Brief Theology

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

The door to peace opens when ego steps aside.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Whenever we think we know better than you, forgive us.
Whenever we fall into routines that rob us and others of the creative spirit within, forgive us.
Whenever we turn from the witness of Jesus’ life and teaching, forgive us.
Whenever we forget that there is more than this life, this planet, this solar system, forgive us.
Whenever we refuse to forgive others, have mercy upon us.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“You could say that the Genesis cosmology lacks perspective.”

[I do, but He never did.]

D. Blog: Some Theology In Brief

- “Smug Christian” is an oxy-moron

- God doesn't believe in atheists

- No pronoun is good enough for God. – Duke Ellington

- It’s a long way to heaven; it’s closer to Harrisburg -- Song lyric

What are Absolutes?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Like love at the end of a boot, peace at the end of a gun is nonsense.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

With you life is never normal. Following your round way and feeding your sheep do not fit into normal squares or cubicles. So let us walk confidently in your abnormal path in pursuit of your holy realm.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I don’t believe death and taxes are such absolutes.”

[Hmm, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: Get Your Kazoo While They Last!

[Kudos to the Online Etymology Dictionary for this one.]

1884, Amer.Eng., probably altered from earlier bazoo "trumpet" (1877); probably ultimately onomatopoeic (cf. bazooka). In England, formerly called a Timmy Talker, in France, a mirliton.

"Kazoos, the great musical wonder, ... anyone can play it; imitates fowls, animals, bagpipes, etc." [1895 Montgomery Ward catalogue, p.245]

[Great musical wonder? Apparently advertising hype has been around for a long time.]

Divine Patience

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

No peace is complete without you.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Life is a constant surprise to me. Usually a good surprise. It would make me happy if I knew we sometimes provide you with pleasant surprises, too. I hope that’s not presumptuous. I just worry that being all-knowing could become boring, and I think even you should experience the joy of an occasional surprise.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“We’ve got a huge crowd here today, so be sure to pass the plates guys.”

[One wonders how they supported themselves, but even if He had said something like this, I think it would have involved baskets instead of plates.]

D. Blog: Divine Patience

I marvel at God’s patience. I understand that from the perspective of eternity, time has little meaning. We humans, on the other hand, all too conscious of our mortality, are acutely aware of the passage of time.

Still, untold billions of human years to bring the current universe into being, untold billions of years to birth human life? It staggers my imagination that even divinity could have such patience. The patience to guide us to a measure of maturity as a species gets a bit easier to comprehend, as does the process of maturing in an individual life. But from my perspective, it took far too long for me to reach a point of feeling relatively comfortable with a humility in relation to divinity, an acceptance that the One we call God remains totally beyond my control, One therefore whose mystery and whose patience remain more than I can comprehend.

Imagine Jesus at Mardi Gras...

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Through a window of hope, I see the storm clouds of peace threatening to rain upon the barren, blood-stained land.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

People amaze me. Some hurry on their way to buy things they don’t need, even during a recession. Some grow and sell beautiful fruits and vegetables and flowers. Some fill their heads with trash from TV and radio and other media. Some express themselves in wonderful crafts and art. Some waste their lives in idle pursuits. Some give of themselves to better the lives of others and to improve society. Some die alone and forgotten. Some live on in the lives of countless friends, family, descendants.

What makes the difference? One thing is what Marcus Borg defines as being born again, i.e., realizing that the world does not revolve around us (what a refreshing understanding of the term!). Life does not just benefit us; we benefit life. You do not exist to serve us; we exist to serve you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Well, we could go to the Mardi Gras parade instead.”

[Instead of a Palm Sunday parade? Don’t think so. Only we could come up with something like Fat Tuesday to prepare for Lent.]

D. Blog: Iraq - Still

Iraq is a killing field. People have died by the thousands, and both civilians and militants continue to die. Along with them, the warring has killed countless hopes of freedom and democracy. The violence has destroyed rights and values as highly prized as the artifacts from the ransacked museums. It has perverted morality and religion, muted spirituality, diminished the good and enhanced evil.

What becomes of killing fields? Do we build glorifying monuments or reminders not to create more of the same hell?

Jesus and Women

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

War will go the way of the dinosaurs – or humans will.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

“Rest in Peace.”

We inscribe it on tombstones. Perhaps the saying belongs also on our bed posts and pillows, our doorways and our sanctuaries. It’s peace in this life that we desire; for peace after this life you have given assurance.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“You can take it to the bank. Some day Jews will elect a woman to head the government of Israel.”

