A. Unabashed Pacifist:
There’s a reason we have many more songs of peace than songs of war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Life never waits for us to get ready. It comes at us, full time, from all directions. It is a torrent of events, activities, ideas and sensations, a flow we attempt to channel, control or hold behind a protective dam. We can’t, for life overwhelms us from the moment of conception until our breathing stops.
I think you want us to feel the wonder of it all, to appreciate the glory of life as you give it to us and make us part of it.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Friday was not such a good day for me.”
[No, not what He told the two on the road to Emmaus.]
D. Blog: Southern Women and Their Crimes (cont.)
Danielle Gerding Owen, 26, of Asheville, charged with embezzlement. According to the arrest warrant, Owen embezzled $100 in cash from Burger King on Fairview Road where she worked. She was released under $2,000 unsecured bond.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, Sept. 24, 2009
[I don’t understand how taking some cash from the till of a fast food joint counts as “embezzlement.” More like supplementing a less than livable wage, or entrepreneurial activity by the desperately poor.]
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
How to View History
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
What if we think of history as a succession of wide-spread periods of peace with intermittent periods of localized warfare?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of Victory,
You win all the time. Even when you appear to lose, you win. Even when defeat is certain, you come back. When I am stopped, I can sometimes call it quite. You just bide your time (you have more of it) and pick another opportunity to have it your way. Triumph is your way of life. In you, it is our way, too. We just have to know which battles matter and recognize the forms of victory you sanction.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“If we only had a Walmart, I could buy a knock-off of those Roman uniforms.”
[No Walmart. No uniform. No, He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Life
Okay. Alright. Fine.
Great. Wonderful. Awesome.
Amazing. Glorious.
What if we think of history as a succession of wide-spread periods of peace with intermittent periods of localized warfare?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of Victory,
You win all the time. Even when you appear to lose, you win. Even when defeat is certain, you come back. When I am stopped, I can sometimes call it quite. You just bide your time (you have more of it) and pick another opportunity to have it your way. Triumph is your way of life. In you, it is our way, too. We just have to know which battles matter and recognize the forms of victory you sanction.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“If we only had a Walmart, I could buy a knock-off of those Roman uniforms.”
[No Walmart. No uniform. No, He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Life
Okay. Alright. Fine.
Great. Wonderful. Awesome.
Amazing. Glorious.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Three-Mile-an-Hour God
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
National history seen or taught as a succession of wars does a disservice to the people.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Three-Mile-an-Hour God,
That’s the title of a book of meditations by Kosuke Kayama. Our time-bound limitations make us impressed and obsessed with speed. Unlike us, you probably are not very impressed by speed. Of course you can move quickly, but for the really important things, slow and steady wins the race.
Koyama made the point that you’re more interested in depth of relationship, and that takes time. It takes moving along at a human pace; it takes a leisurely walk at that three-mile-an-hour rate.
I like the idea of being on a walk with you, and that’s often what it feels like when we take walks. You’re there to point out things to me and I can respond with interest, curiosity and delight. You bring up ideas for me to work with and suggestions for dealing with various situations in my life. My mind is free to relate at walking speed when I don’t have to concentrate on traffic around me.
I often wonder what’s the hurry, even when I’m in a car. Can we really “save time?” Trying to do so only shifts time’s opportunities, and if our speed eliminates time with you, we have lost our best opportunity. “Slow down, you move too fast,” not because we hope to make the moment last, but because the moment is full of your goodness and a slower pace enables us to enjoy it. At high speeds the moment is passed over and devalued, and with it you are devalued.
Three miles an hour seems just about right, as it was for the first followers of Jesus. That way they could absorb more of what he had to teach and of who he was. I’ll keep walking, too.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I hate to break it to you, Thaddeus, but you won’t be able to try that unicorn horn aphrodisiac in your lifetime.”
[Neither would He, but He didn’t say it.]
National history seen or taught as a succession of wars does a disservice to the people.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Three-Mile-an-Hour God,
That’s the title of a book of meditations by Kosuke Kayama. Our time-bound limitations make us impressed and obsessed with speed. Unlike us, you probably are not very impressed by speed. Of course you can move quickly, but for the really important things, slow and steady wins the race.
Koyama made the point that you’re more interested in depth of relationship, and that takes time. It takes moving along at a human pace; it takes a leisurely walk at that three-mile-an-hour rate.
I like the idea of being on a walk with you, and that’s often what it feels like when we take walks. You’re there to point out things to me and I can respond with interest, curiosity and delight. You bring up ideas for me to work with and suggestions for dealing with various situations in my life. My mind is free to relate at walking speed when I don’t have to concentrate on traffic around me.
I often wonder what’s the hurry, even when I’m in a car. Can we really “save time?” Trying to do so only shifts time’s opportunities, and if our speed eliminates time with you, we have lost our best opportunity. “Slow down, you move too fast,” not because we hope to make the moment last, but because the moment is full of your goodness and a slower pace enables us to enjoy it. At high speeds the moment is passed over and devalued, and with it you are devalued.
Three miles an hour seems just about right, as it was for the first followers of Jesus. That way they could absorb more of what he had to teach and of who he was. I’ll keep walking, too.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I hate to break it to you, Thaddeus, but you won’t be able to try that unicorn horn aphrodisiac in your lifetime.”
[Neither would He, but He didn’t say it.]
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Least of These???
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
So long as war rages in our world, God cannot reign in our lives.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Sometimes I just need your shoulder to cry on. You know the sources of my hurt and the hurts and disappointments I cause for others. Soothe and comfort us all and keep us willing to remain engaged in the relationships that keep us nurtured and growing in love. Grant us understanding and patience. Make it all better again.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“In the grand scheme of things, what does one life matter?”
[Sometimes quite a lot. But He never said this.]
D. Blog: The “Least” of These
The least of these??? Surely He didn’t say that. It must be Mathew’s condescension, not His.
“Least” has to mean in terms of society’s norms, not in terms of divine valuation. His entire ministry as otherwise recorded in the gospels speaks of valuing everyone as one of God’s children. Perhaps the mistake was not Matthew’s, but that of a scribe or a translator.
At the same time that I object to “least,” I marvel at the spiritual insight in this text describing a judgment scene. The divine lives within each human being; we are all sacred.
So long as war rages in our world, God cannot reign in our lives.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Sometimes I just need your shoulder to cry on. You know the sources of my hurt and the hurts and disappointments I cause for others. Soothe and comfort us all and keep us willing to remain engaged in the relationships that keep us nurtured and growing in love. Grant us understanding and patience. Make it all better again.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“In the grand scheme of things, what does one life matter?”
[Sometimes quite a lot. But He never said this.]
D. Blog: The “Least” of These
The least of these??? Surely He didn’t say that. It must be Mathew’s condescension, not His.
“Least” has to mean in terms of society’s norms, not in terms of divine valuation. His entire ministry as otherwise recorded in the gospels speaks of valuing everyone as one of God’s children. Perhaps the mistake was not Matthew’s, but that of a scribe or a translator.
At the same time that I object to “least,” I marvel at the spiritual insight in this text describing a judgment scene. The divine lives within each human being; we are all sacred.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Golden Rule
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
When we kill, part of us dies, too.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
The hills are alive with the sounds of music. Birds, waterfalls, rustling leaves, rushing creeks, flowing rivers, falling rain, booming thunder, and, once in a while, humans playing instruments. Mountains inspire such a response in us. They inspire us, period. I readily understand why we have known mountains as places where we experience your presence.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I don’t perform miracles. I heal. Do likewise.”
[He did resist the temptation to win converts through miracles, but He never said this.]
D. Blog: Reversing the Golden Rule
No one appreciates violence or abuse done to them. To me this implies that the reverse of the golden rule should apply: “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want done to you.”
I can live with that.
When we kill, part of us dies, too.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
The hills are alive with the sounds of music. Birds, waterfalls, rustling leaves, rushing creeks, flowing rivers, falling rain, booming thunder, and, once in a while, humans playing instruments. Mountains inspire such a response in us. They inspire us, period. I readily understand why we have known mountains as places where we experience your presence.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I don’t perform miracles. I heal. Do likewise.”
[He did resist the temptation to win converts through miracles, but He never said this.]
