tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.comments2019-06-18T12:33:55.083-05:00Rankin FileSteve Rankinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-65838101839204466592009-01-15T12:52:00.000-06:002009-01-15T12:52:00.000-06:00You know me, I have an opinion about everything. ...You know me, I have an opinion about everything. I do think, seriously, that a fundamental issue is the delivery system of all levels of theological education: License to Preach schools, Course of Study and seminary. Boards of ordained ministry could help by paying attention and putting some positive pressure on these systems.Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-59985762624265726782009-01-15T12:25:00.000-06:002009-01-15T12:25:00.000-06:00Steve, you're mostly talking about seminary prepar...Steve, you're mostly talking about seminary preparation for ordained ministers, right? Is there any bearing for local church pastors who do not attend seminary but attend license to preach school? What about for the Board of Ordained Ministry? In other words, does your critique have logical extensions into other areas?Ashleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12880887420803334395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-31045509620383235162009-01-05T16:32:00.000-06:002009-01-05T16:32:00.000-06:00Great question. I've read two books recently that...Great question. I've read two books recently that J.D. Walt suggested: "Grown Up Digital" and "Made to Stick." Both worthy reads.Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-75323570452006126322009-01-03T16:15:00.000-06:002009-01-03T16:15:00.000-06:00Steve--along these lines...I would love to hear a ...Steve--along these lines...I would love to hear a list of 5 or so "Must Reads" from those that ARE writing. Who/What should we be reading?Ashleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12880887420803334395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-75209435521285838712008-12-18T06:21:00.000-06:002008-12-18T06:21:00.000-06:00Ah, yes, the congregation-based approach to campus...Ah, yes, the congregation-based approach to campus ministry. With the right people, it can be done very well and it is a good idea. But often, it is done haphazardly and without a core of committed lay people. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for commenting. I'd like to know more about what you've seen at your university. If you'd like to email me, feel free.Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-33467930688042393232008-12-17T11:25:00.000-06:002008-12-17T11:25:00.000-06:00Great questions.Thank you for your work.I live and...Great questions.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your work.<BR/><BR/>I live and teach at a large public university and have seen the total collapse of campus ministry by mainline denominations in the last 15 years.<BR/><BR/>Local congregations try to "attract" college students, but there is zero mission to the campus.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-75181677270633446342008-11-10T20:02:00.000-06:002008-11-10T20:02:00.000-06:00You write very well.You write very well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-74340713313875613742008-10-29T16:48:00.000-05:002008-10-29T16:48:00.000-05:00Amen, brother!Amen, brother!Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-58473049220287029302008-10-29T15:28:00.000-05:002008-10-29T15:28:00.000-05:00Dare I use a word such as "holiness" to define who...Dare I use a word such as "holiness" to define who we as Christians are supposed to be? If we are indeed to be a people "set apart" than why is it that there seems to be little noticeable difference in the way Christians are acting and responding to the political "slop" we find ourselves in? It would be refreshing to see us (Christians) act with integrity, even if we disagree or find ourselves in total opposition to another's position. Ah, but let's attack the person too - that's the American way. Lest we forget, "American" is not the same as (or do I say defined as) "Christian".P.R.JUSThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04295395746325466285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-27805291727605841562008-06-19T11:01:00.000-05:002008-06-19T11:01:00.000-05:00John, I should go back and look at The Last Battle...John, I should go back and look at The Last Battle. <BR/><BR/>On the existence of hell after God has re-created: I think the logic of hell is connected to what is at the end of Revelation 20. I think "death" in this sense means "separation," not "ceasing to exist." Thus, hell, as a place or experience or both, is nothing more than a place of separation from God, even though those in hell (as I mentioned earlier) are still sustained by God. Sin has been done away, so sin is not part of hell. <BR/><BR/>Jerry Wall's book on hell (which I have not looked at in awhile) might be an interesting read. Shall we take a look?Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-1730108540028219322008-06-17T23:36:00.000-05:002008-06-17T23:36:00.000-05:00Additionally I find his eschatological suggestions...Additionally I find his eschatological suggestions (substantial or not) in the Last Battle interesting to compare with his view as put forth in The Great Divorce.John B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04134891390190214393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-91270653597817141472008-06-17T23:32:00.000-05:002008-06-17T23:32:00.000-05:00I agree wholeheartedly that the resort to an annih...I agree wholeheartedly that the resort to an annihilationist view because "God is loving" is illogical and therefore I do not claim it by those means. How do you account for the existence of hell after God has conquered sin and death in the eschaton? Does God maintain this once Satan has ceased to control (or exist?)