Thoughts on "Transformational Architecture" by Ron Martoia; Introduction

As I set down to gather my thoughts to review of "Transformational Architecture" by Ron Martoia, I began to realize that this was going to be more of a process then any book that I have offered my thoughts on previously. Why? The material here is too thought provoking and, to use a word offered in the title, too transformational. A couple paragraphs just would not be suffice, and I feel that it would not provide a true picture of how I feel about Martoia's work here. Let there be no misunderstanding, this is one of the more important books that I have read in quite some time. So what I want to do, is break the book up in its natural parts, and as I do this, I want to offer a few items.

The first item that I would like to provide is just a summarizing of the offering of each part by Martoia . I want to do this, because there is just so much in here, I find it would be most fair to allow the cream of the crop be present in my review. I also want the review to reflect the flow and the way Martoia presents his take on the essential narrative.

The second item that I would like to offer in my review is my thoughts and reflections of each part. I realize that my thoughts will play second fiddle to the incredible material that I plan on summarizing, but what is a review without the reviewers thoughts? I hope to add any insight or to just reaffirm items of importance.

The review in totality will be broken up in 3 additional posts from this one. The next post will reflect on Martoia's thoughts on the "3 Texts". The 2nd and 3rd posts will reflect the remainder of the book (which is not broken down like this by Martoia, however there is a lot of ground to cover so I will).

Let me end by proving the premise of "Transformational Architecture", as laid out by Ron Martoia in the "Introduction".

"If you are a follower of Jesus, if you take his motivational charge in Matthew 28 seriously, if you love him and what he has done with your life, then it is a natural overflow to want to share it with others. The question is How?" (Pg 11.)

Isn't this a question that we all have had, especially in our new postmodern context that we have found ourselves in? I personally resonate with a frustration when wanting to share this amazing Jesus. I have found that old methodology of handing out tracts and relaying apologetics have not worked either. So when Martoia asks this question, I found myself eager to see what Martoia purposes as a hope, in an effort that I make in sharing Jesus with others.

Martoia explains that not only our methodology needs to be examined but our message does to. This is the crux of the remaining of the book, and that is the message that we relay to others. But I am getting ahead, because there will be much more of this later. First, Martoia essentially sets out to explain the reasoning of the title of the book;

"... I find that people are genuinely interested in spiritual conversations. Why? God's original architecture plans for human 'heart space' is designed us with cravings, longings, yearnings, that sit at the intuitive level of our lives." (Pg 12.)

Do I agree with this? I think so. I find that some of my closest friends outside of any affirmative discipleship have the same spiritual cravings as I do. It only seems natural to allow this to be a starting point in spiritual conversations, and to some degree, I have experienced this. Martoia further explains his use of Architecture;

"....architecture emerges from a couple of different associations...(it)can be about buildings and design....But architecture can also be seen through the lens of software and computer design." (Pg 16)

Martoia further explains that computers have several levels of different communications with different operating systems. All of this communication is happening at the same time, so that the computer may fully operate to its fullest potential. He explains that "...this structure is referred to as the software's architecture."

Herein is the premise of what Martoia will be presenting, "We have been specifically built- architected- with core deign elements that cause us to crave transformation." (Pg. 17) Are we called to listen to this cravings? First we must decide if that there is this underling yearning, and if so, we must faithfully listen.

I think Martoia's presentation of his premise works, but it pales in comparison to the journey that he takes you on in the remainder of the book. That being said, its just the introduction, there is a reason why you keep reading further.

This, I hope you will do some time in the future. But in the mean time, stay tuned for the remainder of the review, the next portion will be coming in the near future. As I said before, I will be covering Martoia's presentation of the "3 Texts".

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

My Facebook Status/Question on the Cheapness of Taco Bell and the Quest for Truth

Facebook is becoming a world of its own. It is truly amazing how Facebook has evolved into one of the premier networking sites. It really feels like my own little kingdom, with my own little friends that have decided to be in my kingdom. It is even more amazing in how I have convinced myself , that updating my Facebook status via twitter really matters to those that have decided to reside in this kingdom. I can just imagine that my "friends list" reaches a complete halt in what they are doing, in their anticipation of my status update. I still have not mastered the art of the update, however I choose to do so often anyways.

The other day I decided to relay a question/thought via Facebook status. I had just gone to Taco Bell, and it prompted a thought process that I felt the urgency to be shared. I absolutely love Taco Bell. There is a satisfaction that I receive in knowing that I can eat so cheaply and enjoy the process, at least for the most part. But there is still one lingering question that I decided to pose on Facebook, in the form that is only acceptable on Facebook, third person that is.