[It took a long time… and He never said it, not even to Mary and Martha.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

If I had a message of grace,
I’d take it
Into Eternity….

Do We Bother Jesus?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I have a dream that every community and every organization and every school will award peace prizes.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

The road is long, with many a winding way, that leads us to your door. No matter how our way has looked – straight and narrow or crooked and wide – you have prepared to receive us with open arms, a place at the table, and a suite where we can stay.

On our way we have encountered people beaten down by life and left beside the road. On our way we, too, may feel beaten down. On our way we also come to celebrations that warrant our joy and throwing a party. The biggest party of all is the one you throw. You share it with us at any time we find our way to you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I like to see traffic moving on the left side of the road.”

[I like to think about the left part, but I’m certain He never said it.]

D. Blog: A Letter to Jesus

Dear Jesus,

Some Christians make more of your supposed Davidic pedigree than they do of the Sermon on the Mount. Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of your mother’s supposed virginity than they do of your teachings? Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of the supposed “three kings” than they do of being neighbors? Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of the supposed benefits of your crucifixion than they do of the blessings of your life. Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of your supposed second coming than they do of your first coming. Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of a supposed devil than they do of God’s power to protect. Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of sin’s supposed power than they do of God’s power to forgive. Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of getting into God’s dominion in heaven than they do of making it come alive on Earth. Doesn’t that bother you?

Some Christians make more of an anticipated life in heaven than they do of real life on Earth. Doesn’t that bother you?

I guess that’s why taught that we should pray not to be led into temptation, right?

Please get back to me,

Ron

Where's the Meaning?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

The road to peace has no land mines or bomb craters.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Immortal.
Invisible.
All-knowing and wise.
All-powerful and ever-present.
Great unknown.
And, you care about humans?
Awesome!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I hope you guys know I’m just lending you that robe my mother made for me.”

[Not one of the things He said from the cross.]

D. Blog: Finding Meaning Anywhere

We will look for meaning in almost anything.

Take that neighborhood cat sunning itself on our deck – could it have some deeper meaning? Has it been abandoned? Is it seeking a new home? Is it anticipating a meal of nuthatch near the birdfeeder? Probably not.

But suppose it appreciates the higher view and the sun’s rays. Hmm… That sounds like a potential parable, doesn’t it? A metaphor for why people spend time on Sunday mornings in church – to get a better view and to feel the warmth of love.

Questioning Jesus' Authority

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Devil’s workshop? That would be a munitions plant.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You offer us incredible freedom. In fact, I think you require it. It seems that “live free or die” has its origins in you. Although I will not accept the military and political appropriation of that slogan, I do accept it as a theological and psychological truth. We are designed for freedom.

Jesus was all about liberating people. He confirmed what runs throughout the scriptures: You demand “let my people go!” You want to free us from demons, from slavery, from oppression by governments and by religions, from scarcity, addictions and mindless pursuits, from disease, desperation and boredom, from fear and hatred and vengeance. You offer freedom to know more, to know you who are more, more than can ever be bound by our vain attempts to control or limit you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Question authority… Well, perhaps not mine, Peter.”

[I like it. But He didn’t say it.]

D. Blog: More Bumperstickers

- Don’t believe everything you think

- Peace on Earth begins with birth; support Midwives

- Keep your theology off my biology

- Hate is the enemy

Did Jesus Question the Platypus?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

"I never ask for too much, not even at Christmas. What I really want is world peace." –Lawrence, age 13

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Forgive us for limiting your love, distorting your love, perverting your love, forgetting your love, demeaning your love, overlooking your love, falsifying your love, denying your love, withholding your love, blocking your love, abusing your love, disgracing your love, dishonoring your love, disregarding your love, disrespecting your love, trivializing your love, transgressing against your love, shutting out your love.

Open our hearts to receive and share your love.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Just one question, Father. The platypus. What were you thinking?”

[I’m sure this wasn’t part of His praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.]

D. Blog: Tell Me, What’s a Dudgeon?

[From answer.com:]

a. A sullen, angry, or indignant humor: “Slamming the door in Meg's face, Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon” (Louisa May Alcott).
[Origin unknown.]
b. Obsolete. A kind of wood used in making knife handles.
Archaic.
A dagger with a hilt made of this wood.
The hilt of a dagger.
[Middle English dogeon, possibly from Anglo-Norman.]
- - -

[From the Online Etymology Dictionary:]

1573, duggin, of unknown origin. One suggestion is It. aduggiare "to overshadow," giving it the same sense development as umbrage. No clear connection to earlier dudgeon (1380), a kind of wood used for knife handles, which is perhaps from a Fr. word.

