A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Gimme a P! Gimme an E!! Gimme an A!!! Gimme a C!!!! Gimme another E!!!!!
I’ll take it. Thank you.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I love the way you speak to me when I turn down the volume of sounds around me and close my own mouth for a while. For you speak to me of things that matter. You whisper hints and suggestions that make sense or sound like they’ll be fun. You give me encouraging words and affirmation. You gently remind me of someone in need or of a promise I’ve not yet fulfilled. You call me to account for some wrong I’ve done. You point out to me some beauty or joy that has not fully registered with me. As long as I’m willing to listen patiently, you will speak. You don’t shout to get my attention. Your whisper is my command.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“It’s not my job, God.”
[Not exactly what He said in the Garden of Gethsemane.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “quidnunc”
[Thanks to yourdictionary.com]
Part of Speech: noun
Pronunciation: ['kwid-nêngk]
Definition: A busybody, a nosy person, especially one who is always asking questions that are none of his or her business.
Usage: Kids, today's word is one you can have a lot of fun with because it sounds much worse than it really is: "You're just a big quidnunc! Now stay out of my room!" Say that to an older sibling and they will certainly tell your parents. But all you have to do is bring a dictionary with you to dinner to teach the trouble-maker an important lesson—knowledge is power. If you are older, you probably know at least one quidnunc without a dictionary in the office. Now, you can fend off their quidnunckery verbally without lowering your speech standards.
Suggested Usage: The plural of today's word is a simple "quidnuncs" but we seem unable to decide whether the quality that distinguishes quidnuncs is "quidnuncism" or "quidnunckery." (We are inclined to prefer the latter.)
Etymology: From the Latin phrase Quid nunc? "What now? What's going on?" "Quid" comes from the Proto-Indo-European *kwo-. As we now know, PIE [k] became [h] in English, so we would expect hwa-something in English. Well, pronounce "what" slowly and listen to yourself. We actually switch the [h] and [w] in our writing, for "what" is pronounced [hwaht]. So, "where," "when," and "which" developed from the same primitive words as Latin "quid," quo "where," quando "when." By the way, Russian chto "what" and kto "who" come from the same root with to "that" suffixed to it.
[Sure, I recognize a few of them in the media.]
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Krispy Kreme Krime
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
In the pursuit of happiness, war is a dead end. Taking that route means we need to override our GPS.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Like the poor woman who lost her coin, we search to find you. We seek you as the ultimate goal of a quest. When we find you, we learn it is because you want to be found. We also find that you remain mysterious. We find what you want us to find, know what you want us to know about you. But we learn no formula that tells us who you are, no map that tells us where you can be found, no insight as to what we are to do with our limited knowledge of you.
Holy grail of holy grails, we treasure our encounters with you. The many cheap imitation encounters, however, can make us too ready to violate the prime directives – caring for one another because we care for you. When we find you in a true encounter, we cannot care for you without caring for our neighbors, all of them -- without exception.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Please join me in reading the prayer on the back of the bulletin.”
[Not how He taught the disciples to pray.]
D. Blog: Krispy Kreme Krime
Kimberly Jamerson Bishop, 27, of Asheville, charged with embezzling $90 from Krispy Kreme where she worked, according to the arrest warrant. She was released under $500 unsecured bond.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, July 30, 2009
[I wonder: what happened to the donuts? And what's with all the food-related crime around here?]
In the pursuit of happiness, war is a dead end. Taking that route means we need to override our GPS.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Like the poor woman who lost her coin, we search to find you. We seek you as the ultimate goal of a quest. When we find you, we learn it is because you want to be found. We also find that you remain mysterious. We find what you want us to find, know what you want us to know about you. But we learn no formula that tells us who you are, no map that tells us where you can be found, no insight as to what we are to do with our limited knowledge of you.
Holy grail of holy grails, we treasure our encounters with you. The many cheap imitation encounters, however, can make us too ready to violate the prime directives – caring for one another because we care for you. When we find you in a true encounter, we cannot care for you without caring for our neighbors, all of them -- without exception.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Please join me in reading the prayer on the back of the bulletin.”
[Not how He taught the disciples to pray.]
D. Blog: Krispy Kreme Krime
Kimberly Jamerson Bishop, 27, of Asheville, charged with embezzling $90 from Krispy Kreme where she worked, according to the arrest warrant. She was released under $500 unsecured bond.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, July 30, 2009
[I wonder: what happened to the donuts? And what's with all the food-related crime around here?]
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A Brownie Chef, Busted
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If I have an epitaph, let it read “Peace Now!”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Everpresent One,
You never take a second off. Your attention never fades. You never take five to compose yourself after a particularly trying miracle. You do not know what it is to be too tired. You give of yourself all the time. The constancy of your presence makes life possible, bearable, enjoyable. Your absence would mean oblivion, the world sucked into a black hole. Just your being here makes a world of difference, makes all the difference in the world. Your presence gives being. That you are present creates, sustains and saves us. Your absence is unimaginable.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Some soldier you make, Peter. You go after a mere servant and all you get is an ear?!”
[Peter apparently lacked that kind of training, but Jesus never said this.]
D. Blog: A Tasty Crime -- Uneaten?
ASHEVILLE — Authorities Wednesday arrested an Asheville man charged with possession of hash brownies.
Charles Edward Blair, 40, was charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver 10 hash brownies, according to arrest warrants. Blair also was charged with sell or deliver hashish and possession of drug paraphernalia. Blair’s bond was set at $2,000.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, July 23, 2009
If I have an epitaph, let it read “Peace Now!”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Everpresent One,
You never take a second off. Your attention never fades. You never take five to compose yourself after a particularly trying miracle. You do not know what it is to be too tired. You give of yourself all the time. The constancy of your presence makes life possible, bearable, enjoyable. Your absence would mean oblivion, the world sucked into a black hole. Just your being here makes a world of difference, makes all the difference in the world. Your presence gives being. That you are present creates, sustains and saves us. Your absence is unimaginable.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Some soldier you make, Peter. You go after a mere servant and all you get is an ear?!”
[Peter apparently lacked that kind of training, but Jesus never said this.]
D. Blog: A Tasty Crime -- Uneaten?
ASHEVILLE — Authorities Wednesday arrested an Asheville man charged with possession of hash brownies.
Charles Edward Blair, 40, was charged with possession with intent to sell or deliver 10 hash brownies, according to arrest warrants. Blair also was charged with sell or deliver hashish and possession of drug paraphernalia. Blair’s bond was set at $2,000.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, July 23, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
My Conquering Hero
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Jesus is my model of a conquering hero.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Patient One,
From your eternal perspective, this thing we call patience might not seem like much. But from our time-bound perspective, it’s incredible how patient you are. Millennia of millennia for life to evolve and for geographical features to change. Centuries for our understanding of you to grow. Centuries, too, for us to show preference against slavery, against war. Most of a lifetime for some of us to want to approach you in penitence or wonder.
You don’t seem to lose patience. You simply wait for the time to be right for what you “want” to happen, for what is in accordance with your “will” to take place.
It’s a marvel when I get to see those points arrive on the smaller scale, within world events or in a life. I wait, patiently I hope, for such patience.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My final number will be something I call ‘The Resurrection Rag.’ I hope it makes you happy.”
[Hmmm... Not in the texts.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
We appreciate rain
We prefer sunshine
Both supply Earth’s beauty.
Jesus is my model of a conquering hero.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Patient One,
From your eternal perspective, this thing we call patience might not seem like much. But from our time-bound perspective, it’s incredible how patient you are. Millennia of millennia for life to evolve and for geographical features to change. Centuries for our understanding of you to grow. Centuries, too, for us to show preference against slavery, against war. Most of a lifetime for some of us to want to approach you in penitence or wonder.
You don’t seem to lose patience. You simply wait for the time to be right for what you “want” to happen, for what is in accordance with your “will” to take place.
It’s a marvel when I get to see those points arrive on the smaller scale, within world events or in a life. I wait, patiently I hope, for such patience.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My final number will be something I call ‘The Resurrection Rag.’ I hope it makes you happy.”
[Hmmm... Not in the texts.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
We appreciate rain
We prefer sunshine
Both supply Earth’s beauty.
Monday, July 27, 2009
An Old, Old Story
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Jesus’ parade into Jerusalem did not signify a military conquest, rather, it signified love’s victory over fear and death.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Mistress of Ceremonies,
We do ceremonies to mark significant points in life, the rites of passage that emphasize the importance of a transition from one point to another in our journey. It’s your presence that makes these events sacred. You provide a dignity and solemnity to what would otherwise be sorority/fraternity game-playing. You make a wedding joyous, a funeral bearable, a baptism memorable, a dedication inspiring, a graduation a time of immense hope. You lay your hands on us at such times and we feel the wonderful possibilities of the new phase we enter. Your gentle voice calls us in affirmation, and we are ready to move into our future. Goodbye, Haran; here I come, Canaan.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Be sure to dip the wafer in the wine. Otherwise, it will be too dry.”
