From: Victor S <victorslan@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Aug 24, 2014 at 10:49 AM
Subject: Fwd: The Wired Word for 8/17/2014
To: katietsai <katietsai@yahoo.com>, dylmd@adelphia.net
瓊月， 友吉，
我的題目是 “耶穌流目屎!” 約翰福音11：35
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Wired Word <lesson@thewiredword.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM
Subject: The Wired Word for 8/17/2014
To: victorslan@verizon.net
Dear Class Member,
People across the country were saddened this week on learning that comedian Robin Williams had died, and likely at his own hand. It was also reported that he had been suffering from "severe depression." This sad news gives us an opportunity to seek to understand depression and how it can affect any of us, including followers of Jesus. So that will be the topic of our next class.
If you wish to start thinking about our topic in advance, below is some introductory material.
The Wired Word invites us to contribute news story suggestions for upcoming lessons. If you have a story you'd like to suggest, post it to The Wired Word forum athttp://thewiredword.
See you in the Prayers and Squares Room this Sunday, Sept 17th!
Comedian and actor Robin Williams, 63, known for his rapid-fire improvisations, ricochet riffs on topics high and low, over-the-top comedic portrayals and manic impersonations, as well as for serious dramatic roles, died Monday in his California home, apparently by his own hand.
His publicist said in a statement that Williams had "been battling severe depression."
His wife, Susan Schneider, said in a statement, "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings." She added, "As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
Unlike some comedians who mimic movie stars, politicians, people in power and others, Williams seemed to have the ability to do so without offending people, even when being irreverent. He was also known for his charitable work, kindness and generosity, and for entertaining U.S. troops overseas.
In a statement, President Obama called Williams "one of a kind." Then, alluding to the comedian's breakout role in the Mork and Mindy TV show, the president said that Williams "arrived in our lives as an alien -- but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most -- from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets."
Williams had acknowledged problems with drugs and alcohol, but had sought treatment. He'd also had heart surgery in 2009, an event that he said caused him to take stock of his life.
The expenses of two divorces with large alimony payments (which he jokingly called "all the money" and described as "ripping your heart out through your wallet") were only a part of the money problems he faced. He had been trying to raise cash by selling his Napa ranch, but was unable to find a buyer at the $35 million asking price -- or even at 15 percent off that price. Although he disliked both TV work and doing sequels, he had recently taken jobs in both -- and found that even with his best efforts, his TV series The Crazy Ones was cancelled this May after one season.
For many, the acknowledgment of Williams' severe depression comes as no surprise; it's long been known that people who frequent the manic end of the emotional spectrum sometimes find themselves at the depressive end as well.
Writing for CNN, Todd Leopold said, "Show business history is filled with stories of comic kings who fought against depression and substance abuse, not always successfully. Jonathan Winters, Williams' hero, was institutionalized for a time. The effortless Dick Van Dyke once said he was 'mostly drunk for 15 years.' John Belushi and Chris Farley died of overdoses. Mitch Hedberg, Freddie Prinze, Richard Jeni -- all funny men, all gone before their time."
Upon learning of Williams' death, comedian Michael Ian Black tweeted, "We lose at least one great comic to suicide or ODs every year. Our jobs are to communicate, but we seem to not know how to ask for help."
Some ordinary people, too, could identify with Williams' despair. Among the reader comments following one CNN article about the actor's death, we noticed these two:
"Depression is truly evil; feels like a possession. RIP :("
"... depression [is] not just one or two 'down moments'; it's a pervasive, persistent despair that is largely independent of your circumstances. You can have everything and still feel like dying ... it's so hard."
In fact, Robin Williams is part of the demographic with the highest risk for suicide: older white men with a history of substance abuse and depression. This group has seen a spike in its suicide rate over the past decade and a half, with an increase of nearly 40 percent.
On a TV program, Williams was once asked, "If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?" The comedian responded with a joke about a concert including Mozart and Elvis, and then added that he'd like "to know that there's laughter."