Greed Kills!!!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace without humility and war without pride – both are laughable ideas.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

It does not come easily, thinking of you as Goddess as well as God. I accept the logic of divinity encompassing female as well as male. Our sacred text says we humans were created in the divine image that is male and female. I like knowing that you demonstrate “female” as well as “male” characteristics. However, the male-biased teachings have dominated in my life, despite having been exposed to ideas about Goddess and the Sacred Feminine. I guess I am seeking understanding, your patient understanding as I take faltering steps to increase my sensitivity to this reality and incorporate it more fully in my prayer and in my thinking. I am your servant.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I just needed to get away from you for a while, Mom.”

[Something He didn’t say when as a boy He stayed behind at the Temple. Even if that could be hinted in the “I must be about my Father’s business.”]

D. Blog: Greed Kills!!!

In the current frightening economy and in some of my recent reading of history and biographies, I have reached a heightened awareness of how deadly greed is.

Sure, I had heard about it as one of the deadly sins. I had understood that to mean that if I pursued a path of greed, it will mean the personal destruction of my soul/spirit, taking me away from life’s true pleasures in human community. I had only a limited idea of how it could be detrimental to society, as well.

What strikes me now with lightning clarity is that greed truly kills, on a scale far beyond what I had previously imagined. The greed of some kills millions of others, while it often enriches those whose greed can manipulate economic and political systems. Bernie Madoff has caused multiple suicides. Manufacturers and traders who gain great wealth by dealing in weaponry, in my mind, enable atrocities, yet their role in terrorism and genocide goes hardly noticed. I have finally noticed: greed kills people, kills communities, kills societies, kills even nations.

Speed kills, too, of course. Both kinds. But greed is much more deadly.

Wisdom and Knowledge

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Why do the nations so furiously rage together? Because they want to be God, but cannot. The very notion of sovereignty is a form of idolatry.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

As the Friends (Quakers) teach, you impart some of yourself into each of us, a reflection of your greatness. Thus, you honor us as we nurture wisdom and lean to distinguish it from knowledge. Let us come to love wisdom, while not disdaining knowledge.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“May the bird of paradise fly up your nose.”

[I can safely state that He did not say this when He met with Pilate.]

D. Blog: What Makes the World Go ‘Round

Does love really make the world go ‘round?

At first, it seems a romantic notion, scientific nonsense rather like the Genesis creation stories in its simplicity. On a deeper level, where spirit does perhaps influence matter (as in process theology and modern physics), the saying might contain truth as well as romance. Some scientific evidence suggests a force for good built into the fabric of the universe. A “heart” of goodness, a “God” of love offering possibilities and hope. I don’t know for sure. But it helps my outlook on life...

Roses and Thorns

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When peace awards are given, there should be a special one for mothers and fathers, who do conflict resolution every day.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Every breath is cause for gratitude, every step a wonder.
Nothing about us counts as less than a miracle.
All about us reveals your glory, for we are magnificent creatures, despite our grave flaws.
Our worship, too, is flawed. But we mean well.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“What I meant to say is: hand me a stone.”

[What He didn’t say, when they brought an adulteress to Him, or when they didn’t bring a homosexual to Him for His judgment.]

D. Blog: Favorite Lincoln Quotes

“We can complain that rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice that thorn bushes have roses."

"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice."

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time."

"In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free--honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. Other means may succeed; this could not fail. The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just--a way which, if followed, the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless."

"Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."

"...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."

"I don't like that man. I must get to know him better."

Just Imagining?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace often begins with conversation over a meal.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Life is unimaginable without you.
You are unimaginable without life.
Tillich said we are “wired” for love, power and justice.
Existence is impossible without them. They are innate to all that has existence, including you.
Naturally, we are made in your image.
Imagine that!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I’m counting the seconds until I can save Dante from his inferno.”

[Just because I can imagine it, that doesn’t mean He said it.]

D. Blog: Wondering…

Challenges come to stimulate us, or to overwhelm us. I imagine that if the Hebrews could get through 40 years as homeless nomads, we can get through this…

But, I wonder whether those 40 years in the wilderness left them praying for a GPS…

Still wondering… What kind of logic is there in calling an area of interminable conflict a “holy land?”