[Not part of His instructions for observing the ritual of bread and cup.]
D. Blog: Health Care Reform
“Because it’s so expensive to do otherwise, we must let people die rather than provide them with medical care that could keep them alive, lest the whole system collapse.”
Or
“Because those who have decent health care are frightened by ‘socialized medicine,’ better to let those without access to health care live without it for as long as they can.”
Or
“Because it’s too dangerous for our military-industrial-political economic system to do otherwise, we must justify killing people in other countries rather than try to build and maintain a workable framework for international peace.”
Or
“We had to destroy the village in order to save it.”
Or
“Better that one man should die so that many may live.”
It’s an old, old story…
Jesus’ parade into Jerusalem did not signify a military conquest, rather, it signified love’s victory over fear and death.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Mistress of Ceremonies,
We do ceremonies to mark significant points in life, the rites of passage that emphasize the importance of a transition from one point to another in our journey. It’s your presence that makes these events sacred. You provide a dignity and solemnity to what would otherwise be sorority/fraternity game-playing. You make a wedding joyous, a funeral bearable, a baptism memorable, a dedication inspiring, a graduation a time of immense hope. You lay your hands on us at such times and we feel the wonderful possibilities of the new phase we enter. Your gentle voice calls us in affirmation, and we are ready to move into our future. Goodbye, Haran; here I come, Canaan.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Be sure to dip the wafer in the wine. Otherwise, it will be too dry.”
[Not part of His instructions for observing the ritual of bread and cup.]
D. Blog: Health Care Reform
“Because it’s so expensive to do otherwise, we must let people die rather than provide them with medical care that could keep them alive, lest the whole system collapse.”
Or
“Because those who have decent health care are frightened by ‘socialized medicine,’ better to let those without access to health care live without it for as long as they can.”
Or
“Because it’s too dangerous for our military-industrial-political economic system to do otherwise, we must justify killing people in other countries rather than try to build and maintain a workable framework for international peace.”
Or
“We had to destroy the village in order to save it.”
Or
“Better that one man should die so that many may live.”
It’s an old, old story…
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Hermeneutics of "Texting"
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
One reason love matters is because it provides a sense of peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You favor happy endings, people falling in love, long-lasting marriages, vows of commitment and devotion, weddings, roses and chocolates, intimate moments, thoughtful mementoes, mended hearts, all that mushy stuff. For you, though, it’s the stuff of life, not just the spice. Life is romance for you, overcoming all odds for love’s sake, risking your life and everything else for the sake of your beloved – us and the world in which we live. Romance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Consider this an undated valentine message to you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“It irritates me when people put words in my mouth.”
[He didn’t say it, and I’m careful not to claim He did.]
D. Blog: Text-u-all Hermeneutics
What can you say about 3 friends sitting beside each other but ignoring each other to “text” other people? What caption would you put with this photo?
One reason love matters is because it provides a sense of peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You favor happy endings, people falling in love, long-lasting marriages, vows of commitment and devotion, weddings, roses and chocolates, intimate moments, thoughtful mementoes, mended hearts, all that mushy stuff. For you, though, it’s the stuff of life, not just the spice. Life is romance for you, overcoming all odds for love’s sake, risking your life and everything else for the sake of your beloved – us and the world in which we live. Romance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Consider this an undated valentine message to you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“It irritates me when people put words in my mouth.”
[He didn’t say it, and I’m careful not to claim He did.]
D. Blog: Text-u-all Hermeneutics
What can you say about 3 friends sitting beside each other but ignoring each other to “text” other people? What caption would you put with this photo?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
More Things Earth Can Live Without
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace is life’s most intoxicating perfume.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Awesome One,
Sometimes your presence evokes great fear. You could obliterate me, after all. While an easy familiarity makes me comfortable with you, I cannot presume to “know” you. I can speak of my experience of you, but I cannot define you. We humans should hold onto the image in the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie, where your presence is a terrifying force for good and against evil. And pray that we know the difference between the two.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Well, Peter, I’m praying I can trust you to figure out what to feed my sheep.”
[He might have been, but He apparently didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- 100-storey buildings
- warrior-heroes
- a bigger-is-better mentality
- addictions of any kind, but especially the human addiction to war
- religion that suggests humans are not part of the natural world
Peace is life’s most intoxicating perfume.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Awesome One,
Sometimes your presence evokes great fear. You could obliterate me, after all. While an easy familiarity makes me comfortable with you, I cannot presume to “know” you. I can speak of my experience of you, but I cannot define you. We humans should hold onto the image in the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie, where your presence is a terrifying force for good and against evil. And pray that we know the difference between the two.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Well, Peter, I’m praying I can trust you to figure out what to feed my sheep.”
[He might have been, but He apparently didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- 100-storey buildings
- warrior-heroes
- a bigger-is-better mentality
- addictions of any kind, but especially the human addiction to war
- religion that suggests humans are not part of the natural world
Friday, July 24, 2009
Divine Plan?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace requires will power more, not military power.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
It seems there are personalities to match every season. I thank you for the cool, the pleasantly sunny, the hot and humid, the drizzly and cloudy, the stormy and snowy, and, if I’m in a particularly thankful mood, the cold. They all have a place in the human climate. Right now I’m especially grateful for the pleasantly sunny people who provide a joyful environment, who warm the lives of those they encounter.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Are you sure this is going according to plan, Father?”
[Not exactly part of His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Serendipity”
[Definition from Dictionary.com:]
1. an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.
2. good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the first job she applied for.
Origin:
1754; SERENDIP + -ITY; Horace Walpole so named a faculty possessed by the heroes of a fairy tale called The Three Princes of Serendip
[For the curious, here’s the Wikipedia excerpt from the story:]
The Three Princes of Serendip
"In ancient times there existed in the country of Serendippo, in the Far East, a great and powerful king by the name of Giaffer. He had three sons who were very dear to him. And being a good father and very concerned about their education, he decided that he had to leave them endowed not only with great power, but also with all kinds of virtues of which princes are particularly in need."
The father searches out the best possible tutors. "And to them he entrusted the training of his sons, with the understanding that the best they could do for him was to teach them in such a way that they could be immediately recognized as his very own."
When the tutors are pleased with the excellent progress that the three princes make in the arts and sciences they report it to the king. He however still doubts their training and summoning each in turn, declares that he will retire to the contemplative life leaving them as king. Each politely declines, affirming the father's superior wisdom and fitness to rule.
The king is pleased, but fearing that his sons' education may have been too sheltered and privileged, feigns anger at them for refusing the throne and sends them away from the land.
The lost camel
No sooner do the three princes arrive abroad than they trace clues to precisely identify a camel they have never seen. They conclude that the camel is lame, blind in one eye, missing a tooth, carrying a pregnant woman, and bearing honey on one side and butter on the other. When they later encounter the merchant who has lost the camel, they report their observations to him. He accuses them of stealing the camel and takes them to the Emperor Beramo, where he demands punishment.
Beramo asks how they are able to give such an accurate description of the camel if they have never seen it. It is clear from the princes' replies that they have used small clues to cleverly deduce the nature of the camel. Grass had been eaten from the side of the road where it was less green, so the princes had deduced that the camel was blind on the other side. Because there were lumps of chewed grass on the road the size of a camel’s tooth, they deduced they had fallen through the gap left by a missing tooth. The tracks showed the prints of only three feet, the fourth being dragged, indicating that the animal was lame. That butter was carried on one side of the camel and honey on the other was evident because ants had been attracted to melted butter on one side of the road and flies to spilled honey on the other.
As for the woman, one of the princes says: "I guessed that the camel must have carried a woman, because I had noticed that near the tracks where the animal had knelt down the imprint of a foot was visible. Because some urine was near by, I wet my fingers and as a reaction to its odour I felt a sort of carnal concupiscence, which convinced me that the imprint was of a woman’s foot."
"I guessed that the same woman must have been pregnant," said another prince, "because I had noticed nearby handprints which were indicative that the woman, being pregnant, had helped herself up with her hands while urinating."
At this moment a traveller enters the scene to say that he has just found a missing camel wandering in the desert. Beramo spares the lives of the Three Princes, lavishes rich rewards on them and appoints them to be his advisors.
The story continues
The three princes have many other adventures, where they continue to display their sagacity, stories-within-stories are told and, of course, there is a happy ending.