D. Blog: Reversing the Golden Rule
No one appreciates violence or abuse done to them. To me this implies that the reverse of the golden rule should apply: “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want done to you.”
I can live with that.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Just One Example of TV Distortion
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Those who hate cannot know peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Mind of All Minds,
C.S. Lewis wrote that we look at the world around us and at our own experience, then deduce that behind it all is a great mind, one who has this faculty we recognize also in ourselves. That means you.
I sometimes wonder whether your mind somehow uses our minds, too, in the same way we have devised super computers that make use of perhaps millions of computers’ computing power in order to solve very complex problems. But your system might not involve any hardware.
I don’t know. I’m speculating, but “mind of minds” seems to fit you, and I am grateful that you share that part of you with us.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“You won’t believe what television will do to distort my image!”
[Physically, historically, biblically, psychologically, politically, religiously, spiritually, etc. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “kiss”
[From the Online Etymology Dictionary, more than we need to know…]
O.E. cyssan "to kiss," from P.Gmc. *kussijanan (cf. O.S. kussian, O.N. kyssa, O.Fris. kessa, Ger. küssen), from *kuss-, probably ultimately imitative of the sound. The O.E. noun was coss, which became M.E. cuss, but this yielded to kiss, from the verb. For vowel evolution, see "bury". There appears to be no common I.E. root word for "kiss," though suggestions of a common ku- sound may be found in the Gmc. root and Gk. kynein "to kiss," Hittite kuwash-anzi "they kiss," Skt. cumbati "he kisses."
"Kissing, as an expression of affection or love, is unknown among many races, and in the history of mankind seems to be a late substitute for the more primitive rubbing of noses, sniffing, and licking." [Buck, p.1113]
Some languages make a distinction between the kiss of affection and that of erotic love (cf. L. saviari "erotic kiss," vs. osculum, lit. "little mouth"). Fr. embrasser "kiss," but lit. "embrace," came about in 17c. when the older word baiser (from L. basiare) acquired an obscene connotation. Kiss of death (1948) is in ref. to Judas' kiss in Gethsemane (Matt. xxvi.48-50). Slang kisser "mouth" is from 1860. Insulting invitation kiss my ass is at least from 1705, but probably much older (cf. "The Miller's Tale").
Those who hate cannot know peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Mind of All Minds,
C.S. Lewis wrote that we look at the world around us and at our own experience, then deduce that behind it all is a great mind, one who has this faculty we recognize also in ourselves. That means you.
I sometimes wonder whether your mind somehow uses our minds, too, in the same way we have devised super computers that make use of perhaps millions of computers’ computing power in order to solve very complex problems. But your system might not involve any hardware.
I don’t know. I’m speculating, but “mind of minds” seems to fit you, and I am grateful that you share that part of you with us.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“You won’t believe what television will do to distort my image!”
[Physically, historically, biblically, psychologically, politically, religiously, spiritually, etc. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “kiss”
[From the Online Etymology Dictionary, more than we need to know…]
O.E. cyssan "to kiss," from P.Gmc. *kussijanan (cf. O.S. kussian, O.N. kyssa, O.Fris. kessa, Ger. küssen), from *kuss-, probably ultimately imitative of the sound. The O.E. noun was coss, which became M.E. cuss, but this yielded to kiss, from the verb. For vowel evolution, see "bury". There appears to be no common I.E. root word for "kiss," though suggestions of a common ku- sound may be found in the Gmc. root and Gk. kynein "to kiss," Hittite kuwash-anzi "they kiss," Skt. cumbati "he kisses."
"Kissing, as an expression of affection or love, is unknown among many races, and in the history of mankind seems to be a late substitute for the more primitive rubbing of noses, sniffing, and licking." [Buck, p.1113]
Some languages make a distinction between the kiss of affection and that of erotic love (cf. L. saviari "erotic kiss," vs. osculum, lit. "little mouth"). Fr. embrasser "kiss," but lit. "embrace," came about in 17c. when the older word baiser (from L. basiare) acquired an obscene connotation. Kiss of death (1948) is in ref. to Judas' kiss in Gethsemane (Matt. xxvi.48-50). Slang kisser "mouth" is from 1860. Insulting invitation kiss my ass is at least from 1705, but probably much older (cf. "The Miller's Tale").
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Random Acts of Kindness?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The road to peace is long, with many a winding turn, but together we can make it.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I want to express thanks for your many helpers who express your love in small and large acts of kindness and generosity.
One sits and listens because he heard his buddy has a problem.
One offers sleeping space so a teenage boy can be more fully involved in a youth conference.
One leaves the warmth of her bed in the middle of the night so she can be with a woman who is contemplating suicide.
One, although he is unemployed, volunteers to help with the work of serving a meal to people who are homeless.
One spends her day being thoughtful and creative in responding to parents and physicians of children with cancer.
Your agents are at work everywhere we look. We only need eyes to see in order to witness their deeds of kindness, which are not at all random.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Priests in the military? You’re kidding me, aren’t you, Peter?”
[No, he’s not. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: John Edwards
Lying politician from South Carolina (sounds familiar)
Adulterous politician from South Carolina
Cad from South Carolina
Scoundrel from South Carolina
Bold sinner
“Sinner in the hands of an angry God” – Rev. Jonathan Edwards
The road to peace is long, with many a winding turn, but together we can make it.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I want to express thanks for your many helpers who express your love in small and large acts of kindness and generosity.
One sits and listens because he heard his buddy has a problem.
One offers sleeping space so a teenage boy can be more fully involved in a youth conference.
One leaves the warmth of her bed in the middle of the night so she can be with a woman who is contemplating suicide.
One, although he is unemployed, volunteers to help with the work of serving a meal to people who are homeless.
One spends her day being thoughtful and creative in responding to parents and physicians of children with cancer.
Your agents are at work everywhere we look. We only need eyes to see in order to witness their deeds of kindness, which are not at all random.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Priests in the military? You’re kidding me, aren’t you, Peter?”
[No, he’s not. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: John Edwards
Lying politician from South Carolina (sounds familiar)
Adulterous politician from South Carolina
Cad from South Carolina
Scoundrel from South Carolina
Bold sinner
“Sinner in the hands of an angry God” – Rev. Jonathan Edwards
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Judas the Party-Pooper
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace in this world is not for the faint of heart, but the heart of faith.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Vast One,
Surely you are bigger than we can ever imagine. To encompass the vastness of the universe, you must extend beyond its limits. You are infinite, so beyond all spatial measuring.
We cannot grasp your magnitude, so we make use of analogies of size – a mountain, an ocean, the starry heavens – to get a hint of your grandeur.
Is there a point to this? First, since you are larger than anything else we can imagine, and since you are with us and for us, there is no problem so large that it cannot be overcome with you. And second, nothing else is so large that it should claim our ultimate loyalty. We should have no other gods before you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Oh, go fly a kite, Judas. You're such a party-pooper to leave us before the Passover meal is over.”
[I'm positive He didn't say it this way when Judas ate and ran.]
D. Blog: Another Female Criminal Apprehended
Tammy Elaine Wells, 41, of Goodman Road, Asheville, charged with embezzlement. According to the arrest warrant, Wells embezzled $8 from Wal-Mart in Weaverville where she worked. She was released under $5,000 unsecured bond.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, 9-19-09
[Comments: 1. $8 qualifies as embezzlement? 2. Wal-Mart involves the police in this? 3. Why not simply fire her and deduct $8 from her final paycheck? 4. $5,000 bond, when something like this around here usually gets a promise to appear in court? 5. Snide aside: something at Wal-Mart is worth $8? 6. Just when Wal-Mart's image had been improving for me, something like this comes along. 7. How long would she have to work at Wal-Mart to earn enough to repay what she embezzled? etc.]
Peace in this world is not for the faint of heart, but the heart of faith.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Vast One,
Surely you are bigger than we can ever imagine. To encompass the vastness of the universe, you must extend beyond its limits. You are infinite, so beyond all spatial measuring.
We cannot grasp your magnitude, so we make use of analogies of size – a mountain, an ocean, the starry heavens – to get a hint of your grandeur.
Is there a point to this? First, since you are larger than anything else we can imagine, and since you are with us and for us, there is no problem so large that it cannot be overcome with you. And second, nothing else is so large that it should claim our ultimate loyalty. We should have no other gods before you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Oh, go fly a kite, Judas. You're such a party-pooper to leave us before the Passover meal is over.”
