Have You Noticed?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Only the pathological withdraw from a peace zone.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I have to admire the way you manage to be at once so obvious and so invisible, so blatantly here with us, yet leaving many very thoughtful people wondering or doubting whether you exist. How do you do that?
I think the biblical writers made a great observation when they connected the fact of breathing to your activity. What a remarkable process, and, again, so obvious yet so unnoticed. The child screams itself into being: GIVE ME AIR, LET ME BREATHE!
My dying breath: Life is good! God is good!
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
“I wish I had written the Book of Revelation. People like trying to decipher dreams and visions, no matter how incredible or ridiculous they appear.”
[Of course he didn't; Revelation came much later...]

D. Blog: Antiques Dealers

Antiques dealers remind me of vultures or jackals or hyenas. Like feeding from carrion, they try to live off the remains of others’ lives and handiwork. Ever see them as they arrive early at yard sales, auctions, or church flea markets, how they pick over the items to see what might help them make money? They seldom (if ever) have any intrinsic interest in the beauty or artistry of a piece, only its monetary value.
If I ever do a yard sale or flea market again, I think I’ll save the best pieces and bring them out later in the day. Perhaps that’s part of what Jesus was doing when he turned water to wine at the wedding at Cana, saving the best for some people who could appreciate the best and not simply judge its worth.

No Boundaries

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace knows no boundaries, just as God sees none.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Through the haze, I see your “face.”
Through the silence, I hear your “voice.”
Through the vast library, I read your “words.”
Through the claims about Jesus, I meet a true “human being.”
My life flows on, an endless melody played for you.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
“You know, Judas, I bet a guy could make a killing if he came up with the money to buy some property here in Jerusalem.”
[He didn't say it, of course not...]

D. Blog:

Big Bang Revisited


Click.
My keyboard sounds.
Click.
It has power.
Click.
Work can proceed.
Click.
The words come.
Click.
I write.
Click.
I live.
Click.
New Creation.
Click.
Universe unfolds.
Click.
It is good.

Rebellion

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
What part of peace do you find objectionable?
[God's question to humans??]

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Despite our flaws, our dysfunction, our self-destructive behavior, our self-absorption, our self-indulgence and self-delusion, you remain optimistic; you give us multiple chance; you open new windows for vision and new doors for opportunity.
Despite our violence and hatred and greed and spite and pettiness, you remain liberal; you give us freedom of thought and action; you shower us with gifts, with mercy and forgiveness.
Remarkable, really.
Incredible, truly.
Divine, without question.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"I have some bad news and some good news. No, just kidding – I only have some good news."
[Possible, I suppose? No. He didn't speak English.]

D. Blog: Turn Signals
“If I use my signal, the enemy will know my plans.”

Those who identify with this bumper-sticker might not realize they reveal more than paranoia. Their aversion to using the simple device may also signal the following:

- mental deficiency
- a provocation to road rage
- rudeness never learned from Grandma
- early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease
- terminal laziness
- antisocial behavior
- a danger to self and others
- passive-aggressive dysfunction
- a childish form of rebellion against authority
- socio-pathological proclivities
- unpatriotic acts more harmful than flag-burning
- oppositional defiance disorder

I suggest a bumper-sticker response:
“If you don’t signal, the enemy controls you.”

Who's Famous?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace need not wait for the conversion of "sovereign" nations. I hereby declare peace as a sovereign individual.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
In the vastness of the cosmos, we feel our insignificance.
In the vastness o your love, we feel our glory.
In the depth of our wrong, we feel our unworthiness.
In the depth of your mercy, we feel our redemption.
We feel small in our condition; we feel grand in your care.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"15 minutes of fame, that's all I ask."
[Probably not]

D. Blog: "Girlfriend?"

[A slightly revised version of a comment published in our local paper. I don't agree with the man's politics, but I have much admiration for the woman's achievements.]

