Glocal Christianity

Jewish Art

For something different I was searching for Jewish art this evening, particularly for scenes from the Old Testament. To your left is an image of the burning bush from Chana Cromer at Synagogue Art.

Is Anti-Zionism equivalent to Anti-Semitism?

Is Anti-Zionism equivalent to Anti-Semitism? That's a question that came into my head from reading a reader's comment. I think the answer is no, and that we should be wary of people equating the two, but I am interested in what you might have to say.

Me, I don't come across many Zionists. We seem to have every other religion under the sun apart from Judaism out here. The only synagogue I've ever seen was at Bondi Beach. What I do come across though, particularly through mixing with Americans online, are Christian Zionists. I wonder: how far can I go in critiquing Christian Zionist theology before someone calls me anti-Semitic?

As I ponder this I am reminded of a movie trailer. Young guy says, "You calling me a liar because I'm black?!" Older guy responds, "No, I am calling you a liar because you're a liar." We need to be vigilant against discrimination, but we also need to be vigilant against people exploiting anti-discrimination. I think that happens sometimes.

And it disturbs me when the oppressed become oppressors, no matter what side of the conflict they come from.

Eyes of God on Israel

This image is entitled Eyes of God on Israel. You can read more about it at Heart Windows Art. It prompts me to pray, Lord let the peace process be resurrected.

Who is God for in Gaza?

Mary, one of the new readers of Glocal Christianity, recently drew my attention to a video she's made on the Gaza situation.

I must admit, I had mixed feelings watching this. I felt uncomfortable with the images calling for solidarity with the Palastinians. Not because I support Israel, but because I find it difficult to side with either side. But then I thought, who are the Palastinians? Should I directly equate them with Hamas? Did the babies in the firing line get to vote? Its not that simple. I suppose what I can say honestly is that I side with anyone - Palastinian, Israeli - who renounces violence as a solution to violence. Still pondering this one, its got me thinking.

A Rabbi speaks on finding God

Much of what this rabbi had to say about God resonated with me. Not so surprising I suppose, since Christianity and Judaism both regard the Torah as scripture, but noteable all the same. I liked how he questioned the generic 'God'. When people say, I reject God or I affirm God its always wise to question, what do they actually understand the word 'God' to mean?

Purpose Driven Synagogue?

Rick Warren is sure to leave a few church growth exponents scratching their heads after this  latest speaking engagement of his: Rick Warren Counsels Jews on Recruiting Congregants. Thanks to Jeff for the heads up.
 

Rabbi Chat Line

The Chaser did a skit on kosher phones recently launched in Israel. You can view by clicking through here. Very funny.

Celebrity Spirituality

The celebrity Kabbalah craze just keeps hitting them headlines. Here's some of the latest news and goss.

We've all heard that Deborra-Lee Furness is back in Australia with hubby Wolverine ... ahem, sorry ... Hugh Jackman for movie launches and whatnot. Well it seems while away she's developed an interest in Kabbalah amongst other things.

"She doesn't wear a red string bracelet on her wrist, but Deborra-Lee Furness has admitted exploring the teachings of Kaballah, the religion spruiked by celebrities such as Madonna.

Furness, who has happily settled back into Sydney life with hubby Hugh Jackman, has revealed her time living in the US prompted a curiosity about Kabbalah and Scientology.

Just when we thought Furness and Jackman were down-to-earth Aussies like the rest of us!

"I am interested in Buddhism, I will look at Kabbalah. I will look at Scientology. I am a curious woman and I am not going to just say, I don't believe in that," said Furness, during a candid interview with AAP reporter Jonathon Moran.

"So when I was in New York I had some girlfriends that were involved [in Kabbalah] and I read about it and it has a lot of good stuff to say. But I am not in a cult."

While Furness never became a fully fledged convert, she has regularly attended Kabbalah sessions."

For the original article see here.

But then I come across this. It seems there are rumours that kabbalah's most famous follower, Madonna is finding it's time for another image shift.

The pop world's most unusual partnership may be over. Madonna and Kabbalah, the once obscure sect she championed - and upon which she has lavished millions of dollars - appear to be on the verge of separation. Close friends say the singer has talked of loosening her red Kabbalah wristband and is wearying of the mystical Jewish belief system. She has decided to give it up, they say, having tired of the financial burden and the effect her strong beliefs have had on her relationship with husband Guy Ritchie.

Madonna is also said to be concerned that following Kabbalah separates her children from more conventional customs such as Christmas, which they do not currently celebrate.

Now a couple of questions arise for me at this point, not in terms of Madonna's practice but in terms of our own, that is, other Emerging Church bloggers. What are the unpaid bills of the church here? How can we interact more effectively and sensitively with devotes of kabbalah, qabala, etc, that we come across in our journey? What is good new for them? Are we coming across them in our journey or are they another post-modern demographic who are slipping under the radar of the church? And for those of us who are contemplatives, how can our practice be better informed by both the insights and problematic aspects of kabbalah so that is more robustly contextual?

Jewish Roots of Eastern Christian Mysticism

I came across an interdisciplinary seminar on the Jewish Roots of Eastern Christian Mysticism which could prove to be interesting. It links to heaps of resources including previously published and unpublished scholarly articles, electronic publications, lectures, reviews and critical responses to these materials. I haven't had time to digest it all yet though. If you want to check it out see here.