Our Worldview/Churchview has yet to catch up to Copernicus

"Of all discoveries and opinions, none may have exerted a greater effect on the human spirit than the doctrine of Copernicus. The world had scarcely become known as round and complete in itself when it was asked to waive the tremendous privilege of being the center of the universe. Never, perhaps, was a greater demand made on mankind - for by this admission so many things vanished in mist and smoke! What became of our Eden, our world of innocence, piety and poetry; the testimony of the senses; the conviction of a poetic - religious faith? No wonder his contemporaries did not wish to let all this go and offered every possible resistance to a doctrine which in its converts authorized and demanded a freedom of view and greatness of thought so far unknown, indeed not even dreamed of." [Goethe.]

Today, still, our worldviews shape our theology and praxis. Most congregations still view themselves as the center of their universe. Some go so far as becoming black holes that suck their congregants into the void of a self-contained mini-universe.

Broadcast media specialize in creating isolated and fragmented mini-worlds. With the aid of "sciences" like demographics and psychographics we can reach the 23 year old dog lover who enjoys historical novels and walks five miles daily. I guarantee that if you create a "small group" for such a person before long you will have a thriving group.

You and I can live watching and participating in our stratified interests without ever really coming in contact with others in their mini-worlds. Our congregations reflect the same degree of segmentation and separation - not only between one another but even within our own walls.

Digital media changes this perception. No longer are we isolated but connected. Our congregations are no longer mini-worlds but connecting nodes. We are part of a larger whole. Our energy and life will come increasingly from what we share between our permeable boundaries than from the internally driven programs and activities.

Miller Family Newsletter 2004

On behalf of our family we wish you a Merry Christmas. We are trying out something new this year. Interactive Christmas Greetings! It's the IPod effect - select what you want and leave the rest.

Here is a link to our long Christmas Newsletter. To view this in a larger window right click over the link and select "open new window." Otherwise you will need your reading glasses.

If you prefer a shorter version here are the highlights:

Family: Tyler started first grade. Nathan joined Boy Scouts. Michelle became a teenager and began horseback riding. Lisa has set her sites on going back to work. I've picked up the tennis racket again.

Business: Came back strong. The Spencer Company moved to its new offices at 2121 N. Akard. Health care and libraries were a prime focus.

The Book: Is doing very well. I actually received a royalty check. I'll be on a three hour broadcast in January and then speaking at the World Future Symposium the end of June. This has been a lot of fun. If you haven't bought your copy yet I'll provide a link. History and future stuff may not be your favorite topic but I'll bet you have a friend or a pastor who loves that kind of reading. You can also say, "hey, I know that person."

Perspective: Most people I know feel that the economy is improving BUT the challenges in both the near and distant future are large and complex. I'm convinced that each of us can make a positive difference by being true friends, good neighbors and engaged citizens. That is easier said than done even with the best of intentions.

Christmas and this season in general can also get in the way of restoring that balance. I often feel like the tail is wagging the dog from Thanksgiving through New Years. When we do get a chance to look up, look back, look around and look ahead - we've got to admit - these are incredible times to be alive and worth taking time to consider their significance and ours as well.
I hope the next few weeks help restore some of that original message that inspired angels to proclaim; "Peace on earth to men of goodwill."

Links:

History Channel - History of Christmas
Buy a copy of The Millenium Matrix.
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.

God Bless from The Miller's

Thoughts on Humility from Erwin McManus

I've been reading Soul Uprising by Erwin McManus. This paragraph has been a source of food to my soul.

Neither perspective nor attitude is formed in a vacuum. They are expressions of deeper realities within us. When a person has an attitude problem, what he or she really has is an arrogance problem. A bad attitude is evidence of a lack of humility. Attitude is an accurate monitor of where we fall on a spectrum of pride and humility.

Humility is the chiropractic remedy when our necks are stiff and incapable of bending.

Peter Drucker - A Rare Interview

Peter Drucker just turned 95. If you don't know who he is - you need to. He is considered the most influential business consultant through the 20th Century. He introduced leadership principles that have been repackaged by virtually every management guru over the past thirty years.

Peter Drucker is also a man of deep faith. He is the mentor of Bob Buford (Leadership Network and author of ''Half Time''). He has been an adviser to Rick Warren. He has also been a hero of mine for many years and I make reference to Mr. Drucker in my book.

This article in Forbes is a rare and perhaps a final interview. One worth reading.

http://www.forbes.com/management/2004/11/19/cz_rk_1119drucker.html


Let me know what you think.

Grace and Peace

Rex