How demeaning to refer to a highly accomplished, 53-year-old woman as a man's "girlfriend." Even more so when this courageous woman champions democracy and women's rights in patriarchal Arabic countries. Can't journalists get beyond attitudes from high school journalism classes and write the truth about divorced adults who are lovers or companions or unmarried partners - way beyond "girlfriend" (Ms. Shaha Ali Riza) and "boyfriend" (Mr. Paul Wolfowitz)?

Salvation??? Part 2

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Going forward, I'll stay the course toward peace until the mission is accomplished.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Life is too short...
to remain unhappy
to eat what you don't like
to stifle laugher
to avoid intimacy
to sit in traffic every day
to forget to say "Thank you"
to criticize
to complain
to stay indoors
to maintain a high school "maturity"
to fear the future.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus (what he never said - probably):
"My kid's on the honor roll at Nazareth Elementary School."
[I'm 100% confident with this one. But I'll listen to other opinions...]

D. Blog: Saved For What?

To the street evangelist’s question “Are You Saved?” I want to ask first, “Saved from what?” [see yesterday’s post]. The follow-up question is “Saved for what?”

My personal answer is simple: Abundant Life. That begins when we stop thinking it means accumulating money and things, when we stop thinking the Divinity has any interest in punishing us, when we stop thinking the Divinity has any interest in controlling our behavior. Guiding, perhaps, but never controlling.

For me, abundant life means an abundance of love (including love of enemies), of learning, of beauty, of forgiveness, of joy, of arts, of creativity, of service to others, of friends, of joy, of diversity, of sights, of sounds, of varied experiences, of play and laughter and spiritual growth.

Frankly, I’d say any other kind of “saving” is not worth anyone’s life.

Salvation???

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
In moderation, war is a good thing. So says just war theory. But it's only a theory.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Your fullness has no expression in theology, despite our efforts.
Your presence extends beyond any and all formalized religions.
A fly-swatter trying to stop an ocean wave has more effect than our tabernacles of worship trying to house your Spirit.
We can only wonder, marvel, and give thanks that you create and sustain our lives.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"The only good Samaritan is a dead Samaritan."
[Not in 33 billion years would He say that - about anyone!]

D. Blog/Rant: Saved From What?

Saved From What?

Strolling the sidewalks of DC, I come upon a man who appears to be just another panhandler - a new one to the area, I think. But he surprises me. His question doesn’t deal with a handout. “Are you saved?” he wants to know.

I, sometime minister and lifelong church member, nod and move on with my wife, a pastor for more than 25 years.

But I think about it. Why does this question annoy me? Sometime, I’d like to ask a return question: Saved from what?

- From concern about heaven and hell? Yes.
- From doubt about God’s forgiveness? Absolutely.
- From simplistic religious questions/formulas? Thank God! Yes! How about you?
- From false worship of nation? A long time ago.
- From the cult of accumulation? I’ve made some progress. How about you?
- From the blasphemous claims of divine sanction for war? Well, of course.
- From addiction to TV? I’m in a 12-step program.
- From confusing the imperial USA with the dominion of God? Well, duh!
- From having similarities with a rat in a maze? No ties on me, thank God.
- From fear of change, of diversity, of nature, of scientific or other truth? Have no fear.
- From thinking the Spirit must move in predictable ways? What a contradiction!
- From thinking any priest, minister, imam, guru, Bible scholar or evangelist has any better access to the Divine than my dog does? It’s taken a while, but I’m almost there.
- From falling into the traps set by political propaganda and marketing Machiavellis? Halleluia, yes!
- From literal interpretation of any scripture? Don’t get me started…
- From the irrational belief that God’s spirit has revealed nothing new in 2000 years? I’m smarter than to believe that.
- From the notion that the Bible has an outline of the future and the end of the world? I thought the Millerites’ experience killed that preposterous fantasy.
- From burning in hell? Get real. We have much more important and practical/realistic/this-worldly concerns to deal with. Hell ranks right there with the bogeyman as a device for scaring little children into behaving the way some self-important authority thinks they should.
- From your kind of Christianity? Obviously.
- From what do you think I need saving? Is it my problem or yours?

