I just started reading Eugene Peterson's much anticipated (and judging from the first several pages, much to be enjoyed!) memoir 'The Pastor'. Peterson has so often provided me with counsel and caution, wise reflection and revealing rebuke, that I never miss the opportunity to open the pages he pens and drink deeply. More on this work as I make some further progress.
He is not alone as master of memory and instruction. Last week I read 'The Memory Chalet' by the late postwar historian Tony Judt. His naked, honest recollections of life in London and as a Holocaust era Jewish intellectual is one of the finest books I've ever read. Judt was struck down by Lou Gherig's disease and succumbed last August. With his passing we lost a master historian and teacher. This can be seen not only in the magnitude and scope of his published work on history, but, in this final collection of essays, his assessment of the advancing disease robbing him of his physical capabilities while leaving his mind perfectly intact. It is gripping. More than anything, Judt is a wonderful writer, his deployment of the written English language exact and a generous service to a generation whose capacity to write is degraded not only by inattention to the written word but by its addiction to texting. In fact, Judt's remarks on the use and abuse of language are some of the finest counsel he offers.
This book was preceded in my reading by a new biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, written by Eric Mataxas. Bonhoeffer, had he lived, might well have provided us with a much needed memoir of courage in the face of tyranny and a theology of Church and State which might yet inspire and inform. His martyrdom at the hands of the Nazis remains an ample testimony, together with his incisive and essential books, 'The Cost of Discipleship' and 'Life Together'. Metaxas' account of Bonhoeffer's life is compelling, matching well the adventurous and principled faith of the book's subject.
In the memory of others we can be encouraged to more carefully treasure the people we know and have known, the experiences we have been given, and see these all, both hard and tender, as mercies all, entrusted to us as a stewardship to conform us to Christ and call others to him. The One who said, "Do this in remembrance of Me" calls us to be a people who 'Never forget'.
These three books appear to be great aids to obeying that summons.
Pictured from top to bottom: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Tony Judt, and Eugene Peterson
4 comments:
I got the 544 page biography and have just finished it. Would I have the strength and faith to with stand the evil that covered Germany? It seeems that in America of the 30s in the Negro churches he is "born again" or something happens to deepen his relationship to God and prepares him for what is to come. It is our meditation on the scriptures that deepens our faith in God and his sovereignty over the things in our lives. It seems Bonhoeffer's strength and deep faith came from meditations on and prayers containing scripture.
Memory Chalet No way. Only one chapter deals with the effects of ALS and the long nights of not being able to move and no other stimulation during the night hours. No faith in God would be intolerable for me. The whole book must be what he wrote in his mind during the night. He was a conservative leftist and that was an added problem. They like to spend what capitalism provides and that was another emotional problem for me. I learned things about England I did not know. I should have been looking up many words but it would have taken too long and there was no depth to this work. I will have to admit I had read Bonhoeffer first and that dealt with his faith. Judt did not have any. The thing about being Jewish was confusing. Not to remember too much the Holocaust yet his is named for an Aunt who died at Auschwitz. Hitler was not the only leader that had problems with the Jews. There were other times such as the Spanish Inquisition. Remembering is important as history has a tendency to repeat itself. I guess I think of the Jews as the lineage of Jesus and that is important to me. I guess I was expecting more about the disease and his struggle with it but without faith that would be emotionally draining to read. I wonder where he is now.
Eugene Petersen was an interesting read. He did a lot for the average believer but I question places he seems to be liberal.
The memory of the impression on him of the year his mother decided not to have a Christmas tree was impressive. It was difficult for him at the time but as he thought on it, he was able to see how difficult it was for Mary and Joseph during her pregnancy. I had to look up the word cuckhold and was amazed at the understanding of how they must have been ridiculed during that time. I saw the meaning of Cuckhold: a derisive term given a husband with an unfaithful wife. I can just see those in their neighborhood doing that. Who in their right mind would believe their story? They were very much alone.
I had trouble with the Harry Fosdick, PCUSA, and women pastors. The prayer and the scriptures to help our communication with God is good but I must have a good foundation on which to build. How much do we let slide and what do we stand for? The impact of Karl Barth is interesting. I will have to look into the information and writings of John Henry Newman, Alexander Whyte, Baron Friedrich von Hugel, Teresa of Avilar, and John of the Cross. God has to be intimately involved in everything of faith. How would anyone be saved? We have so many interpretations and beliefs. God must enter into his creations to choose and guide us. We certainly cannot do it with a free will. The “I” in the importance of the created is certainly a tool of Satan. I find it amazing that God chose to use fallen/redeem creatures to show his glory. I think he has lost his marbles. In Eden we put ourselves at his level and then he gives us grace. It is beyond comprehension.
It is difficult to lead a group of stupid sheep. It must take a lot of faith to teach us, guide us, and let the Spirit use it the way he needs to in the lives of the flock. I am sure it is difficult to take the theology we need and make it an everyday tool for us.
Yes, Peterson has some of those more liberal PCUSA tendencies - starts to come through in the story of his mom's evangelistic efforts being silenced when he was a boy in Montana. Nevertheless his love for people and insight into Scripture remains a helpful inspiration - not to mention his gentleness.
I never think the sheep are stupid - sheep can be stubborn and wander off, easily panicked and fearful, BUT they - unlike goats! - have very discerning palates and won't eat just anything in front of them. Your careful assessment of the books shows just that capacity by the way. The challenge I feel so deeply is actually to make sure that in ministry I rise to heights of the flock's intelligence and wisdom!
Blessings!
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