Rambling Journal Entry #170117: So, minorities. Think about it a bit more.
17 January 2017
30 December 2016
Five-year Summary Report * Years 2012-2016 * Kevin R. Tengesdal
Five-year Summary Report * Years 2012-2016 * Kevin R. Tengesdal * Bismarck, North Dakota
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21 December 2016
together
my hand reaches
your hand receives
my hands give
my heart yearns
your heart bleeds
my heart cares
my ears hear
your eyes see
my feet run
life hurts me
life wounds you
life becomes aware
together we battle
together we encourage
together we grow
giving
caring
running
aware
we grow
your hand receives
my hands give
my heart yearns
your heart bleeds
my heart cares
my ears hear
your eyes see
my feet run
life hurts me
life wounds you
life becomes aware
together we battle
together we encourage
together we grow
giving
caring
running
aware
we grow
01 October 2016
Which Gospel
Friends, in the name of Christ, Greetings.
Here in 2016, the rally cries are loud and persistent. "Make America great again!" "Bring God back to our nation!" "We need Christian leaders!" Fundamentalists will have us to believe that we are a heathen nation heading to hell in a hand-basket. Yet, for many continuous years, a vast majority of our policy makers and shakers proudly wear the Christian moniker, often with an (R) attached to their name.
The American Christian Fundamentalism sect is just over a hundred years old. In the grand scheme of the ancient two-thousand years history of the Christian faith, it is but a newborn. Judaism, of which Jesus the Christ lived, originates in an Eastern philosophical mindset, completely foreign to a Western mindset. To me, the ACF too often carries itself as if it were a cult.
Lucy Patrick has commented: "Although we live in a democracy, cult behavior manifests itself in our unwillingness to question the judgment of our leaders, our tendency to devalue outsiders and to avoid dissent. We can overcome cult behavior, he says, by recognizing that we have dependency needs that are inappropriate for mature people, by increasing anti-authoritarian education, and by encouraging personal autonomy and the free exchange of ideas." [ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult]
From the vantage point of evangelical Christianity, one definition might be: A cult is a perversion of the gospel, based upon an unholy devotion to a person, a principle, or both.
"Cult behavior reflects the wish for a loving, accepting sibling group that is protected and cherished by a powerful, omnipotent parent. The problem with such a wish and its accompanying fantasy is that no human being can fill the role of the superparent, and adults can never again be children. To preserve the fantasy, reality must be distorted, because of this distortion, cult behavior results in a loss of realism." For many, the ACF was "initially very warm and loving, until it would reveal its cold, punitive side whenever someone questioned the [ACF] beliefs or behavior. Such dissent was labeled “selfish” or “evil,” and group approval was withdrawn and the dissenter isolated." [http://www.deikman.com/former.html]
It's as if the ACF wants God to fit in their definition of Him, and want to challenge any who dare to believe any different. How is it that they know that their infant belief system is greater than the whole history of the Christian religion? How is it that any other faith practice is deemed inferior?
God's grace and mercy is a mysterious gem with a myriad of unique facets waiting to be discovered. The hard-lined interpretation of the Bible should not be worshipped. The living Word of God is he who we are to emulate and follow. A strict literal following of Scripture by the ACF puts them in contrast to the compassion and welcome that Christ has asked us to share.
The Apostle Paul aptly reminds us, in the book of Galatians, "I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News, but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ."
I am but another mere human with countless flaws, seeking to please God alone, following his grace. My question to followers within the ACF, which gospel is your life showing to the world? Would the world see Jesus the Christ in your condemnations, your judgements, your demanding conformity?
For now,
Kevin R. Tengesdal
Here in 2016, the rally cries are loud and persistent. "Make America great again!" "Bring God back to our nation!" "We need Christian leaders!" Fundamentalists will have us to believe that we are a heathen nation heading to hell in a hand-basket. Yet, for many continuous years, a vast majority of our policy makers and shakers proudly wear the Christian moniker, often with an (R) attached to their name.
The American Christian Fundamentalism sect is just over a hundred years old. In the grand scheme of the ancient two-thousand years history of the Christian faith, it is but a newborn. Judaism, of which Jesus the Christ lived, originates in an Eastern philosophical mindset, completely foreign to a Western mindset. To me, the ACF too often carries itself as if it were a cult.
Lucy Patrick has commented: "Although we live in a democracy, cult behavior manifests itself in our unwillingness to question the judgment of our leaders, our tendency to devalue outsiders and to avoid dissent. We can overcome cult behavior, he says, by recognizing that we have dependency needs that are inappropriate for mature people, by increasing anti-authoritarian education, and by encouraging personal autonomy and the free exchange of ideas." [ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cult]
From the vantage point of evangelical Christianity, one definition might be: A cult is a perversion of the gospel, based upon an unholy devotion to a person, a principle, or both.
"Cult behavior reflects the wish for a loving, accepting sibling group that is protected and cherished by a powerful, omnipotent parent. The problem with such a wish and its accompanying fantasy is that no human being can fill the role of the superparent, and adults can never again be children. To preserve the fantasy, reality must be distorted, because of this distortion, cult behavior results in a loss of realism." For many, the ACF was "initially very warm and loving, until it would reveal its cold, punitive side whenever someone questioned the [ACF] beliefs or behavior. Such dissent was labeled “selfish” or “evil,” and group approval was withdrawn and the dissenter isolated." [http://www.deikman.com/former.html]
It's as if the ACF wants God to fit in their definition of Him, and want to challenge any who dare to believe any different. How is it that they know that their infant belief system is greater than the whole history of the Christian religion? How is it that any other faith practice is deemed inferior?
