Periodically, I wake up in the middle of the night and just lie there for a half hour or so. When this happens, I've taken to plugging my radio into my ear. I listen to a fascinating all-night talk show from the US - "Coast to coast AM". Perhaps some of you know it? Sometimes really interesting, sometimes really kookie, but better than staring at the ceiling in the dark. The only aspect of it that I am embarrassed about it is that I get it from QR770 in Calgary, a Sun media outlet! I swear, it is the omly thing I would ever listen from Sun, so forgive me.
Last night, I listened to veruy interesting woman, Kimberlee Ruff, part-Cherokee therapist from Arizona, talking about the Hopi Indians prophetic tradition, and its connection with Tibetan Buddhism! Apparentl, in cave beneath the Grand Canyon, where a Hopi have their meditation and prayer rituals, there is a statue of particular Buddha! The indication ws that, like the Vikings and the Templars, someone from Tibet was on American soil long before that Italian sailor, Columbas.
Whether there is any validity to any of this or not, the whole experience got me thinking about "life in the night, in the darkness." Whole hosts of North Americans listen to this program and call in. It has a substantial audience. Perhaps you are one of them?
It reminded me of something I learned decades ago in the study of Jung: that a large chunck of our lives are lived out of any contact with our consciousness - in our dark, so to speak. I have clinically observed people while asleep, and it is amaxing how much appears to go on with them! Rapid eye movement (indicating considerable brain activity), shifts in body posture, stretches, groans, dreams. Whole lives are lived out completely apart from our waking life. That struck me forcibly as a wakened up this morning. I woke up talking to woman whom I didn't know. She looked vaguely like a person I saw in a stage production some months ago. But she was a stranger to me.
Acouple of decades ago, I participated in a 'dream group' for some months. We recorded, shared and explored our dreams and their themes together. I found it a very rewarding and surprising experience. One or two problems that I was living with were solved in my unconscious life through that time.
I wonder how many people ponder that reality of their life: that about one-third of it is lived outside our conscious awareness or control? Do you learn from your dreams? Do you have "strangers" that inhabit that dark world in your mind?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Grumble, grumble…
Weekend news is hassling my mind this morning. Parliament opens today, with promises of Harper government bills to be tables that bode ill for many of us. Top of the list: cutting back ("reforming") financila arrangements for the seniors population. OAS to be cut until 67; CPP to be "reformed" later. All this at a time when for an older person to get a job is very difficult, and no real financial support till 67. What? Welfare?The pundits tell us that if the Harp had not reduced the GST by two points, finances for the elderly would not be a problem.
This seems to be the strategy: give money to a wide spectrum of the population, the claw it back from the viulnerable and passive elders. Good old Herr Harper, our own advocate for the Christian Right strikes again.
Putting this news together with the leaked report that tells of Harper and his minions threatening to cut off funding to environmentalist groups or removing their "charitable organization" status because their opposition to the Northern Pipeline is "anti-Canadian." Makes me wonder how much farther freedom of speech will be eroded by the Great Plastic Hair Man? The way he controls who speaks for the government makes you wonder when it will stop.
The other upsetting rumor I've picked up has to do with the CBC budget. Word is that $100 million will be cut - enough to gut the mothercorp. I wrote to him about this. Wate of time. I'm sure he never eyeballs such mail. Some minion send me back a mimeographed handout with BS about even handed budget cuts. At some point, the Herr/Hair promised to RAISE CBC funding. Joke. A man not to be trusted in my opinion. Now that he has a majority, he acts like a potentate. And the democratic process takes a hiding along the way. My feeling is that if Canadians are stupid enough to give him a second majority, by the time he's finished, we'll look like a carbon copy of Texas, death penalty and all!
My evil thoughts run deep. As a student of history, I remember how reasonable and orderly the National Socialist government of Germany appeared in their early years. As a relative of my spouse said, "When Hitler was in power, the trains were always on time." Sounds like the kind of mindless bumph I hear from my Conservative acquaintances here in Ponoka, usually about punishment for criminals or gun legislation. The devil, indeed, is in the details.
Makes me wonder about the "Occupy…" movement. Pretty tame protest. I wonder hoiw much farther our situation must deteriorate before someone begins to mutter about revolution? (I may end up on a CSIS watch list for this! In good company, however: Tommy Douglas.)
This seems to be the strategy: give money to a wide spectrum of the population, the claw it back from the viulnerable and passive elders. Good old Herr Harper, our own advocate for the Christian Right strikes again.
Putting this news together with the leaked report that tells of Harper and his minions threatening to cut off funding to environmentalist groups or removing their "charitable organization" status because their opposition to the Northern Pipeline is "anti-Canadian." Makes me wonder how much farther freedom of speech will be eroded by the Great Plastic Hair Man? The way he controls who speaks for the government makes you wonder when it will stop.
The other upsetting rumor I've picked up has to do with the CBC budget. Word is that $100 million will be cut - enough to gut the mothercorp. I wrote to him about this. Wate of time. I'm sure he never eyeballs such mail. Some minion send me back a mimeographed handout with BS about even handed budget cuts. At some point, the Herr/Hair promised to RAISE CBC funding. Joke. A man not to be trusted in my opinion. Now that he has a majority, he acts like a potentate. And the democratic process takes a hiding along the way. My feeling is that if Canadians are stupid enough to give him a second majority, by the time he's finished, we'll look like a carbon copy of Texas, death penalty and all!
My evil thoughts run deep. As a student of history, I remember how reasonable and orderly the National Socialist government of Germany appeared in their early years. As a relative of my spouse said, "When Hitler was in power, the trains were always on time." Sounds like the kind of mindless bumph I hear from my Conservative acquaintances here in Ponoka, usually about punishment for criminals or gun legislation. The devil, indeed, is in the details.
Makes me wonder about the "Occupy…" movement. Pretty tame protest. I wonder hoiw much farther our situation must deteriorate before someone begins to mutter about revolution? (I may end up on a CSIS watch list for this! In good company, however: Tommy Douglas.)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Mission: love your neighbour, wherever you find him/her
How do followers of Jesus relate to people of other religions? Unfortunately, not always well, or even politely. Too often, with distrust and even hostility.THis is one dimension of the Christian faith that has troubled me most of my adult life. The stories of "missionaries" and their anti-cultural activities in far fliung place on the planet, habe bothered me for a long time.I suppose the worst of these are the intrepid Americans who fly off into the Amazon rain forest to "convert" the natives. When some of them are killed, they are called martyrs. An alternative view is that they arrived and behaved without respect for their hosts, were ostracized, ultimately attacked an executed. Not dissimilar to the sort of treatment we might give to someone who arrives in our community and basically craps all over our culture and lifestyle. We might not murder, but we "throw them out" one way or another.