The related and equally important question never seems to occur: Saved for what?

All Is Well

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Until the real thing comes along, I welcome even the smallest signs of peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
If the sun falls into a black hole, all is well.
If a natural disaster or accident takes my family, all is well.
If global warming brings terrible destruction to human societies, all is well.
If I die today apart from my loved ones, all is well.
I have no complaints. The chance to share in your creation, be within the life experiment, is well worth any cost in sorrow or suffering.
I can only say "Thank you." Life is good. Yeah! I can never adequately express my joy for participating in it.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"Don't make me come down there again!"
[Thanks, Gary. Good one that he never said - probably.]

D. Blog/Poem:
Cool Summer Morning

You arrive concealed on the routine June visitor,
the key to my cell
carried past the brutal guards -
named hazy, hot and humid -
and the warden of summers.

Like contraband smuggled
through the scanning eye
of a scorching sun,
you bring relief
from oppressive measures.

You bring the unexpected inheritance
from that remote relative
who lived secreted in northern Maine,
so cool, crisp and clear--
a cause for celebration.

Now I recognize you
through the disguises,
beneath the make-up, subtle
tricks and playful surprises.
Hello, Grace.

Mountains - with Trees

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Does a mountain go to war with a sea because they are different?

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Mountains stretch to reach you.
Birds sing love songs to you.
Trees point to you.
Deer run and jump for joy in you.
Plants dress in their finest for you.
Too often, we don’t have a clue.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"Someday followers of mine will have jobs as master biscuit makers at Bojangles restaurants."
[Could He have predicted our accomplishments?]

D. Blog: Mountains - With Trees
Mountains – with Trees

Perhaps she has severe allergies. That’s the only explanation that makes sense to me. Why else would she say she prefers living in a place where “the mountains don’t have trees”?

Her comment reminded me of the time our young nieces from Southern California came to visit us in the suburbs of Washington, DC. “There are too many trees!” they said.

I can how understand children who have known only a landscape with few trees could say that. But knowing how vital trees are to our existence, and having a deep appreciation for their beauty and wondrous variety, I do not understand how an intelligent adult, who, like this woman, has lived among mountains with trees for most of her life, can prefer to live in a bare and/or barren mountain setting.

I agree with another relative, my wife’s uncle, who, upon visiting us when we lived in central Illinois, said, “Next time I come, I’ll bring some trees.”

Now consider “developers” (very odd word for what they do) who clear mountainsides of trees in order to build ultra-houses that let the owners look down on the landscape. They scar the mountain landscape and make it an ugly scene for those of us who prefer to look up to mountains – with those amazing trees in place.

Blessing

A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The only fanatics who have a clue about God are peaceniks.

B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
In my room: peace, joy, love - blessing.
In my house: sharing, friendship, food - blessing.
Out my window: trees, flowers, sky, mountains, neighbors - blessing.
In my community: arts, compassion, respect, integrity - blessing.
You never let up, do you? You bless us until we can't help but notice.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"I’ll have a raspberry latte grande, please." [Well, no, but would He?]

D. A Joke/Parable:
"Making room for more demons..."

A mother told her son to sweep the kitchen floor one evening
while she washed the dishes. But the broom had been left in the
garage and the boy was afraid of the dark.

He said to is mother, "God's everywhere, right Mom?"

"Yes, dear," she replied.

"And God wants to help us, right Mom?"

"Yes, son. That's very good!"

With that reassurance, the boy opened the door, peered into the
darkness and shouted, "HEY, GOD! HOW 'BOUT HANDING ME THE BROOM!"

The boy and his mother were astounded to hear the whispered
reply, "Step outside into the dark, child. I'll go with you for
the broom."




