In the research on Jefferson and the "Declaration" the sermon has taken some interesting turns. When you look at the words, "We find these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights and among these life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", you begin to get a picture of Jefferson's religion and his idea of God.
Unitarians claim Jefferson as one of their own although he never joined a Unitarian church. He was an Episcopalian but in his later years did not attend worship.
Jefferson believed strongly in the separation of Church and State. I doubt he would approve having flags in our sanctuary even on the Fourth of July because he realized danger when the state and the church were united and producing a coercive doctrine that was required to be maintained and sworn.
In thinking about Jefferson's idea of God we find he believed in the humanity of Jesus but not the divinity. He did not believe in an intervening God but felt that God or The Creator had put the universe in motion but that it was our responsibility to build the world as it should be built.
It was that kind of attitude that empowered Jefferson and the others to launch a statement of independence so filled with idealism that it seemed beyond a sense of reality.
How do you feel about Jefferson's God? Do you think God intervenes in human life? If so, how? If not, what is the function of prayer?
Do you agree with Jefferson that Jesus is a moral example and not a divine being?
What do you do with Jefferson's view of the separation of church and state?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Monday's thougths on Sunday's sermon
"Mr. Jefferson's Declaration"
I am doing a series of sermons in July on some of our nation's most important documents beginning with Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence.
I want to take a look at what that says to us today as I try to take it from the context in which it was written. Clearly, it was a bold statement and very dangerous for those who signed it. Also, as a piece of writing, it encapsulated the essence of our struggle for freedom.
It speaks to the best that is in us. It calls us to a higher appreciation for the freedom we have and refuses to allow us to take it for granted.
I want to explore what such a declaration might be if we were to write one for our day. What would we declare ourselves free from and free to? How would we want to stand up against the forces, powers, trends that threaten our freedom.
What do you think the Declaration of Independence means for us today?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
I am doing a series of sermons in July on some of our nation's most important documents beginning with Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence.
I want to take a look at what that says to us today as I try to take it from the context in which it was written. Clearly, it was a bold statement and very dangerous for those who signed it. Also, as a piece of writing, it encapsulated the essence of our struggle for freedom.
It speaks to the best that is in us. It calls us to a higher appreciation for the freedom we have and refuses to allow us to take it for granted.
I want to explore what such a declaration might be if we were to write one for our day. What would we declare ourselves free from and free to? How would we want to stand up against the forces, powers, trends that threaten our freedom.
What do you think the Declaration of Independence means for us today?
If you have thoughts on this subject write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday's thougths on Sunday's sermon
I will be at Annual Conference from Thursday until Sunday. Ray Miller will be preaching Sunday, June 19th.
David Dalke will be preaching Sunday, June 26th.
I will be back in the pulpit on July 3rd.
David Dalke will be preaching Sunday, June 26th.
I will be back in the pulpit on July 3rd.
Sermon Themes for July
Our Political Heritage
July 3 Thomas Jefferson "The Declaration of Independence"
July 10 John Locke "Common Sense"
July 17 Susan B. Anthony "Failure is Impossible"
July 24 Rosa Parks "My Story"
July 31 Abraham Lincoln "Gettysburg Address"
While I am out of the pulpit and at meetings I can receive emails. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
Suggesting that "you look tired" and "you need a vacation" takes into account the whole use of time and what it means to "get away from it all".
Pentecost fits right into the use of time issue.
The disciples ran from the cross and the arrest of Jesus and went back to their home towns and back to their former lives; lives they hadn't been back to since they picked up and followed the Galilean three years before.
Some of them went on vacation and through the whole mix of events and circumstances there were three time lines they followed.
There was the "chaos time" after the arrest and trial and crucifixion.
There was the "chronos time" (ordinary time) when they ran away and got back to their lives and there is no record of what they had done or what they are doing.
There was the "Kairos time" (God's time) when they gathered in the Upper Room for the celebration of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit came upon them and there was a turn around in their attitudes and their lives.
They had to get away from it all to deal with the chaos in their lives; we all do. They had to get away from it all to be able to come back to it and to be inspired and renewed by this rebirth of purpose and direction.
The church literally grew out of the passion of the disciples and the Pentecost celebration or some sense that there was something for them to be doing and the presence of the Risen Christ was with them.
What is the value of vacation if not to reacquaint us with our purpose and passion? Where will you be going this summer to get away? How do you anticipate coming back?
What do you think? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Pentecost fits right into the use of time issue.
The disciples ran from the cross and the arrest of Jesus and went back to their home towns and back to their former lives; lives they hadn't been back to since they picked up and followed the Galilean three years before.
Some of them went on vacation and through the whole mix of events and circumstances there were three time lines they followed.
There was the "chaos time" after the arrest and trial and crucifixion.
There was the "chronos time" (ordinary time) when they ran away and got back to their lives and there is no record of what they had done or what they are doing.
There was the "Kairos time" (God's time) when they gathered in the Upper Room for the celebration of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit came upon them and there was a turn around in their attitudes and their lives.