The Christian missionary movement has horrible chapters as well as stories of great heroism and compassion. We seem to live out the Christian call best when we arrive respectfully, and with real and legitimate assistance for the people. They can feel the care and love, and they can appreciate whatever message we share more readily. Whether they change to adopt our belief is largely irrelevant, if they begin to adopt our style of care in their own treatment of others.
Which brings me to my own faith regrding people of other religions. I suppose you might characterize it along the lines of the old Indiam story of the blind men and the elephant. Each blind man (or person, to maintain correctness) feels a part of the elephant, and declared that the elephant is a trunk, or a tail, or huge legs, or a wall. They can argue endlessly about the narture of "elephant-ness" so long as they do not share the experience of the others.
Christians, or followers of Jesus (I prefer that name), have experienced God, or ultimate reality, through the man Jesus, who seemed to completely express the compassion and love of the Other. So we understand God. And that's right. And others are different…and wrong.
Bhuddists encounter God, or the Other, via the actions and teachoings of Gautama, the Bhudda. And those teachings bring a way of life that is peaceful, fulfilling, and provides a way for dealing with the world and other human beings. So they understand God, the Other, the Divine. And that is right. And others are different…and wrong.
Muslims, the practicers of Islam (submission), have come to know Allah through the Book that Allah (God, the Other) apparently dictated to Mohammed. That Book provides them with an understanding of God, God's esires, and God's will for them. They are called to follow it and to treat others with compassion and mercy. And that is right. And others are different…and wrong.
Do you see where this is going? The same line can be written about the Hindu population, or the Ba'hai faith, or the Hebrew faith. The descriptions goes awry as soon as we move fromwhat we belive and understand as RIGHT, and others are DIFFERENT, to seeing that difference as WRONG.
Diversity seems to be God's way, which Christians usually ignore. We fasten onto the few times the gospels say, "go and make disciples of all…"and ignore the many times it is written that those who love know God and follow God's way (1 John 2:29, 3:14, 4:7, etc). We overlook the kind of people Jesus met and embraced: a Samaritan woman (outsider to his people ), a Roman centurion (enemy of his people), Greek men (strangers and outsiders to his people). And the Magi, Wise Men or Astrologers who supposedly came to kneel at his infant feet. They were Persian, sky-gazers, NewAgers of a sort. Weird to his people. Yet none were tuirned away, or condemned. The only change that was asked of them was a change of life style, from hostility to care and love.
To imagine that everyone whose faith is different from ours is our enemy because she/he worships a "false god," is to overlook the basic Christian and Jewish belief that there is but One God, over all. It seems unbelieveably arrogant for me to say that a God who is seen differently from the way I see it is an enemy. I believe the only "Mission" that Jesus would endorse is a mission that goes with love and care, period. If people are to learn of my faith, that's what I understand that they should be shown.
I realize tat such a view as I have expressed puts me well outside the walls erected by many Christian groupos as regards "mission". But there it is; me, on a Sunday.
The Christian missionary movement has horrible chapters as well as stories of great heroism and compassion. We seem to live out the Christian call best when we arrive respectfully, and with real and legitimate assistance for the people. They can feel the care and love, and they can appreciate whatever message we share more readily. Whether they change to adopt our belief is largely irrelevant, if they begin to adopt our style of care in their own treatment of others.
Which brings me to my own faith regrding people of other religions. I suppose you might characterize it along the lines of the old Indiam story of the blind men and the elephant. Each blind man (or person, to maintain correctness) feels a part of the elephant, and declared that the elephant is a trunk, or a tail, or huge legs, or a wall. They can argue endlessly about the narture of "elephant-ness" so long as they do not share the experience of the others.
Christians, or followers of Jesus (I prefer that name), have experienced God, or ultimate reality, through the man Jesus, who seemed to completely express the compassion and love of the Other. So we understand God. And that's right. And others are different…and wrong.
Bhuddists encounter God, or the Other, via the actions and teachoings of Gautama, the Bhudda. And those teachings bring a way of life that is peaceful, fulfilling, and provides a way for dealing with the world and other human beings. So they understand God, the Other, the Divine. And that is right. And others are different…and wrong.
Muslims, the practicers of Islam (submission), have come to know Allah through the Book that Allah (God, the Other) apparently dictated to Mohammed. That Book provides them with an understanding of God, God's esires, and God's will for them. They are called to follow it and to treat others with compassion and mercy. And that is right. And others are different…and wrong.
Do you see where this is going? The same line can be written about the Hindu population, or the Ba'hai faith, or the Hebrew faith. The descriptions goes awry as soon as we move fromwhat we belive and understand as RIGHT, and others are DIFFERENT, to seeing that difference as WRONG.
Diversity seems to be God's way, which Christians usually ignore. We fasten onto the few times the gospels say, "go and make disciples of all…"and ignore the many times it is written that those who love know God and follow God's way (1 John 2:29, 3:14, 4:7, etc). We overlook the kind of people Jesus met and embraced: a Samaritan woman (outsider to his people ), a Roman centurion (enemy of his people), Greek men (strangers and outsiders to his people). And the Magi, Wise Men or Astrologers who supposedly came to kneel at his infant feet. They were Persian, sky-gazers, NewAgers of a sort. Weird to his people. Yet none were tuirned away, or condemned. The only change that was asked of them was a change of life style, from hostility to care and love.
To imagine that everyone whose faith is different from ours is our enemy because she/he worships a "false god," is to overlook the basic Christian and Jewish belief that there is but One God, over all. It seems unbelieveably arrogant for me to say that a God who is seen differently from the way I see it is an enemy. I believe the only "Mission" that Jesus would endorse is a mission that goes with love and care, period. If people are to learn of my faith, that's what I understand that they should be shown.
I realize tat such a view as I have expressed puts me well outside the walls erected by many Christian groupos as regards "mission". But there it is; me, on a Sunday.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Only one way?
Saturday morning…the weekend, for those who typically get weekends. I've been in this job so long that I hardly coint weekends as breaks at all. (Can't you just hear the whine?)
Spent a coiuple hours yesterday with a small group of people discussing their response to the dispensationalist view of the future.You know…Armageddon, Rapture, Tribulation and all us damned folk left behind in the tumult. In this part of the world that is baseine theology. It's a great rationale for a) ignoring the environment (it'll be gone any day, so why care?)…b) giving one a cubbyhole into which one can fit all the people you don't like or who disagree with you on anything.