[When I first heard that story, it ended with the boy's shout. The punch-line ending gave it the character of a joke. The new ending gives it a different kind of punch to cause a reaction in
addition to humor. It might lead us to think more about our understandings of how and where we experience God's presence -- exactly what biblical parables often do.

Now, suppose I change the ending again. I alter the story's final paragraph slightly, so that it reads:

After the yell out the door, the boy's father called from the darkness of the garage, "Come on out, son. I have the broom here."



This variation has a different effect. It is at once more true to life (so more in the manner of a parable), but may also introduce a note of discomfort (another parable trait) with a human and male word image for God.

Stormy Weather

A. Unabashed Pacifist
Rainbows don't grow on trees. You only see them in the skies.

B. Unabashed Christian
Holy One,
Like rainfall from the sky, your blessings drop upon us.
Sometimes the clouds disappear for days or weeks. We think all is well, but we begin to notice a dry and parched quality to our lives.
Sometimes, then, the clouds appear and drop a light mist, coating us with the hope of more blessings to come.
Sometimes we receive a steady outpouring of your mercy and goodness through the dark clouds.
And sometimes, when the storms rage, then especially, your blessings pour over us to strengthen, cleanse and forgive us.
Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:
"Who’s this woman named Trinity? I think I'd like to meet her."
[He didn't say that, or did the movie makers know something?...]

D. Blog: Habitat
Habitat Housing

When we bought our house, our realtor informed us that a Habitat for Humanity development would arise down the hill from us. People on our street had fought mightily to prevent it from happening, and many moved out rather than remain to see the development take place. We probably benefited from the fear that accompanied the building of new affordable houses for low income families. Our very nice, spacious house, for sale at a reasonable price, remained on the market for more than nine months and saw at least one price reduction before we saw it and fell in love with it.

What did people on our street fear? Mostly it seemed to be that the value of their houses would decline. Never mind that nationwide experience indicates that houses around Habitat developments will appreciate in value. Fear of people less well off – perhaps - than we are seemed to lead to an irrational reaction of flight after the fight was lost.

The other question I ask is this: what do we want from a house? Are we looking for monetary return on an investment in a house? Are we looking for a home in which inhabitants enjoy a rewarding quality of life in a pleasant neighborhood/area? I won’t mind seeing an appreciation in the monetary value of our house, but that remains secondary to the pleasure I take in it and the wonderful quality of life it provides, including the new neighbors so pleased with owning their own homes in our neighborhood, too.

When visitors come to us, we point out with pride the 12 new Habitat houses (eventually 54) down the hill from us. They provide a tangible sign of a community at large investing in the future by offering affordable houses to low and middle income families, the kind of community where I want to live for a long time.

Lamenting

A. Unabashed Pacifist


Did e'er such love and sorrow meet as when Jesus said: "Oh, Jerusalem, if only you knew the things that make for peace."

B. Unabashed Christian

Holy One,

I bow in awe and reverence at what you bring about in the universe.

But I do not fear you.

I extend my thanks to you every day for your guidance, blessing and love that enrich my life beyond measure.

Why should I fear you?

If I devalue the diversity of life, if I deny the invitation to love, if I squeeze your gifts so tightly that tey cannot be shared, if I presume to possess your garden Earth and deface its beauty,

Then I fear - not your, but the consequence of my contempt: exile.

Amen

C. Unquoting Jesus:

"I said 'narrow door,' Peter, not a narrow mind!" [He didn't say it, but...]



D. Blog/Rant: Responding to the Evangelist at Your Door (Part 2)

The unwelcome evangelist at your door insists on asking his “most important question: Are you 100% certain you’re going to heaven?”

How to respond to such a loaded and manipulative question? A little preparation might help, such as noting how Jesus usually turned such queries back on His questioners. With a little practice, and the following potential replies, you’ll be equipped with something better than “that’s none of your damn business, young man.”


