Who's Hornswoggling Whom?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Forget Pandora. When Eirene opens her box, peace takes over.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I would count my blessings, but I don’t have all day and I am not an accountant. Besides, who could keep track?
I’ll just say thank you – again.

I would list the ways your love has shaped my life, but I’d surely overlook several thousand of them.
I’ll just try to remember to say I love you – again.

I would recall the times you have filled me with joy and hope, but my memory isn’t what it used to be and the present joys and hopes seem livelier.
I’ll just bask in the warmth of your glory in my life - again.

Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“After the fall, things got more interesting. It even snowed.”

[I love it when He has layers of meaning in His teaching, but He never said this.]

D. Blog: Weird Word of the Week

"Hornswoggle" (a lot of this in politics, advertising, religion, even sports?? etc.)

From Merriam-Webster online:

Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): horn·swog·gled; horn·swog·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1829
slang : bamboozle, hoax

Or,

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.


TRANSITIVE VERB:
Inflected forms: horn·swog·gled, horn·swog·gling, horn·swog·gles
Chiefly Northern & Western U.S. To bamboozle; deceive.

ETYMOLOGY: Origin unknown.

OUR LIVING LANGUAGE:
We do not know the origin of hornswoggle. We do know that it belongs to a group of “fancified” words that were particularly popular in the American West in the 19th century. Hornswoggle is one of the earliest, first appearing around 1829. It is possible that these words were invented to poke fun at the more “sophisticated” East.

Spiritual Age

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Losing the challenges of peace, we settle for trying to “win” at war.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Another day, another disappointment.
Another day, another chance for growth.
Another day, another series of miracle moments.
Another day, another opportunity to witness beauty.
Another day, another tragedy.
Another day, another blossom of hope.
Another day, another regret.
Another day, another experience of forgiveness.
Another day, another broken dream.
Another day, another new start.
Another day, another war.
Another day, another urge for peace.
Another day, another death.
Another day, another resurrection.
To everything a season, but life prevails.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Proselytizing? No, that’s for the insecure. I simply witness to the Truth.”

[Perhaps He believed it and did it, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: Spiritual Maturity

It seems to be a pattern that as a body’s vitality decreases, a spirit’s strength increases. In our youth, our physical nature usually has prominence. In our latter years, with more experience to draw upon, our spiritual maturation comes to the forefront. With this, if we have had spiritual nurture, comes wisdom, Sophia.

One seldom encounters young spiritual directors. I don’t think that’s an accident.

How the Bible Story Ends

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

The route for the pursuit of happiness does not show us going through war.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You cover our shame with love.
You caution our judging with forgiveness.
You hide our failure with hope.
You reveal our wisdom with laughter.
You strengthen our courage with vision.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“That’s one small step for a man. One giant leap for humankind.”

[Not onto the moon, but out of the tomb. He didn’t say it, however.]

D. Blog: How the Bible Story Ends

Most children’s stories have the ultimate ending of the Bible story down pat. I don’t know how so many individuals and groups seem to miss it: “And they lived happily ever after.”

It’s been there all the time.

Credit Where Credit is Due

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

On the long walk to peace, we can’t afford to carry weapons.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Life, life, life, and more life.
You bring it into existence.
Life, life, life, and more life.
You nurture it toward its potential.
Life, life, life, and more life.
You allow it to choose what enhances or stifles it.
Life, life, life, and more life.
You encourage it to risk, grow, change, diversify.
Life, life, life, and more life.
Nothing can stop it, for life brings out even your potential. If even we abhor the thought of non-being, you will settle even less for hidden-ness, invisibility, obscurity, not being known.
I see you and know you everywhere in life.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Watch this, guys. I’m going to do a number on the dude running the shell game by the camel traders over there.”

[That would have been awesome, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

Things have gone my way
So far this morning.
To whom shall I give credit?

Compassionate Conservatism Explained

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace takes more work than we are usually willing to put forth, so we choose to slaughter even those who are no threat to us.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You constantly amaze me by bringing disparate pieces of life into wholeness.
You provide symmetry where I imagined asymmetry, ugliness and even chaos.
It’s all really quite beautiful once the spit and mud come together and I can see properly.
Thank you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Why Mary, I thought you knew. I’m saving myself until… well, just until.”

[One might wonder, but He never said this.]

