A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Gone fishing – for peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of Memory,
In my “golden age,” grant me memory. I want to remember people and events from throughout my life, for they make up the pieces of the whole that is my life. Now past sixty, I am grateful for the things that help remind me of parts of my past – photographs and mementos and other people who refresh my own memory. Again, it rekindles parts of my life experience and helps me treasure it even more.
Thank you, too, for the reminders of our collective human past, before my personal entry into the world. History books, older people, historians, museums, all of them help me place myself in the larger human experience, making my life richer and more fully aware.
Do you have things that help you remember? Maybe you don’t need reminders, but for me they add to the joy.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My brother James will take over as head of the church when I’m gone.”
[The dynasty never happened.]
D. Blog: Woman and Her Towel
Angela Maria Barnard, 41, of Asheville, charged with obtaining property by false pretense and misdemeanor larceny. According to arrest warrants, Barnard presented an unsold towel as her own to exchange for another unsold towel. Bond was set at $1,000.
– Asheville Citizen-Times, August 29, 2009
[A towel? Policing here has become far too dangerous!!]
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Vacation - Sabbatical
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I choose harmony over discord.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Whenever we return to you, you await us with open arms. You receive us after our slights and our insensitivity, after commandment breaking, after skipping worship and forgetting to pray. When we return to you, your arms enfold us in a warm embrace.
If I were an artist, that would be the picture I’d want to paint – your arms awaiting the returning wanderer. After we go off to do our own thing rather than trying to seek you thing (I know these can be the same thing, but we usually don’t think so, or aren’t thinking so at the time), you don’t seem to mind. You are just glad that we’re back.
If I were a poet, I wish I could create a poem about your open arms. A sculptor, same image. A preacher, I can think of no better sermon topic than “With Open Arms.” If I were a teach, I wish I could teach my young students and my old students that that’s the kind of God you are, one eager to embrace your children with the love of a parent for the precious child. I love being in your arms.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, Cleopas, you’re a believer and you know about the day on which I was executed. Can you believe that in the future millions of people claiming to follow me will call that day “good” Friday? Pretty amazing twist, isn’t it?”
[Yes, it is. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Vacation-Sabbatical
I recently returned from a refreshing trip to California. I resist calling it a vacation because I would rather think of it as a sabbatical.
The word vacation goes back to the idea of vacating a job for a period of time, just getting away from that.
The word sabbatical includes the idea of pulling away, yes, but more. It can be a time or an experience of rest and renewal, a time for reflection, a time to consider the path our lives have taken, perhaps to decide upon a change of course, or find new inspiration and hope for our lives.
I think many people see vacation as an escape from their normal life, a chance to pack more but new activities into their busy days. For them vacation loses the possibilities and the intent contained in the idea of sabbatical.
The biblical story says that God rested on the 7th day, nothing about a vacation. Besides, where would she go on vacation?
I choose harmony over discord.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Whenever we return to you, you await us with open arms. You receive us after our slights and our insensitivity, after commandment breaking, after skipping worship and forgetting to pray. When we return to you, your arms enfold us in a warm embrace.
If I were an artist, that would be the picture I’d want to paint – your arms awaiting the returning wanderer. After we go off to do our own thing rather than trying to seek you thing (I know these can be the same thing, but we usually don’t think so, or aren’t thinking so at the time), you don’t seem to mind. You are just glad that we’re back.
If I were a poet, I wish I could create a poem about your open arms. A sculptor, same image. A preacher, I can think of no better sermon topic than “With Open Arms.” If I were a teach, I wish I could teach my young students and my old students that that’s the kind of God you are, one eager to embrace your children with the love of a parent for the precious child. I love being in your arms.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, Cleopas, you’re a believer and you know about the day on which I was executed. Can you believe that in the future millions of people claiming to follow me will call that day “good” Friday? Pretty amazing twist, isn’t it?”
[Yes, it is. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Vacation-Sabbatical
I recently returned from a refreshing trip to California. I resist calling it a vacation because I would rather think of it as a sabbatical.
The word vacation goes back to the idea of vacating a job for a period of time, just getting away from that.
The word sabbatical includes the idea of pulling away, yes, but more. It can be a time or an experience of rest and renewal, a time for reflection, a time to consider the path our lives have taken, perhaps to decide upon a change of course, or find new inspiration and hope for our lives.
I think many people see vacation as an escape from their normal life, a chance to pack more but new activities into their busy days. For them vacation loses the possibilities and the intent contained in the idea of sabbatical.
The biblical story says that God rested on the 7th day, nothing about a vacation. Besides, where would she go on vacation?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
California's North Coast
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Earth’s patience is wearing thin. Peace Now!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of the Deformed and Diseased,
Today I saw a man with a deformed arm. I wondered what happened to cause it, but that doesn’t matter. He’s your child, too. I imagine it must be difficult to be in public places with an obvious deformity. Once I had noticed it, I felt I should avert my eyes. But perhaps he’s used to it, perhaps my discomfort with seeing his arm is greater than his discomfort with having it seen.
I realized, too, that I have a minor physical deformity, one that made me self-conscious as a child, one that I still prefer to keep covered from view so that I normally don’t even think about it. I know I’m your child, and that’s what matters.
