ELCA Tips on Internet Security

This is a great resource for churches and individuals related to internet security.

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Information-Technology/Security.aspx

Love Wins: Talking Points

Since I have been on the topic I thought that I would continue!
Here are eight talking points that we will be using at Incarnation for groups that might have concerns relating to the big issues in Rob Bells new book Love Wins.  These came about during conversations with small groups that currently use Rob Bells short videos- NOOMA.

1. "Who is saved" and "how salvation happens" are questions filled with mystery.  While we can talk about a variety of theological perspectives and personal viewpoints, ultimately, these questions are filled with mystery and not certainty.
2. It is God who decides, not any of us. We believe in a God that is bigger than anything humans can comprehend, with greater knowledge and understanding. Fortunately, "who is saved" isn't our decision to make.
3. We believe that God's love and grace are clearly revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. We believe that salvation, individually  and for the world, comes through the grace of Jesus Christ. We believe that the best expression of God is Jesus Christ.
4. We are grounded in God's grace. We believe that grace of God is filled with compassion, forgiveness, and love. It is not based on something we do or something we believe, but ultimately a gift from a loving God. Our understanding of grace opens us to the possibility that God's grace and love may be broader and more expansive than anything we, as humans, can comprehend or imagine.
5. While we believe in the saving power of love and grace expressed in Jesus Christ, that doesn't mean that Jesus isn't at work in the world in other ways, and perhaps through other religions.
6. We believe that God's Kingdom is here on earth, right now. Questions for heaven, hell, and salvation are just as relevant to how we live out our lives today, as they are eternally.  It is as important to be about God's kingdom here on earth, as it is to pay attention to God's kingdom eternally.
7. We encourage small groups to have discussions that are filled with love and mutual respect. Each person has a unique faith journey that has brought them to this place. We encourage open, honest, non-judging, safe conversations and the freedom to ask questions.
8. We learn from the different perspectives shared in a small group context. In the diversity of perspectives, we will actively seek to find places where we share common ground.

Another Rob Bell related post...

Here is another great resource:

http://www.livestream.com/lovewins

Here are a couple recommend readings related to the topics being discussed:
* "Who will be Saved" by William Willimon
* "The Story We Find Ourselves in" and "The Last Word and the Word After That" By Brian McLaren

Rob Bell

I mentioned that Rob Bell and his new book are a hot topic around my work place... here is a great question and answer session that might be helpful for those of you who might be having the same conversations!

http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/features/25030-is-rob-bell-a-universalist

You might get a kick out of this!

So, in my morning staff meeting today we started talking about the new Rob Bell book and some of the conversations that we have been having with members. Long story short we did not get very far- but here is a video you might get a kick out of!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh5nyR4y-eI