D. Blog: Understanding Compassionate Conservatism

After several years of observation, I think I get what this term means:

- Compassion toward friends who are among the neediest – of the wealthy.

- Taking care of those who contribute to our selfish cause.

- Hoping religious groups will be the safety net so big government won’t have to provide for the welfare of the people.

- Feeling sorry when we accidentally wound our own supporters.

- Blaming victims for the conditions in which they have to live.

- Making empty promises to help our citizenry.

- Making threats and sending bombs and troops on their citizenry.

- Lifting the downtrodden just as Rome lifted Jesus.

How Does God Judge?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Talk to me about your plans for a just peace and you’ll have my attention – and perhaps my vote.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I have difficulty imagining a better world. It could really be that we have heaven on Earth, your reign present right now.

I have no difficulty imagining that the worst feature in the world is its human population.

Working toward some decent balance that keeps the system from collapse requires effort and great discipline, but you have made it possible.

Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“C’mon up to the front folks. You’ll hear a lot better.”

[No amplification, so He had to say something like this, right? But no, He didn’t – remember, no English, not even the King James.]

D. Blog: A Parable

"Sheep and goats..."

A new flight attendant was assigned to the first-class section of a plane for the first time. One of the businessmen in her section asked for a bottle of Perrier water. There being none at hand, she headed to the galley in the coach section to see if she could find some there. As she made her way through coach, another passenger asked for some milk for her hungry child.

"I'm sorry," she replied, "this isn't my section."

Unknown to her, the chairman of the board of the airline was seated across the aisle on his annual coach flight to sample the airline's service.

Liberal - Bumpersticker Style

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

“I don’t like war because it’s mean.” – Jennifer, age 5

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

In one of her songs, Carrie Newcomer says that everything is holy.
The slipper I wear, the bathroom remodeling project, the chill of this cloudy morning.
Nothing can detract from their holiness.
Perhaps that’s what the Genesis writer meant when she had you say “It is good.”
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Mortality isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.”

[Maybe He thought it, but it’s not recorded as His 8th word from the cross.]

D. Blog: Bumpersticker Punditry

- Stop Mad Cowboy Disease

- If you want to drive a Hummer, ENLIST!

- War doesn’t determine who is right – only who is left. –Bertrand Russell

- Was Columbus a terrorist, or an illegal alien?

Doo What?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Given the alternative, I’ll take peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

My God, what a morning it was! As I live and breathe, it was a miracle! Three degrees Fahrenheit, but clear, crisp, bright – and I felt warm in my shelter, my sanctuary, my retreat, my center from which to meet the day. Yes, I’m thinking of you, but also of my home, where I live and where you seem to be a constant presence – more than guest or visitor. I love having you here with us!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I can’t take time to pray. I have to work 80 hours a week with the carpentry business, preaching, healing, generally multi-tasking.”

[Sounds pretty familiar, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: Weird Word of the Week

From Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary

Doodad
Main Entry: doo·dad
Pronunciation: \ˈdü-ˌdad\
Function: noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1888
1 : an ornamental attachment or decoration
2 : an often small article whose common name is unknown or forgotten

[Don’t you think we could come up with a better definition than that? Put a little humor in life… And, if they can give a date, how can they not explain the origin?]

Does Divinity Have a Name?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I think I see some sprouts of peace coming through the dirt.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Calm my restless mind this morning. It overflows with events of yesterday and anticipation of what lies before me today.
Calm my restless mind. It roams to and fro, alert and happy, but with little organization or focus.
Calm my restless mind. It needs your guidance and clarity and purpose. Center it in your direction.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Did anyone bring a water purifier on this camping trip? Making wine is just for weddings.”


[Maybe they couldn’t drink the water? But He never said this.]

D. Blog: Nameless and Holy

According to the Exodus account, when Moses received the call of God, the Holy One did not provide a name. “I am who I am,” is the familiar translation of the reply when Moses asked what he should say about who sent him.

Religion is all about trying to expand upon that reply. I imagine, however, that in any true encounter with divinity, we will get something like the response to Moses. I imagine the Holy One can’t say it often enough:

“Do not try to fence, hem, pen, chain, rope, or close me in. Do not try to limit, define, calculate, restrict, restrain or articulate my essence. It is simply beyond your capacity. Nor should you try to do it regarding one another. Just love each other, and me.”