God's grace and mercy is a mysterious gem with a myriad of unique facets waiting to be discovered. The hard-lined interpretation of the Bible should not be worshipped. The living Word of God is he who we are to emulate and follow. A strict literal following of Scripture by the ACF puts them in contrast to the compassion and welcome that Christ has asked us to share.
The Apostle Paul aptly reminds us, in the book of Galatians, "I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News, but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ."
I am but another mere human with countless flaws, seeking to please God alone, following his grace. My question to followers within the ACF, which gospel is your life showing to the world? Would the world see Jesus the Christ in your condemnations, your judgements, your demanding conformity?
For now,
Kevin R. Tengesdal
16 September 2016
2016 Bismarck-Mandan Out of the Darkness Community Walk Address
"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121
Kevin R Tengesdal’s address with the 2016 Bismarck-Mandan Out of the Darkness Community Walk to help bring awareness to suicide attempts, depression, and PTSD, along with the stigma and silence of men and crisis mental health situations.
21 August 2016
This is My Ever-Growing Manifesto
Rambling Journal Entry #160820:
One of the many evils that I did unto myself during my first 50 years of childhood was perpetually purposing to please everyone to gain their acceptance and inclusion.
18 June 2016
North Dakota Democratic-NPL State Delegate Selection Meeting Stump Speech
Good afternoon, friends and fellow Dem-NPLers! What an exciting day and event for us Democrats of North Dakota!
30 May 2016
Sunday night summarizing.
So last week was a really difficult week. We had Franklin Graham in Bismarck on Wednesday, we had Donald Trump in Bismarck on Thursday. Friday was troublesome.
Rambling Afternoon Journal Entry #160531
Rambling Afternoon Journal Entry #160531:
Just like 99.999999% of the complete human population, I have strong trust issues.
Just like 99.999999% of the complete human population, I have strong trust issues.
24 May 2016
A Future to Believe In
What would the USA be like had Harriet Tubman quit her fight rescuing slaves?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Red Cloud quit his fight for Native American lands?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Susan B. Anthony quit her fight for women’s right to vote?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Unions quit their fight for better labor conditions?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Martin Luther King, Jr. quit his fight for black rights?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Dennis Banks and Russell Means quit their fight for the civil rights of Native Americans?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had marriage activists quit their fight for marriage equality?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What will the USA be like if Bernie Sanders quit his fight for nomination?
Will we have a future to believe in?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Red Cloud quit his fight for Native American lands?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Susan B. Anthony quit her fight for women’s right to vote?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Unions quit their fight for better labor conditions?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Martin Luther King, Jr. quit his fight for black rights?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had Dennis Banks and Russell Means quit their fight for the civil rights of Native Americans?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What would the USA be like had marriage activists quit their fight for marriage equality?
Would we have a future to believe in?
What will the USA be like if Bernie Sanders quit his fight for nomination?
Will we have a future to believe in?
11 May 2016
Coupled or Untethered
Reminding myself of several reasons it is good/ok/normal to be single, untethered, unsupervised:
01 March 2016
With Apologies to Dr. Seuss
I am Kevin
I am Sam
Sam I am
That Sam-I-am
That Sam-I-am!
I do not like
that Sam-I-am
Do you like
boobies and gam
I am Sam
Sam I am
That Sam-I-am
That Sam-I-am!
I do not like
that Sam-I-am
Do you like
boobies and gam
16 February 2016
Soul Alive
Sunday is long gone.
Tuesday is here present.
Gathering has dispersed.
Loneliness has appeared.
Lost in the shadows.
Grace always present.
Turn toward Him.
Soul alive.
15 February 2016
Weeping whimpers
Weeping whimpers darken the shadows.
You have seen the shadows in the fog.
Hidden remains the darkness, locked.
You have heard the whimpers in the fog.
Silenced remains the weeping, stifled.
Stifle the fog, lock the fog.
Unseen and unheard,
Remains clamoring light,
Erasing shadows.
You have seen the shadows in the fog.
Hidden remains the darkness, locked.
You have heard the whimpers in the fog.
Silenced remains the weeping, stifled.
Stifle the fog, lock the fog.
Unseen and unheard,
Remains clamoring light,
Erasing shadows.
13 February 2016
12 February 2016
Out of Context...
2nd Chronicles 7:14 -- Out of Context... America is not God’s chosen nation or land. Americans are not God’s chosen people. America is nowhere to be found in this passage nor is any other nation besides Israel. We need to remember that not everything in the Bible is about us. The Bible is about God first and foremost.
http://pleaseconvinceme.com/2013/a-text-out-of-context-2-chronicles-714/
19 December 2015
20 November 2015
What are we do with those we consider to be different from us?
What are we do with those we consider to be different from us? How are we as followers of Christ supposed to interact with the marginalized that make us uncomfortable? How can our lives be a living example of His good news?
11 October 2015
The Testimony -- Oct 11, 2015
On a warm March day in 1988, there I was, a young 22-year old adventurer, standing alone on a sidewalk under the San Diego sun waiting for a bus. The Navy had just terminated my short career in the military by giving me an honorable discharge, and two intimidating military police unceremoniously escorted me off the base. Riding the bus to the airport as a rebranded civilian, I was ruminating and wondering who I was, where I was from, where I was going. A new chapter was starting in a journey, which began on a small-grains farm in North Dakota.
28 September 2015
I must be an ambivert...
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