My discussion group was interesting when we turned to "OK, what's YOUR understanding and belief about 'the future?' Lots of thoughtful discussion, and lots of questions unanswered, which seemed to bother no one. All had a pretty clear understanding of the evolutionary likelihood of our sun flaming out one day, Physical end taken care of. SAsregards personal continuation in some form, everyone had some kind of concept, and everybody vacillated between 'enduring human spirit' and attachment to loved ones in some undefined way. Everyone also had days when they figured it was all up at death, and even though theyb got angry at that, they were prepared to accept that. Back and forth, with open-ended questions.
To me, that seems like a healthy and human response. Too many answers kid us into thinking that we have everything all tied up, and God in our pocket, wrapped in tinfoil. Ending with a question reminds us that, in the end, we depend on "Other" - whatever "Other" is in your theology of life. In the meantime, the call is to LIVE, DO, and APPRECIATE. Good advice for me, who bitches far too much.
Thanks for the information about the Narcissism book. I'm struggling with buying it or "libraree-ing" it. You can imagine that my tempation is a long held problem, and that if library wins, I want kudos!
I had a recent tangle with the local ministerial association, whose "constitution" defnes what kind of Christian believer can belong to the organization… even who can attend their meetings! Like I need another meeting in my life! The crux is willingness to sign a document which states that your Christian belief includes the "historic creeds" - meaning Aposles and Nicaean Creed. Apostles is a bit much for me, but Nicean is just ridiculous! Knowing the history takes all the "holiness" out of it. The Council of Nicaea was called because the Emperor demanded it. He wanted a unified religion - he'd recently made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire - and he wanted it NOW! So the boys got together and argued for a few months. There were two views on the nature of Christ: he is of one substance with the Father (begotten), rather than being created by the Father. Heretic that I am, I say, "I'm sorry, who cares?" Christ is presence of God in human life for me. I don't ask about pedigree. The call is to follow, not dissect.
Anyway, the ministerial insists on that (which is actually normative for a whole bunch of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches) and on the assertion tha "Jesus Christ is the ONLY pathway to God." Sigh…heretic that I am, I can't accept that either. I believe that Christ is the full revelation of God in human form. I also believe that God has shown Godself to others in other ways too. They may differ from me, but they are not my eneemies! Religion has been at the heart of so much war because we have made those "different" from us our enemies because they are "wrong." Heretic again. I'm quite sure that if the United Church were to examine me for ordination today, they would refuse me. Sadly.
All of this has helped me to formulate my own beliefs regarding people of religions different from mine. And as my former mother-in-law was wont to say…"more anon." She was a lovely woman by the way, and I miss book discussions with her, though she's been out of my life for over 30 years.
Amazing, isn't it, how someone who hasn't been around for so long can continue to have an influence on you? I regularly image my mother - faithful, simple, loving and at times quite judgmental. Also my father, the man who said "I'm atheist," and then told me on his deathbed that I was an idiot for believing that! He lived like a Christian, so why should I be surprised?
Is a blog supposed to be coherent and focused? If so, I get a D today. Maybe tomorrow.
Spent a coiuple hours yesterday with a small group of people discussing their response to the dispensationalist view of the future.You know…Armageddon, Rapture, Tribulation and all us damned folk left behind in the tumult. In this part of the world that is baseine theology. It's a great rationale for a) ignoring the environment (it'll be gone any day, so why care?)…b) giving one a cubbyhole into which one can fit all the people you don't like or who disagree with you on anything.
My discussion group was interesting when we turned to "OK, what's YOUR understanding and belief about 'the future?' Lots of thoughtful discussion, and lots of questions unanswered, which seemed to bother no one. All had a pretty clear understanding of the evolutionary likelihood of our sun flaming out one day, Physical end taken care of. SAsregards personal continuation in some form, everyone had some kind of concept, and everybody vacillated between 'enduring human spirit' and attachment to loved ones in some undefined way. Everyone also had days when they figured it was all up at death, and even though theyb got angry at that, they were prepared to accept that. Back and forth, with open-ended questions.
To me, that seems like a healthy and human response. Too many answers kid us into thinking that we have everything all tied up, and God in our pocket, wrapped in tinfoil. Ending with a question reminds us that, in the end, we depend on "Other" - whatever "Other" is in your theology of life. In the meantime, the call is to LIVE, DO, and APPRECIATE. Good advice for me, who bitches far too much.
Thanks for the information about the Narcissism book. I'm struggling with buying it or "libraree-ing" it. You can imagine that my tempation is a long held problem, and that if library wins, I want kudos!
I had a recent tangle with the local ministerial association, whose "constitution" defnes what kind of Christian believer can belong to the organization… even who can attend their meetings! Like I need another meeting in my life! The crux is willingness to sign a document which states that your Christian belief includes the "historic creeds" - meaning Aposles and Nicaean Creed. Apostles is a bit much for me, but Nicean is just ridiculous! Knowing the history takes all the "holiness" out of it. The Council of Nicaea was called because the Emperor demanded it. He wanted a unified religion - he'd recently made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire - and he wanted it NOW! So the boys got together and argued for a few months. There were two views on the nature of Christ: he is of one substance with the Father (begotten), rather than being created by the Father. Heretic that I am, I say, "I'm sorry, who cares?" Christ is presence of God in human life for me. I don't ask about pedigree. The call is to follow, not dissect.
Anyway, the ministerial insists on that (which is actually normative for a whole bunch of the Orthodox and Catholic Churches) and on the assertion tha "Jesus Christ is the ONLY pathway to God." Sigh…heretic that I am, I can't accept that either. I believe that Christ is the full revelation of God in human form. I also believe that God has shown Godself to others in other ways too. They may differ from me, but they are not my eneemies! Religion has been at the heart of so much war because we have made those "different" from us our enemies because they are "wrong." Heretic again. I'm quite sure that if the United Church were to examine me for ordination today, they would refuse me. Sadly.
All of this has helped me to formulate my own beliefs regarding people of religions different from mine. And as my former mother-in-law was wont to say…"more anon." She was a lovely woman by the way, and I miss book discussions with her, though she's been out of my life for over 30 years.
Amazing, isn't it, how someone who hasn't been around for so long can continue to have an influence on you? I regularly image my mother - faithful, simple, loving and at times quite judgmental. Also my father, the man who said "I'm atheist," and then told me on his deathbed that I was an idiot for believing that! He lived like a Christian, so why should I be surprised?
Is a blog supposed to be coherent and focused? If so, I get a D today. Maybe tomorrow.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Against the stream
This week in our group, we have been discussing the future, and how it is seen by Christians. The radical right - dispensationalism - has all the stuff about Armageggon, Rapture, Tribulation, etc. Tota terror as a way of bringing people to faith. Interesting to ask our folk how they see the future. Discussion of evolutionary changes, the eventual end of our sun, but little reflection on the ultimate end for individuals. Perhaps too personal, and unfamiliar? More of that today.
