Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Heretics and Flying Ninja Penguins
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I recently recieved a book in the mail for review; A Heretic's Guide to Eternity, by Spencer Burke and Barry Taylor. Many of you may know Spencer from The Ooze, and his ever increasing voice in the Emerging Church community of Christianity. The Ooze published one of my first articles a few years back, that has seemed to make its rounds about through Church communities world-wide, as well as a few international publications. I'm not trying to puff myself up, rather I'm thinking "out loud" as I try to recall my connection to them and understand why I was chosen to review the book.
A Jew struggling to remember my journey out of Christianity
Reading through the book, I found it very hard to connect with for myself. However, I do remember a time when this book would have been indespensable to me. Full of thoughts and journey's that would make a any seeker ask the most difficult questions about their faith within Christianity, I found the book to be a must read for the journeying Christian. One problem I had with it though, is that have strong hints of replacement theology, and what seems to be a oversight of the Jewish roots of the Christian faith; Including Paul's often misunderstood discourses about "Law" obligations when he was speaking to Noachides, and the love of TOrah and it's firm standing when speaking to Jewish believers. I find this to be a rather disturbing, yet often completely unintentional facet of even the most free-thinking Church communities. I'm not saying that I know it all ( I Wish!), but I am saying that it's hard for me to relate and connect with a philosophy that goes down that road. There are plenty that disagree with me, however. And I have to say... we are all on a journey, of which we each hope to end up in the arms of God, in spite of our lack of understanding.
Once a Jew...
I think we would all hope to live with the type of character Jesus had, and to bring healing to our world. But in looking at this man, Jesus, for myself, I cannot find inspiration as a Jew without looking past almost 2000 years of Christian tradition and distortions. Only then do I find a Torah Observant Jewish boy; Who would challange the Pharisee school of Shammai as an Essene from the Pharisee school of Hillel (a much more compassionate school of thought); Who would call Israel back to God's way (a compassionate Torah); Who would challenge the Roman government and its appointed corrupt Jewish leaders; Who then would offer to take Israel's place in dishonor for their falling away from the covenant; And to whom what looks to have been given the highest place of honor by God for him doing so. This is when I find inspiration to pursue healing and retoration both of my own soul and the world around me.
In the end...
I agree with Burke's questioning of religion and legalism, but I could not seem to connect at all with his ideas of Jesus and "Law". Perhaps this is an area in which many Christians would do good to study 1st century Judaism. Brad Young's Paul the Jewish Theologian, and Rabbi Harvey Falk's Jesus the Pharisee, are both books I highly recommend in this line of study. They will open your eyes to an understanding you never thought was possible concerning the Christian New Testament. Also, for an in-depth Jewish roots study, Our Father Abraham, by Marvin Wilson, is also a great study. But if you are a Christian seeker looking to further your journey of thinking in how to live and be the Church apart from legalistic leanings, then Spencer Burke's book will be a welcome addition to your library.
Oh yeah... and about those ninja penguins...
I just made a blog post at The Music Company's myspace about upcoming changes, additions, and the like. If you want to know what the penguin thing is about, you'll have to read there.
By the way,
Thanks for the replies about my giving away the book. I believe it has found a good home.