“Brother, I don’t think Jesus ever said that’s an important question.”

“I have no doubts about God’s love for me. Do you?”

“I think the point is discipleship, not getting into heaven. Living for Him, not for our personal benefit.”

“That question might feed your sheep, but I’m 100% sure it doesn’t feed Jesus’ sheep.”

“Don’t be too sure of yourself – unless you love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and are prepared to give all you have to the poor.”

“Do you enjoy trying to make people uncomfortable? It won’t work with me.”

“Where can I get the gall it takes to ask that question of a total stranger who just told me he’s a member of another church?”

“Who called you to be a sower of doubt rather than of faith in God’s love and mercy?”

“God works in mysterious ways, but I’m 100% sure even you are going to heaven.”

“Can you walk on water, too? Then don’t imply you can provide 100% certainty.”

“I’ve learned that Pharisee-ism takes many forms – that question being one of them.”

“Taking that question seriously is akin to debating the number of angels who can fit on my head. It’s pointless.”

“No. But I am 100% sure heaven is nothing like what we imagine. When the roll is called, I’ll be there.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry myself about that, young man.”

“If I were 100% certain, why go on living? Why not take the leap of faith a la Jim Jones?”

“Which heaven are you talking about? The one with streets of gold and pearly gates? The one with 72 virgins for every foolish/fanatical young man? The one where we disappear into union with Divinity? It’s all useless speculation.”

“Sure. I hope to see you there.”

“My family, friends, and at least 50% of my congregation think I am going to heaven. That’s good enough for me.”

“100%? You mean like those Millerites who were 100% sure the world would end in 1843? God will provide.”

“I like my chances.”

“Oh yes. And I’ll be praying for you.”

“When we spoke this morning, God didn’t mention anything to make me doubt it.”

“God only knows. But I trust her.”

“Don’t worry. Be happy. Life is good. God is good. God is fair.”

“The only thing I or anyone can be 100% certain of is physical death.”

“According to the latest Jesus Poll, 83.6% of respondents say I’m good to go. How are your numbers?”

“Every time I hear that question, I wonder what happened to preaching the good news of the community of faith on Earth, of peace on Earth, good will to all.”

“Wow! The last time I heard that question was in college. Fortunately, I graduated.”

“Hah! Hah! Good one. Tell Mom it won’t work, though. I won’t be at the Wednesday night prayer meeting.”

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have your reward. Peace to you.”

Real Evangelism

A. Unabashed Pacifist

Hands clasping weapons cannot clasp each other.



B. Unabashed Christian

Holy One,

Earth belongs to you, and it overflows with your glory!

Clouds block the sun and obscure the mountain heights, but your glory shines forth.

Rain, possible thunder and lightning, will descend later today, but so will your glory.

Our lives carry trouble and pain and sorrow, but they cannot obscure the fact that we, too, belong to you and our lives overflow with your glory.

Amen



C. Unquoting Jesus:

"You can go home, people. Today’s performance has been cancelled due to lack of interest." [No way. The healing ministry must go on.]



D. Blog/Rant: Responding to the Evangelist at Your Door (Part 1)

The unwelcome evangelist at your door insists on asking his “most important question: Are you 100% certain you’re going to heaven?”

How to respond to such a loaded and manipulative question? A little preparation might help, such as noting how Jesus usually turned such queries back on His questioners. With a little practice, and the following 50 potential replies, you’ll be equipped with something better than “that’s none of your damn business, young man.”

“No. Are you 100% certain there isn’t a special place in hell for people who ask that question?”

“Yes. But if you’re worried about it, perhaps I can help you.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll be okay.”

“Yes, I am. But I’m not certain about you.”

“That’s an arrogant and manipulative question. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

“I’m more certain of that than I am that you won’t be going to hell.”

“I’ve had too many glimpses and tastes of heaven on Earth to concern myself with what follows death.”