Here is the question:

"Dan is wondering how Taco Bell can make their product so cheap?"

I think its a fair question!

Here is one of the response I got from the question I posed:

"don't look into it any further. it will ruin that great feeling you get from such a cheap lunch..."

You cannot eat as cheap if you were to go to a grocery store and purchase all the necessary ingredients. With that it mind, you can leave Taco Bell spending $2.45. (Assuming you don't purchase a drink.) There is something about that fact that I am just completely amazed.

However, I was advised not to go any further with that discussion. In essence, I was told it would bring no good.

Someone else responded to my status saying this:

"That question is to never be answered. For your own good you should stop wondering."

I hit a brick wall in my quest for truth. I figure that this advice was good advice. I do want to keep my satisfaction with my lunch. And based on the responses, it looks like it isn't a good idea to always know everything.

My peers' influence had steered me away from truly searching for answers. In this case, I cannot blame them, and I am happy to set aside this quest. However I wonder if our search for truth can be influenced by others in such ways as my Taco Bell question.

I have questions, and lots of them. They are tough questions too! When I find the courage to pose them in certain environments, I receive similar responses that I got with the Taco Bell question. Sure, churches say that questions are welcomed and appreciated. Most of the time, churches will be glad to answer too. I find that the most resistance comes when you question the answers though.

I wonder what it would look like if there were environments that allowed tough questions to be asked. I also wonder what it would look like for our peers to be comfortable in uncertainty with some tough issues. I know I am very uncomfortable with uncertainty. Are we able to live with this?

I do know this. There is a culture out there that is no longer satisfied with pat answers and proofs. Are we willing to journey with them in uncharted waters as we seek to make since of these changing times? I think it will be something that we will have to do if we are to be relevant to today's culture.

Jesus himself seemed to use narratives and metaphors instead of propoisitonal truths and doctrinal bullet points. Jesus tells us to knock, seek, and ask. It seems that Jesus desires us to engage with Him through questions and conversation. I wonder if this is what we need to breed confidence in uncertainty. I think its time that, like Jesus, that the church allow for this type of engagement, and may we find ways to allow this sort of environment to emerge.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

Old High School Pictures, Puberty, and a "Post Restorationist" Perspective

I will never forget when my wife, Meghan, found an old high picture of mine at my parents house. It was slightly embarrassing at the least. I am sure that there are many that can resonate with having to identify with a very awkward time captured in a nice little photo, for our loved ones to see.


How awkward could it have been? Let me just put it this way, I had spiked hair that had way too much gel, a nice layer of oily skin on my forehead, braces, and a goofy version of facial hair that is known as peach-fuzz. I think it was fair to say that I was a disaster at best. So as my wife gazed at this picture of me, then her eyes gazed at mine, I knew exactly what she was thinking. She was probably attempting to understand how that could have been me!


I tried explaining to her that my eyes haven't changed that much, my hair is still brown. I also explained to her that I haven't gained too much wait, and if you look closely you can still see what you see in me today. I don't think she bought it. As of a matter of fact, she explained jokingly (at least I hope) that if she would have known me in high school, things between us would be much more different.


This awkward phase is an amazing time of transition. Puberty, as the text books call it, is a sign of emerging adulthood. And how cool is it to experience the ups and downs, the joy and frustrations of so much change. I will never forget when my voice could not decide to stay deep or not. It was an experience to see my spotted peach-colored facial hair come in. It was also absolutely frustrating to tame the oily skin, to harness desires. The excitement of it all came with mixed emotions and a lot of self examination.


I would like to think that I have emerged out of puberty as more of a whole person. I sometimes look back and cringe at my old pictures, while still having fond memories. The ultimate satisfaction of the puberty process, isn't so much the process, as it is what I've become because of it.


I am very much proud of my Restoration heritage. It brings me such joy to see the spirit of this movement, where it all started, and where it is going. With my whole life, rooted in this movement, I am very much aware of the areas that absolutely frustrate me in many ways. With that said, there is much I am excited about as well.


I am tempted to say that the Restoration movement is in some sort of puberty stage. There is a natural tension and joy within our movement because of the transitions, not only within our culture, but within our churches as well. I feel very blessed to be living in such a time of self-examination and progress. With this, there will be pains and frustrations. But even more then this, it is a time of great hope within our movement.


I am still coming to grips with the "post..." terminology and theology that is floating out there. To be honest, I don't know if I ever will understand the complexity of these conversations. I, myself, still believe I am in this "puberty" stage in Jesus. There is still a lot to be learned. With that admission, I would be happy to share my limited knowledge and thoughts on these conversations.