[I'm positive He didn't say it this way when Judas ate and ran.]
D. Blog: Another Female Criminal Apprehended
Tammy Elaine Wells, 41, of Goodman Road, Asheville, charged with embezzlement. According to the arrest warrant, Wells embezzled $8 from Wal-Mart in Weaverville where she worked. She was released under $5,000 unsecured bond.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, 9-19-09
[Comments: 1. $8 qualifies as embezzlement? 2. Wal-Mart involves the police in this? 3. Why not simply fire her and deduct $8 from her final paycheck? 4. $5,000 bond, when something like this around here usually gets a promise to appear in court? 5. Snide aside: something at Wal-Mart is worth $8? 6. Just when Wal-Mart's image had been improving for me, something like this comes along. 7. How long would she have to work at Wal-Mart to earn enough to repay what she embezzled? etc.]
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Not the Way to Please God
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Cain killed Abel because he wanted to please God. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Didn’t succeed, did it?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
When I travel, I see you everywhere.
A sunrise over the mountain ridge.
The vapor moving upward from a lake on a cool morning.
The early frost holding onto the grass for as long as it can.
A friendly attendant when I stop for gas and coffee.
And so it will continue until I reach my destination.
It’s what happens when I travel.
Why is it that when I stay at home it might be more difficult to see you?
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Have you seen this one – ‘Dog is Love.’? Get it?”
[No. It didn’t communicate at all in Aramaic.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
When death beckons,
I would go willingly
For I have nothing to fear
Cain killed Abel because he wanted to please God. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Didn’t succeed, did it?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
When I travel, I see you everywhere.
A sunrise over the mountain ridge.
The vapor moving upward from a lake on a cool morning.
The early frost holding onto the grass for as long as it can.
A friendly attendant when I stop for gas and coffee.
And so it will continue until I reach my destination.
It’s what happens when I travel.
Why is it that when I stay at home it might be more difficult to see you?
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Have you seen this one – ‘Dog is Love.’? Get it?”
[No. It didn’t communicate at all in Aramaic.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
When death beckons,
I would go willingly
For I have nothing to fear
Monday, September 21, 2009
National Parks
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The planets are aligned for peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of the Moment,
You are intimately and intricately involved in the succession of moments that make up the days of our lives. Most moments pass us by with hardly a thought. We don’t even notice them. But each of them is precious, unique, just waiting for us to pay attention. When we do notice moments, they usually contain strong emotion. They carry our joy and our sorrow, our love, our anger, our fear or our pain.
You are in all of them, sharing them with us. I celebrate that I have become more conscious of your presence in those times, for you add a depth of joy or a measure of reassurance.
God of all moments, keep me aware that you make moments momentous.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Let me see, Rabbi… If a Galilean riding a donkey at 4 miles an hour leaves Jerusalem for Damascus at 9 o’clock, and a Roman riding a horse at 6 miles per hour leaves Jerusalem for Damascus at noon, what time will it be when the Roman catches up to the Galilean? Beats me.”
[Not one of the questions He answered when He visited the Temple as a boy.]
D. Blog: National Parks
I’ve been looking forward to the Ken Burns series on PBS about our national park system. I agree with his assertion that they are our best idea. Some might question that assessment. “What about democracy?” they might object. I respond, “What better illustration of democracy than to preserve these magnificent natural wonders for the enjoyment of all?”
In addition, the protection of these areas from commercial interests is an indicator that, as a nation, we value some things more highly than making a profit. We recognize the value of nature’s inspiration, of our connection to wild places and things, something that puts us in touch with beauty, wonder, and the largeness that stretches beyond our personal lives.
The planets are aligned for peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of the Moment,
You are intimately and intricately involved in the succession of moments that make up the days of our lives. Most moments pass us by with hardly a thought. We don’t even notice them. But each of them is precious, unique, just waiting for us to pay attention. When we do notice moments, they usually contain strong emotion. They carry our joy and our sorrow, our love, our anger, our fear or our pain.
You are in all of them, sharing them with us. I celebrate that I have become more conscious of your presence in those times, for you add a depth of joy or a measure of reassurance.
God of all moments, keep me aware that you make moments momentous.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Let me see, Rabbi… If a Galilean riding a donkey at 4 miles an hour leaves Jerusalem for Damascus at 9 o’clock, and a Roman riding a horse at 6 miles per hour leaves Jerusalem for Damascus at noon, what time will it be when the Roman catches up to the Galilean? Beats me.”
[Not one of the questions He answered when He visited the Temple as a boy.]
D. Blog: National Parks
I’ve been looking forward to the Ken Burns series on PBS about our national park system. I agree with his assertion that they are our best idea. Some might question that assessment. “What about democracy?” they might object. I respond, “What better illustration of democracy than to preserve these magnificent natural wonders for the enjoyment of all?”
In addition, the protection of these areas from commercial interests is an indicator that, as a nation, we value some things more highly than making a profit. We recognize the value of nature’s inspiration, of our connection to wild places and things, something that puts us in touch with beauty, wonder, and the largeness that stretches beyond our personal lives.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sabbath
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Gone fishing – for peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Loving Parent,
If that image is fair, I imagine you must be very proud of some of us and sorely disappointed by others of us. In my parenting role, I mainly experience the pride and satisfaction. I hope you, too, can find joy in our growth and achievements small and large.
I’m thankful that I’ve never experienced you as harsh, judging or criticizing in your parenting of me. There have been times when I’ve been unaware of your presence, but you helped me through those times. I hope I have not disappointed you.
We celebrate a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day. Maybe we should think of each Sunday as your day in a similar way, when we think of you and spend time with you and give you nice gifts. I’m not sure how we take you out to dinner, but maybe that would be a good idea, too. What do you like to eat?
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Three points might work for you, friend, but I choose not to put such limits on my sermons.”
[Not the response He gave to the Rabbi who critiqued the Sermon on the Mount. Not the meaning of trinity.]
D. Blog: Sabbath
A cloudy, rainy day means I can slow down, sit and relax. Most of the things on my to-do list can wait for another time. Alone in the house, I can appreciate the quiet and focus on what’s happening within me…
There, the divine is alive and thriving, ready to supply what I require: attention to what is most important.
This solitude, this quiet, this respite from busyness – delicious Sabbath!
Gone fishing – for peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Loving Parent,
If that image is fair, I imagine you must be very proud of some of us and sorely disappointed by others of us. In my parenting role, I mainly experience the pride and satisfaction. I hope you, too, can find joy in our growth and achievements small and large.
I’m thankful that I’ve never experienced you as harsh, judging or criticizing in your parenting of me. There have been times when I’ve been unaware of your presence, but you helped me through those times. I hope I have not disappointed you.
We celebrate a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day. Maybe we should think of each Sunday as your day in a similar way, when we think of you and spend time with you and give you nice gifts. I’m not sure how we take you out to dinner, but maybe that would be a good idea, too. What do you like to eat?
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Three points might work for you, friend, but I choose not to put such limits on my sermons.”
[Not the response He gave to the Rabbi who critiqued the Sermon on the Mount. Not the meaning of trinity.]
D. Blog: Sabbath
A cloudy, rainy day means I can slow down, sit and relax. Most of the things on my to-do list can wait for another time. Alone in the house, I can appreciate the quiet and focus on what’s happening within me…
There, the divine is alive and thriving, ready to supply what I require: attention to what is most important.
This solitude, this quiet, this respite from busyness – delicious Sabbath!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
More Solar Panels
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I knew I was saved when I rejected the call to arms.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We see signs of your activity and we wonder whether you truly intervene in the day to day workings of the world.
We observe the beauty and order of the universe around us and we marvel at an intelligence that could create something so magnificent.
We experience the warmth of your forgiveness and love, and it makes us long for more of your healing presence.
We encounter you as a mystery far beyond our knowledge or comprehension, and it leads us to want to know you more fully.
Guide us in your ways so that we may be with you always and all ways.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Given the limitations placed upon her by our patriarchal society, she hath done what she could.”
[Part of that sounds familiar. The other part was perhaps what He meant, but He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: What if...
I knew I was saved when I rejected the call to arms.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We see signs of your activity and we wonder whether you truly intervene in the day to day workings of the world.