An Irony: Karl Marx in Heaven

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Server, I’d like a bowl of peace, please.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You liberate us so that we can reach our potential.
We often settle for or prefer something much less.
Release us from the bondage we impose on ourselves and on others.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I think I lost a contact.”

[I hate it when that happens… but He never said that.]

D. Blog: Karl Marx in Heaven?

Karl Marx got many things right.

Some religion serves as an opiate to oppressed, poor people, preventing them from overthrowing the elites who benefit from the status quo. Likewise, his critique of capitalism contains truth. Even at its best, the capitalist economic “system” makes indentured servants of the majority of workers. It is designed not to serve all people, but to exploit the majority and benefit the few. The exploited endure with some sort of hope or wishful thinking for recompense from God after death, or from one of the occasional “strike-it-rich” events that are the result of “the luck of the draw” and have nothing to do with brains, hard work, or natural ability.

I think Karl might have a place of honor in heaven…

How's the Creation Thing Coming Along?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I never met a peace I didn’t like.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

If I had a hammer, I’d help build a house.
If I had a bell, I’d ring in every new day, every new start.
If I had a song, I’d sing in a sing-a-long or join a choir.
If I had a pen or pencil, I’d write to express my joy.
If I had a computer, I’d connect to the world.
If I had a paint brush, I’d do a portrait, a landscape, or fill my house with color.
If I had a camera, I’d preserve memories and record some of Earth’s glorious sights.
If I had a life, I’d live with gusto, exuberant in the thrill of being.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“We’re off to see the Wizard…”

[With us: Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow. No, He never said it.]

D. Blog: A Poem about Creations

In the Beginning was the Word

At the divine Word, a physical universe of abundant life was born,
and divine imagination declared it good.
Human imagination sensed something of spiritual perfection
and declared the universe not good enough.

At the human word, a social universe bent upon purity and perfection came to be,
and human imagination declared it better.
Divine imagination knew this human imperfection
and declared the social universe sin and death.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among humans
to save us from our creation and to abundant life.
Human creation rejected this Word,
and, to save its life, the human creation kills the Word.

But abundant life overwhelms death;
the Word, once spoken and incarnate, lives anew.
Some humans see, hear, accept goodness as enough
and embody the divine Word, living well.

Stripping the flesh from the divine Word and burying its bones with words,
human creation slowly dies.
Yet, the Word is pleased to dwell among us,
saving, purifying, transforming, perfecting humanity as humanity cannot.

Humanity joyfully receives spiritual awareness,
accepting life in the Word and in the physical universe.
As in the first dusty manger, with the merger
the Word rests in the end.

It is good.

What About Those Neo-Gnostics?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Nothing more confirms our bondage to sin than war.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You touch my mind and my heart.
You touch my body and my soul.
You touch my consciousness and my unconsciousness.
You touch my conscience and my soul.
I love you with all of them.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Love makes the world go ‘round.”

[He might have said something like this, but imagine if He said it just like this: What do you mean, it goes ‘round? The world doesn’t go anywhere. And if it did, it would not go around…]

D. Blog: Pagan Christ?

Some current writers have published books claiming that Jesus did not exist as a physical person in Palestine, but was a Jewish manifestation of ancient mythology about a savior figure, a Christ-type who first appeared and was most prominent in Egypt. A historical Jesus, they argue, was not what the Gospel writers sought to portray and in Paul’s writings, they say, there is nothing about the life and teachings of a man Jesus, only the symbol of the Christ who dwells in each of us, or, more often, in whom we dwell.

Their claim is a re-emergence of Christian Gnosticism, a merger of ancient “pagan” belief and elements of Hebrew religion. One of the principle ideas in Gnosticism, as I recall my seminary instruction, was that one reaches salvation through the secret knowledge about divinity within us, but that, logically, no divinity could/would actually become a human person, because humans are obviously imperfect.

There are some orthodox (no capital O) Christians who quite adamantly and somewhat stridently counter the claims and questionable scholarship of the neo-Gnostics.

Now, I have only one major question in this as we encounter this supposedly revolutionary notion that Jesus never existed in human form: Why does it matter? I’m not saying that it doesn’t matter, I’m just asking why it matters. Rather than a defensive response, I'd like some reflection. As we go through our lives, what difference does it make whether Jesus existed as a human or as a mystical Christ-type?

Up or Down? That's the Question.

