The most central doctrine to the Christian faith is that of Salvation. A friend shared this article with me, and I think it probably is the best article I have read in a while to challenge our weak image of "Salvation". Please, read and enjoy. -Brother Bradley Avi
http://www.restorationministries.org/HtmlFiles/HebraicArticles/GospOfCov.htm
Monday, April 26, 2010
US teen health a national security risk
I heard this on the radio the other day and felt it would be a good article to share. The source is UPI news service. It's worht a read:
27 percent too fat for military
WASHINGTON, April 20 (UPI) -- A group of more than 130 retired U.S. military leaders said the escalating rates of child and teen obesity endangers national security.
The U.S. non-profit group, Mission: Readiness, of retired admirals, generals and other senior military leaders, said 9 million young adults are too overweight to join the military.
The report, "Too Fat to Fight," said more than 9 million young adults, or 27 percent of all teens and young adults age 17-24, are too overweight to join the military.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in Atlanta has reported that since 2000, the number of states with 40 percent or more of young adults overweight increased from one state to 39 states.
"We believe that the child obesity issue is so serious it has become a threat to our national security," retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Norman Seip of Mission: Readiness said in a statement.
The group has joined with Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in supporting child nutrition legislation to ban junk food from schools, support the White House proposal to increase $1 billion per year for 10 years for child nutrition programs and develop school-based strategies to help parents and children adopt healthier eating and exercise habits.
For the original article see:
27 percent too fat for military
WASHINGTON, April 20 (UPI) -- A group of more than 130 retired U.S. military leaders said the escalating rates of child and teen obesity endangers national security.
The U.S. non-profit group, Mission: Readiness, of retired admirals, generals and other senior military leaders, said 9 million young adults are too overweight to join the military.
The report, "Too Fat to Fight," said more than 9 million young adults, or 27 percent of all teens and young adults age 17-24, are too overweight to join the military.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention in Atlanta has reported that since 2000, the number of states with 40 percent or more of young adults overweight increased from one state to 39 states.
"We believe that the child obesity issue is so serious it has become a threat to our national security," retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Norman Seip of Mission: Readiness said in a statement.
The group has joined with Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in supporting child nutrition legislation to ban junk food from schools, support the White House proposal to increase $1 billion per year for 10 years for child nutrition programs and develop school-based strategies to help parents and children adopt healthier eating and exercise habits.
For the original article see:
The great substitution
Years ago in a psychology class we spoke about how essentially a new life is born with very limited experience of it's own character. Is he smart, or dull? Is he a great athelete, or a bit of a klutz? It is society and one's experience within that society that makes one feel they are who they are. In fact, the society tends to shape a character, or perhaps even an image. This obviuosly sounds like Cooley's "Looking Glass Self" model where we need others to see who we really are. The context provides the understanding.
However, most of us allow these characteristics to be formed with limited effort. We tend to follow the wind and become something whether we had any idea what we were becoming or not. There is limited conscious effort in this process.
This however, was exactly what I have tried not to allow to happen with my own son. My eldest was homeschooled until a few months ago, when we decided to let him attend the local school for a class and then eventualy a few classes. He used to the experience to shape himself into "his peers", or something that he could comfortably become. However, this new character (among many he had "tried on") over the last couple years was not part of my aspirations for him. He took on every bad habit, every attitude; the poorest of character. His ambition fell to almost zero, and he started to "settle into" his new life and lifestyle. Sincerely, we (my wife and I) were worried. We did not know exactly what to do. We could pull him out (and in fact, we did), but by going back to homeschooling, he'd lack that social context. We felt he would stay the same character now simply in a new environment. This was particularly concerning since we did not wish him to create significant problems for the other 7 children. We could leave him and hope that he weathered the storm. Both my wife and I went through a secular high school and were no worse for wear. That was a risk that we were not sure we were willing to take.
Finally, we came back to this "looking glass self" concept. My son needed to have a different place to exist and a different "looking glass". He needed a challenge. His present (in school) lacked any challange to motivate him. He needed something that he could shoot for an be inspired by. But what?
I kinda felt that "being a man", was what he wanted. All boys desire this, but I had to be careful, the image of man was not always a clear cut image. I didn't want him to aspire to a beer guzzling Homer Simpson. I needed an idealized man. Who?