I want to thank Adam Ellis for introducing me to a whole new world within our heritage. He is a powerful whiteness to the hope of an emergence of a "Post Restorationist" perspective. I would also like to thank him for the opportunity to share within this context.


Let me end with this.


As we dust the old restoration photographs and peer into the eyes of the the church today, let us find hope in our high school snap shots. It is powerful what can be done through awkward times of transition. But just maybe, God will allow us to see a glimpse of what it means to enter in adulthood. If we look closely, I am confident we will begin to see glimpses within this forum as we share and discuss together on what exactly does it mean to be apart of a Post-Restorationist perspective.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

Finding God in Unusual Places; the T.V. Show "Bones"

For those that follow my blog, you know that I have began to do a series of posts under the theme of, "Finding God in Unusual Places". The whole premise of this series is that I believe that God can show up in places other then our preconceived areas that we may expect God to show up. Previously I wrote about a Nickleback song that I felt that God had showed up. This month I want to present the possibility that God shows up often in a increasingly popular T.V. show; "Bones", which airs on the Fox network.

First, I admit that I haven't watched this show until this past Christmas, where my in-laws introduced me to this show. I was instantly addicted. "Bones' is very similar to a C.S.I . type-of show. I believe what separates this show however, is the fact that the character development is top notch. You have two main characters named Brennan and Booth. Brennan is a anthropologist, and Booth is a F.B.I. agent. These two team up in murder cases that involve unusual bone remains from the murder victim.

The F.B.I. agent, Booth, is a traditional Catholic that holds on to a faith that puts his sometimes unexplainable world into context. Brennan (the anthropologist) is a character that believes that everything can be explained by the facts. She uses science and anthropological reasoning to explain her world. (This would be a good time to add that science in itself is not inherently evil. I think its important to remember this, because too often, Christianity has made the scientific community the enemy.)

With a very noticeable on screen chemistry between the two characters, there is a lot of opportunity of very rich conversation between the two characters concerning heavy matters. Topics such as the God question, morals, faith, and the supernatural are discussed often. As interesting as these discussions prove to be, (These conversations tend to be witty and cleverly written.) the real God moment that comes to mind is the relationship between Booth and Brennan.

Time after time you witness these two disagree on really important and heavy items, but at the end of the day the relationship is more important. The show provides a context in which such matters should be discussed, that is a relationship. This show reminds us that no matter the points of disagreement on heavy issues, relationships are far more important. This is a powerful display on what our conversations and even disagreements should look like.

When I see this I cannot help but think of "evangelism methods" that seem to be popular. I have seen groups hand out tracks, scream from soap boxes on city streets, cram scripture upon those that choose not to listen. The problem isn't the zeal of these groups. The problem is that this method is outside any meaningful relationships. As a result, it comes across very much like propaganda or commercialism. We need a new path of sharing God, but I believe that path is a difficult one. It involves intimacy and love. It involves a relationship, and often times this can be very messy.

Booth and Brennan on the show "Bones' very much exemplify what this relationship can look like. We will disagree, we will be hurt at times, it will be difficult! But at the end of the day, can we say that the relationship is more important? That's a question we must consider! I encourage you to watch "bones" and as these lively discussions occur, think of this relational context and how we may be able to do this in our lives.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

Book Recommendation; "My Beautiful Idol" by Pete Gall

There is something about a memoir that I just love. I think the reason that I love a memoir so much is because of the fact that a memoir brings in a relational aspect to a reading. I feel that through a memoir the reader has the ability to engage with the author in such ways that the reader may finish feeling like they know the writer. With that said, I think there a couple ways you judge a memoir.

1) Does the author show vulnerability? In order to bridge a relationship with the reader, the author must find ways to become appealing and brutally honest.

2) Does the author bring a writing style that is engaging to the reader so that the reader may feel like they just shared an experience with the author. I believe this to be important because I feel that the memoir should be appealing in the way of a relational writing.

I give this background first because I feel that "My beautiful Idol" not only meets this criteria, but it exceeds it. Pete Gall writes with incredible vulnerability, at times the book becomes a confessional. This is not a confessional that makes the reader uncomfortable. It actually builds a bridge to the reader in common ground. I found myself many times thinking that I have always thought about the various topics that he presented, in a way that put words to my thoughts.

Pete Gall also has a very engaging writing style in the way of Donald Miller. A part of the style in which it was engaging is the content itself. I will address some gems here in a little bit. Gall presents the material in ways that really were unpredictable. I am not a big fan of writing in which I can guess the point behind a certain story before it even happens. Gall kept me guessing the whole time. The flow is very fast paced and thought provoking.