We observe the beauty and order of the universe around us and we marvel at an intelligence that could create something so magnificent.
We experience the warmth of your forgiveness and love, and it makes us long for more of your healing presence.
We encounter you as a mystery far beyond our knowledge or comprehension, and it leads us to want to know you more fully.
Guide us in your ways so that we may be with you always and all ways.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Given the limitations placed upon her by our patriarchal society, she hath done what she could.”
[Part of that sounds familiar. The other part was perhaps what He meant, but He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: What if...
Every new home expected to sell for more than $250,000 were required to have solar electric panels installed?
Seems like a reasonable idea to me.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Padiddle?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Mechanics For Peace (MFP):
“We hate it when things don’t run the way they should. With violence and war, nothing runs smoothly. Peace now.”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
She fills me with wonder.
She suits my personality, my values and causes.
She understands and accepts my alternative perspective on so many things.
She encourages my strengths and puts up with my weaknesses.
Than you managed to bring us together might fit the description “miraculous.” Remarkable at least.
Thirty-two years and counting.
Thank you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Softly and tenderly, I’m calling you, Deborah.”
[Such a sentimental song, but not His style.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Padiddle”
[The origin of the word is unknown, but numerous websites offer explanations. My favorite (partly because it features Western North Carolina, but more for its creativity) comes from The Encyclopedia of Pointless, eopoint.com]
Overview
Padiddle is a game played in the car. Now wait a minute! Listen for a second. It's actually quite fun. More fun, in fact, than your standard car game. It is centered around a scavenger-hunt theme. All the players in the game must look for cars with one headlight out, or as it is referred to in game terms, a "Padiddle". Upon finding one, they yell out "Padiddle!" This must be confirmed by at least one other player, unless the players all know each other quite well and trust one another. What happens at this point is up to the version of the game you are playing.
The Padiddle Ruling Council
The Padiddle Ruling Council live on a lofty peak high in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. Inside their ancient fortress they rule on various Padiddle-related subjects, such as new rules. Under the Padiddle Ruling Council are the Padiddle-Wraiths, creatures cloaked in night that serve the Ruling Council with undying devotion. It is these wraiths that enforce the rules of Padiddle. Cheaters in Padiddle are invariably visited by one of these frightening apparitions. Then generally bad things happen.
For an official Padiddle Rules brochure, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Padiddle Rules
P.O. Box 11312
Bryson City, NC, 28713
Mechanics For Peace (MFP):
“We hate it when things don’t run the way they should. With violence and war, nothing runs smoothly. Peace now.”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
She fills me with wonder.
She suits my personality, my values and causes.
She understands and accepts my alternative perspective on so many things.
She encourages my strengths and puts up with my weaknesses.
Than you managed to bring us together might fit the description “miraculous.” Remarkable at least.
Thirty-two years and counting.
Thank you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Softly and tenderly, I’m calling you, Deborah.”
[Such a sentimental song, but not His style.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Padiddle”
[The origin of the word is unknown, but numerous websites offer explanations. My favorite (partly because it features Western North Carolina, but more for its creativity) comes from The Encyclopedia of Pointless, eopoint.com]
Overview
Padiddle is a game played in the car. Now wait a minute! Listen for a second. It's actually quite fun. More fun, in fact, than your standard car game. It is centered around a scavenger-hunt theme. All the players in the game must look for cars with one headlight out, or as it is referred to in game terms, a "Padiddle". Upon finding one, they yell out "Padiddle!" This must be confirmed by at least one other player, unless the players all know each other quite well and trust one another. What happens at this point is up to the version of the game you are playing.
The Padiddle Ruling Council
The Padiddle Ruling Council live on a lofty peak high in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina. Inside their ancient fortress they rule on various Padiddle-related subjects, such as new rules. Under the Padiddle Ruling Council are the Padiddle-Wraiths, creatures cloaked in night that serve the Ruling Council with undying devotion. It is these wraiths that enforce the rules of Padiddle. Cheaters in Padiddle are invariably visited by one of these frightening apparitions. Then generally bad things happen.
For an official Padiddle Rules brochure, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Padiddle Rules
P.O. Box 11312
Bryson City, NC, 28713
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Common Joe Wilson
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Pro-civilization = Anti-war
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are the original breath of fresh air. You provide a newness strong enough, invigorating enough, to bring the dead to life. What I marvel at is the way you breathe new into us all the time. We feel tired, run down, burned out, over the hill, past our prime, out of gas, at the end of our rope, etc. (we probably have dozens of ways to talk about the feeling) and you restore our energy, put new life into us, revive us again, give us some get up and go when we thought it had got up and went.
I want nothing more than to continue seeing this process at work in me and in those around me. For this breath of life from you certainly helps to make the world go round. Natural respiration, as old as human life itself. Breathing out and breathing in.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it!”
[He didn’t say that, although it’s close to the temptations by Satan.]
D. Blog: Joe Wilson
Just one comment: common as the name.
Pro-civilization = Anti-war
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are the original breath of fresh air. You provide a newness strong enough, invigorating enough, to bring the dead to life. What I marvel at is the way you breathe new into us all the time. We feel tired, run down, burned out, over the hill, past our prime, out of gas, at the end of our rope, etc. (we probably have dozens of ways to talk about the feeling) and you restore our energy, put new life into us, revive us again, give us some get up and go when we thought it had got up and went.
I want nothing more than to continue seeing this process at work in me and in those around me. For this breath of life from you certainly helps to make the world go round. Natural respiration, as old as human life itself. Breathing out and breathing in.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“If you’ve got it, flaunt it!”
[He didn’t say that, although it’s close to the temptations by Satan.]
D. Blog: Joe Wilson
Just one comment: common as the name.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Utter an Instrument?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If Jesus is the Answer, maybe Christians should pay more attention to His reply to violence.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Source of Word(s),
You give us the marvelous gift of words. With them we can name, describe, learn, and create new experiences. We can even approach you with them. How amazing is that?
I’ve been playing with words for several years and having a good time with my play. You made me so that I enjoy doing word games and puns. For words stimulate my mind and allow me to spend leisure time in a very pleasurable way.
So I’m grateful for words as tools for communicating who we are, who you are, what our experience is, and how they put all of that together. Simple, compound, complex, long, short, old, new, deep, broad – the diversity of words is almost like that of persons. The language they form is a wonder without which our lives would suffer greatly. What an incredible gift!
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Mom, how do you like my Mohawk?”
[Oh what an image! But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Women of Crime in WNC (cont.)
Taiwana Geneva Cato, 32, of Asheville, was charged with forging and uttering an instrument. Bond was set at $500.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, 9-15-2009
I think this is a puzzling combination of the word “utter” and “instrument”. I know about “playing” an instrument, “using” an instrument, “buying” or “selling” an instrument, etc. But “utter”???
At freedictionary.com I found a bottom-of-the-list definition of instrument that seems to fit Taiwana’s crime:
6. A legal document, such as a deed, will, mortgage, or insurance policy.
Again at the bottom, in this case of WordNet’s list of “utter” definitions, I find the other part of this strange coupling:
utter
1. articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise; "She expressed her anger"; "He uttered a curse"
express, verbalize, verbalise, give tongue to curse, cuss, blaspheme, swear, imprecate
2. express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words); "She let out a big heavy sigh"; "He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand"
emit, let out, let loose, call
3. express in speech; "She talks a lot of nonsense"; "This depressed patient does not verbalize"
talk, speak, mouth, verbalize, verbalise, communicate, intercommunicate, read
4. put into circulation; "utter counterfeit currency"
circulate, pass around, pass on, distribute
[So, in other words, Taiwana’s crime was trying to cheat somebody…]
If Jesus is the Answer, maybe Christians should pay more attention to His reply to violence.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Source of Word(s),
You give us the marvelous gift of words. With them we can name, describe, learn, and create new experiences. We can even approach you with them. How amazing is that?
I’ve been playing with words for several years and having a good time with my play. You made me so that I enjoy doing word games and puns. For words stimulate my mind and allow me to spend leisure time in a very pleasurable way.
So I’m grateful for words as tools for communicating who we are, who you are, what our experience is, and how they put all of that together. Simple, compound, complex, long, short, old, new, deep, broad – the diversity of words is almost like that of persons. The language they form is a wonder without which our lives would suffer greatly. What an incredible gift!