Abandon Peace?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When we abandon peace, we lose.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

The love present in the world can sometimes bring tears to my eyes.
How could I doubt your presence?

The lack of love in the world sometimes brings tears to my eyes.
How I wish you did exist for cruel and hate-filled people.

The love present in the world sometimes puts a huge smile on my face.
How can I doubt your presence?

The pain and tragedy in the world sometimes causes me to shake my head in frustration.
How I wish you could bring hope and joy to our suffering conditions.

That you do bring your vast love to bear in even the worst of circumstances makes me bow in wonder.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Frankly, Mom, this isn’t what I expected when God sent me to liberate the oppressed.”

[Another of the things He did not say from the cross.]

D. Blog: Complete Conundrum

My joy is complete.
Yet for others there is almost no joy.
So how can my joy possibly be complete?

Some people feel certain they will live in heavenly joy.
Yet they also believe others will spend eternity in hell.
So how can their joy possibly be complete - or heavenly?

Be My Valentine

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace may be an impossible ideal, but worth pursuing nonetheless.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

To love is to be. To love and seek union is to fulfill a major part of our destiny in life. You made us to love, for you are love. When I give myself to love, I give myself to you.
Giving thus, I also receive myself in union with you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Be my Valentine.”

[Potentially, I suppose, to Mary Magdalene or any of us, but no, never said it.]

D. Blog: Follow the Leader (car)

- My karma ran over your dogma

- I’m already against the next war

- Bipartisanship: I’ll hug your elephant if you kiss my ass

- Everyone does better when everyone does better

Booger or BOOGR?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

When my body parts are at peace, I am healthy. Hmmm…

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You gently push us to try something new.
You whisper, “You can do it” when we hesitate to try.
You set before us the potential rewards for making an effort.
You let us see that any adventure begins with a first step.
When it’s over, you invite us, who don’t know what’s on the menu, to a great feast.
We will respond, for we trust you.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“This must be the 13th, Barabbas.”

[Another of the things He didn’t say from the cross.]

D. Blog: Explaining “Booger”

[Thanks to answerbag.com for these answers to the long-suppressed question about where and how we picked out this word.]

Answer #1: The etymology of the word booger baffles scholars. Since it has always been considered semi-vulgar or at least childish, it has been used in few written sources. Furthermore, in the past the word booger has been used to mean many things, and has often overlapped with the terms boogie, bogey, and bugger. The earliest usage of the word is as an alternate spelling of the vulgarism bugger. Booger was first said to be slang for "dried mucus" in the 1892 Dialect Notes; boogie was said to mean the same thing in the 1891 Dictionary of American Regional English. Its appearance in slang dictionaries indicates that it had probably been used for some time in the United States before the 1890s. Both books said that mainly "school children" used the word.

Answer #2: The term boogr is a genetic term, as such: Brain Offering Organic Genetic Reconstruction. The hippocampus needs new stem cells daily and usually gets what it needs when you swallow mucus from your nasal cavity every night. Stem cells are produced in the nasal cavity. When a developing brain of a child cannot get what it needs at night, the brain triggers the act of eating boogrs to compensate. The stem cells are protected by the mucus, get through the stomach where the mucus is consumed by bacteria in the intestines. The stem cells are tagged and rushed to the brain where they are used in the hippocampus.

Kids who eat boogrs are typically smarter than kids who do not. Video games, television and computers kill stem cells in the hippocampus and will need rapid replacement, so a nervous condition may arise causing an adult to eat boogrs. Also, the "dirt" in boogrs is harmless, but the benefits that the organisms trapped in the mucus give to your immune system are essential. Kids who consume boogrs have very strong immune systems compared to kids who do not.

[I would advise kids to seek confirmation before picking this latter explanation for use in a school assignment.]

Lincoln's Birthday

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Full of hope and commitment and pride, he entered the military straight from his high school graduation.
Full of horror and despair, he returned to civilian life two years later, carrying invisible, debilitating wounds.
His home is now on the streets of _____ , where there are people who understand and accept him.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Do you plan these amazing skies?
In my view, your copyright is unassailable.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

"One word of advice for you, Reuben: plastic.”

[An inspired line, but He didn’t say it.]