I noticed the Edmonton Sun's headline on Wednesday: "We want 'em!" Could you guess this was a response to surveys conducted by the Sun on the Northern Gateway Pipeline and the XL pipeline? Coud you guess that Albertans would vote any other way? The citizens of this province stand to earn hug dollars building the pipeline, and hawking the local bitumen all over the world.I found it fascinating and ironoc that a survey commissioned by the United Church showed that Albertans highest value is the natural beauty of the province. Our lowest value: environmental concern. It makes you shake your head. I try asking people, when I have the chance, what kind of province they plan to leave for their grandchildren. Almost nobody wants to answer that question.
I think there is a connection between the dispensationalist's view of the future and the lack of environmental concern here in Alberta. If the world will end soon, perhaps tomorrow, then why worry about trees and land? Live for NOW and hope for salvation a bit later. Of course, not allAlbertans subscribe to a lieralist theology, and those who don't, like me, lament the blindness of our neighbors, ready to piss away some of the most beautiful land in Canada, while singing God's praises for "saving" them.
Some local people complained when Beatrix read the Moderator's Pastoral letter about climate change and the environment. There is active opposition here to the idea that things are changing, and the land is being degraded. Pictures of the TAR sands taken from the air show a wasteland, a moonscape, a dead peace of earth. And it could become as large as Florida!
When I rant like this, I feel helpless, because I have no idea how to have an impact on this stuff. Although no one will own up to voting Conservative, this is Heartland for Harper, with no obvious change in sight. Provincially, the only likely change is further to the right, with the Wildrose Alliance gaining some seats in the Legislature.
I've been reading a new book by Walter Brueggemann, The Practice of Prophetic Imagination. In it, he lays out the possibilities and pitfals of ingesting his work on the prophetic imagination (from 1978), and integrating that into a preaching style and content that challenges the values of our contemporary culture. Brueggemann's thesis is that the Christian community, seen through the eyes of the great Hebrew prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah and Amos, is counter-cultural. Christians are to be, ike Jesus before them, going against the stream of contemporary life, calling the community to acknowledge our Creator, and to live with respect in creation. Hard work for the contemporary preacher/leader. Churches all seem to be bastions of convention, going with the flow of our self centered and consumerist culture. I'm hoping that by the time I finish the Brueggemann book, I'll have a few more clues from him about how we are to do this. At rhe moment, the image in my mind is of Jesus being crucified for challenging the Roman/Jewish way of "doing" society.
Sombre morning, I guess. But there it is today!
I noticed the Edmonton Sun's headline on Wednesday: "We want 'em!" Could you guess this was a response to surveys conducted by the Sun on the Northern Gateway Pipeline and the XL pipeline? Coud you guess that Albertans would vote any other way? The citizens of this province stand to earn hug dollars building the pipeline, and hawking the local bitumen all over the world.I found it fascinating and ironoc that a survey commissioned by the United Church showed that Albertans highest value is the natural beauty of the province. Our lowest value: environmental concern. It makes you shake your head. I try asking people, when I have the chance, what kind of province they plan to leave for their grandchildren. Almost nobody wants to answer that question.
I think there is a connection between the dispensationalist's view of the future and the lack of environmental concern here in Alberta. If the world will end soon, perhaps tomorrow, then why worry about trees and land? Live for NOW and hope for salvation a bit later. Of course, not allAlbertans subscribe to a lieralist theology, and those who don't, like me, lament the blindness of our neighbors, ready to piss away some of the most beautiful land in Canada, while singing God's praises for "saving" them.
Some local people complained when Beatrix read the Moderator's Pastoral letter about climate change and the environment. There is active opposition here to the idea that things are changing, and the land is being degraded. Pictures of the TAR sands taken from the air show a wasteland, a moonscape, a dead peace of earth. And it could become as large as Florida!
When I rant like this, I feel helpless, because I have no idea how to have an impact on this stuff. Although no one will own up to voting Conservative, this is Heartland for Harper, with no obvious change in sight. Provincially, the only likely change is further to the right, with the Wildrose Alliance gaining some seats in the Legislature.
I've been reading a new book by Walter Brueggemann, The Practice of Prophetic Imagination. In it, he lays out the possibilities and pitfals of ingesting his work on the prophetic imagination (from 1978), and integrating that into a preaching style and content that challenges the values of our contemporary culture. Brueggemann's thesis is that the Christian community, seen through the eyes of the great Hebrew prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah and Amos, is counter-cultural. Christians are to be, ike Jesus before them, going against the stream of contemporary life, calling the community to acknowledge our Creator, and to live with respect in creation. Hard work for the contemporary preacher/leader. Churches all seem to be bastions of convention, going with the flow of our self centered and consumerist culture. I'm hoping that by the time I finish the Brueggemann book, I'll have a few more clues from him about how we are to do this. At rhe moment, the image in my mind is of Jesus being crucified for challenging the Roman/Jewish way of "doing" society.
Sombre morning, I guess. But there it is today!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
A New Kind of Christianity
Last night was the seventh in a series of study groups I have been doing on Brian McLaren's book of the above title. The book is quite simple, and attempts to help those leaving a conservative, even fundamentalist, Christianity, to settle into a new, more open and "liberal" understanding of the faith. Using it in Bible Belt Alberta is an interesting experience. Thirteen couple have taken the chance on it, along with one single woman, fresh to the Church.
I have been amazed at how "with it"most of these people are, so far as being away from fundamentalism. They find the book difficult, because it seems they read very little beyound TV and the Newspaper. The discussion have been reasonably lively and intelligent. This week, we are dealing with How to Image the Future, technically "Eschatology." That is simply the Greek word for 'the study of the end of things.'
The conservative churches focus on what they call "the end times," usually the day after tomorrow. Theere will be Armageddon, the Rapture, the Great Tribulation - you've heard the whole schtick. McLaren lays this out quite differently for people. "The end of the age" may be more related to the conclusion of a significant period in one's life, ot the nation's life. For example, after umpteen years of Liberal reign in Ottawa, a Conservative majority took over. It was CERTAINLY the end of an age. When your kidsstart leaving home, and life changes, it's the end of an age.
I learned some things from the folks last night. (I have a second group this afternoon, same topic.) Some were told as young people, not to read the Book of Revelation, because it would scare them, they wouldn't be able to sleep. We had a long and deep discussion of "day of Judgment" as a time of accountability regarding one's life -which some of us do weekly, it seems! At the end of my days, what will my life have been worth? Has it been a worthy life?