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Mom, how do you like my Mohawk?”
[Oh what an image! But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Women of Crime in WNC (cont.)
Taiwana Geneva Cato, 32, of Asheville, was charged with forging and uttering an instrument. Bond was set at $500.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, 9-15-2009
I think this is a puzzling combination of the word “utter” and “instrument”. I know about “playing” an instrument, “using” an instrument, “buying” or “selling” an instrument, etc. But “utter”???
At freedictionary.com I found a bottom-of-the-list definition of instrument that seems to fit Taiwana’s crime:
6. A legal document, such as a deed, will, mortgage, or insurance policy.
Again at the bottom, in this case of WordNet’s list of “utter” definitions, I find the other part of this strange coupling:
utter
1. articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise; "She expressed her anger"; "He uttered a curse"
express, verbalize, verbalise, give tongue to curse, cuss, blaspheme, swear, imprecate
2. express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words); "She let out a big heavy sigh"; "He uttered strange sounds that nobody could understand"
emit, let out, let loose, call
3. express in speech; "She talks a lot of nonsense"; "This depressed patient does not verbalize"
talk, speak, mouth, verbalize, verbalise, communicate, intercommunicate, read
4. put into circulation; "utter counterfeit currency"
circulate, pass around, pass on, distribute
[So, in other words, Taiwana’s crime was trying to cheat somebody…]
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Traumatized?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Given the alternative, what’s wrong with peace?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Light of the World,
Your light shines in our lives to keep us on a clear and hopeful path.
When we encounter dark places along the path, may your light show the way and lead us where you would have us go.
When our minds get tangled in some underbrush off the path, may you enlighten us to return to you and the joy that you give.
When life’s rough seas toss us about so that we fall into despair, may your light guide us to the safe harbor of your presence.
I saw a well-used candle that had long since lost its original lovely form. Nobody seemed to care, for it had great character and its glow was still a perfect reflection of your warmth and love.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“A new commandment I give to you women: Thou shalt not leave the toilet seat down!”
[It hasn’t worked out that way, so I’m pretty sure He never said it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
We woke up to terror,
And it traumatized us.
We flail now at ghosts.
Given the alternative, what’s wrong with peace?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Light of the World,
Your light shines in our lives to keep us on a clear and hopeful path.
When we encounter dark places along the path, may your light show the way and lead us where you would have us go.
When our minds get tangled in some underbrush off the path, may you enlighten us to return to you and the joy that you give.
When life’s rough seas toss us about so that we fall into despair, may your light guide us to the safe harbor of your presence.
I saw a well-used candle that had long since lost its original lovely form. Nobody seemed to care, for it had great character and its glow was still a perfect reflection of your warmth and love.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“A new commandment I give to you women: Thou shalt not leave the toilet seat down!”
[It hasn’t worked out that way, so I’m pretty sure He never said it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
We woke up to terror,
And it traumatized us.
We flail now at ghosts.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Habitat Construction
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Movin’ on up – to the Peace Side.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
In the great story of the exodus, you announced that you hear and respond to the cries of your people, the oppressed and homeless. Whenever an injustice causes people to cry, you hear and respond. Sometimes we wish the response could be faster. Sometimes it involves action on our part to leave or change an oppressive situation. Sometimes it involves learning to be patient with the injustice, working for its end and praying for it to be overturned, when you, the righter of wrongs, will do your thing.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Sorry, Mary, there’s not room for you on my ass. You’ll have to walk behind me in the parade.”
[Nope, I couldn’t find it anywhere.]
D. Blog: Habitat
We’re fortunate to have a Habitat for Humanity development of 55 houses being built just down the hill from our house. I’ve spent a few days offering my unskilled labor on some of these neighbors’ houses. I’m reminded of the Psalm, “How sweet it is when sisters and brothers work together in peace.” Especially sweet when they come from competing religious traditions, or no religious tradition, to help families in need of their own homes. I count it a privilege to do my small part to build a Habitat house.
Movin’ on up – to the Peace Side.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
In the great story of the exodus, you announced that you hear and respond to the cries of your people, the oppressed and homeless. Whenever an injustice causes people to cry, you hear and respond. Sometimes we wish the response could be faster. Sometimes it involves action on our part to leave or change an oppressive situation. Sometimes it involves learning to be patient with the injustice, working for its end and praying for it to be overturned, when you, the righter of wrongs, will do your thing.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Sorry, Mary, there’s not room for you on my ass. You’ll have to walk behind me in the parade.”
[Nope, I couldn’t find it anywhere.]
D. Blog: Habitat
We’re fortunate to have a Habitat for Humanity development of 55 houses being built just down the hill from our house. I’ve spent a few days offering my unskilled labor on some of these neighbors’ houses. I’m reminded of the Psalm, “How sweet it is when sisters and brothers work together in peace.” Especially sweet when they come from competing religious traditions, or no religious tradition, to help families in need of their own homes. I count it a privilege to do my small part to build a Habitat house.
Under construction:
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Getting Media Attention
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
It’s difficult for a peaceful voice to attract media attention.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Humbling One,
He said “Blessed are the meek.” It was also written that pride goes before a fall. Knowing who you are, how can we be anything but humble when speaking of you? Those who take pride in speaking for you had best watch out.
Dare I take pleasure in the fall that will befall these arrogant religionists? I suppose it is better for me to see the sadness of their position, which I further suppose is also sometimes my position.
In my humble opinion, it would serve your purposes well to show that the fundamentals of the fundamentalists are nowhere near your fundamentals. You go much less for ideology than you do for attitudes. Beliefs matter less than acts of compassion.
So He taught. So I have come to see over time. So let it be.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’m the Man!”
[Whatever He said, it wasn’t this.]
D. Blog: Neutralize Iran?
I read that some publicity-seeking, overweight, right wing preacher has weighed in on foreign policy. The US should “neutralize” Iran in order to protect Israel, he says.
I hardly know where to begin…
Perhaps with “why do these same few crackpot independent preachers get publicity when the thousands of measured, thoughtful preachers accountable to denominational structures and review are ignored by media?”
Perhaps with “didn’t Jesus himself once announce Israel’s destruction when it had abandoned its covenant to be a light unto the nations?” (The point being that it's not a Bible-based position for him to take.)
Perhaps with “thank God for separation of church and state, unlike the state of Iran, right preacher?” (I don’t know whether he would get the sarcasm.)
Perhaps with “and who will neutralize you, preacher of hate?”
Not our sensationalist-loving media.
It’s difficult for a peaceful voice to attract media attention.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Humbling One,
He said “Blessed are the meek.” It was also written that pride goes before a fall. Knowing who you are, how can we be anything but humble when speaking of you? Those who take pride in speaking for you had best watch out.
Dare I take pleasure in the fall that will befall these arrogant religionists? I suppose it is better for me to see the sadness of their position, which I further suppose is also sometimes my position.
In my humble opinion, it would serve your purposes well to show that the fundamentals of the fundamentalists are nowhere near your fundamentals. You go much less for ideology than you do for attitudes. Beliefs matter less than acts of compassion.
So He taught. So I have come to see over time. So let it be.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’m the Man!”
[Whatever He said, it wasn’t this.]
D. Blog: Neutralize Iran?
I read that some publicity-seeking, overweight, right wing preacher has weighed in on foreign policy. The US should “neutralize” Iran in order to protect Israel, he says.
I hardly know where to begin…
Perhaps with “why do these same few crackpot independent preachers get publicity when the thousands of measured, thoughtful preachers accountable to denominational structures and review are ignored by media?”
Perhaps with “didn’t Jesus himself once announce Israel’s destruction when it had abandoned its covenant to be a light unto the nations?” (The point being that it's not a Bible-based position for him to take.)
Perhaps with “thank God for separation of church and state, unlike the state of Iran, right preacher?” (I don’t know whether he would get the sarcasm.)
Perhaps with “and who will neutralize you, preacher of hate?”
Not our sensationalist-loving media.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Earth Does Not Need...
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The sky is falling!! The sky is falling!! To arms!! To arms!!
[Think of this as a primer in Machiavellian governance.]
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Holy Guest,
I don’t usually think of you as a guest, but I heard it in a song and I like the sound of this way of thinking of you. For there is a sense in which you are guest and we must prepare for your coming into our lives. We must prepare some room, clean up the mess, remove the clutter, make arrangements to accommodate you in our schedule and in our home.
