Constriction is a sneaky bugger.

Hey Man,
Did you ever sit in the dentist's chair while they worked on your teeth and suddenly realize you were holding your breath and tightening your muscles, and then realize it was okay to exhale and relax? I realized today a small amount of this feeling sneaking into my overall existence. I noticed it as I was thinking about the fact that I hadn't connected with you recently, and began to try to construct a solution to our lack of connection. "A solution" (Skype, email, blog post, etc.) seemed big and intimidating, and I could feel the tightening just a bit more.

Then, somehow (I wish I could remember) I had a feeling similar to the moment in the dentist's chair when I realize it is okay to let the tension move out. It once again seemed reasonable to just put down a few things that have been on my heart and mind. I realize connection with you is sometimes like exhaling and at other times like inhaling.

Why is it that "lack of connection" itself is frequently such a source of constriction?

So anyway, today a deep breath in and this is a random bit of letting it out...

I have been reading and greatly enjoying Peter Enns' newest book, The Evolution of Adam. It is divided into two sections, of which I have only finished the first. In this section he discusses the Old Testament, and more specifically the Pentateuch and Genesis, from the perspective of when it was likely written and from this, possibly the purpose of the author (s). He then goes on in part two to show possible perspectives Paul may have been using when referencing Adam. His point is to show that our understanding of Adam can be as deep and rich for the creation stories, and for Paul's theology in view of scientific data today.  I can't tell you so much why I am loving it, except to say that I find a bit of freedom and excitement in considering that the scriptures may be more embedded in human experience than I previously have internalized. It is exciting that this embedded-ness may be precisely why they are inspired (and inspiring).

On another "theology meets my heart" moment, I was listening to the Homebrewed Christianity TNT Eschatology podcast. There were a few moments that made my heart beat faster and harder, like their discussion of Christ as the prolepsis of God.  They reference a book called Theology and the Kingdom of God by Wolfhart Pannenberg. Read it?

There is another Homebrewed Podcast, Occupy Theology: Marx and Whitehead, which is challenging but very interesting.  Somewhere in the discussion the two presenters discuss the depth of their friendship as it relates to and stems from the fact that they somehow see the world the same way on a basic level. I think I know what they were talking about.

On my blog I posted a TED video about classical music that is a bit older (2008) but beautiful.

Craig Finn, the lead singer for The Hold Steady, just released a solo album. It's called Clear Heart, Full Eyes and it is full of Jesus references and stories.
This one is pretty cool.


I continue to find encouragement from Richard Rohr's daily meditations. Thank you.

I continue to find that I continue to need encouragement.

I miss you.

Be well.
PDR