Peace requires will power more, not military power.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
It seems there are personalities to match every season. I thank you for the cool, the pleasantly sunny, the hot and humid, the drizzly and cloudy, the stormy and snowy, and, if I’m in a particularly thankful mood, the cold. They all have a place in the human climate. Right now I’m especially grateful for the pleasantly sunny people who provide a joyful environment, who warm the lives of those they encounter.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Are you sure this is going according to plan, Father?”
[Not exactly part of His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “Serendipity”
[Definition from Dictionary.com:]
1. an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.
2. good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the first job she applied for.
Origin:
1754; SERENDIP + -ITY; Horace Walpole so named a faculty possessed by the heroes of a fairy tale called The Three Princes of Serendip
[For the curious, here’s the Wikipedia excerpt from the story:]
The Three Princes of Serendip
"In ancient times there existed in the country of Serendippo, in the Far East, a great and powerful king by the name of Giaffer. He had three sons who were very dear to him. And being a good father and very concerned about their education, he decided that he had to leave them endowed not only with great power, but also with all kinds of virtues of which princes are particularly in need."
The father searches out the best possible tutors. "And to them he entrusted the training of his sons, with the understanding that the best they could do for him was to teach them in such a way that they could be immediately recognized as his very own."
When the tutors are pleased with the excellent progress that the three princes make in the arts and sciences they report it to the king. He however still doubts their training and summoning each in turn, declares that he will retire to the contemplative life leaving them as king. Each politely declines, affirming the father's superior wisdom and fitness to rule.
The king is pleased, but fearing that his sons' education may have been too sheltered and privileged, feigns anger at them for refusing the throne and sends them away from the land.
The lost camel
No sooner do the three princes arrive abroad than they trace clues to precisely identify a camel they have never seen. They conclude that the camel is lame, blind in one eye, missing a tooth, carrying a pregnant woman, and bearing honey on one side and butter on the other. When they later encounter the merchant who has lost the camel, they report their observations to him. He accuses them of stealing the camel and takes them to the Emperor Beramo, where he demands punishment.
Beramo asks how they are able to give such an accurate description of the camel if they have never seen it. It is clear from the princes' replies that they have used small clues to cleverly deduce the nature of the camel. Grass had been eaten from the side of the road where it was less green, so the princes had deduced that the camel was blind on the other side. Because there were lumps of chewed grass on the road the size of a camel’s tooth, they deduced they had fallen through the gap left by a missing tooth. The tracks showed the prints of only three feet, the fourth being dragged, indicating that the animal was lame. That butter was carried on one side of the camel and honey on the other was evident because ants had been attracted to melted butter on one side of the road and flies to spilled honey on the other.
As for the woman, one of the princes says: "I guessed that the camel must have carried a woman, because I had noticed that near the tracks where the animal had knelt down the imprint of a foot was visible. Because some urine was near by, I wet my fingers and as a reaction to its odour I felt a sort of carnal concupiscence, which convinced me that the imprint was of a woman’s foot."
"I guessed that the same woman must have been pregnant," said another prince, "because I had noticed nearby handprints which were indicative that the woman, being pregnant, had helped herself up with her hands while urinating."
At this moment a traveller enters the scene to say that he has just found a missing camel wandering in the desert. Beramo spares the lives of the Three Princes, lavishes rich rewards on them and appoints them to be his advisors.
The story continues
The three princes have many other adventures, where they continue to display their sagacity, stories-within-stories are told and, of course, there is a happy ending.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Got Hope?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If we won’t make peace with our enemies, we destroy each other.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Old Faithful,
I use the word “old” hesitantly, for you are ever new to us. But you are older than anything else I can imagine. Equally unimaginable is your faithfulness. The geyser bearing that name will wear out long before you do. Regular and reliable it may be, but you show us more and shower us with much more than hot water. We can hardly begin to list what you provide on both a regular and an irregular basis.
You are faithful in another sense, too. When we stray and follow other gods, you remain true to your promises. We might adulterate the relationship; you never do. You fulfill the other meaning of the word as well. You are full of faith. You believe in your creation. You believe in us collectively and individually. You say we have potential for good, promise for achieving great things. You say we can cherish Earth and one another in ways that are wholesome and worthy of your attention. We seem to have our doubts about all of that, but you are faithful.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Eat hearty, boys. You never know, it could be your last supper.”
[Not what He said after blessing the Passover Meal.]
D. Blog: Despair and Hope
We live between despair and hope. We speak of pessimism and optimism, or being negative or positive, glass half-empty of half-full, but these do not convey the same depth of meaning. They seem superficial and basically contrived or chosen attitudes. Nor do they hold the same awareness of life’s darker realities.
At times I despair over the human situation on Earth. At times I see no way out of the terrible systems we have devised to govern and support the overly multiplying peoples of Earth. In those times, I am not simply pessimistic, negative or seeing the glass as half-full; I despair. I see no realistically favorable future for humanity.
At other times I have great hope for humanity. Our creativity, inventiveness, capacity for caring, increasing care for Earth and all its life forms, our global communication – these give me a hope that is greater than a simple optimistic outlook, more than seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Human life can and will know a sustainable future.
Hope inspires action, taking steps to bring its vision into being; the positive attitude or optimistic outlook are passive stances. Obama’s right to speak of hope.
If we won’t make peace with our enemies, we destroy each other.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Old Faithful,
I use the word “old” hesitantly, for you are ever new to us. But you are older than anything else I can imagine. Equally unimaginable is your faithfulness. The geyser bearing that name will wear out long before you do. Regular and reliable it may be, but you show us more and shower us with much more than hot water. We can hardly begin to list what you provide on both a regular and an irregular basis.
You are faithful in another sense, too. When we stray and follow other gods, you remain true to your promises. We might adulterate the relationship; you never do. You fulfill the other meaning of the word as well. You are full of faith. You believe in your creation. You believe in us collectively and individually. You say we have potential for good, promise for achieving great things. You say we can cherish Earth and one another in ways that are wholesome and worthy of your attention. We seem to have our doubts about all of that, but you are faithful.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Eat hearty, boys. You never know, it could be your last supper.”
[Not what He said after blessing the Passover Meal.]
D. Blog: Despair and Hope
We live between despair and hope. We speak of pessimism and optimism, or being negative or positive, glass half-empty of half-full, but these do not convey the same depth of meaning. They seem superficial and basically contrived or chosen attitudes. Nor do they hold the same awareness of life’s darker realities.
At times I despair over the human situation on Earth. At times I see no way out of the terrible systems we have devised to govern and support the overly multiplying peoples of Earth. In those times, I am not simply pessimistic, negative or seeing the glass as half-full; I despair. I see no realistically favorable future for humanity.
At other times I have great hope for humanity. Our creativity, inventiveness, capacity for caring, increasing care for Earth and all its life forms, our global communication – these give me a hope that is greater than a simple optimistic outlook, more than seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Human life can and will know a sustainable future.
Hope inspires action, taking steps to bring its vision into being; the positive attitude or optimistic outlook are passive stances. Obama’s right to speak of hope.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
God as Dream Weaver
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Unlike war, peace needs no justification.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Dream Weaver,
You send a dream and I am drawn into its mystery.
You send a dream and reality makes sense again.
You send a dream and I want to try new things.
You send a dream and I see dry bones walking once more.
You send a dream and I want to ask a lonely person to dance.
You send a dream and the old ways aren’t good enough any more.
You send a dream and I want to befriend former enemies.
You send a dream and I won’t settle for less than the good.
You send a dream and I can no longer sleep through life.
You send a dream and the night brightens.
You send a dream and I know the rationality of hope.
You send a dream and I no longer believe in impossible.
You send a dream and I can’t take for an answer.
You send a dream and freedom, justice and peace cannot be denied.
You send a dream and I know I’m somebody.
You send a dream and I see a new world coming.
The dreams shape my reality.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, because you think I’m gay, Judas, I get arrested?”
[Thus the kiss on the cheek? No. He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: Crime in Western North Carolina
ASHEVILLE — City police Thursday arrested a Canton woman charged with embezzling nearly $346,000 from a Bojangle's restaurant.
Between September 2007 and February 2008, 99 deposits totaling about $346,000 were missing from Bojangle's on Patton Avenue, according to a Police Department news release.
Marlene Ann Moody, 44, of Puppy Dog Trail, was a manager during the time the money disappeared, police said. She had worked at the restaurant for about five years and was fired Feb. 15, 2008.Police located Moody on Thursday at the Sunshine Café in Haywood County, where she was working. She was charged with five counts of embezzlement and was held at the Buncombe County jail under $50,000 bond.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, July 17, 2009
[Sounds like a lot more than chicken feed... And it took the company that long to spot the problem???]