How long will you stay? Maybe we don’t ask that question. Maybe you’re here to stay. Maybe you take up residence. No, only if we ask you to stay, to become a permanent guest in our lives. There is so much about you we’d like to know. You are such good company that we don’t want you to leave. You never impose, but for our part we can be ungracious hosts from time to time, becoming downright inhospitable on occasion. If we’re not careful, it could lead you to leave.
Let me be an attentive host. You are welcome to stay as long as you like.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Thomas, here’s your sign.”
[Not what He said when He showed Thomas His wounds.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- botox
- casinos
- re-enacted battles
- hair implantation
- bumper cars
The sky is falling!! The sky is falling!! To arms!! To arms!!
[Think of this as a primer in Machiavellian governance.]
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Holy Guest,
I don’t usually think of you as a guest, but I heard it in a song and I like the sound of this way of thinking of you. For there is a sense in which you are guest and we must prepare for your coming into our lives. We must prepare some room, clean up the mess, remove the clutter, make arrangements to accommodate you in our schedule and in our home.
How long will you stay? Maybe we don’t ask that question. Maybe you’re here to stay. Maybe you take up residence. No, only if we ask you to stay, to become a permanent guest in our lives. There is so much about you we’d like to know. You are such good company that we don’t want you to leave. You never impose, but for our part we can be ungracious hosts from time to time, becoming downright inhospitable on occasion. If we’re not careful, it could lead you to leave.
Let me be an attentive host. You are welcome to stay as long as you like.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Thomas, here’s your sign.”
[Not what He said when He showed Thomas His wounds.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- botox
- casinos
- re-enacted battles
- hair implantation
- bumper cars
Friday, September 11, 2009
Think You Know Conversion?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Any time Congress approves spending for war, one member of Congress, chosen by lottery, should be assigned to the battle zone.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are an eternal optimist, the most optimistic “person” I know. Your glass is never less than half full, even when I see only drops in the bottom of the glass. You probably haven’t even given up on the Washington Nationals this season in baseball. It’s easier for you to be optimistic, I imagine, given the fact that you are God.
Whenever we humans are involved, your optimism faces serious challenges. Our human track record in matters of righteousness, mercy, peace, justice and simple goodness is not much basis for optimism. But you know there’s a bit of you in all of us, so you never give up hope. You think we can move closer to your lofty goals for us as your children. Some might question how realistic you are. I won’t do that; I’ll just pray that you’ll enliven that part of you that’s in us so we prove your optimism is well founded.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Do you think she’ll notice the tints in my hair?”
[Doesn’t matter who “she” was, He never said it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Conversion”
1. I thought I grasped the meaning of this word, but am grateful to www.lectlaw.com for expanding my understanding:
CONVERSION - Torts. The unlawful turning or applying the personal goods of another to the use of the taker, or of some other person than the owner; or the unlawful destroying or altering their nature.When a party takes away or wrongfully assumes the right to goods which belong to another, it will in general be sufficient evidence of a conversion but when the original taking was lawful, as when the party found the goods, and the detention only is illegal, it is absolutely necessary to make a demand of the goods, and there must be a refusal to deliver them before the conversion will be complete. The refusal by a servant to deliver the goods entrusted to him by his master is not evidence of a conversion by his master.
Any time Congress approves spending for war, one member of Congress, chosen by lottery, should be assigned to the battle zone.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are an eternal optimist, the most optimistic “person” I know. Your glass is never less than half full, even when I see only drops in the bottom of the glass. You probably haven’t even given up on the Washington Nationals this season in baseball. It’s easier for you to be optimistic, I imagine, given the fact that you are God.
Whenever we humans are involved, your optimism faces serious challenges. Our human track record in matters of righteousness, mercy, peace, justice and simple goodness is not much basis for optimism. But you know there’s a bit of you in all of us, so you never give up hope. You think we can move closer to your lofty goals for us as your children. Some might question how realistic you are. I won’t do that; I’ll just pray that you’ll enliven that part of you that’s in us so we prove your optimism is well founded.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Do you think she’ll notice the tints in my hair?”
[Doesn’t matter who “she” was, He never said it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Conversion”
1. I thought I grasped the meaning of this word, but am grateful to www.lectlaw.com for expanding my understanding:
CONVERSION - Torts. The unlawful turning or applying the personal goods of another to the use of the taker, or of some other person than the owner; or the unlawful destroying or altering their nature.When a party takes away or wrongfully assumes the right to goods which belong to another, it will in general be sufficient evidence of a conversion but when the original taking was lawful, as when the party found the goods, and the detention only is illegal, it is absolutely necessary to make a demand of the goods, and there must be a refusal to deliver them before the conversion will be complete. The refusal by a servant to deliver the goods entrusted to him by his master is not evidence of a conversion by his master.
The tortious taking of property is, of itself, a conversion and any intermeddling with it, or any exercise of dominion over it, subversive of the dominion of the owner or the nature of the bailment if it be bailed, is evidence of a conversion.
In Equity. The considering of one thing as changed into another; for example, land will be considered as converted into money and treated as such by a court of equity, when the owner has contracted to sell his estate, in which case, if he die before the conveyance, his executors and not his heirs will be entitled to the money. On the other hand, money is converted into land in a variety of ways as for example, when a man agrees to buy land and dies before he has received the conveyance, the money he was to pay for it will be considered as converted into lands, and descend to the heir.
2. Then we have an insurance company’s understanding, which, to me, confirms that the insurance industry claims more power than it should:
2. Then we have an insurance company’s understanding, which, to me, confirms that the insurance industry claims more power than it should:
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Thoughts on Learning
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
All those in favor of peace, say “aye,” raise both arms, stomp your feet, shout “amen,” take a breath. All those opposed, don’t breathe.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We treat you as if you were the Wizard of Oz. We want you to improve on what you’ve created. We want you to explain what we don’t understand. We want you to fix our shortcomings. We, like Job, want you to justify your actions to us. Yes, it sometimes crosses the line to become arrogance, this desire to have answers from you. But where else can we turn? Better to you than to some of the alternatives – those who claim to speak for you, for example. I’ve passed, for now at least, the impatient stage. For now I can be satisfied with “I’ll tell you later” or “I’ll explain it when you need to know.” I’m no longer angry at you for the injustice that abounds. You’ve told me I am your child and that you love me. That’s enough.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“A shekel for your thoughts, Martha. Just kidding. They’re not worth it.”
[Not exactly how the exchange went in the house of Mary and Martha.]
D. Blog: Thoughts on Learning
God has been called Wisdom, Sophia, for God is the source of all knowledge, source of the desire to learn, source of the curiosity we have to learn about the wondrous world in which we live.
We go at this learning full time until we think we know everything, or until schools tell us we know nothing, or until teachers or parents make us afraid to fail and, thus, afraid to learn. Some adults teach children to fear learning, to fear certain subjects deemed to be unclean or dangerous.
Because I had teachers who encouraged curiosity and learning, I gained an appreciation for the great variety of knowledge fields. I learned that I would avoid subjects that demean me or other human beings. So I have no respect for violence and ridicule and abuse. They are rightly termed inhumane. I learned that truth is present in many books by many authors, that scripture has no corner on truth or on wisdom to live by. God’s revelation cannot be confined to the past. God is ever present, in the details as well as in the big picture. God has placed us in a huge classroom. Pay attention!
All those in favor of peace, say “aye,” raise both arms, stomp your feet, shout “amen,” take a breath. All those opposed, don’t breathe.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We treat you as if you were the Wizard of Oz. We want you to improve on what you’ve created. We want you to explain what we don’t understand. We want you to fix our shortcomings. We, like Job, want you to justify your actions to us. Yes, it sometimes crosses the line to become arrogance, this desire to have answers from you. But where else can we turn? Better to you than to some of the alternatives – those who claim to speak for you, for example. I’ve passed, for now at least, the impatient stage. For now I can be satisfied with “I’ll tell you later” or “I’ll explain it when you need to know.” I’m no longer angry at you for the injustice that abounds. You’ve told me I am your child and that you love me. That’s enough.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“A shekel for your thoughts, Martha. Just kidding. They’re not worth it.”