We talked about the various ways we think about the end of life and what lies beyond that. On the walk home, I began thinking that it might just be valuable to work up a 4 or 6 week study on "The Apocalypse of John" as a way of demistifying it, and giving it a place in mainstream church life. It annoys me that we leve this writing, and others as well (like Daniel, Ezekiel) to the fundos. So this morning I started looking for resources. Am I alone in wanting to see this happen? Does anyone else see this as potentially valuable to the Church, or even to the community at large? More later, I have a bee in my bonnet!
I have been amazed at how "with it"most of these people are, so far as being away from fundamentalism. They find the book difficult, because it seems they read very little beyound TV and the Newspaper. The discussion have been reasonably lively and intelligent. This week, we are dealing with How to Image the Future, technically "Eschatology." That is simply the Greek word for 'the study of the end of things.'
The conservative churches focus on what they call "the end times," usually the day after tomorrow. Theere will be Armageddon, the Rapture, the Great Tribulation - you've heard the whole schtick. McLaren lays this out quite differently for people. "The end of the age" may be more related to the conclusion of a significant period in one's life, ot the nation's life. For example, after umpteen years of Liberal reign in Ottawa, a Conservative majority took over. It was CERTAINLY the end of an age. When your kidsstart leaving home, and life changes, it's the end of an age.
I learned some things from the folks last night. (I have a second group this afternoon, same topic.) Some were told as young people, not to read the Book of Revelation, because it would scare them, they wouldn't be able to sleep. We had a long and deep discussion of "day of Judgment" as a time of accountability regarding one's life -which some of us do weekly, it seems! At the end of my days, what will my life have been worth? Has it been a worthy life?
We talked about the various ways we think about the end of life and what lies beyond that. On the walk home, I began thinking that it might just be valuable to work up a 4 or 6 week study on "The Apocalypse of John" as a way of demistifying it, and giving it a place in mainstream church life. It annoys me that we leve this writing, and others as well (like Daniel, Ezekiel) to the fundos. So this morning I started looking for resources. Am I alone in wanting to see this happen? Does anyone else see this as potentially valuable to the Church, or even to the community at large? More later, I have a bee in my bonnet!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday…already?
Wandering through Chapters yesterday, i came scross a book entitled The Narcissism Epidemic. Of course, I can't remember the author. Big help. The thesis seemed to be that many of the problems we face in North Ameria today have their roots in the story of Narcissus, who spent his life gazing at his own beautiful image in a pool. We are so full of ourselves that all other converns take a back seat to ME!
The example I think of immediately is the overwhelming sense of entitlement that I see/hear in young people. "What do you mean, "You're not allowed." Who says? And why not? " Implication is, I do what I want, no matter who it inconveniences. Same thing with smart phones. I saw a young woman whining on Facebook that she was tghrown out of college class for talking on her phone. "I paid $500 for that course! He has no right to send me out!" Sigh. Even kids in grade seven get it, but not our entitled 21 year old, who thinks she is above everything because she paid for a course HERSELF!
I was working on a column about idolatry (I know, pretty high and mighty), and was thinking of how we put our own concerns ahead of anything else in the world. I was just getting to narcissism when I had to take off to Red Deer. Bingo! The book.
Some of you will be gratified to know that I didn't buy it, or Eco's The Prague Cemetary right beside it. Soooo self righteous! Hope I can find it in the Library.
Watched a chilling movie last evening. (Why do I do this to myself? I can really pic 'em)It's called The Whistleblower, and is about human trafficing in Bosnia just after the war. Rachel Wiesz stars as a US cop, seconded to the police detail in Sarajevo. stumbles on this stuff, and is blocked at every turn trying to stop. UN personnel are involved and UN peacekeepers are some of the "facilitators." Apparently a true story. She is sent home, as are they, but no one is convicted of a crime in theior home countries! Narcissism gone mad. I found it hard to put this one away in my head. Watch it only if you think you can stomach it and won't smash your TV in frustration.
Tonight there is a big town meeting to garner ideas for "rebranding" Ponoka. A town with the "biggest 7 day rodeo in Canada" is going to have a tough time getting away from cowshit, horses, and western music, believe me. I have a group to lead, but I'm pushing my boss (The Reverend) to go. Part of her ministry, I say. What do you say?
The example I think of immediately is the overwhelming sense of entitlement that I see/hear in young people. "What do you mean, "You're not allowed." Who says? And why not? " Implication is, I do what I want, no matter who it inconveniences. Same thing with smart phones. I saw a young woman whining on Facebook that she was tghrown out of college class for talking on her phone. "I paid $500 for that course! He has no right to send me out!" Sigh. Even kids in grade seven get it, but not our entitled 21 year old, who thinks she is above everything because she paid for a course HERSELF!
I was working on a column about idolatry (I know, pretty high and mighty), and was thinking of how we put our own concerns ahead of anything else in the world. I was just getting to narcissism when I had to take off to Red Deer. Bingo! The book.
Some of you will be gratified to know that I didn't buy it, or Eco's The Prague Cemetary right beside it. Soooo self righteous! Hope I can find it in the Library.
Watched a chilling movie last evening. (Why do I do this to myself? I can really pic 'em)It's called The Whistleblower, and is about human trafficing in Bosnia just after the war. Rachel Wiesz stars as a US cop, seconded to the police detail in Sarajevo. stumbles on this stuff, and is blocked at every turn trying to stop. UN personnel are involved and UN peacekeepers are some of the "facilitators." Apparently a true story. She is sent home, as are they, but no one is convicted of a crime in theior home countries! Narcissism gone mad. I found it hard to put this one away in my head. Watch it only if you think you can stomach it and won't smash your TV in frustration.
Tonight there is a big town meeting to garner ideas for "rebranding" Ponoka. A town with the "biggest 7 day rodeo in Canada" is going to have a tough time getting away from cowshit, horses, and western music, believe me. I have a group to lead, but I'm pushing my boss (The Reverend) to go. Part of her ministry, I say. What do you say?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
End of day thoughts
Busy day today. Off to Red Deer to book flights. Loooong wander through Chapters. Two books pulled me: The Prague Cemetary by Umberto Eco, and The Nascissism Epidemic by ???. The former is just out, and therefore in NO Library; the latter spun out thoughts I had penned earlier in a column outline. I'll post that tomorrow, after I sleep.
I will be doing pulpit supply all July in Rimbey, here I feel right at home. I'm working up a series on 2 Samuel - the ups and downs of King David. Issues abound: the value of public greiving, the significance of "covenant," Goid in a 'house' or in a tent - always on the move, The danger involved in the sacred, David and Bathsheba, etc. I imagine this last bit seems terribly disjointed, but it'll all come clear in time, even to me!