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When the hope for peace dies, terrible things happen.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I expect you grow tired of our solemn assemblies, our formal rituals the priests among us have developed. Haven’t you heard it all by now? Like the 100-year-old woman on her birthday – what can we say or do or give that will bring you joy?

But really, we love you, we are grateful beyond measure to you, we want to please you. Accept what we offer and look beyond the defects of our forms of expression into our heart’s desire for you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Crosses don’t kill, people do.”

[I can't explain it. He never said it.]

D. Blog: A Parable of Sorts

This is Bubbarina. When she was born, her owners named her “Bubba.” Then they discovered she was a she, so they added the feminine ending to her name. She’s been confused ever since. Her horns prove that point. To go up or to go down? That’s her question. For all that, she made it into a movie featuring George Clooney. Hollywood can’t resist troubled stars??

What's on Your Bumper?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Seen any good peace movies lately?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You give us life. It belongs to us for a time, but the gift comes from you.
You bring our parents together, for better or for worse, and their coupling bears us as fruit. They have us, but you make it happen; they do not control the process.
You provide the environment in which we grow and in which our abilities may have a chance to develop. Some nature, some nurture, and all from you.
You guide us to maturity. We make choices, we are lucky or not lucky, we persevere, adapt, or settle. You offer guidance and encouragement and perspective on it all so we might make peace with it all – and with you.
Gratefully, I say “Life is good. Yeah!”
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Don’t you know? You’ve got a friend…”

[We think the songs are about us… Right, He never said it. Could He carry a tune, do you think?]

D. Blog: Bumpersticker Politics

- No. You can’t have my rights. I’m still using them.

- Invest in America. Buy a Congressperson.

- Politicians and diapers need to be changed. Often for the same reason.

- The Bush legacy: Leave No Child a Dime

Snake Oil Season

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Those who believe power means control do not know love.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

If you didn’t exist, I’d have to invent you – but I’m just not that creative.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:


“You poor beggars. Blessed are ye, for in years to come, your ragged, holey, dirty clothing shall be fashionable.”

[Maybe He knew, but He didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Word for the Week

“Discombobulate”

From answers.com:

To cause to be unclear in mind or intent: addle, befuddle, bewilder, confound, confuse, dizzy, fuddle, jumble, mix up, muddle, mystify, perplex, puzzle. Informal: throw. Idioms: make one's head reel/swim/whirl.

Online Etymology Dictionary:

discombobulate

1834, Amer.Eng., fanciful coinage of a type popular then (originally discombobricate).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper

[Another source ties the origin to snake oil salesmen of the Old West. Hmm, sounds familiar, doesn’t it?]

Marriage on Valentine's Day

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Did any war ever contribute more to life than it took from life?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

What surprises you more -- our successes or our failures?
Our compassion or our selfishness?
Our generosity or our greed?
Our creativity or our "destructivity"?

We choose life, but not always very well.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Here are some of the most interesting results of the “JAM” (Jesus As Messiah) survey: 73% thought I was too soft on the woman caught in adultery, 68% thought the father of the prodigal son was too lenient, 59% wondered where the seed sower learned to farm, and 98% thought the vineyard owner had lost his marbles and would never get work done again if that was his policy on wages.”

[He never listened to the polls, so He never said this.]

D. Blog: Marriage

What do we say to a couple as they enter marriage?
Just do it? (That’s what our minister said).
It’s an important commitment to live with another person the rest of your mortal life?
You are embarking on a great opportunity to learn and grow with each other?
You might fulfill the call of creation to continue its expansion?
You are promising to end your partner’s life as a solitary individual; you will be coupled in the minds of those who know you?
You offer each other a healthier life?
You might extend love’s hope beyond the early glow into radiant maturity?

I never know what to say. But marriage can be a wonderful thing.

Peacemakers Hall of Fame

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

We should ask every presidential candidate: What will you do for world peace?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

We have been fruitful and multiplied – too much so.
Our lives of convenience have brought pleasure – too much so.
Our discipline and strength have given us power – too much so.
Our knowledge has given us fantastic technology – too much so.
Too much of too many good things? – It seems so.
Too much confidence and pride in our abilities? – It seems so.

Restore in us the spirit resources of wonder and humility – may it be so.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“You know, Thomas, I love that Mrs. Robinson – more than she will ever know.”