D. Blog: Asheville News on Lincoln’s Birthday

- “Walter Lamar Chambers Jr., 28, charged with possession with intent to sell and deliver a counterfeit controlled substance. Police said Chambers was trying to pass a mixture of starch and wax for cocaine.”

[A counterfeit controlled substance? Don’t doctors call that a placebo? Maybe the guy’s thinking of a career in developing new drugs…]

- This article headline: “Pope tells Jews Holocaust denial unacceptable”

[Something is wrong with this statement. Can you see what it is?]

Greener Grass

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Pacifism is not for the faint of heart. It requires being prepared to die for peace, with an unwillingness to kill for it.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You have a long memory.
Remember our longings.
Remember our joys.
Remember our acts of mercy and kindness.
Remember our words of praise and thanks.
Restore us to the best you put in us.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Have you ever noticed how the grass is greener over there than it is over here?”

[Probably recalling Egypt. No, He never said it.]

D. Blog: Adoring

I adore early morning light, even on a cloudy day.
I adore the sight of birds flitting around the deck.
I adore trees, magnificent in their variety and for what they contribute to our common life on Earth.
I adore a full moon, a waterfall, the colors as the sun appears or disappears over the horizon.
I adore the family and friends who enrich and support my life.
I adore this place where I live, a place of promise and refuge.
In other words, I agree with the Genesis writer who declared it all good.

Forever Love

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Unabashed Pacifist:

“Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”

Good thing we don’t live by the sword anymore, isn’t it?
(Note: that’s sarcasm)

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I like the image of you in the “prodigal son” story. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, when we then return to you, you welcome us with joy.

A similar idea came from Jesus in his response to the question about how many times we should be willing to forgive a brother or sister. Countless time, just as you are will to forgive us for the many (countless?) times we do things that hurt you or inhibit your dominion.

This understanding gives me assurance and hope when I return to you after my lapses of attention to you or my acts that damage the relationship with you. I am deeply grateful for the welcome and the forgiveness. I like the party, too.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Did you guys know Judas is a priest? I’ve heard lots of people say it.”

[He never said it, of course, but it strikes me as a most unusual exclamation.]

D. Blog: Waiting Forever

Think about this line from a song: “If it takes forever, I will wait for you.”

In a love song, it’s sentimental and romantic to the extreme, but not realistic, if for no other reason than “forever” is an impossible human timeframe. Besides, people move on. Or they become stalkers, when romanticism turns into psychosis.

The line does seem appropriate, though, for the prodigal’s parents and the different sort of love parents have.

This Troublesome Samaritan

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

We shall walk through the valley in peace.
And through the mountains and the deserts and the plains.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

When the newly arrived look for you in heaven, will they discover that you are still at work on Earth?
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Put a little love in your heart, and the world will be a better place for me, and you.”

[I suppose He could have inspired it, but He never exactly said it.]

D. Blog: Awkward?

Can we set justice aside when basic needs must be met?
Can we set political or economic ideology aside when basic needs must be met?
Can we set religious notions aside when basic needs must be met?
Can we ignore needy neighbors when it’s time for worship?
Can we overlook the hopeless when we must witness to our hope?
Awkward.

There was this Samaritan…who recognized that
Neither justice, righteousness nor community can exist without compassion.

Pacifist Defense #1

A. Unabashed Pacifist: Responding to Questions/Challenges, Part 1

They always ask: “What would you do if somebody was threatening to shoot you with a gun?” The assumption is that I have a gun and would try to defend myself with it. I’d like to respond: “Check your assumptions at the door.”

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

When some people die, the living rejoice to see them gone. If the dead did particularly evil things, they might be remembered, but never revered.
When other people die, the living mourn their passing and remember them with fondness, reverence and memorials.
In your case, we create no memorials. We do not mourn. We re-member you by taking you into our lives and being your living body in the world, nourished by your life-giving presence.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“If you do that to me again, woman, you’re toast.”

[No, I’m sure that’s not what He said to the woman who touched His robe.]

D. Blog: A Child’s Take on Lot’s Story

A father was reading Bible stories to his young daughter. He read, “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.”

His daughter asked, “But what happened to the flea?”

He Never Said It!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Because forgiveness is the way of God, peace is the way of God.
Because peace is the way of God, forgiveness is the way of God.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Raise me from pettiness so that I recognize your glory.
Raise me from sin so that I walk in your path.
Raise me from despair so that I know true hope in you.
Raise me from fear so that I know life in your bold presence.
Raise me from the valley of the shadow of death to know that I walk in eternity.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Save your stones for homosexuals.”