Here are a couple of gems I found:

1) The race track illustration for salvation was absolutely phenomenal. If you want a description of what Pete Gall said about this, refer to my previous post "unfinished Bono".

2) The presentation of Gall's various "Idols". I believe that this is a shared experience with many followers of Jesus.

3) The ongoing stories that follow Gall in his occupations and identities were delightful.

4) The struggle that ministers and leaders often have in the ministerial process. There is always a temptation to sell the Christian product so that the buyer feels they purchased good Christian points for God. Gall talks about this process extensively and struggles with it. I relate to this struggle.

After finally picking up this book to read, I could not hardly put it down. If you are a follower of Jesus and you like to listen to life stories and have a "shared experience" with a memoir style writing, I would encourage you to pick this one up.

You can find Zondervan's page for "My Beautiful Idol" here.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

Unfinished Bono

The wife and I have been trying to do more things together lately. We decided to pick up various activities that we can participate in together, and we wanted do it together at the same time. The other day she wanted for us to draw, and I am not a big fan of drawing. I really have no reason for not liking to draw, other then I am rather impatient at times. Drawing takes a lot of patience.

I used to do the whole art thing back in the day in high school. It wasn't that I thought that I was bad at drawing, but I never felt I was great.

I used to watch this guy named Bob- something or another- on PBS. This guy could paint like no other. He would always paint the background, then he would keep adding details on top of the background. As I watched him I always felt nervous. He would always get to a point in the painting where I felt it was amazing as was. As a matter of fact, if that was me that was painting, I would want to stop at that very point. I would be done and finished at the point where the painting looks like something that resembles anything good. But this Bob guy would just keep going.

He would always surprise me when he kept going. I always wanted him to stop when it was "good enough" to pass as decent art. But he never would. He would just keep adding layers of detail over and over again.

This kind of stuff makes me nervous probably because of my little experience with art. In high school I would always be doing projects, and I would get to a point in the project where it would look half way decent and I would stop there. I would do this because I didn't want to screw it up. I had no vision for a finished piece. But I was satisfied with just a decent looking piece. If it could pass for something, it was complete for me.

This is probably why I have art around the house that looks decent but unfinished. I am afraid to finish them. I think if I tried, I would mess them up.

Well as I was saying, the other night, I sat down on my bed looking for inspiration to draw something. I was going to draw a house, but couldn't muster up much vision for that. I looked at my beloved ipod and the inspiration hit me. I was going to draw Bono, the lead singer for U2.

I spent about 45 minuted sketching Bono's head and a part of his hand. I thought it was beginning to look like something decent.

And you guessed it, I stopped. I was afraid to add the finished details. The picture is sitting in my living room waiting to be finished in some respects. But it is decent enough for me.

I have been reading a book titled "My Beautiful Idol" by an author named Pete Gall. I will actually review the book here shortly, which by the way is an excellent book so far. In the book, he has a great metaphor of our Christian journey that I thought was wonderful.

Gall compares our Christian journey to that of a race track. He imagines there is a group of people hanging around the starting line of a race track camping out, reading the newspaper, and drinking coffee.

Then someone may notice the track, and the direction of the arrows, and the increasing distance markers. This person may follow these marks for a little bit, and may be even to the 100 yard line. This person may feel good about there accomplishment and start to camp out at this point, drink coffee, read the newspaper, and hang out. He may even try to yell back at the 50 yard people, the 30 yard people, and the starting line people. He may encourage them to camp out with him at the 100 yard line, rather then the yard lines previous to him.

Gall explains in his book that the 100 yard people are the people who have salvation. They have reached an accomplishment for sure, they would be a 100 yards into the track. However, the track is not meant for camping out, it is meant to be ran. Gall explained that he wants to be that guy that stops camping and starts running. I think there is something to this.

Sometimes I feel tempted to tell myself that I am "saved" and that I am not yet completed, but it looks decent enough. So I don't want to screw it up. I am the one that has made it to the 100 yard line, and I am camping out. I am kind of like my Bono drawing. It looks decent enough to look like art, but it is unfinished. I am an unfinished Bono.

I still have every opportunity to finish my Bono picture. But I probably will not do it. It probably will stay unfinished. I will find a corner or shelf to put it on, and every once in a while I will pick it up and admire whats been done. But I also will be reminded on how its unfinished. I will also be reminded of my fear for potential. What it could be, doesn't drives me not to act. I'm afraid of messing it up. Fear is the story of the unfinished Bono.