[Not exactly how the exchange went in the house of Mary and Martha.]
D. Blog: Thoughts on Learning
God has been called Wisdom, Sophia, for God is the source of all knowledge, source of the desire to learn, source of the curiosity we have to learn about the wondrous world in which we live.
We go at this learning full time until we think we know everything, or until schools tell us we know nothing, or until teachers or parents make us afraid to fail and, thus, afraid to learn. Some adults teach children to fear learning, to fear certain subjects deemed to be unclean or dangerous.
Because I had teachers who encouraged curiosity and learning, I gained an appreciation for the great variety of knowledge fields. I learned that I would avoid subjects that demean me or other human beings. So I have no respect for violence and ridicule and abuse. They are rightly termed inhumane. I learned that truth is present in many books by many authors, that scripture has no corner on truth or on wisdom to live by. God’s revelation cannot be confined to the past. God is ever present, in the details as well as in the big picture. God has placed us in a huge classroom. Pay attention!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Parents, Don't Let Your Children Grow up to be President
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I look forward to the day when “mission accomplished” means we have lasting peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You blessings shower upon me.
I don’t even have to put coins in your fountain; you drench me with good things.
I am surrounded by people who want good things for me.
I am free to do things I enjoy and things that are important to me.
I get to sing and worship, visit new places, learn about the world around me.
I see signs of your presence and activity all around me.
Jesus said that those who know their relationship to you are blessed.
Poor in spirit, meek, thirsting for righteousness, peacemakers, persecuted for your sake.
They know blessing, He said.
No doubt about it.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Name your price. I’ve got to have that coin for my collection.”
[This exchange was not the source behind the parable of the lost coin.]
D. Blog: Parents Don’t Want Their Children to Listen to the President?
How to interpret this phenomenon?
It’s okay for a class of students to be visited by a President who wants to read a book to them upside down, but not okay for their children to be encouraged by a President to get good grades and stay in school. Which President, do you suppose is the African-American?
Or, when parents have been brainwashed, they have a paranoid fear that their children might not inherit the same mental illness?
Or, these parents don’t want their children to achieve more than they have?
Or, there are those parents who don’t want their children to think they can grow up to be President?
Or, free speech is okay for crazy people at town hall meetings, but don’t expose our children to a man who makes sense?
I draw no conclusions, but a rational explanation has not come to my attention.
I look forward to the day when “mission accomplished” means we have lasting peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You blessings shower upon me.
I don’t even have to put coins in your fountain; you drench me with good things.
I am surrounded by people who want good things for me.
I am free to do things I enjoy and things that are important to me.
I get to sing and worship, visit new places, learn about the world around me.
I see signs of your presence and activity all around me.
Jesus said that those who know their relationship to you are blessed.
Poor in spirit, meek, thirsting for righteousness, peacemakers, persecuted for your sake.
They know blessing, He said.
No doubt about it.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Name your price. I’ve got to have that coin for my collection.”
[This exchange was not the source behind the parable of the lost coin.]
D. Blog: Parents Don’t Want Their Children to Listen to the President?
How to interpret this phenomenon?
It’s okay for a class of students to be visited by a President who wants to read a book to them upside down, but not okay for their children to be encouraged by a President to get good grades and stay in school. Which President, do you suppose is the African-American?
Or, when parents have been brainwashed, they have a paranoid fear that their children might not inherit the same mental illness?
Or, these parents don’t want their children to achieve more than they have?
Or, there are those parents who don’t want their children to think they can grow up to be President?
Or, free speech is okay for crazy people at town hall meetings, but don’t expose our children to a man who makes sense?
I draw no conclusions, but a rational explanation has not come to my attention.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Towel from the Passover Inn
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace-drops keep falling on my head.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Light of the World,
In our times of darkness, your light continues to offer hope and guidance. Our darkness cannot overcome you. If anything, the greater the darkness, the brighter you seem to shine. Even a blind person can sense your presence in the dark. The warmth of love that is associated with your light attracts us to you, draws us closer to you. In your presence, I need no corrective lenses – your light resolves distortions and restores clarity of vision. I pray to remain in range of your radiant self.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“No, Pete. It’s not appropriate to take the towels from the Passover Inn.”
[The one He’d used on the disciples feet was pretty soiled, but He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
I’m almost home!
Relief washes over me.
What welcome awaits me!?
Peace-drops keep falling on my head.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Light of the World,
In our times of darkness, your light continues to offer hope and guidance. Our darkness cannot overcome you. If anything, the greater the darkness, the brighter you seem to shine. Even a blind person can sense your presence in the dark. The warmth of love that is associated with your light attracts us to you, draws us closer to you. In your presence, I need no corrective lenses – your light resolves distortions and restores clarity of vision. I pray to remain in range of your radiant self.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“No, Pete. It’s not appropriate to take the towels from the Passover Inn.”
[The one He’d used on the disciples feet was pretty soiled, but He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
I’m almost home!
Relief washes over me.
What welcome awaits me!?
Monday, September 7, 2009
Human Nature
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I follow Christ. Therefore, I’m a pacifist.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Your gifts to us are so abundant that it’s pointless to try to list them. They are so luxurious as to be without price, so extravagant as to boggle the imagination. How can we begin to appreciate so “common” a thing as breathing, for instance?
We humans enjoy giving gifts to our children because we love them and want them to be happy. I’m sure that’s how it is for you, too. I take pleasure, too, when my children enjoy a gift from me. I also appreciate it when they express thanks, because that tells me they aren’t thinking only of themselves. I know some people who can’t stand to be beholden to anyone. That kind of “self-sufficiency” must get lonely. As for me, I like getting gifts. Thank you very much.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Try a hit of this joint, Thomas. It will make everything clear to you.”
[Thomas had doubts, Jesus had answers. But not this one.]
D. Blog: Human Nature
Humans are of Earth, part of nature, not separate from them. They birth us, sustain us in life, and we our physical bodies return to them in death.
We have Mother Earth and Mother Nature. In less polite language, that might mean we humans are Mother-******s.
I follow Christ. Therefore, I’m a pacifist.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Your gifts to us are so abundant that it’s pointless to try to list them. They are so luxurious as to be without price, so extravagant as to boggle the imagination. How can we begin to appreciate so “common” a thing as breathing, for instance?
We humans enjoy giving gifts to our children because we love them and want them to be happy. I’m sure that’s how it is for you, too. I take pleasure, too, when my children enjoy a gift from me. I also appreciate it when they express thanks, because that tells me they aren’t thinking only of themselves. I know some people who can’t stand to be beholden to anyone. That kind of “self-sufficiency” must get lonely. As for me, I like getting gifts. Thank you very much.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Try a hit of this joint, Thomas. It will make everything clear to you.”
[Thomas had doubts, Jesus had answers. But not this one.]
D. Blog: Human Nature
Humans are of Earth, part of nature, not separate from them. They birth us, sustain us in life, and we our physical bodies return to them in death.
We have Mother Earth and Mother Nature. In less polite language, that might mean we humans are Mother-******s.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
For Everything a Season?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
No rest for the weary, no peace for the warring.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
When I’m pressed for time and swamped with things to do, you offer focus and clarity and perspective.
When I’m tired and depressed from the grind and the news of the day, you bring renewal, energy, and hope that a better day is coming.
When I have time to relax, be with loved ones, see new sights, you provide joy, your awesome presence, and a fresh sense of wonder.
There is no time or season without your gracious touch. How can we possibly miss noticing it? How greatly we would miss it if it were absent.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“For everything there is a season, it is said. Why not one for sex, Rabbi?”
[He was hard on his teachers, but there’s no record that He asked this question.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Go Karts
- Barbie dolls
- Scripted “reality” television shows
- “High fashion”
- A lot less human beings
No rest for the weary, no peace for the warring.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
When I’m pressed for time and swamped with things to do, you offer focus and clarity and perspective.
When I’m tired and depressed from the grind and the news of the day, you bring renewal, energy, and hope that a better day is coming.
When I have time to relax, be with loved ones, see new sights, you provide joy, your awesome presence, and a fresh sense of wonder.
There is no time or season without your gracious touch. How can we possibly miss noticing it? How greatly we would miss it if it were absent.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“For everything there is a season, it is said. Why not one for sex, Rabbi?”