[Seeing the attitudes of many Christians, you’d think He said this at every opportunity. But it’s nowhere to be found in the gospels. He did say "love one another"...]

D. Blog: On the Road Again

- Soy to the World!

- Lobotomies for Republicans / It’s the law

- Jesus is a Card-carrying Liberal

- Where Have All the Hippies Gone?

Digamy? Defunct? Hardly!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

There is no defeat in peace, love or justice.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

I see snow, just enough to make things bright, just enough to please and not enough to bring hardship or more than trifling inconvenience.
If I step outside, I feel the cold, just enough to make me appreciate my warm house and the technology and finances to make it so, not enough to bring anything more than trifling inconvenience.
I know I am blessed. I would not choose to trade my situation, for it is more than enough.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Pharisee, that belief is so 50’s BC-ish.”

[He might have had a point, but never would have said it.]

D. Blog: You Might be involved in Digamy

[Adapted from Michael Quinion’s World Wide Words website]

A second marriage after the death or divorce of a previous spouse. A
World Wide Words wrote to me to express wonder why this word was not more often used, since many of us are digamists without realising it, and pointe out that it describes a very common and entirely acceptable relationship. Perhaps those few people who have come across it believe it is just another term for bigamy (a sense the word could indeed once have had) or perhaps the ease with which the two words can be confused led to the less common one dropping out of casual use. It does appear on rare occasions in academic works. The word comes directly from Latin digamia, with the same sense, which in turn derives from Greek; its first recorded appearance was in 1635. An alternative that once had the same sense is deuterogamy, though this is now equally defunct.

Speaking of which:

1548, from L. defunctus "dead," lit. "off-duty," from pp. of defungi "to discharge, finish," from de- "off, completely," + fungi "perform or discharge duty."

[from the Online Etymology Dictionary]

Infallible and Fallible

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

What we envision becomes our reality. Let’s quit preparing for war and start preparing for peace.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

Given the alternative of living without light, I prefer the light.
Given the alternative of living in despair, I choose to hope.
Given the alternative of living without laughter, I’ll take humor all the time.
Given the alternative of living without love, the choice is obvious.
Given the alternative of living without you… duh, that’s not possible!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“At the end of the day, whoever has the most toys wins.”

[Many things about this one make me certain He never said it. Mainly, it’s child-ish, not child-like.]

D. Blog: Just Wondering…

1. I’m not up on the nature of infallibility, but the Pope apparently changed his mind about reinstating a Catholic official who didn’t think the Holocaust actually happened. Help me now. Isn’t that like admitting having made a mistake? (I notice Obama made such an admission related to the Daschle nomination for a cabinet position.) In my mind, a mistake equates with fallibility. But I could be mistaken…

2. I’m not clear about the recanting thing, either. It appears to me to be a matter of revising one’s opinion under pressure, having one’s arm twisted and saying “uncle” but not really believing it. Suppose we have Holocaust deniers visit the concentration camps, see the Holocaust memorials and museums, listen to/watch/read the stories of survivors. Then a little speaking tour, maybe a book, about their conversion to truth…

3. Is Dick Cheney taking unhappy pills? Maybe some anti-anti-paranoia medication? He must, as my wife suggests, have had too many briefings on possible terrorist activities. Such a gloomy Gus I have never seen. But then, suppose he’s right (nobody’s always wrong, either), and foreign (or native) terrorists strike again in the US. Let me see… we have some right to immunity from what’s happening in so many parts of the world? We have never wronged any of those folks who are that upset with the US? Our policies would never contribute to misery elsewhere in the world? We as a nation, in other words, are kind of like the Pope???

4. Perhaps a process similar to #2 is in order...

Who Needs Bigger Barns?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

I pray for the conversion of the Armageddon sect.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You came to me in the night.
You came to me when I was confused and troubled.
You came to me and touched my wounds.
You came to me and raised me from my bed of pain.
You came to me and freed me from fear and guilt.
You came to me and released me from rigid religion.
You came to me and inspired me to follow you.
You came to me and put a part of your spirit in me.
You came to me and promised to stay with me.
You came to me in the night – and all was light.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“My step-dad wanted me to go into banking, but my heart wasn’t in it.”

[When will they ever learn, He didn’t say it – but could have.]

D. Blog: Bigger Barns

We say “you only live once,” and interpret that as encouragement to take advantage of the opportunities that come our way, to get the most we can from life.

