Irony and Handholding

Though it becomes more and more apparent that I'll be unable to write as often as I'd like, perhaps less lofty / realistic goals are best. I was reading an article today by Martin Marty entitled Irony and "Islamofascism".

Though I've read the term before, the continued usage is troubling to say the least. Not only because the use indicates a much wider social perspective, but also because of the very basic power of words. Don't worry, I won't bore with a tirade regarding linguistic social theory, as the practice of controling public opinion through language is well established. Case in point, the carefully aggressive spin applied by Bush's handlers shortly after the "freedom fighters"...no "insurgence" began cropping up in Iraq. It's just a powerfully scary phenomenon; watching particular words worm there way into social consciences and begin to inform day to day speech.

Concerning Martin's article: while I find his analysis compelling, his address of Scruton's "poor analysis" dominates the text and frames the argument in such a way as to exclude rather than dissuade. While on one hand I'm compelled by his rallying cry, I'm left wondering whose been convinced. Has this article dissuaded an ardent believer in WW III, or has Martin simply continued the ingroup bolstering for which polarized groups have come to be known?

Thoughts, suggestions? Am I completely misreading Martin, or is it yet another example of propaganda (however appreciated) unapproachably displayed?

Quote for Today

It is the faithfulness of God that allows epistemology to model ontology.

- John Polkinghorne from Belief in God in an Age of Science

Time

It's amazing how quickly a blog can become outdated. Things in the non-profit world continue to hum along as newsletters and publications take shape. Over last week and weekend I traveled to the ELCA Communicator Conference in Chicago and the DMA Non-Profit Federation Conference in New York.

Each was an informative experience, but in drastically differently ways. For many at the conference in Chicago, budget constrains, lack of technological proficiency and assumptions regarding constituent access/interest in new media are imposing unique constraints upon Lutheran programs at the synod and congregational levels. Whereas the conference in New York featured many of the heavy-hitters in the non-profit world. Talk about contrast. Yet in each interaction we were able to develop insights into our own process at Lutheran World Relief and the ways we assume, limit, function and represent in our everyday interactions.

As I think about interconnectedness, interactions and interweaving in general, I reflect upon Psalm 8. Though certainly not an exhaustive list of the connected creation, I like to think of the psalm as a starting point, a beginning for discussing the web of creation. Though some have used the language of dominion in the psalm to promote an "anything goes" ethic of creational exploitation, the language draws me in the opposite direction. I am instead prompted to contemplate responsibility, connectedness and the inexplicable consequences of human action on the creation.

Baltimore and Lutheran World Relief

After much hesitancy to adopt blogging as a truly acceptable medium of communication, I might be beginning to see the worth. After graduation this past May, Ailsa and I loaded the truck and moved to Baltimore, MD where I've taken a job as Communication Project Coordinator with Lutheran World Relief. While I certainly wouldn't call the transition an easy one, I am (albeit a bit grudgingly) present and working.

Though there's been a huge gap in my writing over the past six months, my blog still exists and I'll hopefully begin posting again. If anyone's still interested in reading, perhaps we can become friends.