I will be doing pulpit supply all July in Rimbey, here I feel right at home. I'm working up a series on 2 Samuel - the ups and downs of King David. Issues abound: the value of public greiving, the significance of "covenant," Goid in a 'house' or in a tent - always on the move, The danger involved in the sacred, David and Bathsheba, etc. I imagine this last bit seems terribly disjointed, but it'll all come clear in time, even to me!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, bloody Monday
Monday again. Amazing how the weeks slide by, whether or not you're having fun. Last pool visit for two weeks this morning. I'm getting a tattoo this PM - a celtic triquera - a trinity symbol, God sign.
Spent some time this morning trying to figure out a column on "spiritual but not religious" theme. Why do we deny that part of ourselves that hungers for the divine just because we've left the conventional church? So many conventional churches practically BEG persons to leave them! It always amazes me, going from congregation to congregation, how many seem just like the churches of by boyhood - 65 years ago! Change is hard, but no change is deadly.
I spend so much time pondering the boundaries of my own faith, but I have no clue how to halp a congregation move out of the past and into the present. I'm so uncreative, I think "maybe a fire would help?" We'll see what develops in Wetaskiwin after their new home gets operational.
I think we need to re-learn how to be "Chistian" in community all over again. Also neeto re-educate folk on the meaning of liturgy - "the work of the people." But I get so tired of thinking about that. Best I can do is preach when i get the chance in the style that I feel is authentic and contemporary. Not much of an offering, but ity's what I've got. Especially on Monday morning.
Spent some time this morning trying to figure out a column on "spiritual but not religious" theme. Why do we deny that part of ourselves that hungers for the divine just because we've left the conventional church? So many conventional churches practically BEG persons to leave them! It always amazes me, going from congregation to congregation, how many seem just like the churches of by boyhood - 65 years ago! Change is hard, but no change is deadly.
I spend so much time pondering the boundaries of my own faith, but I have no clue how to halp a congregation move out of the past and into the present. I'm so uncreative, I think "maybe a fire would help?" We'll see what develops in Wetaskiwin after their new home gets operational.
I think we need to re-learn how to be "Chistian" in community all over again. Also neeto re-educate folk on the meaning of liturgy - "the work of the people." But I get so tired of thinking about that. Best I can do is preach when i get the chance in the style that I feel is authentic and contemporary. Not much of an offering, but ity's what I've got. Especially on Monday morning.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Later that same day…
Another day of almost doing something. But not really. Spent some time thinking about what to write for the local paper that would be different from the usual "religious" musings of the more evangelical Christians here. Actually, I'm regularly embarrassed by the way that community has co-opted the name "Christian" and bent it all out of shape into a "literal and inerrant" coat hangar. Makes me feel defensive about the name, wanting to explain to the agnostic community that a lot of us aren't THAT, but re still Christian in belief and (hopefully) lifestyle. Mostly I just get angry and swear under my breath. At home, I often swear out loud at that, and other things.
I don't imagine many people wonder who I am; but I regularly wonder. I live in a body that feels its age a lot of the time. I don't think I look that old, but who knows? Internally, I often feel exactly like I did when I was 17, or 22, or 30. And sometimes that feels terribly inappropriate. Its the 17 year-old self that gets tattoos from Diego and even the local guy. It's the 21 year-old me who really appreciates the look of young women. It's the 30 year-old parent in me tat wants to straighten out some geek in Timmy's who is acting like a jerk. Most of the time I sit on these guys, but sometimes I get all anxious about who really lives in this old wreck of a carcass. Anyone else ever wonder that?
I don't imagine many people wonder who I am; but I regularly wonder. I live in a body that feels its age a lot of the time. I don't think I look that old, but who knows? Internally, I often feel exactly like I did when I was 17, or 22, or 30. And sometimes that feels terribly inappropriate. Its the 17 year-old self that gets tattoos from Diego and even the local guy. It's the 21 year-old me who really appreciates the look of young women. It's the 30 year-old parent in me tat wants to straighten out some geek in Timmy's who is acting like a jerk. Most of the time I sit on these guys, but sometimes I get all anxious about who really lives in this old wreck of a carcass. Anyone else ever wonder that?
Ten hours later…
Wow! Blogging late at night leaves all kinds of spelling mistakes! Sorry. I thought I was careful. Apparently not. More reflections on the Dragon Tattoo movie: Craig was not right for Blomquist. Too "hard," not softer as a journalist might be who doesn't work out. I believe they used Craig for his name and drawing power.
Huge emphasis on makeup: Mara as Salandar and Mara as "Wennerstrom's associate" were like night and day. The makeup people should swell with pride. I'm sorry they chose to exise the Asian girl from the movie after the one scene. Her presence would have made Salandar's bi-sexuality more pronounced. Perhaps they didn't want the good, God-fearing Yankees to remember that!
Because I watch many films, I have developed a rather heavy and critical eye for aspects of film. For example, plots tat go nowhere annoy me. Those movies are made on the basis of the trailer story. We buy it, and then they run us into the back wall. I dislike movies where prop details are ignired "Scent of a Woman" comes to mind. We get all caught up in Pacino and Linney's interaction, and aren't supposed to notice that the scotch glass is almost empty in one scene, and then nearly full one shot later. Either the staff is inattentive, of the producers thein we are all dunces or half asleep! (Well, if you watch late at night, you might be half asleep!)
I'm reading Bruggeman today. Such an articulate and erudite writer, with great sensitivity for the persons using his work to access Hebrew scripture for preaching or teaching. I like the way he lays out the problems related to articulating an 'alternative culture' while living in the 'dominant culture' of North American 'militaristic consumerism.' Tight rope walk for sure. I'm so pleased that I have time to read this kind of thing. I feel for the weekly preacher who gets all caught up in the 'things of daily life' in a congregation, who can rarely taste the likes of Bruggeman.
In the midst of reading and digesting this stuff, it suddenly hits me that I am no longer "in the game" regularly, that I do not have to redlate congregationally or preach weekly. Although I haven't the energy to do that completely, I am glad I have the chance to do it fom time to time. As well as assisting my colleagues, it gives me a chance to reclaim my identity as pastor/preacher.
Enough for this morning.Perhaps tonight? See you.
Huge emphasis on makeup: Mara as Salandar and Mara as "Wennerstrom's associate" were like night and day. The makeup people should swell with pride. I'm sorry they chose to exise the Asian girl from the movie after the one scene. Her presence would have made Salandar's bi-sexuality more pronounced. Perhaps they didn't want the good, God-fearing Yankees to remember that!
Because I watch many films, I have developed a rather heavy and critical eye for aspects of film. For example, plots tat go nowhere annoy me. Those movies are made on the basis of the trailer story. We buy it, and then they run us into the back wall. I dislike movies where prop details are ignired "Scent of a Woman" comes to mind. We get all caught up in Pacino and Linney's interaction, and aren't supposed to notice that the scotch glass is almost empty in one scene, and then nearly full one shot later. Either the staff is inattentive, of the producers thein we are all dunces or half asleep! (Well, if you watch late at night, you might be half asleep!)
