Author Archive
Jon Huckins
The Disease of Building Theology in the Theoretical
Sunday, May 6th, 2012
I love and am enlivened by intellectual stimulation, specifically in relation to the integration of theology and ethics. In many ways, I feel that I am hardwired for this stuff.
The other night my NieuCommunities’ tribe was taking an extended time to explore how we each individually connect with God; what are the times, places or activities where we are most connected and alive. For some it was through contemplation, others through a variety of worship forms, while others through care giving and hospitality. For me, intellectual exploration was one of the primary ways I connect with God. My writing, teaching and graduate studies have not come out of a desire to attain a “deeper” faith, but rather out of a unique conviction that I must pursue these things out of faithfulness to the faith I ascribe to. God has created me for this stuff and it is a significant way I hope to edify the Church global.
When Dreams Meet Reality: Life in Intentional Community
Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
After years of being a youth pastor, I remember the time I came home from yet another event that required endless administration, energy and resources and asked myself, “Is this what it means to be the Church? And if so, there have to be better ways to embody the supposed life-giving, relational aspects of Jesus discipleship.”
Mustard Seeds of Hope: Israeli’s and Palestinian’s Standing Under the Banner of Non-Violence
Monday, October 17th, 2011
My 1 year old daughter is at the stage in her development where she is captivated by anything around her. Whether a shoe, toy or even her own foot, she looks at each object with a curiosity and wonder that is contagious. In Matthew 10:13-16, Jesus says the Kingdom of God is for the children. He goes on to say that if any of us don’t receive the Kingdom like a child, we will not enter. To have eyes that see and experience the Kingdom, we have to embrace child-like wonder. We must receive new eyes, expect the unexpected and embrace a Kingdom imagination. In regard to embracing an imagination that transcends the violent paradigms instilled in our culture, John Paul Lederach describes the importance of serendipity.
Why Do People In Your Country Think I’m a Terrorist?
Monday, October 10th, 2011
Although we had only met each other a few days before, my friend looked at me with tears welling up in his eyes and said, “I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus the Messiah. Why do people in your country think I am a terrorist?” I was left speechless, confused and sad.
Milad is an Arab Palestinian Christian who now lives in a small village outside of Bethlehem – in the West Bank – with his wife and young son. While his wives’ parents live in a refugee camp in Bethlehem, his family lives in nearby Bethany. His parents, grandparents and great grandparents lived in the Old City of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is their home and Milad considers it his home. Why wouldn’t he? His family had lived there as long as he could remember and they would still be living there if they hadn’t been pushed back into the West Bank after the Six Day War in 1967.
The History & Modern Manifestation of Christian Zionism
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Series Note: This post is the first in a three part series on the topic of Christian Zionism and its implications in Israel and Palestine. There are few topics more hotly debated both in the Church and around the globe. Lines have been drawn both ideologically and theologically to the point that many aren’t willing to rethink their paradigms, which has led to divisive rhetoric and hostility. Israel’s security is a real issue and I care deeply about it. I want Israel to exist and disagree vehemently with anyone or any country that does not want the State of Israel to exist. I want Israel to be secure. But I disagree vehemently with the policies Israel is pursuing in order to achieve that security and believe firmly that the hard-line positions and continued settlement developments are exactly what is threatening Israel’s security. If they continue to take Palestinian’s homes and lands, if they continue to fence them off from their families, neighbors, grazing lands, hospitals and jobs, if they continue to humiliate and oppress Palestinians at checkpoints, if they continue to deny funding to Palestinians’ education, etc…then history tells us that they will eventually push the Palestinian humanity to a point where non-violent resistance will no longer be pursued. With that being said, this is a topic too important not to discuss and corporately seek discernment on as we seek to faithfully follow the Prince of Peace. Please see this as an invitation to enter a conversation of mutual respect that leads to actions that better represent the Kingdom Jesus came to proclaim through word and deed.
What My Muslim Friend Taught Me About Jesus
Monday, September 5th, 2011
Ali is my good friend and one of my hero’s. He has taught me so much. Let me tell you about him.
Ali grew up a Shi’ite Muslim in Iran. In an effort to complete his studies as a doctor of neurology, he moved to the United States about three years ago. His whole life is in Iran; family, religion, tradition, friends, home.
After moving to New Orleans, Ali met one of the couples who are now on staff with our NieuCommunities team in San Diego. Although coming from two very different backgrounds (Iran and Washington state), they immediately connected and became close friends. More than anything, Ali became intrigued by this Jesus their lives revolved around. Within his Muslim tradition, Jesus is a prominent and highly respected prophet, but to believe in him as God is to commit shirk (holding anything/anyone as equal with Allah/God); the worst sin of all.