They had to get away from it all to deal with the chaos in their lives; we all do. They had to get away from it all to be able to come back to it and to be inspired and renewed by this rebirth of purpose and direction.
The church literally grew out of the passion of the disciples and the Pentecost celebration or some sense that there was something for them to be doing and the presence of the Risen Christ was with them.
What is the value of vacation if not to reacquaint us with our purpose and passion? Where will you be going this summer to get away? How do you anticipate coming back?
What do you think? Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
Last Sunday I made an observation in a sermon that has caused some conversation. I observed that most church directories as such that the pictures in the directories don't look as good as the people being pictured.
Some church directories are so bad that the picture on our driver's license is better than the directory picture.
Some church directory pictures are worse than the picture taken by the police photo van when we are caught violating the law.
Our church directory pictures are better looking than the people being pictured. It isn't that our people are unattractive or less photogenic than other places. It isn't a criticism of the way our people look to suggest that the pictures in the directory are better than the people being pictured.
I think the members of the church look tired. I think, as I stand before you every Sunday, you need a vacation. You need to get away from it all.
I've been thinking about Pentecost and that time when the church was born; when the disciples who were discouraged came back together. After Jesus' death on the cross the disciples disappeared and really didn't reappear until they attended the Thanksgiving celebration which is what the Jewish Pentecost celebration was. They got away from it all and then when they met together the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they were enlivened once more.
I think the members of the church need to get away; to take off. Otherwise we will run ourselves down to the point we can't recover.
That's what I meant when I said I thought the pictures in the directory were better looking than the people being pictured.
Do you need a vacation? Where are you going and when are you going to take it?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Some church directories are so bad that the picture on our driver's license is better than the directory picture.
Some church directory pictures are worse than the picture taken by the police photo van when we are caught violating the law.
Our church directory pictures are better looking than the people being pictured. It isn't that our people are unattractive or less photogenic than other places. It isn't a criticism of the way our people look to suggest that the pictures in the directory are better than the people being pictured.
I think the members of the church look tired. I think, as I stand before you every Sunday, you need a vacation. You need to get away from it all.
I've been thinking about Pentecost and that time when the church was born; when the disciples who were discouraged came back together. After Jesus' death on the cross the disciples disappeared and really didn't reappear until they attended the Thanksgiving celebration which is what the Jewish Pentecost celebration was. They got away from it all and then when they met together the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they were enlivened once more.
I think the members of the church need to get away; to take off. Otherwise we will run ourselves down to the point we can't recover.
That's what I meant when I said I thought the pictures in the directory were better looking than the people being pictured.
Do you need a vacation? Where are you going and when are you going to take it?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Monday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
The sermon for Sunday, June 12th is not formed in my mind but it is Pentecost Sunday.
This is the occasion reported by Luke in Acts of the Apostles chapter 2 that suggests the disciples got together for a thanksgiving festival and the Holy Spirit came to them and the result was the formation of the church.
The text reports there were tongues of fire, there was a dove descending, and everyone spoke in their own language but everyone was understood.
It was reported that the disciples and the people there were in some kind of ecstatic state of mind and spirit.
It was the birth of the church and from there the disciples moved out into the world and began to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah with the anticipation of the Second Coming. And from that point in history they began to form Communities and they were called "The Way" and from that point in history there developed structure and organization. The Second Coming of Christ did not happen and the church was established to be in place to help teach the children who had not heard of Jesus. The Gospels were written since they began to believe Jesus was not coming back and they wanted to document some of his teaching for those who had not heard him when he walked the earth.
Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and it celebrates the birth of the church; organized religion.
Do you think the church has done more good than bad; created more kindness than chaos? Was it a good thing that the church was born?
Do you see the church as corrupt and having done great harm over the centuries?
Has organized religion given us something we can be proud of or ashamed to identify ourselves as part of?
What do you think?
If you have ideas about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
This is the occasion reported by Luke in Acts of the Apostles chapter 2 that suggests the disciples got together for a thanksgiving festival and the Holy Spirit came to them and the result was the formation of the church.
The text reports there were tongues of fire, there was a dove descending, and everyone spoke in their own language but everyone was understood.
It was reported that the disciples and the people there were in some kind of ecstatic state of mind and spirit.
It was the birth of the church and from there the disciples moved out into the world and began to proclaim Jesus as the Messiah with the anticipation of the Second Coming. And from that point in history they began to form Communities and they were called "The Way" and from that point in history there developed structure and organization. The Second Coming of Christ did not happen and the church was established to be in place to help teach the children who had not heard of Jesus. The Gospels were written since they began to believe Jesus was not coming back and they wanted to document some of his teaching for those who had not heard him when he walked the earth.
Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and it celebrates the birth of the church; organized religion.
Do you think the church has done more good than bad; created more kindness than chaos? Was it a good thing that the church was born?
Do you see the church as corrupt and having done great harm over the centuries?
Has organized religion given us something we can be proud of or ashamed to identify ourselves as part of?
What do you think?
If you have ideas about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"It Takes a Child To Raise a Village"
Sermons have a mind of their own and all the preacher can do is try to follow along and not get in the way. That is certainly true of the sermon I am trying to write for this coming Sunday.
