November 7 - 13, 2005

 SOLI/Update

    www.stewardshipoflife.org

 

A divine mission and a necessity for survival

"What are people for?" In posing that question in its classic, Westminster Catechism form, "What is the chief end of Man," theologian Douglas John Hall told a standing-room-only gathering at Gettysburg Seminary the classic answer -- and then one he suggests for today's situation. The classic answer, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever," belongs to quieter, more pious age, Hall said. 

For today, the question demands a sharper, more precise answer: "The chief end of a human being is to be God's faithful steward in a profoundly threatened creation."

Hall shared his insights in an one of three talks at Gettysburg last month. That talk, "Stewardship as a Human Vocation," appears on the website this week. It is brilliant and a must-read for every steward.

Every age produces prophets -- those who can speak God's ancient word to the situation of their own time. Hall is such a prophet for us. In his many books over the years he has challenged Christians to see their faith in fresh and exciting ways. Now in advanced years, as professor emeritus of systematic theology at McGill University, he is still speaking the truth and writing more prophetically than ever.

In this talk, Hall identifies the degradation of the environment as the world's most pressing problem -- "since without a habitable planet all other problems are 'resolved', along with life itself!" A Christian response involves not only acting but also a new way of thinking.

"Let me lay my cards on the table right away," Hall began his lecture: "I think there is probably no more important theological and ethical task for Christians today than that of developing a worldly theology of human stewardship."

Christians have always been a fractious lot, and especially lately, but followers of Jesus the world over can -- and should -- unite to join Hall in rethinking what it means to be a steward and assume the duties of faithful steward as a primary human vocation. It's not just an ecumenical nicety; it's a divine mission and a necessity for survival.  Click here for Hall's essay.

--Rob Blezard, editor and webmaster

New This Week:

Douglas John Hall: Stewardship as a Human Vocation
With the world facing crises on many fronts, now more than ever it is time for people of faith to embrace their God-ordained vocations as stewards. From Douglas John Hall, one of North America's most prophetic theologian, an essay given as a lecture last month at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary.  Click here for "Stewardship as a Human Vocation. (PDF file requires Adobe Reader. Click here for a free download.)



  God's earth is sacred
"We have listened to a false gospel that we continue to live out in our daily habits -- a gospel that proclaims that God cares for the salvation of humans only and that our human calling is to exploit Earth for our own ends alone. This false gospel still finds its proud preachers and continues to capture its adherents among emboldened political leaders and policy makers." So says an open letter from the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United. Click here for "God's earth is sacred.


The inspired colors of God's Kingdom
 "The Beatitudes are like a coloring book designed by Jesus.  He draws us a picture of what God's Kingdom looks like -- where those who mourn will rejoice and those who are meek will find a place and the poor will have enough.  And then we get to color this picture and make it come alive with the inspiration of the Spirit." Click here for Pastor Dana Reardon's weekly column



 Good Stewardship Begins with the Pastor
"Like any top executive in a successful corporation, the pastor must be willing to put forth time and effort far beyond what he or she expects of his or her people. The pastor sets the standard and the tone. If a pastor is not willing to make some sacrifices, he or she should find another less demanding profession. It’s that simple." By Robert Zimmer. Click here for "Good Stewardship." From the Lutheran Laity Movement Archives. This week's Treasure Chest offering.


 Keys to a successful stewardship campaign
Whether they are looking to expand the sanctuary, launch a new evangelism strategy or just meet the budget, churches successful at raising money possess a surprising number of qualities in common. Click here for "Keys to a successful stewardship campaign." From Church Executive magazine.