea in an apologetic manner in my Christian Discipleship and Evangelism/Missions courses back freshman year of NWC, but since then I have rarely heard the term or language. I think that's because I have delved into studying theology and philosophy, where much of the professors employ a more rational/systematic study of the issues. Also, I have been studying postmodernism for a while, in theology classes as well in my preliminary research for my capstone, so I hear both the critiques and praises of postmodern thought.
However, the American Studies Program does not hold to relativism. They affirm that there is one truth as revealed by the Biblical narrative. However, we all have our own narratives and lense through which we interpret the Bible, yet the Bible reflects back at us, and one could say interprets us. The Bible reveals things about our worldviews and narratives that we never considered, mostly because we were blind to those presuppositions.
This area intrigues me, so I look forward to studying it more and learning more.
Guh, Inauguration is tomorrow. I don't think I'll go. Too many people and too much idolatry for one day.
=END TRANSMISSION=
READER'S DIGEST
Today was a good day. In the morning, we had a little more of orientation. We got our portfolios with all of the syllabi info in it and such. Afterwards I went upstairs to study, and then later that afternoon went to my first class, Leadership and Vocation. We are studying personal narratives and getting ready for our service projects. Then we had our discussion groups. My facilitator is the leader of ASP Jerry Herbert. I like him, he coo'. Took pictures of the Capitol from my rooftop. Look here: http://picasaweb.google.com/thekerrywake/CapitolFromASP02#
---
THE BETTER PART
Today was the first day of real class, and real wake up time (8:00 this time, but I'll have to wake up earlier soon...booo-urns). I'm not gonna talk much about the orientation, it was orientation after all. However, I will talk about what I learned today.
Today we started our course in Leadership and Vocation, whose objective is:
1. Develop a vision for you calling int he world that is rooted in an understandind of the truthful and narrative nature of the Bible and its vision for the coherence of knowing and doing.
2. reflect on your public service project and internship experiences in order to evaluate the way in which your field of interest reflects both God's good intentions as well as the distortions of a sinful and broken world.
3. Think critically about how our culture seeks to press us into seeing the world through a dualistic fact/value, public/private framework about how our personal narratives can also shape the way we see and respond to the world.
I find the focus on 'narratives' interesting. I was opened up to the idea in an apologetic manner in my Christian Discipleship and Evangelism/Missions courses back freshman year of NWC, but since then I have rarely heard the term or language. I think that's because I have delved into studying theology and philosophy, where much of the professors employ a more rational/systematic study of the issues. Also, I have been studying postmodernism for a while, in theology classes as well in my preliminary research for my capstone, so I hear both the critiques and praises of postmodern thought.
However, the American Studies Program does not hold to relativism. They affirm that there is one truth as revealed by the Biblical narrative. However, we all have our own narratives and lense through which we interpret the Bible, yet the Bible reflects back at us, and one could say interprets us. The Bible reveals things about our worldviews and narratives that we never considered, mostly because we were blind to those presuppositions.
This area intrigues me, so I look forward to studying it more and learning more.
Guh, Inauguration is tomorrow. I don't think I'll go. Too many people and too much idolatry for one day.
=END TRANSMISSION=
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