Unlike war, peace needs no justification.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Dream Weaver,
You send a dream and I am drawn into its mystery.
You send a dream and reality makes sense again.
You send a dream and I want to try new things.
You send a dream and I see dry bones walking once more.
You send a dream and I want to ask a lonely person to dance.
You send a dream and the old ways aren’t good enough any more.
You send a dream and I want to befriend former enemies.
You send a dream and I won’t settle for less than the good.
You send a dream and I can no longer sleep through life.
You send a dream and the night brightens.
You send a dream and I know the rationality of hope.
You send a dream and I no longer believe in impossible.
You send a dream and I can’t take for an answer.
You send a dream and freedom, justice and peace cannot be denied.
You send a dream and I know I’m somebody.
You send a dream and I see a new world coming.
The dreams shape my reality.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, because you think I’m gay, Judas, I get arrested?”
[Thus the kiss on the cheek? No. He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: Crime in Western North Carolina
ASHEVILLE — City police Thursday arrested a Canton woman charged with embezzling nearly $346,000 from a Bojangle's restaurant.
Between September 2007 and February 2008, 99 deposits totaling about $346,000 were missing from Bojangle's on Patton Avenue, according to a Police Department news release.
Marlene Ann Moody, 44, of Puppy Dog Trail, was a manager during the time the money disappeared, police said. She had worked at the restaurant for about five years and was fired Feb. 15, 2008.Police located Moody on Thursday at the Sunshine Café in Haywood County, where she was working. She was charged with five counts of embezzlement and was held at the Buncombe County jail under $50,000 bond.
--Asheville Citizen-Times, July 17, 2009
[Sounds like a lot more than chicken feed... And it took the company that long to spot the problem???]
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Off the Un-Merry-Go-Round
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I decided long ago to get off the war un-merry-go-round and stroll the park in peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We give “stolen” moments of time to you. We steal away from work and study, family and entertainment, and try to sneak in some time with you. Even in church activities, it can feel as if we’re working – not spending quality time with you.
The amazing thing is that you put up with it, you stay in relationship with us. In essence, we simply get out of the relationship what we put into it. If I’m offering stolen moments, maybe I’m coming back with less than the best quality. Maybe when I devote some best time, some quality time to you, then what I receive in return is of higher quality – and the relationship flourishes.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Sing with me: ‘Plop, plop. Fizz, fizz. Oh what a relief it is!’ There, don’t you feel better now?”
[Not one of His finer healing moments.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Big plans? Little surprises?
I have trouble choosing.
Which bring more joy?
I decided long ago to get off the war un-merry-go-round and stroll the park in peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We give “stolen” moments of time to you. We steal away from work and study, family and entertainment, and try to sneak in some time with you. Even in church activities, it can feel as if we’re working – not spending quality time with you.
The amazing thing is that you put up with it, you stay in relationship with us. In essence, we simply get out of the relationship what we put into it. If I’m offering stolen moments, maybe I’m coming back with less than the best quality. Maybe when I devote some best time, some quality time to you, then what I receive in return is of higher quality – and the relationship flourishes.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Sing with me: ‘Plop, plop. Fizz, fizz. Oh what a relief it is!’ There, don’t you feel better now?”
[Not one of His finer healing moments.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Big plans? Little surprises?
I have trouble choosing.
Which bring more joy?
Monday, July 20, 2009
Taking God's Picture
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Who’s afraid of the big bad Iran? The bigger, badder USA.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Beholding Eye,
What do you see with your “eye”? Some Christians think you are obsessed with sin and that when you look upon us, sin is the main thing you see. I think you still see goodness in your creation, that you’re impressed by all kinds of beauty and grace in human beings. I wonder if the first thing you see isn’t the pain suffered by humans. You experienced something of pain. You’re always trying to do something about it. I expect it bothers you much more than sin does.
Because you see more than skin deep, beauty must involve more than what we usually know as beauty. But that very saying is evidence that we know there is more to beauty in people than outward and transitory appearance. In that awareness, we hopefully come closer to understanding your standards of beauty.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Where will you spend eternity?”
[Nope. He never asked that question of anyone. Apparently not a concern of His.]
D. Blog: Spotting God
I like sitting here, where I look out at the trees. I favor a morning like this one, when the sun brightens the greens and casts shadows on the deck and the ground. But my favorite time is late afternoon, when the light itself carries such warm and varied tones and fills the mountain ridges and valleys with such splendor that my eye perceives but cannot distinguish; my camera can catch hints of this splendor, but can never capture it.
I think that is an apt metaphor for the human mind trying to catch hints of, capture, or convey divinity.
Who’s afraid of the big bad Iran? The bigger, badder USA.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Beholding Eye,
What do you see with your “eye”? Some Christians think you are obsessed with sin and that when you look upon us, sin is the main thing you see. I think you still see goodness in your creation, that you’re impressed by all kinds of beauty and grace in human beings. I wonder if the first thing you see isn’t the pain suffered by humans. You experienced something of pain. You’re always trying to do something about it. I expect it bothers you much more than sin does.
Because you see more than skin deep, beauty must involve more than what we usually know as beauty. But that very saying is evidence that we know there is more to beauty in people than outward and transitory appearance. In that awareness, we hopefully come closer to understanding your standards of beauty.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Where will you spend eternity?”
[Nope. He never asked that question of anyone. Apparently not a concern of His.]
D. Blog: Spotting God
I like sitting here, where I look out at the trees. I favor a morning like this one, when the sun brightens the greens and casts shadows on the deck and the ground. But my favorite time is late afternoon, when the light itself carries such warm and varied tones and fills the mountain ridges and valleys with such splendor that my eye perceives but cannot distinguish; my camera can catch hints of this splendor, but can never capture it.
I think that is an apt metaphor for the human mind trying to catch hints of, capture, or convey divinity.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Pray for Them...
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
You know, God might hold her breath until we make peace with our sisters and brothers.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Our observation of your work is finite. Your activity is infinite. Our view of who you are is always from a limited perspective. We can never see you in your vastness. Even when you reveal yourself to us, we cannot be sure that is all there is to you. Thus, although I believe Jesus is the fullest expression of who you are, it remains a belief, not a fact. It might be a belief I’m willing to stake my life upon, but it remains less than a fact. I can only know you in part. The part I know is glorious, noble, inspiring, awesome, wonderful, moving, and persuasive. Then I shall know in full. Meanwhile, the parts I believe and know give my life a fullness that brings me great joy.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"Politicians shouldn't be allowed to wed. When they cheat, it threatens the sanctity of marriage."
[Somebody had to say it. But He didn’t.]
D. Blog: Pray for Them…
- People who live vicariously
- "Woe is me” people
- People who never have enough despite their relative wealth
- “The devil made me do it” people
- People whose fears control them
- “Is that all there is?” people
- People whose god is far too small (e.g., male, judgmental, out there, confined by scripture)
You know, God might hold her breath until we make peace with our sisters and brothers.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Our observation of your work is finite. Your activity is infinite. Our view of who you are is always from a limited perspective. We can never see you in your vastness. Even when you reveal yourself to us, we cannot be sure that is all there is to you. Thus, although I believe Jesus is the fullest expression of who you are, it remains a belief, not a fact. It might be a belief I’m willing to stake my life upon, but it remains less than a fact. I can only know you in part. The part I know is glorious, noble, inspiring, awesome, wonderful, moving, and persuasive. Then I shall know in full. Meanwhile, the parts I believe and know give my life a fullness that brings me great joy.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"Politicians shouldn't be allowed to wed. When they cheat, it threatens the sanctity of marriage."
[Somebody had to say it. But He didn’t.]
D. Blog: Pray for Them…
- People who live vicariously
- "Woe is me” people
- People who never have enough despite their relative wealth
- “The devil made me do it” people
- People whose fears control them
- “Is that all there is?” people
- People whose god is far too small (e.g., male, judgmental, out there, confined by scripture)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Things Earth Can Live Without (Part 9)
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
When Eirene comes knocking, I always let her in.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Impressive as it is when you work in the life of an individual, what you can do with a group of people makes that pale in comparison. I have seen you create a group consensus when it seemed members of the group were horribly conflicted. I have seen a group of people, whose individual lives held a lot of dysfunction, together act to offer creative support and encouragement to one of their number. I have seen numerous groups that, because their members were bound in a common purpose, become something much greater than the sum of those individual members.
We often give credit to teamwork, but that seems too superficial an explanation. You impress me here because the spirit of unity and oneness comes from you. You make us one, more than the ones, a one. You are part of the team. Your Spirit brings us together such that, with you, anything is possible. You are The One.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“People need another religion to fight about.”