I went back to my image of the classic Knight. He was a manly man, if ever there was one. He was strong and healthy (my son was becoming a sloth). The idealized knight was a nobel man who served God and King. (not the evil black knights, but the traditional Sir Galahad type knight). These knights were smart. They were focused. They were spiritual. They were people of vision and of honour. Perhaps there were never any of these real knights that ever existed, but the image had survived centuries with less tainting then almost every other image of manliness I could consider. This was my choice for a substitute character.
For my son, when he was gone one weekend I redid his room with images of knights and Celtic symbols, eagles and wolves (other manly images that I knew he liked). It went better then I expected. He loved it.
So, like I said, I drew out this image and decided to revive this Celtic Church of Yahweh regardless whether the initial founders accepted this or not. This was never about me. It was always about what it would take to inspire my son (and my future sons I have 5 others) toward a better path in life. Left to our own devices we tend to fall far short of the mark.
I suspect this will take longer then initially planned, but this is about long term character. It is necessary for him, but also for our society. If you have a son that you worry about, I think you will understand. If you don't then perhaps no level of explanation will make sense.
However, most of us allow these characteristics to be formed with limited effort. We tend to follow the wind and become something whether we had any idea what we were becoming or not. There is limited conscious effort in this process.
This however, was exactly what I have tried not to allow to happen with my own son. My eldest was homeschooled until a few months ago, when we decided to let him attend the local school for a class and then eventualy a few classes. He used to the experience to shape himself into "his peers", or something that he could comfortably become. However, this new character (among many he had "tried on") over the last couple years was not part of my aspirations for him. He took on every bad habit, every attitude; the poorest of character. His ambition fell to almost zero, and he started to "settle into" his new life and lifestyle. Sincerely, we (my wife and I) were worried. We did not know exactly what to do. We could pull him out (and in fact, we did), but by going back to homeschooling, he'd lack that social context. We felt he would stay the same character now simply in a new environment. This was particularly concerning since we did not wish him to create significant problems for the other 7 children. We could leave him and hope that he weathered the storm. Both my wife and I went through a secular high school and were no worse for wear. That was a risk that we were not sure we were willing to take.
Finally, we came back to this "looking glass self" concept. My son needed to have a different place to exist and a different "looking glass". He needed a challenge. His present (in school) lacked any challange to motivate him. He needed something that he could shoot for an be inspired by. But what?
I kinda felt that "being a man", was what he wanted. All boys desire this, but I had to be careful, the image of man was not always a clear cut image. I didn't want him to aspire to a beer guzzling Homer Simpson. I needed an idealized man. Who?
I went back to my image of the classic Knight. He was a manly man, if ever there was one. He was strong and healthy (my son was becoming a sloth). The idealized knight was a nobel man who served God and King. (not the evil black knights, but the traditional Sir Galahad type knight). These knights were smart. They were focused. They were spiritual. They were people of vision and of honour. Perhaps there were never any of these real knights that ever existed, but the image had survived centuries with less tainting then almost every other image of manliness I could consider. This was my choice for a substitute character.
For my son, when he was gone one weekend I redid his room with images of knights and Celtic symbols, eagles and wolves (other manly images that I knew he liked). It went better then I expected. He loved it.
So, like I said, I drew out this image and decided to revive this Celtic Church of Yahweh regardless whether the initial founders accepted this or not. This was never about me. It was always about what it would take to inspire my son (and my future sons I have 5 others) toward a better path in life. Left to our own devices we tend to fall far short of the mark.
I suspect this will take longer then initially planned, but this is about long term character. It is necessary for him, but also for our society. If you have a son that you worry about, I think you will understand. If you don't then perhaps no level of explanation will make sense.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Stage 2: the squire
Within the Celtic Church of Yahweh, the plan has been that if one wished to progress past the Monastic order (brothers and sisters) then the next stage would be known as the squire stage. Simply put, a squire was a knight in training.
The monk stage was designed for spiritual growth, and was necessary to be completed by any who wished this path, the Squire stage is different. The squire was different. In ages gone by, the squire would be assigned to a knight. His primary duty would be helping a knight into and out of his armour. He would be the practice dummy for swordplay. He would care for the horse. He would be an apprentice under the knight, and when he had learned what was needed he would then have the opportunity to become a true fully knight himself and would likely have a squire work under him as well.