More on this story can be found at these links:
Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Comedian, Dies at 63 in Suspected Suicide. New York Times
Robin Williams and the Dark Side of Comedy. CNN
Robin Williams Had 'Serious Money Troubles' ... Daily Mail
Robin Williams in a Group Facing Higher Risk of Suicide. Washington Post
Robin Williams on Laughter in Heaven. PIX 11
5 Facts You Didn't Know About Robin Williams. Huffington Post
The Big Questions
Here are some of the questions we will discuss in class:
1. Since some sadness and occasional depression are normal parts of living, how can we self-determine if we are suffering from chronic clinical depression? How do we determine when we need help to deal with it? (If you have experienced crippling depression and feel able to share, discuss times you were able to accept help and/or found yourself able to listen to those who care for you. Tell about a time you tried to help another.)
2. What makes Christians who are depressed sometimes reluctant to acknowledge it? When, if ever, have you heard sermons, Sunday School lessons, or simply the words of fellow Christians (including yourself) discussing depression as a character flaw, a sin or something that could be easily fixed if that person would just "pull himself/herself out of it"?
3. What are some ways people or society encourage depression by means of false accusations, unreasonable expectations or encouraging unhelpful self-esteem standards or self-identity criteria? How does sin encourage these? How does the gospel of salvation from sin help avoid these?
4. In what ways can the church reach out to people who are suffering from recurring depression? What resources does your denomination provide to help with depression?
5. To what degree does faith interact with moods and emotions? Do you think a confession of faith is more powerful coming from someone who is suffering, whether from depression or another condition? Why or why not?
6. How would you summarize the Christian message of hope to someone in deep despair? How do you avoid making this message of hope sound like a bandage instead of real comfort?
Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope
We will look at selected verses from these Scripture texts. You may wish to read these in advance for background:
From: The Wired Word <lesson@thewiredword.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 14, 2014 at 2:00 PM
Subject: The Wired Word for 8/17/2014
To: victorslan@verizon.net
Dear Class Member,
People across the country were saddened this week on learning that comedian Robin Williams had died, and likely at his own hand. It was also reported that he had been suffering from "severe depression." This sad news gives us an opportunity to seek to understand depression and how it can affect any of us, including followers of Jesus. So that will be the topic of our next class.
If you wish to start thinking about our topic in advance, below is some introductory material.
The Wired Word invites us to contribute news story suggestions for upcoming lessons. If you have a story you'd like to suggest, post it to The Wired Word forum athttp://thewiredword.
See you in the Prayers and Squares Room this Sunday, Sept 17th!
Robin Williams, Dead in Apparent Suicide, Had Battled Depression
The Wired Word for the Week of August 17, 2014
In the NewsThe Wired Word for the Week of August 17, 2014
Comedian and actor Robin Williams, 63, known for his rapid-fire improvisations, ricochet riffs on topics high and low, over-the-top comedic portrayals and manic impersonations, as well as for serious dramatic roles, died Monday in his California home, apparently by his own hand.
His publicist said in a statement that Williams had "been battling severe depression."
His wife, Susan Schneider, said in a statement, "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings." She added, "As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."
Unlike some comedians who mimic movie stars, politicians, people in power and others, Williams seemed to have the ability to do so without offending people, even when being irreverent. He was also known for his charitable work, kindness and generosity, and for entertaining U.S. troops overseas.
In a statement, President Obama called Williams "one of a kind." Then, alluding to the comedian's breakout role in the Mork and Mindy TV show, the president said that Williams "arrived in our lives as an alien -- but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit. He made us laugh. He made us cry. He gave his immeasurable talent freely and generously to those who needed it most -- from our troops stationed abroad to the marginalized on our own streets."
Williams had acknowledged problems with drugs and alcohol, but had sought treatment. He'd also had heart surgery in 2009, an event that he said caused him to take stock of his life.