[Not what He told the disciples.]
D. Blog: Things Earth Can Live Without (Part 9)
- Tanning salons
- Litter
- Paint ball “games”
- Human obesity
- The delusion that God is totally separate from and outside of the natural world.
When Eirene comes knocking, I always let her in.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Impressive as it is when you work in the life of an individual, what you can do with a group of people makes that pale in comparison. I have seen you create a group consensus when it seemed members of the group were horribly conflicted. I have seen a group of people, whose individual lives held a lot of dysfunction, together act to offer creative support and encouragement to one of their number. I have seen numerous groups that, because their members were bound in a common purpose, become something much greater than the sum of those individual members.
We often give credit to teamwork, but that seems too superficial an explanation. You impress me here because the spirit of unity and oneness comes from you. You make us one, more than the ones, a one. You are part of the team. Your Spirit brings us together such that, with you, anything is possible. You are The One.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“People need another religion to fight about.”
[Not what He told the disciples.]
D. Blog: Things Earth Can Live Without (Part 9)
- Tanning salons
- Litter
- Paint ball “games”
- Human obesity
- The delusion that God is totally separate from and outside of the natural world.
Friday, July 17, 2009
A Passing Fad
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Life is to short for war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Encourager,
You offer signs of support, pats on the back and words of encouragement.
I have appreciated the image the movie makers had of you in Oh, God. George Burns plays you as a humorous, supportive, grandfather type whose interest is in seeing that we humans recognize we can make the world work, can live together with a semblance of justice, peace and love.
Despite the appearance of violence, poverty and injustice, you declare your will for another kind of world. You keep moving some of us to bring to reality that divinely imaged world, the world shaped according to what you want. It’s what we want, too. But too often it seems out of reach. You try again by inspiring some of us to move toward that world. You provide people and signs of hope, creative ideas, small openings that get our attention. You provide a little nudge in the back to move us into the struggle. We are reminded that if you are with us, who can stand against us?
Keep up the good work.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’ll leave the Light on for you.”
[Not exactly what He told the disciples at the Last Supper.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week -- "fad"
fad
1834, "hobby, pet project;" 1881 as "fashion, craze," perhaps shortened from fiddle-faddle. Or perhaps from Fr. fadaise "trifle, nonsense," ult. from L. fatuus "stupid."
[A once-popular fad in the US: the notion of white male superiority.]
Life is to short for war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Encourager,
You offer signs of support, pats on the back and words of encouragement.
I have appreciated the image the movie makers had of you in Oh, God. George Burns plays you as a humorous, supportive, grandfather type whose interest is in seeing that we humans recognize we can make the world work, can live together with a semblance of justice, peace and love.
Despite the appearance of violence, poverty and injustice, you declare your will for another kind of world. You keep moving some of us to bring to reality that divinely imaged world, the world shaped according to what you want. It’s what we want, too. But too often it seems out of reach. You try again by inspiring some of us to move toward that world. You provide people and signs of hope, creative ideas, small openings that get our attention. You provide a little nudge in the back to move us into the struggle. We are reminded that if you are with us, who can stand against us?
Keep up the good work.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’ll leave the Light on for you.”
[Not exactly what He told the disciples at the Last Supper.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week -- "fad"
fad
1834, "hobby, pet project;" 1881 as "fashion, craze," perhaps shortened from fiddle-faddle. Or perhaps from Fr. fadaise "trifle, nonsense," ult. from L. fatuus "stupid."
[A once-popular fad in the US: the notion of white male superiority.]
Thursday, July 16, 2009
White Male Supremicists?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Every “other” or “enemy” looks or acts like one of my relatives.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One Behind the Rainbow,
Your radiance shines through the rainbow, sign of hope and beauty and blessing. In you we have each of those things. When we see it, its glory can bring us to our knees in reverence. When we see it, the peril and discomfort of storms melt away. The view of your grandeur dwarfs all pain. I have seen the rainbow and felt its power. I want to see it again, but I can live without seeing it again. For I know you are there behind it. Having seen you in the rainbow, lesser lights can no longer capture my vision in the same way. You light up my life.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Well, Peter! Finally, one of you guys gets it!”
[Not what He said when Peter recognized Jesus as the Christ.]
D. Blog: Sotomayor Hearing
I admit I haven’t paid a lot of attention, only enough to draw impressionistic images.
1. Conservative Republicans don’t seem to want impartial justices who stand above partisan politics. Lady Justice, in their view, ought not be blind, but have her right eye uncovered.
2. Qualifications as a judge might not matter to them when it comes to the Supreme Court. “Is she a team player? For our team?” might be their basic question.
3. Reminds me of our church softball team in a co-ed league. The requirement is that two women must play at all times, so for most teams, only two play. Men, white men (with an occasional token) usually determine the outcomes of the games.
4. Lincoln's Party of White Male Supremicists?
Every “other” or “enemy” looks or acts like one of my relatives.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One Behind the Rainbow,
Your radiance shines through the rainbow, sign of hope and beauty and blessing. In you we have each of those things. When we see it, its glory can bring us to our knees in reverence. When we see it, the peril and discomfort of storms melt away. The view of your grandeur dwarfs all pain. I have seen the rainbow and felt its power. I want to see it again, but I can live without seeing it again. For I know you are there behind it. Having seen you in the rainbow, lesser lights can no longer capture my vision in the same way. You light up my life.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Well, Peter! Finally, one of you guys gets it!”
[Not what He said when Peter recognized Jesus as the Christ.]
D. Blog: Sotomayor Hearing
I admit I haven’t paid a lot of attention, only enough to draw impressionistic images.
1. Conservative Republicans don’t seem to want impartial justices who stand above partisan politics. Lady Justice, in their view, ought not be blind, but have her right eye uncovered.
2. Qualifications as a judge might not matter to them when it comes to the Supreme Court. “Is she a team player? For our team?” might be their basic question.
3. Reminds me of our church softball team in a co-ed league. The requirement is that two women must play at all times, so for most teams, only two play. Men, white men (with an occasional token) usually determine the outcomes of the games.
4. Lincoln's Party of White Male Supremicists?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Area Cat-Burglar Alert!
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Have you heard the one about the guy who walked into an Earth and ordered Peace?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Womb of Life,
All life gestates in you. New life and renewed life, those born or reborn, all are carried to term in you. You give birth to new hopes, fresh ideas, new relationships and promising possibilities. Apart from you there is no life at all. In you arise animation, invigoration, and inspiration. I recognize you as birth mother to all.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“21 centuries from now, Pharisees and Sadducees will be known as fundamentalists.”
[So that’s why… But He never made the prediction.]
D. Blog: Crime in the Mountains
WOODFIN — Woodfin police arrested an Asheville man for allegedly stealing another man’s cat. James Ray Freeman, 38, was charged with felony common law robbery, according to a warrant served today. The warrant states Freeman stole a cat valued at $100 from Keith Anthony Johnson. Bond was set at $2,000. – Asheville Citizen-Times, July 10, 2009
[A true cat burglar!]
Have you heard the one about the guy who walked into an Earth and ordered Peace?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Womb of Life,
All life gestates in you. New life and renewed life, those born or reborn, all are carried to term in you. You give birth to new hopes, fresh ideas, new relationships and promising possibilities. Apart from you there is no life at all. In you arise animation, invigoration, and inspiration. I recognize you as birth mother to all.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“21 centuries from now, Pharisees and Sadducees will be known as fundamentalists.”
[So that’s why… But He never made the prediction.]
D. Blog: Crime in the Mountains
WOODFIN — Woodfin police arrested an Asheville man for allegedly stealing another man’s cat. James Ray Freeman, 38, was charged with felony common law robbery, according to a warrant served today. The warrant states Freeman stole a cat valued at $100 from Keith Anthony Johnson. Bond was set at $2,000. – Asheville Citizen-Times, July 10, 2009
[A true cat burglar!]
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Two Obstacles to Friendship
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
When greed arises between neighbors, so does fear.
When fear exists between neighbors, friendship is not possible.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Our Consolation,
We turn to you in our grief, in part because we have no better place to turn, in part because you know us best, in part because you are best able to give comfort, in part because you know grief better than anyone else to whom we might turn.
You see the tears of those who suffer disappointment and loss. You hear the sobbing questions: “Why?”, “How could…?”, and “How will I…?“ You send human angels to stand by us and share in our grief with wisdom or resolve or humor or perspective or whatever grace we need to move on with our living, not forgetting our grief, but no longer having it determine our outlook.