[He was hard on his teachers, but there’s no record that He asked this question.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Go Karts
- Barbie dolls
- Scripted “reality” television shows
- “High fashion”
- A lot less human beings
Friday, September 4, 2009
It's a Conundrum
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The oft-touted “pax romana” applied to citizens and those under Roman domination. Slaves and neighboring peoples? Not so much...
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
A song from a few years ago said “You fill up my senses.” As I recall, the words were addressed to a lover. I think they apply absolutely to you.
There are times when life feels especially full and rich. You ill me with work that makes sense and makes a contribution. You fill me with pleasant surprises and good suggestions from friends and family. You fill me with acceptable responsibility. You fill me wit the joys of parenting, seeing children grow and mature. You fill me with love of family through the years, appreciating in value as parents and siblings age. You fil me with good food, both flavorful and nutritious. You fill me with hope and anticipation for each new day as I look forward to your ongoing care. You fill my senses.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Your kisses do nothing for me, Judas.”
[Not exactly what He said when Judas brought about His arrest.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Conundrum”
A riddle in which a fanciful question is answered by a pun.
A paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma: “the conundrum, thus far unanswered, of achieving full employment without inflation” (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).
Thanks to answers.com for the definition. Now some examples from angelfire.com:
- If a turtle loses its shell is it naked or homeless?
- If fire fighters fight fires and crime fighters fight crime, what do freedom fighters fight???
- If nothing sticks to teflon, then how do they make teflon stick to the pan?
- Why do Kamikaze pilots wear seatbelts?
- Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?
- If love is blind, then why is lingerie so popular?
- Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
- If a black box flight recorder is never damaged in a plane crash, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?
- Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?
- If most car accidents occur within 5 miles of home, then why doesn’t everyone just move 5 miles away?
- Why are psychics still working if they all know the winning lottery numbers?
- If you try to fail, but you succeed, which have you done?
The oft-touted “pax romana” applied to citizens and those under Roman domination. Slaves and neighboring peoples? Not so much...
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
A song from a few years ago said “You fill up my senses.” As I recall, the words were addressed to a lover. I think they apply absolutely to you.
There are times when life feels especially full and rich. You ill me with work that makes sense and makes a contribution. You fill me with pleasant surprises and good suggestions from friends and family. You fill me with acceptable responsibility. You fill me wit the joys of parenting, seeing children grow and mature. You fill me with love of family through the years, appreciating in value as parents and siblings age. You fil me with good food, both flavorful and nutritious. You fill me with hope and anticipation for each new day as I look forward to your ongoing care. You fill my senses.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Your kisses do nothing for me, Judas.”
[Not exactly what He said when Judas brought about His arrest.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Conundrum”
A riddle in which a fanciful question is answered by a pun.
A paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma: “the conundrum, thus far unanswered, of achieving full employment without inflation” (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.).
Thanks to answers.com for the definition. Now some examples from angelfire.com:
- If a turtle loses its shell is it naked or homeless?
- If fire fighters fight fires and crime fighters fight crime, what do freedom fighters fight???
- If nothing sticks to teflon, then how do they make teflon stick to the pan?
- Why do Kamikaze pilots wear seatbelts?
- Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery?
- If love is blind, then why is lingerie so popular?
- Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?
- If a black box flight recorder is never damaged in a plane crash, why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?
- Why is there an expiration date on sour cream?
- If most car accidents occur within 5 miles of home, then why doesn’t everyone just move 5 miles away?
- Why are psychics still working if they all know the winning lottery numbers?
- If you try to fail, but you succeed, which have you done?
[Not to forget, Chicken or Egg?]
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Social or Selfish Gospel?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Perhaps if we whisper instead of shouting, it will happen: peace now!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You move me.
Being among your people moves me.
Creative art, music, dance, drama and ceremony move me.
Being reminded of our human diversity moves me.
Knowing you welcome everyone in your house and at your table moves me.
That I am part of a community that practices all of this moves me.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“The most underrated play in the game is the sacrifice bunt.”
[Good to keep in mind, but He never said it.]
D. Blog: Temptations
Jesus faced his temptations in the wilderness. Overcame them by being steadfast to the vision of a holy people. It appears to me that modern Christians face a different temptation, to follow the vision of a social gospel or the vision of a selfish gospel. Is it about saving us or saving me?
Perhaps if we whisper instead of shouting, it will happen: peace now!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You move me.
Being among your people moves me.
Creative art, music, dance, drama and ceremony move me.
Being reminded of our human diversity moves me.
Knowing you welcome everyone in your house and at your table moves me.
That I am part of a community that practices all of this moves me.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“The most underrated play in the game is the sacrifice bunt.”
[Good to keep in mind, but He never said it.]
D. Blog: Temptations
Jesus faced his temptations in the wilderness. Overcame them by being steadfast to the vision of a holy people. It appears to me that modern Christians face a different temptation, to follow the vision of a social gospel or the vision of a selfish gospel. Is it about saving us or saving me?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
The Valley
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
A nation’s good intentions in going to war pave the road to hell.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I’m convinced that you enjoy irony. If my own experience were not enough to convince me already, I know there’s plenty in the Bible that points in the same direction, e.g., the last becoming or being chosen first.
I guess I see it most often in how you use little things to poke holes in our pretensions to be something great in this world. I might be something great as your child, but that hardly sets me apart from others who are also your children. Still, did you have to send that bird to remind me not to think too highly of myself? Very funny. Ironic.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I won’t give interviews except to the Caesarean Seer. Everyone knows they make up 95% of what they print, so readers will understand that what the publication attributes to me probably didn’t come from me.”
A nation’s good intentions in going to war pave the road to hell.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I’m convinced that you enjoy irony. If my own experience were not enough to convince me already, I know there’s plenty in the Bible that points in the same direction, e.g., the last becoming or being chosen first.
I guess I see it most often in how you use little things to poke holes in our pretensions to be something great in this world. I might be something great as your child, but that hardly sets me apart from others who are also your children. Still, did you have to send that bird to remind me not to think too highly of myself? Very funny. Ironic.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I won’t give interviews except to the Caesarean Seer. Everyone knows they make up 95% of what they print, so readers will understand that what the publication attributes to me probably didn’t come from me.”
[Guess He's got me pegged, too... but He never said it.]
D. Blog: "The Valley"
Virginians use “The Valley” to refer to the Shenandoah River valley. When I first heard one of them say “The Valley,” I wondered “which valley?” Having been raised in California, my thought was the Central Valley. When I lived in German, it would have been the Ruhr River Valley or the Rhine River Valley; in other parts of the South, the Tennessee River valley or in the Midwest the Mississippi River Valley. And how about the Nile River Valley? All of which is to say: Virginians, get over yourselves with this “The Valley” thing. The other river valleys I mention are just a few that surpass or equal the Shenandoah River valley in significance. It’s not the only one on Earth.
This is another one: the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Water of Life
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I never met a nuke I could like.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are the spring of Life. Jesus said that whoever drinks of your well will never thirst again. Sometimes I’m not sure what He meant by that. Most of the time I take it to mean that once we have made real contact with you, known your sustaining power, then we no longer have cravings for anything else the world has to offer. We still enjoy things here in the world, but we no longer crave any of them.
You are the River of Life. You move us through turbulence and through calm. The excitement o the turbulence readies us for the calm to restore us. The serenity of calm waters when we can float leisurely in your grace prepares us to face the turbulence without fear.
I never met a nuke I could like.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are the spring of Life. Jesus said that whoever drinks of your well will never thirst again. Sometimes I’m not sure what He meant by that. Most of the time I take it to mean that once we have made real contact with you, known your sustaining power, then we no longer have cravings for anything else the world has to offer. We still enjoy things here in the world, but we no longer crave any of them.
You are the River of Life. You move us through turbulence and through calm. The excitement o the turbulence readies us for the calm to restore us. The serenity of calm waters when we can float leisurely in your grace prepares us to face the turbulence without fear.
You are the Healing River. Your waters cleanse our wounds and refresh our spirits. You nourish the growth in us that leads to fruitful lives. I swim in your waters and am made whole.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"Who is General Tso? And why is this chicken dish named after him?"
[I’ve wondered. But He didn’t.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku (on visiting a national park)
Nature’s grandeur awaits me.
My enjoyment gratifies her.
Perhaps.
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