#TheologicalThursday: "Made as Makers"

Callid Keefe-Perry has created a "documentary poem" definitely worth seeing. This film, titled "Made as Makers", is an incredibly well put together 45 minute film concerning the intersections of creativity and perceptions of God, Faith, and Hope.

Callid produced this film in collaboration with a number of people. Truth be told, it is one of the most diverse-laden experiences of life in community that I have seen or been a part of. This successful use of diverse, creative thought and feeling, if for no other reason, should inspire you to see and contemplate this film and the visions set forth in it.

Callid is a practicioner of theopoetics, that is to say, an interdisciplinary field of study that combines elements of poetic analysis, process theology, narrative theology, and postmodern philosophy. Another way to describe his work is to say (in my own words) that the vision of the Divine is not reached nearly as much by prosaic, left-hemispheric analysis as it is by the playful, intuitive, poetic spirit of creativity.

Callid encouraged the folks interviewed in the film to be creative, to speak forth their heart visions and feelings. The folks interviewed did a great job at that. This film inspired me to think broadly, vigorously, and bravely about issues in the church today and to feel subtly, sensitively, and artistically about the personal spiritual lives of myself and others.

I hope that each of you reading this blogpost will look forward to viewing and participating in the life and journey of this piece of theopoetic intensity and vibrancy. It will be publicly online June 1st. You will be able find it online here. Also, I heartily recommend that you take a look at (and regularly follow) Callid's website, The Image of Fish, to learn more about the concept and practice of theopoetics, as well as participating more fully in the continuing journey of the "Church Becoming".

Please, watch this film. Enjoy it, contemplate it, share it with others, and begin (or continue) to creatively, humbly, and bravely consider the Spirit of the Divine presence in yourself, others, the community of life, and the creation of God.

We all need each other's poetry and insight.

Go with God and let's all go with each other.

It's a whole new world with each and every sunrise!

Here's a brief video from Callid, at last year's Wild Goose Festival. In it, Callid speaks about the film project, while he is on location doing some of the filming.

Enjoy and be blessed...

The Wednesday Word: COMMUNITAS

Do you recognize the characters in this picture?

Let's see if this might help you a little more...

That's right! The characters in the first picture are The Fellowship of the Ring.

They are called together for a common purpose and journey...

and though they wander, they are never truly lost.

Even when times are tough, even when they are harassed on every side,

even when it seems all hope is gone...

They kept going.

They had a mission.

They persevered.

Together.

As one.

Amen.

Listen for the Word of God...

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

We walk together.

We journey with a common purpose.

We are a community in motion.

Today's word is COMMUNITAS.

Wikipedia defines it as "the very spirit of community".

Together, with last Wednesday's word, KOINONIA...

IT IS THE VERY "BEING & ESSENCE" OF CHURCH.

And...

But remember this...

Perhaps Alan Hirsch says it the best...

GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Clubs in Ocala?

It appears that the inclusion of GSA clubs has found it's way into the school system and news articles of Marion County, Florida.

GSA is shorthand for Gay Straight Alliance, which is defined by Wikipedia as a way to make schools safe and welcoming to all students regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

I would imagine this type of organization might help to lessen bullying in schools.

Guess I like the idea of campaigns to stop bullying in schools because I was bullied quite a bit in school...when I wasn't simply treated like an outcast geek.

Oh well, enough about me and how I was sometimes treated in middle and high school...

On May 25th and 26th,  two articles appeared in the Ocala Star Banner. Here are the headlines:

ACLU sues Yancey, School Board

Teens: Officials wouldn't hear reasons for VHS Gay-Straight Alliance club

Read the articles.

Consider the situation.

What say you?

Sometimes, at the end of the day, I felt like the picture above.