I think I have found in Moses, Jesus, and John Wesley an important similarity and, through that, some important insights into life and the best way to live.
All three of those men when they were children were said to be under the threat of death.
Moses had to be put in a basket in the bull rushes by his mother or he would have been killed by the authorities.
Jesus was taken to Egypt by his parents or he would have been killed by the king.
John Wesley was pulled out of a burning house when he was a child by a farmer or he would have been killed by a mob that was angry with his father.
What we learn from this:
From Moses we learn striving. Striving we will discover our identity.
From Jesus we learn waiting. Waiting we will discover the presence of God
From John Wesley we learn thinking. Thinking we will discover that every person has something to teach us.
We have to have open doors like Moses, open hearts like Jesus, and open minds like Wesley.
If we have open doors, open hearts, and open minds we will find a way to rise above whatever is trying to put us down. It takes a child to raise a village.
Which is these is the most important.
If we are United Methodist we embrace all three.
That is something to be proud of don't you think?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Sermons have a mind of their own and all the preacher can do is try to follow along and not get in the way. That is certainly true of the sermon I am trying to write for this coming Sunday.
I think I have found in Moses, Jesus, and John Wesley an important similarity and, through that, some important insights into life and the best way to live.
All three of those men when they were children were said to be under the threat of death.
Moses had to be put in a basket in the bull rushes by his mother or he would have been killed by the authorities.
Jesus was taken to Egypt by his parents or he would have been killed by the king.
John Wesley was pulled out of a burning house when he was a child by a farmer or he would have been killed by a mob that was angry with his father.
What we learn from this:
From Moses we learn striving. Striving we will discover our identity.
From Jesus we learn waiting. Waiting we will discover the presence of God
From John Wesley we learn thinking. Thinking we will discover that every person has something to teach us.
We have to have open doors like Moses, open hearts like Jesus, and open minds like Wesley.
If we have open doors, open hearts, and open minds we will find a way to rise above whatever is trying to put us down. It takes a child to raise a village.
Which is these is the most important.
If we are United Methodist we embrace all three.
That is something to be proud of don't you think?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon
"It Takes a Child to Raise a Village"
Something of the corporate nature of our faith can be found as we explore how our faith is formed. Part of how our faith is formed is the exploration into the young people who have formed it.
We are Judeo-Christians and our lives have been influenced by the Jewish tradition as well as the Christian interpretation of Judaism.
The importance of the young people stands for us a reminder of the way in which youth is directive in our faith.
Moses led the people on the Exodus and is considered the founder of the Hebrew people. Moses was threatened as a child by the king and we put in danger when there was a price paid for the murder of infant children. His mother put him in a basket and floated him down the river in order to save him from the Egyptians. Moses grew up with the attitude of striving. He taught his people what it means to strive to be better and what it means to search and find the "Promised Land" and what it means to become "The Chosen People".
Striving is an important element of faith. We have to be able to move beyond what we are in order to discover what we will be.
Jesus was a young man who had a price on his head and instead of going out of Egypt to find the Promised Land he went to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod the king. He found safety in Egypt and Matthew tells us that Mary and Joseph brought their son out of Egypt after Herod died. In a sense Moses and Jesus both came "out of Egypt".
And Jesus offered to the world what it means to "Wait". His life was a life of "waiting for the God who is with us". He saw God every place he looked, and he urged his listeners to look for the incarnate God who comes to us in the flesh.
Jesus was the incarnation of God but he believed in God incarnate in life and we can discover this as we learn the art of waiting.
It takes a child, Moses and Jesus, and who else?
If you have thoughts about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
Something of the corporate nature of our faith can be found as we explore how our faith is formed. Part of how our faith is formed is the exploration into the young people who have formed it.
We are Judeo-Christians and our lives have been influenced by the Jewish tradition as well as the Christian interpretation of Judaism.
The importance of the young people stands for us a reminder of the way in which youth is directive in our faith.
Moses led the people on the Exodus and is considered the founder of the Hebrew people. Moses was threatened as a child by the king and we put in danger when there was a price paid for the murder of infant children. His mother put him in a basket and floated him down the river in order to save him from the Egyptians. Moses grew up with the attitude of striving. He taught his people what it means to strive to be better and what it means to search and find the "Promised Land" and what it means to become "The Chosen People".
Striving is an important element of faith. We have to be able to move beyond what we are in order to discover what we will be.
Jesus was a young man who had a price on his head and instead of going out of Egypt to find the Promised Land he went to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod the king. He found safety in Egypt and Matthew tells us that Mary and Joseph brought their son out of Egypt after Herod died. In a sense Moses and Jesus both came "out of Egypt".
And Jesus offered to the world what it means to "Wait". His life was a life of "waiting for the God who is with us". He saw God every place he looked, and he urged his listeners to look for the incarnate God who comes to us in the flesh.
Jesus was the incarnation of God but he believed in God incarnate in life and we can discover this as we learn the art of waiting.
It takes a child, Moses and Jesus, and who else?
If you have thoughts about this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the readers of the blog click on the 'comments' box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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