Comments on: “Safe” Is an Interesting Word http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/ Thoughts on the Journey Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:10:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: the fireside » Where Bilbo meets Aslan… http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30113 the fireside » Where Bilbo meets Aslan… Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:16:52 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30113 [...] will continue to know what it looks like on the other side of the door, even if the outside is less safe and less secure than the [...] [...] will continue to know what it looks like on the other side of the door, even if the outside is less safe and less secure than the [...]

]]> By: regent park “redevelopment”. « elpis http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30051 regent park “redevelopment”. « elpis Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:24:00 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30051 [...] what is really more dangerous here? (re: this article). [...] [...] what is really more dangerous here? (re: this article). [...]

]]> By: Ariah http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30038 Ariah Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:02:07 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30038 Andrea, I can understand why you think I'm going to the opposite extreme. Most Christians in our society live just like the status quo that we assume that's proper, or at least the norm. We never step back and question it, attempt to start from scratch, and try and emulate Christ. Here's my question for you. If you could step back, out of your current home, and pretend you were starting a fresh. Your only goal is to follow the teachings of Christ. Where would you live? How would you most imitate Christ in your choice of geographic location? And why? Andrea,

I can understand why you think I’m going to the opposite extreme. Most Christians in our society live just like the status quo that we assume that’s proper, or at least the norm. We never step back and question it, attempt to start from scratch, and try and emulate Christ.

Here’s my question for you. If you could step back, out of your current home, and pretend you were starting a fresh. Your only goal is to follow the teachings of Christ. Where would you live? How would you most imitate Christ in your choice of geographic location? And why?

]]> By: Andrea Graham http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30037 Andrea Graham Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:23:45 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30037 Ariah, I still think you're making the mistake of confusing a personal conviction God has placed on you with a directive for all believers. Either that or misreading scripture. I don't see "thou shalt live in poverty stricken neighborhoods" in the scripture. This is your conviction, not scripture. Americans do generally have issues with serving mammon and worshiping wealth, etc. We generally are far too much in love with physical safety and our comfort zones. But you're going to the opposite extreme. The Church does have a responsibility to look out for the oppressed, the widow, the oprhan, etc. I simply find your views on how this must be done too narrow. Ariah,

I still think you’re making the mistake of confusing a personal conviction God has placed on you with a directive for all believers. Either that or misreading scripture. I don’t see “thou shalt live in poverty stricken neighborhoods” in the scripture. This is your conviction, not scripture.

Americans do generally have issues with serving mammon and worshiping wealth, etc. We generally are far too much in love with physical safety and our comfort zones. But you’re going to the opposite extreme. The Church does have a responsibility to look out for the oppressed, the widow, the oprhan, etc. I simply find your views on how this must be done too narrow.

]]> By: Ariah http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30025 Ariah Wed, 31 Oct 2007 05:07:28 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30025 Andrea, You got me all wrong. I'm not 'called' nor do I have some unique 'passion.' I'm compelled through the clear teachings of Christ in scripture to throw my lot in with the least of these, the outcasts, the ones Jesus hung out with. Jesus says blessed our the poor for theirs is the kingdom, I would be foolish to be hanging around with the rich then wouldn't I? I strongly believe EVERY follower of Christ is 'called' to geographically place themselves with and amongst the poor in our society. And that will also require a radical lifestyle change as it relates to our possessions as well. I can't think of a 'calling' that would be in conflict with that clear directive of Christ. Andrea,
You got me all wrong. I’m not ‘called’ nor do I have some unique ‘passion.’ I’m compelled through the clear teachings of Christ in scripture to throw my lot in with the least of these, the outcasts, the ones Jesus hung out with. Jesus says blessed our the poor for theirs is the kingdom, I would be foolish to be hanging around with the rich then wouldn’t I?
I strongly believe EVERY follower of Christ is ‘called’ to geographically place themselves with and amongst the poor in our society. And that will also require a radical lifestyle change as it relates to our possessions as well.

I can’t think of a ‘calling’ that would be in conflict with that clear directive of Christ.

]]> By: Andrea Graham http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30021 Andrea Graham Wed, 31 Oct 2007 02:39:44 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-30021 There's a lot of truth to this, and "it's not safe" is not a reason to ignore a call to minister in the inner city. But the way I read this, on the physical safety versus spiritual safety, this would presume that the cities are physically unsafe and the suburbs spiritually unsafe (by merit of being physically safe.) Due to a dynamic that feeds it self, small town America is decidedly less hostile spiritually than the inner city: again, this isn't a reason in itself to move, because the reason for this is too many of us respond to hostility to our faith and values in the big city by turning tail and running rather than fighting for the soul and heart of the city. And turning over these centers of culture to enemy hands is definitely a bad idea. It sounds like you've been given a passion for inner city ministry in the areas you mentioned. Just remember, not everyone in the Body is called to hoe the same row. The most important thing is to go where God is leading you--and to realize, as you've pointed out, that won't always, if ever, make sense by human logic, especially in terms of such risk factors. There’s a lot of truth to this, and “it’s not safe” is not a reason to ignore a call to minister in the inner city. But the way I read this, on the physical safety versus spiritual safety, this would presume that the cities are physically unsafe and the suburbs spiritually unsafe (by merit of being physically safe.) Due to a dynamic that feeds it self, small town America is decidedly less hostile spiritually than the inner city: again, this isn’t a reason in itself to move, because the reason for this is too many of us respond to hostility to our faith and values in the big city by turning tail and running rather than fighting for the soul and heart of the city.

And turning over these centers of culture to enemy hands is definitely a bad idea.

It sounds like you’ve been given a passion for inner city ministry in the areas you mentioned. Just remember, not everyone in the Body is called to hoe the same row. The most important thing is to go where God is leading you–and to realize, as you’ve pointed out, that won’t always, if ever, make sense by human logic, especially in terms of such risk factors.

]]> By: leaving safety and comfort « http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-29817 leaving safety and comfort « Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:32:00 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-29817 [...] will continue to know what it looks like on the other side of the door, even if the outside is less safe and less secure than the [...] [...] will continue to know what it looks like on the other side of the door, even if the outside is less safe and less secure than the [...]

]]> By: Josh http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-29803 Josh Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:13:59 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-29803 Amen, brother! Amen, brother!

]]> By: tiffany http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-29798 tiffany Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:44:54 +0000 http://blog.iamnotashamed.net/2007/09/26/safe-is-an-interesting-word/#comment-29798 I love this post. Being ready to give birth to Jake and I's first child, some of the extended family (and friends) are quite concerned about our next step in life (thinking about going to school in kenya), and just keep on saying, "is this safe? is this smart?" Jake replys with his comment that safety is an allusion. Which is true, but it doesn't satisfy their concern. I really like shane claiborne's quote that you have in here...thanks for this post. it's reassuring to hear it-- makes me feel less crazy :). I love this post. Being ready to give birth to Jake and I’s first child, some of the extended family (and friends) are quite concerned about our next step in life (thinking about going to school in kenya), and just keep on saying, “is this safe? is this smart?” Jake replys with his comment that safety is an allusion. Which is true, but it doesn’t satisfy their concern. I really like shane claiborne’s quote that you have in here…thanks for this post. it’s reassuring to hear it– makes me feel less crazy :).

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