not such the poo-poo head

"The militant Christian's greatest worth is not his virtue, but his struggle to transform into virtue the impudence, dishonor, unfaithfulness, and malice within him. One day Lucifer will be the most glorious archangel standing next to God; not Michael, Gabriel, or Raphael - but Lucifer, after he has finally transubstantiated his terrible darkness into light." (Nikos Kazantzakis - Saint Francis)


---quite the interesting notion. worth a thoguht perhaps.

love, anna

"But who is my brother?"

If you ever have the chance to read Fear's Empire by Benjamin Barbour, do it. This is an exerpt i found interesting. But the whole book really is worth your time...
love, anna

"In our fear of anarchy, we are actually returned to the anarchic state of nature that was fear's first true empire. There we feel obliged to abjure the law and rely on force and fraud alone; putting aside alliances and depending on ourselves; trading in the sicil and lawful liberty acquired through democratic citizenship for that treadbare "natural liberty" that gives us the right to do waht we can, to kill each other in the name of self preservation. We are drawn back into a war of all against all, and if not all then all percieved "enemies." The list grows and grows: Iraq today, the "axis of evil" with North Korea and Iran included tomorrow; Sudan, Syria, Indonesia, and Pakistan next week, Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Somolia, and the Philippines next yaer. In the state of nature there are finally no friends... Now independent states constitute among themselves a new global "natrural condition," defined by anarchy, force, and fraud. Independent states are as insecure with respect ot one another as individuals once were in teh state of nature. But what was clear for human relations within nation states has been far harder to grasp for internation relations. Nations are deluded by their nominal independence (for this is the paradox of independence) into thinking that they have neither need of nor duty to one another." -pp.93

I've been thinking about this book and it's meaning for an ethics class i'm taking and it's raised some interesting questions for me. I think now is the time when our Christian Ethic comes in as especially important. In todays world no other ethic (save perhaps Islam, ironically) has any more direct a call to lay down arms and be vulnerable to our enemies. As believers in a soverign Lord we no longer have the right to protect ourselves. Others, always must be in our care, but more and more I do not know whether violence or murder or any sort can be condoned by the ethical system, the faith, that is Christianity. Murky waters abound when it comes to protecting the weak, because that is obviously part of our call in Christ, but i am loathe to claim violence toward any entity is warranted. If we believe the Lord is soverign and has called us to love our enemies, we can no longer kill them. It is quite simple when considered in this way, though its everyday application is much gray-er. We believe in a soverign Lord, but we believe that we are agents for, stewards of, such a Lord. I hear Jesus asking over and over again in the story of the good samaratin, "But who is my brother?" And I hear him answer over again, 'They all are.' As Tertullian said, our faith was begun by those who were baptized in blood. Not the blood of our enemies, or our persecuters, but our own blood. We are saved through the blood of Christ, not the blood spilled by Christ. Our heritage is a faith of martyers, not conquors. With Christ, we are the sacrafice. Perhaps it is time we started applying such a concept in our global ethical system my dears. Long past time.

the thankful list

I occasionally like to make lists of things that are awesome about any particular twenty four hour period. And since it's been a good one, and i want to procrastinate, im going to make another one!!!

Staying up til 3 studying with Amber my fun new roomie.
Getting an IM from Jocjuice to start my day.
Finishing my paper for Luria in under an hour. I was previously unaware such speed and accuracy were possible for me.
Playing with the dog this morning.
seeing my cat in under 4 hours from now!!!!!! Woohoooo!!!!
seeing my parents in under 4 horus from now!!
coffee. lots and lots of coffee.
Nathan D's talk at IVCF last night.
Louisa's birthday celebration last night...(i love to see my friends have joy)
Pouncing on jiff and snuggling in her room this morning before getting ready. Her comforter is like the warmest thing EVER.
Nehemiah. The whole book. Read it. Love it. Know it. If you're pressed for time, at least get the first few chapters.
Old Friends! Lots and Lots of good friends all in one day. Friends who speak truth.
Sleeping with the windows open when the bed's all snuggly and the air on your face is just chilly enough to be grand.
Teresa of Avila being awesome. Arcangelica Tarabotti being awesome.
Cool fall days and laying in the grass taking naps
my whole life, when it comes down to it.



Rejoice in the Lord always, and again i say Rejoice!!!!!

Identity

Who do people say I am, Who do You say?
Matt 16:13-28

Did he grapple with dvinity?
Who was he really asking all the questions for anyway?
Is it possible that those cursed moments
of confusion, the self doubt, ever begin
(just maybe)
to enter the human mind
to wrestle the divinity such thoughts found there?
Am I really God,
can I really bear this cup- this pain?
"Maybe, maybe I'm just a man
like other men," he dreamed.
"perhaps," delusion taunted God, "I could make it out
without loosing my skin."

"Get behind me Satan!"
was divinity's deafening roar.
"No, son of Jonah, i cannot hide from this light," he muses.
"Your life depends on it's burning gaze.
No, I will not run away. I love you too much."
"I dont understand, I dont know,"
(God forbid even Christ doubts-)
"But i will take this chance.
I will drhink the cup of the divine."