Theology Evolved?

I have been reading through a college textbook again (I know I am the most exciting person you know) The subject I read on was regarding how the early church fathers viewed philosophy and its relationship to theology.

• 1st century: Paul found the unnamed god and presented him as the God.
• 2nd century: Justin Martyr felt that Platonian Philosophy could share common roots with Christianity in that the word "logos" meaning word to the Greeks, and then Christianity having the fulfillment of "Logos" in Christ. The earliest wisdom being spread in the seeds of "logos" being completed and perfected in Christ's coming.
• 3rd century: Tertullian and Clement went in opposite directions. Tertullian asking, "What then do Athens and Jerusalem have in common?" and Clement all but saying that Philosophy was simply a very indirect method to get to the main road that is the Bible.
• 4th century: Augustine felt that if there were common truths between philosophy and theology you take them and discard the rest. The practical thinker he was :)

Folks it appears that the human ability to comprehend caring about people has gone out the window. A wave of callous treatment of humanity is striking people... Even in the drive-thru of your favorite eating locations.

That is right there is a pandemic of "Hit and Run" situations where people who though they think they have every right to assume every person they see handing them their burger or latte is wretched and sinful and in need of salvation.

You see, I was handing out a Decaf Grande 2-Pump Sugar-Free Vanilla Nonfat Latte when after payment the customer handed me a bill as a tip.

But on closer inspection I found I had been punished rather than tipped for this beverage for what I received was this...

I had become a victim of the "Hit and Run" Tract handout version of evangelism.


Folks all I gotta say is, at least pretend to love the person you are using this enough to sit down and learn about them, and realize that they don't like getting non-tips in their tip jars. Sit down, drink a latte with them, share a testimony. Make a real effort, I plead upon you. And NO, tracts are not bad, but realize they are a conversation facilitating tool, not a tip or an end all to salvation.

So as I sit here in a totally empty Starbucks and ponder my existence as a Barista. I wonder to myself. What have I done of great accomplishment, things I can stand by and smile at and offer myself a congenial pat on the back. So here are a few things that though I feel depressed about my life of making lattes I can't help but be happy about.

I graduated with a degree that I am happy I received (Bible and Theology)
I have learned the ropes of worship Production at a church I believe in (NCR)
I have found a "special someone" who I can relax around, not be a hero. (Karina)
I have become my own man, confidant, and ready to take on challenges (Daily)

So what can I say. I may not like being a Barista, but that is pretty small compared to the successes that have come my way. So I march on, head held high. Will update with picture of dead starbucks shortly.

Okay so they have been out for a while now. Like 2-3 weeks I think. But I love them. They are witty and fashionably designed! So my sarcastic inner emerging metro loves them. And I think everyone should own at least one of these shirts. Go check them out. My favorite you may be asking? "Thou Shalt Not Suck". Here is the link to the store.


T-SHIRTS

So I suppose every story deserves its context. So I think what I will do is go ahead and Tarantino this one. I am gonna give you the punch line then let you hear the story. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, even a picture of 12 words.


My senior pastor of my church takes his final half hour before the service begins very seriously. He uses it as a time to spend in prayer, quality time with his family, or perhaps to enjoy one last bit of Lou Malnati's Pizza. That last bit is a conjecture. And usually would put up a sign telling us he was attempting to have some peaceful bit of time before the service and unless there was an emergency we were to honor it. An understandable and accepted practice before service. Then one day a question was raised, a question that needed his answer, and well no one dared to violate the rule of entering this private sanctum of Italianness. Another made up word by me. Well I decided that as an intern this duty did not fall to me, so I kept to myself, until unfortunately the debate of who would ask waged longer than one could wait, so, I knocked... And... I was treated courteously, the problem solved, but was asked to in the future make the best judgment call possible.

Well another week rolls along and another problem happens, and someone begs the question to be asked of him. And as always the debate of who would ask weighed in longer. Until I decide to once again present myself as the whipping boy. But alas, the sign had been altered, indeed made anew, and I was now by name mentioned to leave him alone. So with a smile and a skip (okay not a skip but defintiely a grin) I turned around and feeling empowered by this sign made the call for the team. And what do you know the problem was solved and the people rejoiced. yay...

Just a fun little story for you.

And oh yeah order that pizza sometime. its amazing. They deliver overnight with the pizza on dry ice... that is too cool. And they have a meat crust pizza for you atkins folks. Or Italian Sausage loving folks...