I'm reading Bruggeman today. Such an articulate and erudite writer, with great sensitivity for the persons using his work to access Hebrew scripture for preaching or teaching. I like the way he lays out the problems related to articulating an 'alternative culture' while living in the 'dominant culture' of North American 'militaristic consumerism.' Tight rope walk for sure. I'm so pleased that I have time to read this kind of thing. I feel for the weekly preacher who gets all caught up in the 'things of daily life' in a congregation, who can rarely taste the likes of Bruggeman.
In the midst of reading and digesting this stuff, it suddenly hits me that I am no longer "in the game" regularly, that I do not have to redlate congregationally or preach weekly. Although I haven't the energy to do that completely, I am glad I have the chance to do it fom time to time. As well as assisting my colleagues, it gives me a chance to reclaim my identity as pastor/preacher.
Enough for this morning.Perhaps tonight? See you.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Drgon Tattoo
Saw the US version tonight. A good thriller, but a significant diversion from the previous Swedish Version. Plummer was an additionas was the actrees who played Harriet Vanger. Craig was just WRONG for Blomquist; they hired hom for his name. Too much Bond, not enough Blomquist.
I enjoyed Rooney Mara - Lisbeth Salandar - but they skewed her characer improperly re; the book. In the US version, she actually develops a relationship with Blomquist; they become affection, touching lovers. (Of course, the Americans would have to hav juicy and loving sex going on. It happens a few times, and they semi-"cuddle."Not the Salandarof Larsson's book. DShe rides Blomquist once, without expression, and whenm she's orgasmed, she grunys, and gets to light a cigarette. She's an emotionally damaged woman, smooth relationships with men aren't EVER her thing - except with Palmgren, the former mentor with whom she plays chess.
The American version couldn't bite the bullet and make Salandar as hard and cold and judgmental as she as win the book. When Martin's car crashes and burns, in the book, Lisbeth approacheds the burning car, and Martin begs her to help him. She turns on her heels and walks away. I don't the Americans want heir heoines to be that stone cold and hateful: but she was .
Rooney Mara was OK as Salandar, but I liked the Swedish man beter. I liked the Swediss version better.
I like some of the non-verbal touches. When Salandar has been working miracles on Blomquist's computer, he takes over, oushing her aside a bid (so as not to touch her), and fumbles with the keys. He's a bit of a dolt. Salanadar, beside him, eloquently rolls her eyes in the gesture that older adults get fromyounger ones: "how long do I habe to out up with this shit? Great moment.
I enjoyed Rooney Mara - Lisbeth Salandar - but they skewed her characer improperly re; the book. In the US version, she actually develops a relationship with Blomquist; they become affection, touching lovers. (Of course, the Americans would have to hav juicy and loving sex going on. It happens a few times, and they semi-"cuddle."Not the Salandarof Larsson's book. DShe rides Blomquist once, without expression, and whenm she's orgasmed, she grunys, and gets to light a cigarette. She's an emotionally damaged woman, smooth relationships with men aren't EVER her thing - except with Palmgren, the former mentor with whom she plays chess.
The American version couldn't bite the bullet and make Salandar as hard and cold and judgmental as she as win the book. When Martin's car crashes and burns, in the book, Lisbeth approacheds the burning car, and Martin begs her to help him. She turns on her heels and walks away. I don't the Americans want heir heoines to be that stone cold and hateful: but she was .
Rooney Mara was OK as Salandar, but I liked the Swedish man beter. I liked the Swediss version better.
I like some of the non-verbal touches. When Salandar has been working miracles on Blomquist's computer, he takes over, oushing her aside a bid (so as not to touch her), and fumbles with the keys. He's a bit of a dolt. Salanadar, beside him, eloquently rolls her eyes in the gesture that older adults get fromyounger ones: "how long do I habe to out up with this shit? Great moment.
TGI Friday
Another super cold morning. However, being from Winnipeg, I find these mornings invigorating. As usual, I was on the street for my 3.5 km walk by 5:00 AM, in the dark. With the right gear, (Canada Goose parka, balaclava, mitts and hot shots, and insulated boots, I had a pleasant and solitary walk. No traffic at all. Even Timmy's was quiet.
Started reading Brueggeman's book on Practicing the Prophetic Imagination. He writes so well and so clearly! Anyon who wants to expound his understanding of the Hebrew prophets in a contemporary setting could do worse than read this book.
The flu I thought was getting to me last eveing seems to have abated, although I feel a bit closer to my years these days. All ready for my foray into Presbyterian worship on Sunday. This should be interesting. We'll see. "More anon", as Grandma Black was wont to say…
Started reading Brueggeman's book on Practicing the Prophetic Imagination. He writes so well and so clearly! Anyon who wants to expound his understanding of the Hebrew prophets in a contemporary setting could do worse than read this book.
The flu I thought was getting to me last eveing seems to have abated, although I feel a bit closer to my years these days. All ready for my foray into Presbyterian worship on Sunday. This should be interesting. We'll see. "More anon", as Grandma Black was wont to say…
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Brrrrr
Sorry I've been away day or two, Necessary trip to Calgary took all day. And it's really cold. I still love this weather (-27°C), but it seems to take more out of me than when I was sixteen.
Back to Susan Sparks on humour as a spiritual discipline. I unerlined this sentence in her introduction: "The spiritual path is not walked in the great halls of religion. At best, most of us spend an hour or so a week in formal worhsip or prayer. And et's face it: it's not hard to be pious for an hour."
That resonated with me at a deep level, for sure. How many times have said, to otghers as well as to myself, "I can do dignity in short bursts…" as a way of explaining mny penchant for seeing thr ridiculous in almost anything, even the sternest elder, or the most fashionable congregant. It's gotten me into trouble more than once but, nonetheless, it's true for me.
However, humour has to fit the moment, rather than be a total distraction from the moment. In my youth, i knew a preacher whose sermons were filled with jokes. To me, they all seemed to distract from whatever he was trying to say. But people loved him, because he made them laugh. I always feel that if umour is to be a valuable contribution to a moment or a conversation, it has to shed a new light on what is being said. I suppose tat's just aother way of organizing things. Maybe total distraction is helpful in a conversation. What do you think? I know that humour can givs the moment a twist so that fresh insights can be had, and lightness can be introduced which may well bring things to a totally different conclusion.
I cherish the 'funny line' that makes a topic suddenly transparent and pure, in a way. A friend sent me an email thgis morning with this story in it:
Bubba had shingles.