“I seem to recall that the most important questions for Jesus were: ‘Do you love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength?’ And secondly, ‘Do you love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“I’m 100% certain that question is arrogant (it assumes you can erase any doubts I may have) and manipulative (its intent is to use any doubts I have against me and to give you power over me that I have no intention of giving you).”

“It may be your most important question. To me it’s a trifling question.”

“Yes, but I’m concerned about your future if you keep asking that question of total strangers.”

“A more important question, I think, is whether you are going to stop trying to manipulate people through fear and doubt.”

“You’re kidding, right? Does anybody take such a question seriously anymore? Don’t you know that God’s grace is sufficient?”

“Trying to instill doubt in me won’t get either of us into heaven.”

“Yes. I’m also 100% certain you need to know me before you pose such a loaded question.”

“Sure I am. Aren’t you?”

“What makes you think you’re an authority on going to heaven?”

“Going to heaven is not my biggest concern. That’s up to God. The concern while I’m here on Earth is to share God’s love and compassion while I can and to enjoy the miracle of life God has given me. Have a blessed day.”

“I don’t think that’s the most important question. Maybe ‘Who do you say that He is?’ or ‘When did I see Him hungry, thirsty, etc.’ and ‘What did I do in response?’”

“I thought that old chestnut of a question rightly went out of fashion at least 50 years ago. Good day.”

“Brother, I don’t think Jesus ever said that’s an important question.”

“I have no doubts about God’s love for me. Do you?”

“I think the point is discipleship, not getting into heaven. Living for Him, not for our personal benefit.”

“That question might feed your sheep, but I’m 100% sure it doesn’t feed Jesus’ sheep.”

“Don’t be too sure of yourself – unless you love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and are prepared to give all you have to the poor.”

Sinner or Child of God?

1. Unbashed Pacifist
How can peace go out of fashion?

2. Unabashed Christian
Holy One,
"Bless me, for I have sinned." I imagine that you despise this approach to you. Why would you want to relate to such a cringing human? Which of the biblical patriarchs or matriarchs ever displayed such a groveling attitude? It is most unseemly for your children.
Even the "prodigal" son, who feels this way toward his father, finds his sense of guilt ignored. The father receives the son is if he has said "Bless me, for I am your child." That father, like you, does not expect shame and atonement. All that matters is the child's return.
Amen

3. Unquoting Jesus
"Obviously, God cares more about your personal sins than about humanity’s collective sin. That’s why I’m only a personal savior." [Maybe it would appear in the gospel of Augustine?]

4. Blog/Rant: On Doctrine
A. I believe we should focus on what Jesus is reported to have called the two greatest commandments: love of God and love of neighbor.

B. I am not particularly interested in human-made doctrine or theology that does not relate quite directly to those two commandments.

C. It seems to me that anything else in church doctrine and church practice only serves to make some people feel justified and self-righteous about judging other people as lost, wrong, immoral, sinful, and/or unfaithful – that is, generally less/inferior and therefore unworthy of being loved by God or by them.

D. In other words, too much doctrine serves as a means of avoiding and disobeying (not following through on) the two greatest commandments.

(cf. “How can you say you love God if you don’t accept a brother or a sister as a child of God.”)

The simple version of On Doctrine:

I love God. I love my neighbors.
You love God. You love your neighbors.
People will use everything else in the way of religious belief as a distraction from or a means of avoiding those two things and what they imply.
Doctrine, in short, is usually a tool of the devil (metaphorically speaking, of course)

Pacifist - Christian - Unquote - No Problem

1. Unabashed Pacifist

In times of peace, who says: "What we need is a brutal, destructive, wasteful, people-devouring war?" So, how can war be a lesser evil?



2. Unabashed Christian

Holy One,

No one lives without pain and suffering.

Not even you.

No one lives without surprise and joy.

Not even you.

No one lives without love and companionship.

Not even you.