So, within this present expression of knighthood, it is expected that squires train in sword play. This may seem outdated, but the Celtic Church did not want any knights who were unable to handle the weapon that has often become their symbol. A squire must become a master (expert) in hand to hand combat. He/She should also become an expert in other weaponry (at least one other weapon as chosen by the squire.
It would be expected that a squire acquire the clothing and tools which would be associated with a knight. This would include some level of protective clothing. He/she must also be familiar with the full code of chivalry. He must know how to act like a knight, how to honour other knights, and those in need.
It is during this stage that the squire looks toward a task worthy of their skills. Put simply, this training is personally helpful as far as physical body building, health and endurance, but was never intended to be just “body building” and karate. It was designed that a squire would someday become a knight, and would find an outlet, a quest, a task worthy of their skill set. This task would be as individual as the one training.
As the case with Brother, as one transitions to becoming a knight, it is expected that there would be a ritual (or ceremony) some way to mark this transition. This should be serious, but also be a signal of a break from the old (training) to the new (fulfilling). Although this ceremony is still far on the horizon for Josh and I, I suspect it will take place at Mount Carmel (near Humboldt Saskatchewan). There is another shrine there, popular pilgrim place, a wandering way of the cross, and some beautiful prayer cells, and an outdoor chaple made from field stones. It looks like a perfect place for this transition.
Also, explaining a bit historically about the squire, many people in ages gone by became squires and went no further. They spent their life at this stage. If you remember the story Treasure Island you will remember an important character named Squire Treelawny. Squire eventually became a surname. The reason many people at first went no further then a squire was in part because of the costs. It was expected that a knight would afford the armour, weapons and horse, which was not an inexpensive item to cover. As a squire it afforded many men a similar status, without the extra financial burden.
Also of note is squire (or esquire), was used in the British commonwealth as a term attached to professionals employees. Lawyers and bankers especially would be called Squire (Esquire) into the 20th century, in fact, some have suggested that within the legal profession it would still be appropriate.
I guess it would be worthy to note that at the squire stage, I would still be Brother Brad, but I would also change my formal title to Bradley Lang Esq.
The monk stage was designed for spiritual growth, and was necessary to be completed by any who wished this path, the Squire stage is different. The squire was different. In ages gone by, the squire would be assigned to a knight. His primary duty would be helping a knight into and out of his armour. He would be the practice dummy for swordplay. He would care for the horse. He would be an apprentice under the knight, and when he had learned what was needed he would then have the opportunity to become a true fully knight himself and would likely have a squire work under him as well.
So, within this present expression of knighthood, it is expected that squires train in sword play. This may seem outdated, but the Celtic Church did not want any knights who were unable to handle the weapon that has often become their symbol. A squire must become a master (expert) in hand to hand combat. He/She should also become an expert in other weaponry (at least one other weapon as chosen by the squire.
It would be expected that a squire acquire the clothing and tools which would be associated with a knight. This would include some level of protective clothing. He/she must also be familiar with the full code of chivalry. He must know how to act like a knight, how to honour other knights, and those in need.
It is during this stage that the squire looks toward a task worthy of their skills. Put simply, this training is personally helpful as far as physical body building, health and endurance, but was never intended to be just “body building” and karate. It was designed that a squire would someday become a knight, and would find an outlet, a quest, a task worthy of their skill set. This task would be as individual as the one training.
As the case with Brother, as one transitions to becoming a knight, it is expected that there would be a ritual (or ceremony) some way to mark this transition. This should be serious, but also be a signal of a break from the old (training) to the new (fulfilling). Although this ceremony is still far on the horizon for Josh and I, I suspect it will take place at Mount Carmel (near Humboldt Saskatchewan). There is another shrine there, popular pilgrim place, a wandering way of the cross, and some beautiful prayer cells, and an outdoor chaple made from field stones. It looks like a perfect place for this transition.
Also, explaining a bit historically about the squire, many people in ages gone by became squires and went no further. They spent their life at this stage. If you remember the story Treasure Island you will remember an important character named Squire Treelawny. Squire eventually became a surname. The reason many people at first went no further then a squire was in part because of the costs. It was expected that a knight would afford the armour, weapons and horse, which was not an inexpensive item to cover. As a squire it afforded many men a similar status, without the extra financial burden.