I may look like decent art, but I am unfinished. I don't want to camp out at the 100 yard line any more. I want to run the track as it was designed. My fear is getting in the way. Although unfinished, I have become satisfied with my salvation. I may not be finished, but my fear for messing it all up with God and man stands in the way.

This all reminds me of a passage in Philippians 2:

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. " -niv

What exactly does it mean to work out your salvation with fear and trembling? Is this talking to an unfinished Bono, like me? Why does the church seem satisfied with the 100 yard line, when there is a race track to run on?

I somehow want to muster enough strength and courage to no longer be satisfied with just salvation. I feel its time to embrace the design of the track. My only questions is how do i do that?

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/

How to Date My Wife

Meet Meghan Jones.

She is my beautiful wife of now 3 years. (I think this is true, I have a horrible sense of time.) She is incredibly smart, beautiful, and funny. She loves life but only when it is being truly lived. She is a romantic at her core. (You may ask what she is doing with me then? That is another question for another time.) She absolutely loves to smile, which I find endearing. She is passionately in love with God and she is a seeker of truth.

This is my wife.

She sounds great!

She is great!

What if I told you that I have the key to her heart? What if I told you I can give you a blueprint to win her love? What if I explained to you a process on how to date my wife? Seriously, If anyone would know how to date my wife, it would be me, right?

And what if I said that I would give you this process through stories, poems, and examples?

For instance, let me explain how I personally met Meghan...

It was my senior year in college. I was "helping" the new freshman move into their dormitories. In the process of helping, someone grabbed me, and asked me to fill in as a flag representative during the freshman welcome ceremony. I was to represent Minnesota, Meghan represented her home state of Massachusetts. There I was, right behind my wife, trying to keep my thoughts as pure as I could. I decided to throw down my secret weapon to woo her over to me. The scene looked like this.

Me: "Hey, whats your name?"

Meghan: "My name is Meghan Delargy"

Me: "Cool, hey do you wanna hear a joke?"

Meghan: "Sure, why not?"

Me: "Sweet, why did the chick cross the road?"

Meghan: " I dunno why?"

Me: " 'Cause she saw me!"

Can you believe she fell for this? I mean, she is now my wife. She to this day still claims that it wasn't the joke that she fell for. But I think it is. I think it was my charm that won her over.

So hear is the deal. If you want to know what is the best way to date my wife just from this story, what kind of information could you gather. Let me provide you based on this story on what I think would be the best way to win over my wife. Here we go:

1) Find out where you might be able to bump into Meghan. Scout the place out.

2) Search for the nearest flag, preferably a state one. Follow Meghan around with the flag in hand.

3) It may not be a bad idea to have a spare flag for Meghan just in case she may not have one. If she does not already have a flag, simply give her the spare.

4) Be ready to introduce yourself and ask have her introduce her self to you.

5) Have a corny joke prepared for her. When the opportunity arises, tell the joke. Wait for her positive reaction.

6) She then will be yours.

This is how you can date my wife. If you follow these steps, Meghan will be yours...

Alright, back to reality. First off, please don't try to hit on my wife, (Brian Thomas, I am talking to you.) this is just an example of another reality. I am using this to point us to an unfortunate practice that many of us use to understand the Bible. In all seriousness, even if Meghan was on the market, (which she is not) would anyone really think by following the steps previously, that you might be able to win over my wife's heart? I honestly don't think anyone would be so ridiculous.

That being true, I believe there is many times that we approach the Bible in this way. We look for many "how to's" in God's word. We think when we find an example in one of the Biblical narratives or poems, that we would be able to reproduce that particular reality in today's context.

But what if the Bible was not meant to answer the question "How to"? What if the Bible was there to explain the narrative of God and his people? What lens do we have when reading scripture. Are we looking for advice or prescriptions for our sickness?

I think we need a new goal when reading the Bible in 2009 and going forward:

1) Experience God and relive experiences of our heritage with God's people, rooted in the stories, poems, and the prophetic voices of God's word.

2) As my friend Adam Ellis once explained, look at scripture as a description and no so much as a prescription.

3) Find our place in God's unfolding story and be agents in moving the story forward.

I am very thankful for my relationship with my wife. I have so many memories and experiences with her. We have a shared story that cannot be reduced to bullet points and a blueprint. She is too wonderful for that. She is to beautiful for that. Our love is to strong for that.

I find it hard that God can be reduced to a set of prescriptions, bullet points, and blueprints. God seems to be more majestic for that. There is too much mystery for that. His love for me is too much for that.

How do you date my wife? If that is still and option (which its not), I would tell you to have a shared experience and life with her in some way. This is the only way you can win her heart. Maybe we need to allow God to align Himself with our story. This shared experience is what should be looking for.

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/