Those of us who spend much time in a doctor's office should appreciate this! Doesn't it seem more and more that physicians are running their practices like an assembly line?
Here's what happened to Bubba:
Bubba walked into a doctor's office and the receptionist asked him what he had. Bubba said: 'Shingles.' So she wrote down his name, address, medical insurance number and told him to have a seat.
Fifteen minutes later a nurse's aide came out and asked Bubba what he had.
Bubba said, 'Shingles' So she wrote down his height, weight, a complete medical history and told Bubba to wait in the examining room.
A half hour later a nurse came in and asked Bubba what he had. Bubba said, 'Shingles..' So the nurse gave Bubba a blood test, a blood pressure test, an electrocardiogram, and told Bubba to take off all his clothes and wait for the doctor.
An hour later the doctor came in and found Bubba sitting patiently in the nude and asked Bubba what he had.
Bubba said, 'Shingles.' The doctor asked, 'Where?'
Bubba said, 'Outside on the truck. Where do you want me to unload 'em??'
The context for the story was a discussion of the problem of waiting time in the health care system. The story seems like a distraction at first, but in the end it becomes transarent, and is totally on topic - but funny. Let;s see where Sparks goes with this…
Back to Susan Sparks on humour as a spiritual discipline. I unerlined this sentence in her introduction: "The spiritual path is not walked in the great halls of religion. At best, most of us spend an hour or so a week in formal worhsip or prayer. And et's face it: it's not hard to be pious for an hour."
That resonated with me at a deep level, for sure. How many times have said, to otghers as well as to myself, "I can do dignity in short bursts…" as a way of explaining mny penchant for seeing thr ridiculous in almost anything, even the sternest elder, or the most fashionable congregant. It's gotten me into trouble more than once but, nonetheless, it's true for me.
However, humour has to fit the moment, rather than be a total distraction from the moment. In my youth, i knew a preacher whose sermons were filled with jokes. To me, they all seemed to distract from whatever he was trying to say. But people loved him, because he made them laugh. I always feel that if umour is to be a valuable contribution to a moment or a conversation, it has to shed a new light on what is being said. I suppose tat's just aother way of organizing things. Maybe total distraction is helpful in a conversation. What do you think? I know that humour can givs the moment a twist so that fresh insights can be had, and lightness can be introduced which may well bring things to a totally different conclusion.
I cherish the 'funny line' that makes a topic suddenly transparent and pure, in a way. A friend sent me an email thgis morning with this story in it:
Bubba had shingles.
Those of us who spend much time in a doctor's office should appreciate this! Doesn't it seem more and more that physicians are running their practices like an assembly line?
Here's what happened to Bubba:
Bubba walked into a doctor's office and the receptionist asked him what he had. Bubba said: 'Shingles.' So she wrote down his name, address, medical insurance number and told him to have a seat.
Fifteen minutes later a nurse's aide came out and asked Bubba what he had.
Bubba said, 'Shingles' So she wrote down his height, weight, a complete medical history and told Bubba to wait in the examining room.
A half hour later a nurse came in and asked Bubba what he had. Bubba said, 'Shingles..' So the nurse gave Bubba a blood test, a blood pressure test, an electrocardiogram, and told Bubba to take off all his clothes and wait for the doctor.
An hour later the doctor came in and found Bubba sitting patiently in the nude and asked Bubba what he had.
Bubba said, 'Shingles.' The doctor asked, 'Where?'
Bubba said, 'Outside on the truck. Where do you want me to unload 'em??'
The context for the story was a discussion of the problem of waiting time in the health care system. The story seems like a distraction at first, but in the end it becomes transarent, and is totally on topic - but funny. Let;s see where Sparks goes with this…
Monday, January 16, 2012
January 16/12
Finally, I've started. I've been pondering just how to start blogging for a long time now. I have such an antipathy to people who write when they have nothing to say that I've backed away from doing this. What if I have nothing to say? Or at least, nothing to say that is of any worth to anyone?
It took me awhile to come up with a name. I settled on Methuselah because he was old - the name is synonymous with 'old.' Some days I feel that way, withput any of the supposed wisdom that comes with age. I've been "in ministry" of one kind or another for almost sixty years (57 to be exact), and I feel that i should be wise, and FEEL wise. I may BE wise, but I don't often feel it. I have questions and uncertainties and a great need to be seen as useful. Not really free at all.
I am surrounded by stacks of books, many of them read, and I want to comment on many of them, flesh out reflections on them, to see if anyone resonates with them. But I hesitate, like a performer who is just starting out, unsure of his/her competence to do the thing for which he/she trained. Perhaps this will fade as I actually start writing what I think. We'll see.
The most recent thing I've read is "Laugh Your Way to Grace" by Susan Sparks. She is a Baptist pastor in New York City, and a licensed stand-up comic. So, of course, her book is about the spirituality of humour. (Notice how I spell the Canadian way, with a "u" in humour!) I've always been a humourist, and a fan of humour, while at the same time being embarrassed that I am not a more "serious" person. Sparks confirms for me that humour is, in fact, a spiritual path, perhaps THE spiritual path. And i like it.
Sparks' book is a choice of Oprah Magazine, which would normally aid me in shying away from it. Somehow, she drew me, and once I started reading, I understood why. Next time, I'll start sharing her wisdom and its impact on me. Right now, it's 'good night.'
It took me awhile to come up with a name. I settled on Methuselah because he was old - the name is synonymous with 'old.' Some days I feel that way, withput any of the supposed wisdom that comes with age. I've been "in ministry" of one kind or another for almost sixty years (57 to be exact), and I feel that i should be wise, and FEEL wise. I may BE wise, but I don't often feel it. I have questions and uncertainties and a great need to be seen as useful. Not really free at all.
I am surrounded by stacks of books, many of them read, and I want to comment on many of them, flesh out reflections on them, to see if anyone resonates with them. But I hesitate, like a performer who is just starting out, unsure of his/her competence to do the thing for which he/she trained. Perhaps this will fade as I actually start writing what I think. We'll see.
The most recent thing I've read is "Laugh Your Way to Grace" by Susan Sparks. She is a Baptist pastor in New York City, and a licensed stand-up comic. So, of course, her book is about the spirituality of humour. (Notice how I spell the Canadian way, with a "u" in humour!) I've always been a humourist, and a fan of humour, while at the same time being embarrassed that I am not a more "serious" person. Sparks confirms for me that humour is, in fact, a spiritual path, perhaps THE spiritual path. And i like it.
Sparks' book is a choice of Oprah Magazine, which would normally aid me in shying away from it. Somehow, she drew me, and once I started reading, I understood why. Next time, I'll start sharing her wisdom and its impact on me. Right now, it's 'good night.'
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