[True, I suppose, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: Peacemakers Hall of Fame

Imagine if we had a Peacemakers Hall of Fame. It could include some Nobel Peace Prize winners (Kissinger would not qualify), but the major criterion should be that they see beyond national boundaries and work toward a global community using nonviolent methods. I think it makes much more sense and offers much greater inspiration than all the war memorials that clutter the landscape.

Walk on Water? Good exercise!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Where's the harm in peace?

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You never fail me.
I fail myself.
Family and friends disappoint me.

You never fail me.
Political and business leaders fail me.
Economic and social systems fail me.

You never fail me.
Nature might fail me.
My health might fail me.
Life in general might seem to fail me.

You never fail me, and that compensates for any other failings.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

"C'mon, Peter, the walk will do you good."

[Walking on water as exercise (spiritual?). Perhaps, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

I cannot get over the glory of life.
It does not end.
Ever.

Healing Religion

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Too many people live from their fears instead of their hopes.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Whether I am happy or depressed, life is good.
Whether I succeed or fail, life is good.
Whether my luck is good or bad, life is good.
Whether friends stand by or betray me, life is good.
Whether I am rich or poor, life is good.
Whether I achieve fame or infamy, life is good.
Whether I know love or alienation, life is good.
Whether I live or die, life is absolute blessing.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Before I begin this procedure on your eyes, please tell me what medical insurance coverage you have.”

[Mercy Health, perhaps? No, He never asked about it.]

D. Blog: Healing Religion

Far too many people have received serious wounds from organized religion or religious adherents. Physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Hurtful and hate-filled ideas about women or homosexuals or people of other religions or no religion.

Yet we tend to think that religion should offer comfort and wholeness for our lives in a world where suffering and death are part and parcel of reality. We think religion should help us move beyond our injuries and pain to new levels of hope and understanding and wellness.

In the church, we preach and teach forgiveness. Rarely, however, does a religious organization ask for forgiveness for the wounds it has caused. When one does, it usually comes only after a public scandal or outcry. I wonder about that… Is it that because we believe Jesus didn’t hurt anyone, we as His body now on Earth won’t hurt anyone either?

As one member of the church, I wish we as the church would actively seek forgiveness from those who have been wounded by us, individually or corporately. It seems to me a sham to ask for God’s forgiveness if we won’t ask forgiveness from those whose wounds we cause…

Lent: Preparing for Death or New Life?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

The gods of war must take pride in our recent history. We show an inordinate desire to please them.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Life may seem fleeting, but for me it is rich, grace-filled, an experience of miracle and beauty, a plate overflowing with eternity.

Human beings, your children, constantly amaze me. Hearing their stories fills me with awe at the variety of experience, the courage and hope that inspire us.

At the same time, some people I meet have endured great pain and disappointment. They may be discouraged and depressed, yet they persevere in the best way they know.

Wrap all of us in your arms…

Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Do this in remembrance of me: Put ashes on your foreheads when you begin to look forward to my death.”

[I hardly know what to say… but He didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Preparing for Easter

I believe we should see Lent as a time to anticipate and prepare for Jesus’ resurrection, just as Advent is a time to anticipate and prepare for His birth.

The church’s extreme focus on the cross during Lent seems misguided to me. Everybody dies. Too many die brutally, unnecessarily and innocent of wrong.

The Christian affirmation is not just that Jesus died. The main thing is He lives! He is Risen! This, I believe, should draw most of the attention during Lent. Enough already about dying for our sins. More, please, about how He lives and we live through Him.

As Wise as These Bumperstickers

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace resides most often in those who are not trying to prove something or justify themselves.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I know that Jesus came to save, not to die as part of some “plan” of yours.
I know that Jesus came to liberate us from religious forms that hide you from us, not to bind us more tightly to priestly control over our spirits.
I know that Jesus came to give us freedom from oppressive social/economic/political structures, not to endorse those same abusive systems.
I know that you want goodness in and for your children and that Jesus offered goodness to us if we can hear His voice above the shrieking of demons.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Yes, Doctor, I do hear God talking to me all the time. I think that’s normal, don’t you?”

[Hmmm… But He never said it like this exactly.]

D. Blog: Bumpersticker Wisdom

- Men who change diapers change the world.

- Urban Sprawl: Cut down all the trees and name the streets after them…

- I Think, Therefore I’m Dangerous

- Don’t get even. Get odd.

How's That for Balderdash?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I imagine that among intelligent beings on other planets, those who advocate war are institutionalized as mentally unstable or criminally insane.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Sun.
Birds.
Breeze.
Trees.
Clouds.
Friends.
Kids.
Arts.
Love.