No one lives without beauty and creativity.

Not even you.

It seems we have a lot in common.

Amen



3. Unquoting Jesus

"I hate it when people put words in my mouth." (So, this is not a quote from Him.)



4. Unabashed Rant/Blog: "No Problem" vs. "You're Welcome"

“Hey, God, thanks for the awesome creation.”

“No problem. Well, actually, there were a few problems getting the big bang to work. And having evolution forge living systems that weren’t monstrosities caused some headaches. But, never mind all that. You’re quite welcome.”

“Hey, and thanks for my amazing life so far, with so many blessings.”

“No problem. Well, actually, it took some effort to line up the DNA correctly over countless generations. And getting your parents together involved some tricky issues. But never mind that. I should have said, ‘You’re welcome!’”

“One more thing. Thank you for being so understanding of us humans.”

“No problem. Well, actually, sometimes you are hard to understand. The war thing, for instance. Or your reaction to natural disasters. Why would you blame me for these things? And, as you might imagine, the crucifixion thing presented a major problem. But it did help me understand you humans better. Never mind. I should have simply said “You’re welcome!”

---------

Talking Points:

Raising the notion of a “problem” diverts from and dismisses the appreciation being expressed in a “Thank You.”

Why call attention to whether it was a problem to provide a service/gift? Someone has just expressed gratitude; they did not apologize for making you do something.

If I say “thank you,” I want you to know I appreciate your gift or service. Your response should be a comment on my gratitude, not a suggestion that if there had been a problem, you might not have offered the gift/service.

Raising the notion of a problem shifts attention from the recipient (“It might have presented a problem for me, but fortunately, it didn’t”). "You’re welcome" keeps the attention on the recipient. In other words, it’s not about the server/giver.

Raising the notion of a problem also suggests that the gift/service was not given gladly, but on the condition that there was no problem. If the gift/service was given gladly, “you’re welcome” says that far more clearly.

Raising the notion of a problem seems like an ungracious response to gratitude. (“It was no problem for me, so no big deal.” It borders on “no skin off my nose.”)

“No problem” might be an appropriate response to “Sorry” or “Excuse me” or “Pardon me.” What about as a response to “Please” or “Forgive me”?

Divine boundaries

1. Unabashed Pacifist



"Pre-emptive war" cannot be justified - even by "just war" standards.



2. Unabashed Christian



Holy One,

You know no limits, although you seem to respect some self-imposed boundaries, e.g., your capacity to destroy.

Your capacity for imagination, for creativity, for life seem, on the other hand, far beyond what our minds can contain.

Most of the time, we reflect these aspects of your divinity. We recognize some limits on our power to destroy, and we surely have a boundles ability to imagine and create new products and experiences.

Some of that is twisted and useless, to be sure, but over time we hope to sort wheat from chaff.

Amen



3. Unquoting Jesus



"The Devil made me do it." (I don't think so...)

Preview

I expect this blog site will contain four types of posts: reflective meditations on/with the divine One, pacifist ponderings/proverbs/prayers, an ongoing collection of "unquotes" from Jesus (things he never said), and occasional rants about aspects of American "cultural" and political life, including abuses (creative adaptations) of the English language.


I maintain an unabashed pacifism (despite the spiraling violence around us), an unabashed Christianity (despite the abuses and embarrassments caused by conservative brothers and sisters), an unabashed admirer of those who deliver us from slavish readings of the Bible (He never authorized a "new testament"), and an unabashed belief in the ideals of democracy, equality and freedom from oppressive government - all of which depend on intelligent use of language.

I have collected over 1500 of Jesus' Unquotes. These are the things Bible scholars have no interest in verifying: what He never said. These unquotes reveal a great deal about Him, however, and are far easier to confirm as never having been spoken by Him. (I'm certain He never spoke English.) I hope they provide some humor relief from all the sober prattle that has imposed so much unreality upon Him.