? <BR/><BR/>Secondly on Rev 21. I'm not sure is a short answer. I am in need of better ancient commentary and would like to know what my long dead mentors think as I am well versed in Evangelical literalism (not that you fall in that category either).<BR/><BR/>Third, I have indeed read "The Great Divorce". It sparked a two year obsession with Lewis in High School (I read nothing but his books for that period). I attribute my love for theology, literature, and philosophy to the recommendation that I read this book by a friend's parent.John B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04134891390190214393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-87506758272695888962008-06-05T20:33:00.000-05:002008-06-05T20:33:00.000-05:00Probably the oppressed would be destroyed, as you ...Probably the oppressed would be destroyed, as you suggest. <BR/><BR/>I'm not trying to say that the psalm turns out to be merciful. The psalmist's call for justice sent me on a flight of fancy, from his call for justice to final judgment, to thoughts of the consequences of final judgment, which led me to thought of hell. I know, it's morbid. People easily reject the concept of hell because they think a loving God could not condemn people to flames and suffering eternally. I'm prepared to make the claim that even hell is a function of God's mercy, while exacting justice. <BR/><BR/>Ah, what is "existence?" There certainly is no evil in the Kingdom, but what about Revelation 21? I just don't see annihilation as merciful. No existence is better than suffering existence? (Remember, I don't think of hell as the sort of graphic punishment as portrayed by Dante.) Have you read The Great Divorce, byt C.S. Lewis? He has an interesting view of hell.Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-60140886518376012262008-06-04T15:37:00.000-05:002008-06-04T15:37:00.000-05:00The irony for so many people is that thay want God...The irony for so many people is that thay want God to leave them alone. So He honors their request. Yet when God does leave them alone they all of a sudden are crying out to him to intervene in their lives. Sad, so sad.<BR/><BR/>Tuttle always said that God created hell for those who rejected God because it provided them a place to attempt to hide from the awesome holiness of God. Do want you want with that.P.R.JUSThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04295395746325466285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-88566080854995177882008-06-04T15:21:00.000-05:002008-06-04T15:21:00.000-05:00I read the Psalm that you have cited as inspiratio...I read the Psalm that you have cited as inspiration for this post. As you said, I understand the position of the Psalmist as an oppressed and that therefore qualifies his rather negative Psalm. But the key to my understanding is also in the culture of brutal oppression. First, and correct me if I am wrong, would the opppressed not be destroyed if they took a pacifistic stance. But in the "modern" world there are few places in the world in which this culture of brutal oppression would be acceptable, all in the global south and most that I can think of are Muslim (Aghani Taliban, Darfur genocide, etc.). In all other circumstances I would then consider this reaction as inharmonious with the Psalmists intent. So, in other words, I'm not sure if I agree with your conclusion about this being merciful and just because I do not see the circumstance as in any way universal.<BR/>Second, as we are so fond of telling one another, I think that Dr. Thompson would disagree with you on your eschatological conclusions about hell. As you most likely know, those who are annihilationist (I count myself among them) see this view as the natural extension of the Kingdom of God concept. If God conquers evil as a condition of the eschaton, why then would God allow even a speck of evil to exist, including Hell? Is it truly just and merciful for God to eternally burn (in the metaphorical sense) his enemy, some might even call them those deceived by the enemy? If God conquers evil in the eschaton, I believe that he will justly punish his enemy by withholding eternal life, and he will mercifully annihilate them. Anyway, I am not a very studied annihilationist so don't color your view of them on account of my poor argumentation. <BR/><BR/>Those are my thoughts, I know you are busy, but I would enjoy reading a retort.John B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04134891390190214393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-55393399989401090412008-06-03T13:49:00.000-05:002008-06-03T13:49:00.000-05:00Hey Steve, I came across your blog while reading P...Hey Steve, I came across your blog while reading P.R.'s blog today. Hope all is well with your family. <BR/><BR/>Congratulations on being a candidate for Bishop, we're praying for you here in the Aulne community.<BR/><BR/>If you're interested in checking in on my blog, click on my name, and check it out. Mostly useless stuff, but it's my out for my creative genius side! :)<BR/><BR/>Say Hi to Joni for me.