For you surround us with hope-filled presence, your spirit to move with the flow of life in all its imagined and unimagined possibilities. A mini-resurrection occurs after a time. We live because you will it so.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I guess we’re no longer a Holy Family now that you had James, Mom.”
[Yeah, what about that? – He never said it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
If it gets any better than this
You’ll have to take me.
It’s heaven!
When greed arises between neighbors, so does fear.
When fear exists between neighbors, friendship is not possible.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Our Consolation,
We turn to you in our grief, in part because we have no better place to turn, in part because you know us best, in part because you are best able to give comfort, in part because you know grief better than anyone else to whom we might turn.
You see the tears of those who suffer disappointment and loss. You hear the sobbing questions: “Why?”, “How could…?”, and “How will I…?“ You send human angels to stand by us and share in our grief with wisdom or resolve or humor or perspective or whatever grace we need to move on with our living, not forgetting our grief, but no longer having it determine our outlook.
For you surround us with hope-filled presence, your spirit to move with the flow of life in all its imagined and unimagined possibilities. A mini-resurrection occurs after a time. We live because you will it so.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I guess we’re no longer a Holy Family now that you had James, Mom.”
[Yeah, what about that? – He never said it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
If it gets any better than this
You’ll have to take me.
It’s heaven!
Monday, July 13, 2009
God Wills Sickness???
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
"Peace just makes more sense to me." – Gregory, age 12
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I’ll be seeing you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Start some of your own.”
[Nope. Never said it. Nothing at all about crusades, even.]
D. Blog: Provoking Church Sign
"Peace just makes more sense to me." – Gregory, age 12
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I’ll be seeing you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Start some of your own.”
[Nope. Never said it. Nothing at all about crusades, even.]
D. Blog: Provoking Church Sign
How shall we respond to such a question? Maybe some of these:
“If God wills ignorance, did you get an education?”
“If God wills homelessness, where do you keep your stuff?”
“If God wills war, why aren’t you off fighting somewhere?”
“Was Jesus violating the will of God when he healed folks of their sicknesses?”
“If you believe God wills sickness, you must not have health insurance, nor accept health care for your children.”
“If your god wills sickness, would you like to hear about the Holy God who is not so lacking in compassion?”
“How is your God related to Jesus as portrayed in the Bible?”
“Fortunately, I don’t believe God wills sickness, so health insurance is an important issue, as is defending God’s name against libelous characterizations.”
"You worship a sickening god."
"You can take your god with you when you go to..."
"I would sooner worship a rock than I would your god."
"If you expect that statement to appeal to people, do you want masochists in your church?"
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Revelator Speaks
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If you ask Jesus, He’ll say “Love your enemies. Forgive those who persecute you.” Most people don’t seem to be interested in what Jesus says…
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are the center around which our lives radiate.
You are the place from which we go out and to which we return.
You are the bedrock, the touchstone upon and around whom our lives gravitate.
We could not, even if we wanted to, escape the gravitational pull that comes from you.
Those who attempt to escape that pull are only reacting to a debased image of you.
I know you’re my home base.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“If I’d only known then what I know now.”
[Not one of the things He said from the cross.]
D. Blog: Revelation
In a dream, I saw the author of what we call the Book of Revelation. He looked down upon Earth and saw those Christians who spend so much time trying to interpret his apocalyptic text. And he said to me:
“Those people must be out of their minds! They spend so much time and energy and money trying to make what I wrote for my time into something that predicts their future. They just don’t get it: It’s not about them. I did not write for them.
“Writing to them, I would say: Woe to you who take my encouragement to those Christians under Roman oppression and substitute it for following the ways of Jesus. Woe to you who seek to earn a living by frightening people with false images of the future. Woe to you who present a wrathful image of the Holy One to obscure the loving God of all. Woe to you when you focus your attention on the bad news of a hopeless future for life on the Creator’s divine Earth and forget about the good news of hope in Jesus Christ.
“Repent of your wicked ways, I say. Hear me: Whatever is good and noble, whatever is pleasing and loving, whatever is compassionate and just, whatever is humble and righteous, whatever gives hope – think on these things. Amen.”
I heard his words and they filled me with joy.
If you ask Jesus, He’ll say “Love your enemies. Forgive those who persecute you.” Most people don’t seem to be interested in what Jesus says…
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You are the center around which our lives radiate.
You are the place from which we go out and to which we return.
You are the bedrock, the touchstone upon and around whom our lives gravitate.
We could not, even if we wanted to, escape the gravitational pull that comes from you.
Those who attempt to escape that pull are only reacting to a debased image of you.
I know you’re my home base.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“If I’d only known then what I know now.”
[Not one of the things He said from the cross.]
D. Blog: Revelation
In a dream, I saw the author of what we call the Book of Revelation. He looked down upon Earth and saw those Christians who spend so much time trying to interpret his apocalyptic text. And he said to me:
“Those people must be out of their minds! They spend so much time and energy and money trying to make what I wrote for my time into something that predicts their future. They just don’t get it: It’s not about them. I did not write for them.
“Writing to them, I would say: Woe to you who take my encouragement to those Christians under Roman oppression and substitute it for following the ways of Jesus. Woe to you who seek to earn a living by frightening people with false images of the future. Woe to you who present a wrathful image of the Holy One to obscure the loving God of all. Woe to you when you focus your attention on the bad news of a hopeless future for life on the Creator’s divine Earth and forget about the good news of hope in Jesus Christ.
“Repent of your wicked ways, I say. Hear me: Whatever is good and noble, whatever is pleasing and loving, whatever is compassionate and just, whatever is humble and righteous, whatever gives hope – think on these things. Amen.”
I heard his words and they filled me with joy.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Laughing God
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Vilifying and demonizing our opponents cannot contribute to peace -- on any level of social interaction.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I think you must laugh at much of our silliness – remember pet rocks? I like to think you laugh at some of our doings and that you enjoy occasional guffaws. The Oh God! Portrait of you enjoyed a laugh now and then. Maybe you even play practical jokes…
I hope the laughter helps offset the weeping you must do when you experience our violence to one another and to your Earth. It is said to be the best medicine, one of the priceless gifts that costs nothing.
These days we don’t see enough laughter in people. That’s one of the things that makes listening to the news so depressing – so little to make us laugh. When we get together, I hope you’ll share your favorite jokes with me.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, a Roman, a Pharisee and a Sadducee go into a bar…”
[Why not? He spoke no English.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- 5-cent cigars
- Glass houses
- Strip mining
- Too-small gods
- Oil spills
Vilifying and demonizing our opponents cannot contribute to peace -- on any level of social interaction.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I think you must laugh at much of our silliness – remember pet rocks? I like to think you laugh at some of our doings and that you enjoy occasional guffaws. The Oh God! Portrait of you enjoyed a laugh now and then. Maybe you even play practical jokes…
I hope the laughter helps offset the weeping you must do when you experience our violence to one another and to your Earth. It is said to be the best medicine, one of the priceless gifts that costs nothing.
These days we don’t see enough laughter in people. That’s one of the things that makes listening to the news so depressing – so little to make us laugh. When we get together, I hope you’ll share your favorite jokes with me.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, a Roman, a Pharisee and a Sadducee go into a bar…”
[Why not? He spoke no English.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- 5-cent cigars
- Glass houses
- Strip mining
- Too-small gods
- Oil spills
Friday, July 10, 2009
Failure to Communicate
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
“War games” is an oxymoron, unless you think killing women and children is entertaining. We usually consider such actions criminal pathology.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You accompany and support us in the midst of our hectic schedules. Your presence makes it possible for us to get from one job to the next, from home to school to church, to grocery store to baseball game without losing focus and without losing all contact with you. You provide the extra energy we need to make our way through the extra busy parts of our lives. When we ask for it, you supply a well of calm and serenity so we can move through the busyness with a measure of grace and poise. In a way, this is what you nurture us toward – grace under pressure. It marks a kind of test for us, a Spiritual Achievement Test (SAT) that measures spiritual maturity. We might prefer the slow and deliberate pace, but there is an emotional rush when we meet the tension in a tight schedule and get put through our spiritual paces.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“What we have here, Pilate, is a failure to communicate.”
[True, no doubt, but He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “oxymoron”
[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary]
1657, from Gk. oxymoron, noun use of neut. of oxymoros (adj.) "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp" + moros "stupid." Rhetorical figure by which contradictory terms are conjoined so as to give point to the statement or expression; the word itself is an illustration of the thing. Now often used loosely to mean "contradiction in terms."