Life as suffering?
I don’t think so.
Gift seems more like it.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“C’mon, Peter, the walk will do you good.”

[Not exactly. No, He never said it.]

D. Blog: Word of the Week -- Balderdash

“Balderdash” or, usually, “Balderdash!!”

–noun
1.
senseless, stupid, or exaggerated talk or writing; nonsense.

2.
Obsolete. a muddled mixture of liquors.

[Origin: 1590–1600; of obscure orig. ]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

balderdash
1596, of unknown origin; originally a jumbled mix of liquors (milk and beer, beer and wine, etc.), transferred 1674 to "senseless jumble of words." First element perhaps cognate with Dan. balder "noise, clatter" (cf. boulder).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper


[A with most “unknown origin” words, I have an answer: balderdash originated with political campaigns.]

Divinity Casts No Vote

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Plug the dike that protects from the torrent of war – with a peaceful finger.

B. Unabashed Christian: An Ash Wednesday Meditation based on the Book of Job

Holy One,

When life goes well, it is very good.
I want to express my gratitude and praise.
I want to set aside all thought of sackcloth and ashes,
To stand tall as one of your children.

When life goes badly, it can be torture.
Then I want to lay blame, on myself most often, on you if necessary.
I want to wear ashes in grief and suffering,
Or in guilt and shame.

But you say that gets me nowhere.
You say I should not grovel; I am not a worm, but made in your image.
You remind me of your majesty – and of my heritage in you.
You say ashes are for the dead, not for the living.

Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I-21. Bingo!!”

[Nope, sorry, He never said that.]

D. Blog: Political God Cards

I notice that presidential candidates tend to claim close ties to the Divinity. I grant this as a given, but not in the way they seem to think. Divinity casts no vote.

I recently read a book about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Washington Roebling was the chief engineer throughout that 14 year project. The entire time, he had to deal with politicians meddling in the process and trying to use the bridge construction to their own political or economic advantage, sometimes through very public and unwarranted criticism of him by their pundits in the newspapers. By the time the bridge was completed, Roebling could not stand to be around politicians.

I wonder whether that might be the Holy One’s attitude… But then, Divinity possesses a “supernatural” capacity to tolerate and forgive and make allowances for human folly.

Voting -- or Not

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

“Love your enemies.” That’s probably a misquote, according to most of church history.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Please identify yourself when you call. Too many people mistakenly identify someone else’s voice as yours.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I look forward to reading The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Reflexology. It will fill a gap in my healing techniques.”

[Uh-huh. God of the gaps? I think not.]

D. Blog: Election Process

Our procedures in the US for choosing the “leader” of the herd don’t seem to make a lot of sense, or work very well. Many of our citizens opt out of the process because of that and because it seems that it won’t make much difference – even though we all know we have to live with the consequences of our choices.

Part of my understanding as a Christian is that Jesus pointed to an alternative sort of divine administration, one that offers a hope of true justice and peace, one that builds on the ways of forgiveness and compassion, one that invites us to overcome our fears and transform those we identify as enemies into neighbors and friends.

I think that’s what it means when we say “thy dominion come.” A candidate whose platform resonates with that vision will get my support.

Seeking Rationality

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

War is the most useless, wasteful, stupid game ever developed by men. Prove your manhood, kill the guy in the neighboring tribe. Bah, humbug!

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

We are free to imagine a universe without you.
How do we then explain love?

We can live thinking you do not exist.
So, everything is a matter of chance? (I have a much better chance of winning the grand prize in the Powerball lottery).

We can have preposterous notions about you.
At the core, doesn’t it come down to loving you and loving our neighbors – all of them?

Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I’d like to see the Cape of Good Hope before I die…”

[Makes sense, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

So much beauty, so little time…
So much wonder and joy…
I’ll take it.

Which Establishment Cares?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Going to war never makes a man. It often breaks a man.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Personally, I feel blessed, satisfied, at peace. My life, while having some issues and struggles, is wonderful. For this I am grateful to the utmost.

I am concerned about the wider world, however – too many people, too much destruction of Earth’s resources, too many people suffering, too many people resorting to violence out of their desperation or misguided lives, too many trying to impose their beliefs on others. I fear for the impact in the coming years when these negative elements of today will have fuller consequences.