The expenses of two divorces with large alimony payments (which he jokingly called "all the money" and described as "ripping your heart out through your wallet") were only a part of the money problems he faced. He had been trying to raise cash by selling his Napa ranch, but was unable to find a buyer at the $35 million asking price -- or even at 15 percent off that price. Although he disliked both TV work and doing sequels, he had recently taken jobs in both -- and found that even with his best efforts, his TV series The Crazy Ones was cancelled this May after one season.
For many, the acknowledgment of Williams' severe depression comes as no surprise; it's long been known that people who frequent the manic end of the emotional spectrum sometimes find themselves at the depressive end as well.
Writing for CNN, Todd Leopold said, "Show business history is filled with stories of comic kings who fought against depression and substance abuse, not always successfully. Jonathan Winters, Williams' hero, was institutionalized for a time. The effortless Dick Van Dyke once said he was 'mostly drunk for 15 years.' John Belushi and Chris Farley died of overdoses. Mitch Hedberg, Freddie Prinze, Richard Jeni -- all funny men, all gone before their time."
Upon learning of Williams' death, comedian Michael Ian Black tweeted, "We lose at least one great comic to suicide or ODs every year. Our jobs are to communicate, but we seem to not know how to ask for help."
Some ordinary people, too, could identify with Williams' despair. Among the reader comments following one CNN article about the actor's death, we noticed these two:
"Depression is truly evil; feels like a possession. RIP :("
"... depression [is] not just one or two 'down moments'; it's a pervasive, persistent despair that is largely independent of your circumstances. You can have everything and still feel like dying ... it's so hard."
In fact, Robin Williams is part of the demographic with the highest risk for suicide: older white men with a history of substance abuse and depression. This group has seen a spike in its suicide rate over the past decade and a half, with an increase of nearly 40 percent.
On a TV program, Williams was once asked, "If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?" The comedian responded with a joke about a concert including Mozart and Elvis, and then added that he'd like "to know that there's laughter."
More on this story can be found at these links:
Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Comedian, Dies at 63 in Suspected Suicide. New York Times
Robin Williams and the Dark Side of Comedy. CNN
Robin Williams Had 'Serious Money Troubles' ... Daily Mail
Robin Williams in a Group Facing Higher Risk of Suicide. Washington Post
Robin Williams on Laughter in Heaven. PIX 11
5 Facts You Didn't Know About Robin Williams. Huffington Post
The Big Questions
Here are some of the questions we will discuss in class:
1. Since some sadness and occasional depression are normal parts of living, how can we self-determine if we are suffering from chronic clinical depression? How do we determine when we need help to deal with it? (If you have experienced crippling depression and feel able to share, discuss times you were able to accept help and/or found yourself able to listen to those who care for you. Tell about a time you tried to help another.)
2. What makes Christians who are depressed sometimes reluctant to acknowledge it? When, if ever, have you heard sermons, Sunday School lessons, or simply the words of fellow Christians (including yourself) discussing depression as a character flaw, a sin or something that could be easily fixed if that person would just "pull himself/herself out of it"?
3. What are some ways people or society encourage depression by means of false accusations, unreasonable expectations or encouraging unhelpful self-esteem standards or self-identity criteria? How does sin encourage these? How does the gospel of salvation from sin help avoid these?
4. In what ways can the church reach out to people who are suffering from recurring depression? What resources does your denomination provide to help with depression?
5. To what degree does faith interact with moods and emotions? Do you think a confession of faith is more powerful coming from someone who is suffering, whether from depression or another condition? Why or why not?
6. How would you summarize the Christian message of hope to someone in deep despair? How do you avoid making this message of hope sound like a bandage instead of real comfort?
Confronting the News With Scripture and Hope
We will look at selected verses from these Scripture texts. You may wish to read these in advance for background:
Numbers 11:1, 10-17In class, we will talk about these passages and look for some insight into the big questions, as well as talk about other questions you may have about this topic. Please join us.
1 Kings 19:1-18
Psalm 42:1-11
Matthew 5:1-12
Revelation 12:10-12