“War games” is an oxymoron, unless you think killing women and children is entertaining. We usually consider such actions criminal pathology.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You accompany and support us in the midst of our hectic schedules. Your presence makes it possible for us to get from one job to the next, from home to school to church, to grocery store to baseball game without losing focus and without losing all contact with you. You provide the extra energy we need to make our way through the extra busy parts of our lives. When we ask for it, you supply a well of calm and serenity so we can move through the busyness with a measure of grace and poise. In a way, this is what you nurture us toward – grace under pressure. It marks a kind of test for us, a Spiritual Achievement Test (SAT) that measures spiritual maturity. We might prefer the slow and deliberate pace, but there is an emotional rush when we meet the tension in a tight schedule and get put through our spiritual paces.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“What we have here, Pilate, is a failure to communicate.”
[True, no doubt, but He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “oxymoron”
[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary]
1657, from Gk. oxymoron, noun use of neut. of oxymoros (adj.) "pointedly foolish," from oxys "sharp" + moros "stupid." Rhetorical figure by which contradictory terms are conjoined so as to give point to the statement or expression; the word itself is an illustration of the thing. Now often used loosely to mean "contradiction in terms."
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Sacrificial Lamb? NOT!
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace comes in the form of a baby – to be loved and fed and enjoyed and shared with the world.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You bring us great and lasting friendships, those mysterious connections that enrich our lives with caring companions. Some of them involve romance, but even without that, the relationships are to be treasured, nurtured, fostered and enjoyed. In these connections we seek no gain but the connections themselves. There is no gain apart from the friendship. There is no taking advantage, just taking pleasure in the sharing, mutual growth and learning. “What a friend we have in Jesus” makes sense only in light of other friendships.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“What we need is a sacrificial scapegoat so God will forgive all human sin.”
[Nope. It can’t be found among any of His sayings.]
D. Blog: 4th of July
I feel great relief when the national celebration of ourselves is over for another year. Self-esteem certainly has value, but our celebration of July 4th borders on the idolatry of self-worship. In addition, encourages us white Americans to wear blinders that prevent us from seeing what we’ve done to ethnic minorities, and to overlook what we’ve become as a culture of violence, a nation of greed and exploitation, a nation with a sense of entitlement far beyond what is appropriate if we expect to relate to others in an international and interdependent world community.
Peace comes in the form of a baby – to be loved and fed and enjoyed and shared with the world.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You bring us great and lasting friendships, those mysterious connections that enrich our lives with caring companions. Some of them involve romance, but even without that, the relationships are to be treasured, nurtured, fostered and enjoyed. In these connections we seek no gain but the connections themselves. There is no gain apart from the friendship. There is no taking advantage, just taking pleasure in the sharing, mutual growth and learning. “What a friend we have in Jesus” makes sense only in light of other friendships.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“What we need is a sacrificial scapegoat so God will forgive all human sin.”
[Nope. It can’t be found among any of His sayings.]
D. Blog: 4th of July
I feel great relief when the national celebration of ourselves is over for another year. Self-esteem certainly has value, but our celebration of July 4th borders on the idolatry of self-worship. In addition, encourages us white Americans to wear blinders that prevent us from seeing what we’ve done to ethnic minorities, and to overlook what we’ve become as a culture of violence, a nation of greed and exploitation, a nation with a sense of entitlement far beyond what is appropriate if we expect to relate to others in an international and interdependent world community.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
God: Beyond Imagining
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Because I don’t give up on God, I don’t give up on peace on Earth.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
God beyond imagining…
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’ll get by with a little help from my new best friend, Cyrus.”
[No, He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: So Much Crime, So Little Time
ASHEVILLE — Authorities charged two with robbing a man at gunpoint Thursday.
William Cody Clark, 17, and Joshua Glenn Banks, 20, both of Brickyard Road in Asheville, were each charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. According to arrest warrants, Clark and Banks stole $12 cash and a wallet from a man.
Banks also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of oxycontin and simple marijuana possession. His bond was set at $11,500. Clark was released under $5,000 unsecured bond.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, July 2, 2009
Because I don’t give up on God, I don’t give up on peace on Earth.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
God beyond imagining…
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’ll get by with a little help from my new best friend, Cyrus.”
[No, He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: So Much Crime, So Little Time
ASHEVILLE — Authorities charged two with robbing a man at gunpoint Thursday.
William Cody Clark, 17, and Joshua Glenn Banks, 20, both of Brickyard Road in Asheville, were each charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon. According to arrest warrants, Clark and Banks stole $12 cash and a wallet from a man.
Banks also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of oxycontin and simple marijuana possession. His bond was set at $11,500. Clark was released under $5,000 unsecured bond.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, July 2, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Critiquing Moses' Writing
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Politicians throw peace under the bus when they go to war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Like the unit that recharges batteries, you provide the renewed energy we need to deal with life’s challenges and opportunities. When we’ve been drained of energy -- emotional, physical, mental or spiritual – you give us the boost we need. It helps, though, if we plug into you directly. That way you don’t have to deal with obstructions that can continue to drain us of your energy supply. I like it when I feel the surge of power you send through my system. Keep it flowing.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Moses’ writing has its good points, but character development and dialogue were definitely not his strengths.”
[Or those of his biographers. But Jesus never said this.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Dogs of war versus doves of peace?
As a species,
Doves will outlast dogs.
Politicians throw peace under the bus when they go to war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Like the unit that recharges batteries, you provide the renewed energy we need to deal with life’s challenges and opportunities. When we’ve been drained of energy -- emotional, physical, mental or spiritual – you give us the boost we need. It helps, though, if we plug into you directly. That way you don’t have to deal with obstructions that can continue to drain us of your energy supply. I like it when I feel the surge of power you send through my system. Keep it flowing.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Moses’ writing has its good points, but character development and dialogue were definitely not his strengths.”
[Or those of his biographers. But Jesus never said this.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Dogs of war versus doves of peace?
As a species,
Doves will outlast dogs.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Crawling Toward Peace
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
We crawl toward peace until we can walk in humility with our neighbors.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Although I hardly deserve it, you hold me dearer than any mother’s love.
Although I have walked in paths of unrighteousness, you did not abandon me.
Although I have forsaken you, you held out hope that I would return to you.
Your love encourages and builds me up when the world seems to put me down.
When my sanity hangs by a thread, you are the thread that keeps me from falling.
You never let go.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Mom, what am I supposed to do with this ‘Hers’ towel?”
[Hope springs eternal for a Jewish mother, but He never said this.]
D. Blog: A Parable
The Quilting Knot
The Dominion of God is like the case of a woman who pays a day’s wages to attend a quilting workshop, where she learns only one thing: how to tie a simple knot.
At first she thinks the workshop was a waste of time and money. But then she begins to use the knot. Over time, she comes to treasure this knot as one of her most valuable assets in the art of making quilts.
-- based on the experience of Barbara Rathbun
We crawl toward peace until we can walk in humility with our neighbors.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Although I hardly deserve it, you hold me dearer than any mother’s love.
Although I have walked in paths of unrighteousness, you did not abandon me.
Although I have forsaken you, you held out hope that I would return to you.
Your love encourages and builds me up when the world seems to put me down.
When my sanity hangs by a thread, you are the thread that keeps me from falling.
You never let go.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Mom, what am I supposed to do with this ‘Hers’ towel?”
[Hope springs eternal for a Jewish mother, but He never said this.]
D. Blog: A Parable
The Quilting Knot
The Dominion of God is like the case of a woman who pays a day’s wages to attend a quilting workshop, where she learns only one thing: how to tie a simple knot.
At first she thinks the workshop was a waste of time and money. But then she begins to use the knot. Over time, she comes to treasure this knot as one of her most valuable assets in the art of making quilts.
-- based on the experience of Barbara Rathbun
Sunday, July 5, 2009
When Life Begins
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Nobody ever complains about peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
There is no lack of bad news. Every television newscast is full of it. It seems we have our antennae tuned to pick up the negative stories. Perhaps the threat of chaos will remind us of the order on which we depend. Yet, in the face of all the negatives, you send a steady stream of positives. You set our spirits aglow with good news and stories of caring, sharing and integrity. You fill our cups with illustrations of courage, noble sacrifice, miraculous recoveries, overcoming long odds, achieving big dreams, faithful commitments. Perhaps we pay attention to the bad news because it stands out against the background of so much good news, but we should do a better job of celebrating good news. After all, you sent the best news: that you love us and stand with us. That makes our glasses more than half full.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I hear you’re talking about a J.C. and Son-shine Boys Reunion Tour. Who can we get as sponsors?”
[That’s not what He said when He appeared to the disciples in the locked room after leaving the tomb.]
D. Blog: When Life Begins
There's a big controversy on the Jewish view of exactly when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until after it graduates from medical school.
- For the wealthy, viability occurs when the fetus has an MBA.