Jesus was one who lived once, and rather than taking from life, added to the lives of others. Rather than seizing opportunities, He provided opportunity for abundant life to all of us. Rather than securing life for Himself, He lost His life in a demonstration of a life dedicated to God, and, therefore, to all people.

Now we Christians celebrate His life once lived, and we know we live in and through Him as we follow the way He showed us.

Now we also have the negative example of executives in bloated financial institutions, trying to build bigger barns for themselves and to hell with the rest of the world.

Time's Up!

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

The Prince of Peace went forth to battle clad in a robe, a cloak, sandals, and a crown of thorns. It was all He needed.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

When the time is right, I will get my life together.
When the time is right, I will respond to your call upon my life.
When the time is right, I will learn to forgive.
When the time is right, I will express my love.

The time is right.

When the time is right, I will help those in need.
When the time is right, I will listen to your word.
When the time is right, I will respect your name.
When the time is right, I will pray.

Time’s up!
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“I like the Hora, but for a real cardio-vascular workout, there’s nothing like the Polka.”

[Maybe He never knew about clogging, but He never said this.]

D. Blog: A Haiku

Into each life a little joy must fall.
Let it be.
Let it be – now.

Divine Forgiveness -- It Happens

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Peace be in my mind.
Peace be in my heart.
Peace be in my soul.
Peace be in my strength.
Peace be in my deeds.
Peace be in my life.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You called for someone to maintain the building.
Here I am, send me.
You called for someone to prepare meals.
Here I am, send me.
You called for someone to pay attention to the library.
Here I am, send me.
You called for someone to visit shut-ins.
Here I am, send me.
You called for someone to help feed the homeless.
Here I am, send me.
You called for someone to teach our children.
Here I am, send me.
You called for followers to share your Good News.
Here we are, send us.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Chicken or egg? I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

[Not much of a politician, but He never said it. Get back to us, though…?]

D. Blog: Amazing Grace

A favorite hymn and a favorite theme in my blogging.

Consider the idea of forgiveness. I think the most difficult lesson from the story of the crucifixion lies in the words “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Not a word about exacting retribution or bringing justice as we normally understand that concept.

It is also striking to me that Jesus says those words without any indication of expecting penitence or request for forgiveness or sense of guilt on the part of the executioners or anyone else in the crowd. The words come even without any prior call to repent.

Along with the parable of the Prodigal, the prayer for forgiveness, whether in the time-bound sense of that particular event or in the more universal understanding the church has applied to it, does not connect with some need for sacrifice or atonement in order for forgiveness to be granted. Nothing about His statement from the cross suggests that forgiveness is connected, quid pro quo, to His death.

That is what makes divine grace amazing. No payment required. None, by anyone. It might make me feel better about the deal if I do something to earn it by feeling bad about my wrongs, but it’s not a requirement. I have no control over being forgiven. It happens. Amazing.

Quilting for Peace

A. Unabashed Pacifist –

Quilters for Peace:
“We create from scraps. Our colors and patterns vary block by block and quilt by quilt. Our work provides beauty and warmth. Some call it peace work.”

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You brought hope into the world…
- that sins could be forgiven,
- that enemies can learn to love,
- that ethnic differences need not divide,
- that women can know equality with men,
- that slaves could be free,
- that peace might prevail on Earth,
- that the year of Jubilee has real meaning,
- that the dominion of God lies open to us.
May you shine brightly in our minds and hearts.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“These tax forms get more complicated every year. If Caesar wants my tax money, he can at least make a form I can understand.”

[It’s a lot easier to give to God what is God’s, but He didn’t say this.]

D. Blog: Life Is Like a Fountain?

A rabbinical student is about to leave for America. When he asks his mentor for advice, the rabbi offers an adage that, he tells the student, will guide him for the rest of his life. "Always remember," the rabbi says sagely, "life is like a fountain."Deeply impressed by his teacher's wisdom, the student departs for a successful career in America. Thirty years later, he learns that the old rabbi is dying, so he returns for a final visit. "Rabbi," he says, "I have one question. For 30 years, whenever I was sad or confused, I thought about the phrase you passed on to me, and it has helped me through many difficult times. But to be perfectly frank, I have never understood the full meaning of it. Now that you are about to enter the realm of truth, tell me, dear Rabbi, why is life like a fountain?"

“Okay, so life isn’t like a fountain,” is his reply.