Also of note is squire (or esquire), was used in the British commonwealth as a term attached to professionals employees. Lawyers and bankers especially would be called Squire (Esquire) into the 20th century, in fact, some have suggested that within the legal profession it would still be appropriate.
I guess it would be worthy to note that at the squire stage, I would still be Brother Brad, but I would also change my formal title to Bradley Lang Esq.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The stage of being a Companion of Christ
Embracing being a brother:
As I mentioned when I started, this program was not originally designed by me. I found out about it through a group, but it appears as if they have abandoned it presently. This program was designed to have 3 stages. The first starts with a choice. This stage is a “Brother/Sister stage”. It is choosing to be a part of a monastic order within the Celtic Church of Yahweh. This is the stage I am at presently. Later there is a squire stage, and finally a knight stage, if one chooses… but for now, we are in that Brother stage.
I realized that I have not really written much about what happens in this stage. In fact, for many people this may be as far as they wish to go. There may be physical or other reasons why they do not wish to continue along the program, and that is totally acceptable.
When in the “Brother Stage”, it is expected that a Brother (I am using brother instead of Brother and Sister, for simplicity, but I do mean both) commit himself to God. This sounds simple enough, but will have profound consequences. This order does not require a vow of poverty, but it does require an intent to grow in sanctification. It is intended for spiritual growth. It is expected that a Brother study the ancient orthodox teachings, beginning with the Apostle’s creed. It is expected that a Brother should show characteristics of significant spiritual discipline. He should be a man of prayer, of praise, who has a knowledge of Scripture. He should also be humble, and embrace a “simple life” (with some flexibility in the outworking of this.
For my son and I, we have chosen to purchase a simple medallion, with the symbol of the ancient Celtic church. It was not expensive, and then we bought a piece of leather to string it about our necks. I am rarely without it. I have also hand-stitched some rough simple robes (as seen in my profile picture). My only “weapon” in a physical sense at this stage is my walking stick. Again, simple, humble, are the patterns for Josh and I.
Some friends have started to address me as Brother Brad, and in writing I will sometimes sign my name as Brother Brad. At first this sounded funny, almost like an act… but as time goes on, the name seems more and more appropriate. It is a simple…humble title.
This stage can last one’s entire life. If ever, by the grace of God, there are many more who call themselves part of the Celtic church, it would be my home and prayer for someone to choose to stay a “Brother”, and perhaps give spiritual guidance to all up coming brothers and sisters. That is necessary. My home would not be that everyone just see this stage as a passing point, but that someone would embrace this stage as a calling, a chance to influence the world in a very important role.
Of course, for many, this will be only a stage on the path. For these people, they must be ready for that coming stage. The role of the Squire. If someone wishes to move from this stage they must accomplish what is set out here. On top of what I mentioned here, they need to acquire a sword, which will be given to them a the ceremony as they transition to the next stage. They must become physically capable to handle the Squire stage. I don’t think anyone should try to become a squire without the physical stamina to run 10 miles. A Squire can not be overweight (as so many of us have become comfortable). To become a squire one must take the effort to become an excellent specimen of their gender. This requires serious intense physical training.
When one is finally at the transition point, a ceremony is planned. Again, there is simplicity, but significance here. For Josh and I, we intended on have a night of prayer and fasting, and then we will (dressed in our simple rough clothes) and armed with our walking sticks will take the long walk (42.7kms) to the a nearby outdoor Grotto. Google maps says it will take 8 hours and 33 minutes. Time is unimportant. It gives us time of solitude and time to talk about this transition. The place is a shrine, in a tiny town of Rama, Saskatchewan.
Here is a photo of the grotto so you can imagine it
It is a popular place for pilgrims to take an annual journey in August, but we will go there (hopefully sooner), we leave for Idaho in July. As we approach the village, we will contact my wife and she will come down, with the children and whatever few friends we invite. I will try to get some pictures. It is there that we will exchange our simple burlap robes for our Squire gambeson and receive our blades. There are still details to work out, but this is how I envision this, and although everyone who transitions from Brother and sister to squire, would not have to come to the same place, it is hoped that locally, they could find a challenge and a ceremony which would allow them to feel deeply that something very different in happening.