- For the middle class, when it no longer lives on our checkbook.
- For the poor, when it has a professional sports or music contract.
- For Catholics, when he sees her and they exchange that look.
- For Protestants, when it shows in her mid-section.
- For Gays/Lesbians, when the closet door opens.
- For ???
Nobody ever complains about peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
There is no lack of bad news. Every television newscast is full of it. It seems we have our antennae tuned to pick up the negative stories. Perhaps the threat of chaos will remind us of the order on which we depend. Yet, in the face of all the negatives, you send a steady stream of positives. You set our spirits aglow with good news and stories of caring, sharing and integrity. You fill our cups with illustrations of courage, noble sacrifice, miraculous recoveries, overcoming long odds, achieving big dreams, faithful commitments. Perhaps we pay attention to the bad news because it stands out against the background of so much good news, but we should do a better job of celebrating good news. After all, you sent the best news: that you love us and stand with us. That makes our glasses more than half full.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I hear you’re talking about a J.C. and Son-shine Boys Reunion Tour. Who can we get as sponsors?”
[That’s not what He said when He appeared to the disciples in the locked room after leaving the tomb.]
D. Blog: When Life Begins
There's a big controversy on the Jewish view of exactly when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until after it graduates from medical school.
- For the wealthy, viability occurs when the fetus has an MBA.
- For the middle class, when it no longer lives on our checkbook.
- For the poor, when it has a professional sports or music contract.
- For Catholics, when he sees her and they exchange that look.
- For Protestants, when it shows in her mid-section.
- For Gays/Lesbians, when the closet door opens.
- For ???
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Country First! NOT!
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
“Country First” is not a peace slogan; nor is it a Christian slogan.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
When others overlook me, you prepare a place of honor for me.
When former friends and acquaintances can’t remember the name of the guy in that photograph, you carry my name in your heart.
When others take my work and my person for granted, you grant me the grace of recognizing my worth and my accomplishments.
When history records nothing that marks my having been here, you remember my noble hopes and glorious dreams.
It is well with my soul.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Trust me, Barrabas, this can make you famous some day: E=MC2”
[Barrabas wasn’t the trusting kind, and Jesus never said it.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
5. Rush Limbaugh
4. Robert Mugabe
3. More deserts
2. Terrorists
1. Government secrecy/Government invasion of privacy
“Country First” is not a peace slogan; nor is it a Christian slogan.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
When others overlook me, you prepare a place of honor for me.
When former friends and acquaintances can’t remember the name of the guy in that photograph, you carry my name in your heart.
When others take my work and my person for granted, you grant me the grace of recognizing my worth and my accomplishments.
When history records nothing that marks my having been here, you remember my noble hopes and glorious dreams.
It is well with my soul.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Trust me, Barrabas, this can make you famous some day: E=MC2”
[Barrabas wasn’t the trusting kind, and Jesus never said it.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
5. Rush Limbaugh
4. Robert Mugabe
3. More deserts
2. Terrorists
1. Government secrecy/Government invasion of privacy
Friday, July 3, 2009
A Word for Un-Quoting. Who knew?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
In peace I rise.
In peace I walk.
In peace I work.
In peace I play.
In peace I rest.
In peace I live.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You care for your sheep when we hunger and thirst.
You care for your sheep when we are sick or injured.
You come looking for your sheep when we go astray.
You protect your sheep from predators, sacrifice your own safety for ours.
You speak and we know your voice as one we can trust.
You never desert us or leave us to the clutches of those who seek only their own advantage.
You give shepherds a good name and make shepherding a high calling.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I prefer the realism and hope of the 22nd to the sentimentality of the 23rd.”
[He experienced it, but didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “prosopopeia”
[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary, I now know there’s a word for my Jesus un-quoting, although I like my un-word better.]
1561, from Gk. prosopopoiia "the putting of speeches into the mouths of others," from prosopon "person, face" (lit. "that which is toward the eyes," from pros "to" + ops "eye, face") + poiein "make". A rhetorical figure in which an imaginary or absent person is made to speak or act.
In peace I rise.
In peace I walk.
In peace I work.
In peace I play.
In peace I rest.
In peace I live.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You care for your sheep when we hunger and thirst.
You care for your sheep when we are sick or injured.
You come looking for your sheep when we go astray.
You protect your sheep from predators, sacrifice your own safety for ours.
You speak and we know your voice as one we can trust.
You never desert us or leave us to the clutches of those who seek only their own advantage.
You give shepherds a good name and make shepherding a high calling.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I prefer the realism and hope of the 22nd to the sentimentality of the 23rd.”
[He experienced it, but didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “prosopopeia”
[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary, I now know there’s a word for my Jesus un-quoting, although I like my un-word better.]
1561, from Gk. prosopopoiia "the putting of speeches into the mouths of others," from prosopon "person, face" (lit. "that which is toward the eyes," from pros "to" + ops "eye, face") + poiein "make". A rhetorical figure in which an imaginary or absent person is made to speak or act.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Low Fat Embezzlement
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
We have met the enemy, and now we’re friends.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You shine as the one who cannot be tarnished. All our depravity cannot touch your purity. All our cynicism cannot diminish your boundless faith and hope for your creation. All our hateful acts d not reduce the outpouring of love from you.
The hymn says “all thy works shall praise they name on Earth and sky and sea.” When that day comes, we will have achieved significant growth in our ability to know what is valuable – your holiness.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Of course I have a tool with me, Ms. Magdalen, I’m a carpenter, for goodness sake!”
[Pretending He didn’t get the concept? He never said it.]
D. Blog: Crime Here – Too Much!
Sian Marie Houston, 19, of Black Mountain, was charged with embezzling $7 from his employer, Subway, according to warrants. His bond was set as a written promise to appear in court.
–Asheville Citizen-Times, July 1, 2009
[I’m sorry, he “embezzled” how much?? I guess he ate an unauthorized sandwich--not a hero.]
We have met the enemy, and now we’re friends.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You shine as the one who cannot be tarnished. All our depravity cannot touch your purity. All our cynicism cannot diminish your boundless faith and hope for your creation. All our hateful acts d not reduce the outpouring of love from you.
The hymn says “all thy works shall praise they name on Earth and sky and sea.” When that day comes, we will have achieved significant growth in our ability to know what is valuable – your holiness.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Of course I have a tool with me, Ms. Magdalen, I’m a carpenter, for goodness sake!”
[Pretending He didn’t get the concept? He never said it.]
D. Blog: Crime Here – Too Much!
Sian Marie Houston, 19, of Black Mountain, was charged with embezzling $7 from his employer, Subway, according to warrants. His bond was set as a written promise to appear in court.
–Asheville Citizen-Times, July 1, 2009
[I’m sorry, he “embezzled” how much?? I guess he ate an unauthorized sandwich--not a hero.]
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Deaths On Parade
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
No matter what the circumstance, give peace a chance.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Not lightly, but gently you suffer some fools. Fools for Christ. Enthusiasts for you, those with mental handicaps, harmless old fools. Fools like me, I hope. With you, the suffering is light but serious. It’s part of who you are – the compassionate shepherd of wandering sheep.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“What this world needs is a good 5-cent cigar.”
[He lived in a different world, but He never said this.]
D. Blog: Deaths in Review
McMahon. Fawcett. Jackson. Mays.
Entertainers. Hucksters. Eccentric pop culture icon.
Bomb and assassination victims.
Combat victims
Shooting victims.
Metrorail crash victims.
Plane crash victims.
A politician’s career.
His relationship with his love/honor/cherish/’til-death-do-us-part wife.
His family.
Some deaths occur naturally, even for celebrities.
Some deaths are caused by intentional violence.
Some deaths result from accidents.
Some deaths are self-inflicted.
No matter what the circumstance, give peace a chance.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Not lightly, but gently you suffer some fools. Fools for Christ. Enthusiasts for you, those with mental handicaps, harmless old fools. Fools like me, I hope. With you, the suffering is light but serious. It’s part of who you are – the compassionate shepherd of wandering sheep.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“What this world needs is a good 5-cent cigar.”
[He lived in a different world, but He never said this.]
D. Blog: Deaths in Review
McMahon. Fawcett. Jackson. Mays.
Entertainers. Hucksters. Eccentric pop culture icon.
Bomb and assassination victims.
Combat victims
Shooting victims.
Metrorail crash victims.
Plane crash victims.
A politician’s career.
His relationship with his love/honor/cherish/’til-death-do-us-part wife.
His family.
Some deaths occur naturally, even for celebrities.
Some deaths are caused by intentional violence.
Some deaths result from accidents.
Some deaths are self-inflicted.
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