<BR/><BR/>Kevin FKevin F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05549398758764765070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-25806142134849293852008-06-03T13:46:00.000-05:002008-06-03T13:46:00.000-05:00Hey Steve, I came across your blog via Rick's. Go...Hey Steve, I came across your blog via Rick's. Good stuff! I admire anyone who can go to an event such as this and give such undivided attention to so many complex issues!! My attention span is waaay too short for that!! <BR/><BR/>Congratulations on the Bishop nomination, we're praying for you. <BR/><BR/>If you're interested in some mostly useless info from the Aulne community and more specifically my family, check out my blog kfruech.blogspot.com. Been writing for a couple of years now. Say hi to Joni!! Kevin FKevin F.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05549398758764765070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-40434499003787923022008-05-14T04:27:00.000-05:002008-05-14T04:27:00.000-05:00good post, Steve. Super difficult issue. Thanks ...good post, Steve. Super difficult issue. Thanks for your honest take on it.<BR/><BR/>Looking forward to hanging out with you sometime when you come back up to First Church (Wichita).Kenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06565035872325823356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-1420994107027637872008-05-08T10:19:00.000-05:002008-05-08T10:19:00.000-05:00I just had an interesting phone conversation with ...I just had an interesting phone conversation with a good friend of mine who participates in the same UM congregation as I. We talked about these matters. I believe there is an inherent connection between doctrinal commitments and the feelings (the old language is "religious affections) we have relative to the Christian faith. In other words, certain doctrines do lead to joy, hope, etc. <BR/><BR/>Having such doctrinal dialogues requires patience, gentleness, grace and persistence. It's a tall order, I know, but I think, sooner or later, we're going to have to do it.Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-88388335500746957682008-05-08T10:14:00.001-05:002008-05-08T10:14:00.001-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-83235777936310428522008-05-08T10:14:00.000-05:002008-05-08T10:14:00.000-05:00Thanks, Steve for your conference comments...I lik...Thanks, Steve for your conference comments...I liked your statement... "On the other hand, the sheer range of ideas, commitments, beliefs and experiences that fit under the denominational label makes "United Methodist" as an identifier almost meaningless." We have some people unwilling to participate in Walk to Emmaus because of our public corporate image. I find it hard to leave my church but it is looking more appealing as days go by. Then I meet up with those United Methodists at Emmaus and I know there is a core group that gives me hope. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-6908011469802387002008-05-03T11:07:00.000-05:002008-05-03T11:07:00.000-05:00Stay tuned, Kim. I've got a couple of ideas germi...Stay tuned, Kim. I've got a couple of ideas germinating. I hope they don't take 'till next spring to sprout!Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-72751834220674010412008-05-03T11:06:00.000-05:002008-05-03T11:06:00.000-05:00Yep, Wendy, the UM Church has loads of potential a...Yep, Wendy, the UM Church has loads of potential and some of it is being realized. After participating in another General Conference, I'm even more convinced of the need to find some way to have ongoing and detailed theological discussions.Steve Rankinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15831684296226521993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-52240110116830799782008-05-03T09:48:00.000-05:002008-05-03T09:48:00.000-05:00Hey, Steve! Thanks so much for the overview of wha...Hey, Steve! Thanks so much for the overview of what you experienced in Ft. Worth this past week. The blogs were worth reading & so insightful to what was going on in your heart and in the conference. As a young person of the church, it's kind of good to know that we share some of the same frustrations and concerns about what will happen in the coming days of the church. I'd love to hear more about it. Thanks again for sharing.<BR/>Kim S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4735283878351161846.post-66427845918702580172008-05-02T16:01:00.000-05:002008-05-02T16:01:00.000-05:00This summer my friend from El Dorado and the Pasto...This summer my friend from El Dorado and the Pastor's son of our fundamental Baptist church offered an encouraging outsiders opinion regarding United Methodists. In an intense conversation regarding the theologians we like and dislike, we found ourselves discussing these beliefs as they pertain to the church today in our own denominations. He stated, "To me the work of the Holy Spirit is most evident in the United Methodist Church when such diverse theologies unite under one umbrella." Previously, it did not occur to me that our ability to remain in the same institution through such diversity might actually be a work of the Holy Spirit. Although, your blog leaves much to be desired in terms of "one body, one spirit, one mind."Wendy Mohlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01581403641843850939noreply@blogger.com