My prayer is for greater wisdom and patience, more self-discipline, more hope, more caring and sharing – in short, for a spiritual awakening that might save/restore humanity.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Some day wars will be fought over this sticky black stuff.”

[Not that He approved. Nor did He say this.]

D. Blog: Amazing Quote of the Day

“Look, the only people for Hillary Clinton are the Democratic establishment and white women. The Democratic establishment would be crazy to follow an establishment that led it to defeat year after year. White women are a problem, you know. We all live with that.”

-- William Kristol on Fox “News” Sunday, 2/3/2008
[This from one of the prominent “neo-conservative” ideologues who gave us the Iraq war/occupation and other travesties in recent years. Who’s the real problem, Mr. White Male Establishment??]

It's My Story and I'm Sticking to It

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I saw something on TV about an organization that helps people “adopt” US soldiers. If we adopt one, does that mean we get to bring him/her home to live with us? We might want to do that – if we can have him/her immediately.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

The evidence seems overwhelming to me: you love us, you love this world, you love plants, trees, animals, insects, you love life, you love moons and stars and galaxies and the proliferating cosmos.
I find you guilty of love beyond measure. I know you can’t help it. I know it’s an addiction. No matter the mitigating condition, you are guilty as charged.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Just use your Easy button.”

[When the disciples weren’t able to heal as He did? No, He didn’t say it.]

D. Blog: A Parable

"Having ears to hear (II)..."

A man went about telling stories. Some listeners could not understand the stories, so they said, "Stories are nonsense."
Other listeners, seeing no useful purpose in the stories, dismissed them with the words, "Stories are for children."
But other listeners heard truth in the stories, so they said, "God tells stories."

Religion on the Bumper

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

On the first day of Christmas, our true love gave to us – Peace on Earth.

B. Unabashed Christian (haiku):

Holy One,

Does the fog hide you from us?
Or provide your leading?
You cannot hide.

Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“If you pray in my name, you don’t need to do as I say.”

[Especially that stuff about not being judgmental – but He never said this.]

D. Blog: Bumpersticker Religion

- Born OK the first time!

- I bet Jesus would have used His turn signal!

- Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.

- Non-judgment day is near.

US Keeps Filibusters Alive

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Every war is dis-honorable. So “peace with honor” is a redundant term.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You have amazing vision. You see into our hearts.
You have awesome hearing. You hear our longings.
You have incredible touch. Your hand can heal our spirits.
Your taste and smell must also surpass ours.
But then, we are your means of reacting to the sensations of the world.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“My followers should just ignore parts of the Sermon on the Mount they don’t like.”

[We do well at obeying things He never said…]

D. Blog: Word of the Week

Filibuster

Origin: 1852

It began with pirates. The Dutch had a descriptive term for them: vrijbuiter, which roughly translates into English as freebooter--that is, someone free of national allegiance who sought booty. Other languages borrowed vrijbuiter too. The French translated it as filibustier, the Spanish filibustero. And from the Spanish we derived the American English filibuster.

Why Spanish? Because a new kind of filibuster was taking place in the Spanish-speaking parts of North and South America in the nineteenth century, and citizens of the United States were among the most involved. This new piracy occurred on land rather than at sea, and it aimed at capturing whole countries rather than ships. After the revolutions of the 1820s had swept most of Latin America free of Spanish control, the weak new governments provided tempting opportunities for adventurers seeking to bring democracy, or do business, or both. One such adventurer was William Walker of Nashville, who tried unsuccessfully to capture Lower California in 1853-54 and successfully installed himself as president of Nicaragua in 1856. The U.S. government was not amused; the U.S. Navy routed him out one year later. He died in 1860 while attempting to conquer all of Central America.

By 1852 this adventuring was much discussed in Washington, D.C. In January of 1853 one U.S. senator was recorded as accusing another of "filibustering" against the United States. The term then began to be applied to a particular tactic: taking advantage of the Senate's privilege of unlimited speech to delay action on a bill. A senator can speak on any topic for as long as he or she wishes. This provided a way for the minority party, a small group, or even one determined individual to prevent the majority from having its way. In the mid-twentieth century southerners used this kind of filibuster to block civil rights laws that would end the legality of discrimination based on race. An overwhelming majority of the Senate (formerly two-thirds, now three-fifths) can vote to cut off debate, and that finally happened in 1957 to pass the first civil rights bill.

[from Answers.com]