We look forward to that day. Yet, we do not wish to throw away the opportunity to embrace being a brother. It is the time God has given us, and we don’t wish it gone too early. Next time, by the grace of God, I will tell you about what happens in the Squire stage, and the transition to a knight. The Grace of God be with you. -Brother Brad
As I mentioned when I started, this program was not originally designed by me. I found out about it through a group, but it appears as if they have abandoned it presently. This program was designed to have 3 stages. The first starts with a choice. This stage is a “Brother/Sister stage”. It is choosing to be a part of a monastic order within the Celtic Church of Yahweh. This is the stage I am at presently. Later there is a squire stage, and finally a knight stage, if one chooses… but for now, we are in that Brother stage.
I realized that I have not really written much about what happens in this stage. In fact, for many people this may be as far as they wish to go. There may be physical or other reasons why they do not wish to continue along the program, and that is totally acceptable.
When in the “Brother Stage”, it is expected that a Brother (I am using brother instead of Brother and Sister, for simplicity, but I do mean both) commit himself to God. This sounds simple enough, but will have profound consequences. This order does not require a vow of poverty, but it does require an intent to grow in sanctification. It is intended for spiritual growth. It is expected that a Brother study the ancient orthodox teachings, beginning with the Apostle’s creed. It is expected that a Brother should show characteristics of significant spiritual discipline. He should be a man of prayer, of praise, who has a knowledge of Scripture. He should also be humble, and embrace a “simple life” (with some flexibility in the outworking of this.
For my son and I, we have chosen to purchase a simple medallion, with the symbol of the ancient Celtic church. It was not expensive, and then we bought a piece of leather to string it about our necks. I am rarely without it. I have also hand-stitched some rough simple robes (as seen in my profile picture). My only “weapon” in a physical sense at this stage is my walking stick. Again, simple, humble, are the patterns for Josh and I.
Some friends have started to address me as Brother Brad, and in writing I will sometimes sign my name as Brother Brad. At first this sounded funny, almost like an act… but as time goes on, the name seems more and more appropriate. It is a simple…humble title.
This stage can last one’s entire life. If ever, by the grace of God, there are many more who call themselves part of the Celtic church, it would be my home and prayer for someone to choose to stay a “Brother”, and perhaps give spiritual guidance to all up coming brothers and sisters. That is necessary. My home would not be that everyone just see this stage as a passing point, but that someone would embrace this stage as a calling, a chance to influence the world in a very important role.
Of course, for many, this will be only a stage on the path. For these people, they must be ready for that coming stage. The role of the Squire. If someone wishes to move from this stage they must accomplish what is set out here. On top of what I mentioned here, they need to acquire a sword, which will be given to them a the ceremony as they transition to the next stage. They must become physically capable to handle the Squire stage. I don’t think anyone should try to become a squire without the physical stamina to run 10 miles. A Squire can not be overweight (as so many of us have become comfortable). To become a squire one must take the effort to become an excellent specimen of their gender. This requires serious intense physical training.
When one is finally at the transition point, a ceremony is planned. Again, there is simplicity, but significance here. For Josh and I, we intended on have a night of prayer and fasting, and then we will (dressed in our simple rough clothes) and armed with our walking sticks will take the long walk (42.7kms) to the a nearby outdoor Grotto. Google maps says it will take 8 hours and 33 minutes. Time is unimportant. It gives us time of solitude and time to talk about this transition. The place is a shrine, in a tiny town of Rama, Saskatchewan.
Here is a photo of the grotto so you can imagine it
It is a popular place for pilgrims to take an annual journey in August, but we will go there (hopefully sooner), we leave for Idaho in July. As we approach the village, we will contact my wife and she will come down, with the children and whatever few friends we invite. I will try to get some pictures. It is there that we will exchange our simple burlap robes for our Squire gambeson and receive our blades. There are still details to work out, but this is how I envision this, and although everyone who transitions from Brother and sister to squire, would not have to come to the same place, it is hoped that locally, they could find a challenge and a ceremony which would allow them to feel deeply that something very different in happening.
We look forward to that day. Yet, we do not wish to throw away the opportunity to embrace being a brother. It is the time God has given us, and we don’t wish it gone too early. Next time, by the grace of God, I will tell you about what happens in the Squire stage, and the transition to a knight. The Grace of God be with you. -Brother Brad
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)