Perfect bodies and perfect health are rare. I guess we should accept our physical “differences” and pray for the healing of our spiritual and moral malformations.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“When was the last time you money changers went inside the temple?”
[Predatory financial systems even then, but He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: North Coast (CA)
[Seals sunning on the beach.]
Earth’s patience is wearing thin. Peace Now!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, God of the Deformed and Diseased,
Today I saw a man with a deformed arm. I wondered what happened to cause it, but that doesn’t matter. He’s your child, too. I imagine it must be difficult to be in public places with an obvious deformity. Once I had noticed it, I felt I should avert my eyes. But perhaps he’s used to it, perhaps my discomfort with seeing his arm is greater than his discomfort with having it seen.
I realized, too, that I have a minor physical deformity, one that made me self-conscious as a child, one that I still prefer to keep covered from view so that I normally don’t even think about it. I know I’m your child, and that’s what matters.
Perfect bodies and perfect health are rare. I guess we should accept our physical “differences” and pray for the healing of our spiritual and moral malformations.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“When was the last time you money changers went inside the temple?”
[Predatory financial systems even then, but He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: North Coast (CA)
[Seals sunning on the beach.]
Friday, August 28, 2009
Southern Women and Crime
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
We bow down to worship a god of revenge and fear when we war, not to the God of love and peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Like you, the universe seems limitless. But our planet’s resources are not. We in our greed focus too much on gaining more, on having more than enough. Perhaps when we understand that you are enough and more than enough, we can be satisfied with less of other things, with what is enough. Too many of us are over-eaters, over consumers, over-reachers, over indebted, over extended. Remind us that you supply what we need from your unlimited store of love and mercy. What else could we need?
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“The Damascus Road is a sight for sore eyes, isn’t it, Saul?”
[Not how the Book of Acts records the conversation.]
D. Blog: Women’s Criminal Activity, or Just Plain Stupid Acts
ASHEVILLE — City police Friday arrested an Asheville woman for stealing another woman’s dog. Johanna Scheider, 51, of Fairway Drive, was charged with felony larceny of dog. According to the arrest warrant, Scheider stole a pit bull on Aug. 13. She was released under a written promise to appear in court.
[A couple of things here: (1) stealing a dog is a felony? (2) stealing a pit bull seems like a reasonable thing to do???]
Other Buncombe County arrests:
- Christina Marie Correll, 30, of Cool Waters Lane, Leicester, charged with embezzlement. According to the arrest warrant, Correll embezzled a $30 pre-paid phone card from the Hot Spot on New Leicester Highway where she worked. Correll was released under $1,000 unsecured bond.
[I can imagine her rationale: "But I needed more minutes so I could talk on my cell phone while driving home from the bar."]
- Tracy Lee Finch, 37, of Converse, S.C., arrested on a fugitive warrant from Spartanburg County, S.C., where she was charged last month with unlawful use of telephone. Bond was set at $1,000.
We bow down to worship a god of revenge and fear when we war, not to the God of love and peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Like you, the universe seems limitless. But our planet’s resources are not. We in our greed focus too much on gaining more, on having more than enough. Perhaps when we understand that you are enough and more than enough, we can be satisfied with less of other things, with what is enough. Too many of us are over-eaters, over consumers, over-reachers, over indebted, over extended. Remind us that you supply what we need from your unlimited store of love and mercy. What else could we need?
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“The Damascus Road is a sight for sore eyes, isn’t it, Saul?”
[Not how the Book of Acts records the conversation.]
D. Blog: Women’s Criminal Activity, or Just Plain Stupid Acts
ASHEVILLE — City police Friday arrested an Asheville woman for stealing another woman’s dog. Johanna Scheider, 51, of Fairway Drive, was charged with felony larceny of dog. According to the arrest warrant, Scheider stole a pit bull on Aug. 13. She was released under a written promise to appear in court.
[A couple of things here: (1) stealing a dog is a felony? (2) stealing a pit bull seems like a reasonable thing to do???]
Other Buncombe County arrests:
- Christina Marie Correll, 30, of Cool Waters Lane, Leicester, charged with embezzlement. According to the arrest warrant, Correll embezzled a $30 pre-paid phone card from the Hot Spot on New Leicester Highway where she worked. Correll was released under $1,000 unsecured bond.
[I can imagine her rationale: "But I needed more minutes so I could talk on my cell phone while driving home from the bar."]
- Tracy Lee Finch, 37, of Converse, S.C., arrested on a fugitive warrant from Spartanburg County, S.C., where she was charged last month with unlawful use of telephone. Bond was set at $1,000.
[Maybe "unlawful use of telephone" means talking on her cell phone while driving home from a bar???]
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, August 22, 2009, provided these news items.
[I'd say that Southern women need to get their criminal act together...]
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Jesus Finds His Purpose in Life
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
We’ll wait forever if we expect governments to bring us peace. They think they must “defend” us with weapons of mass destruction.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You give us family that provides us with identity and a sense of belonging. When we learn about our family histories, we find stories of sex scandals, criminal activity, mental illness, and other things we might wish to deny. But they are part of the richness in the family tapestry. When we deny those parts of the family, we deny part of our own identity. When we accept those parts of our background, we have a more integrated sense of self. (No wonder we have those stories of our imperfect human forebears in the Bible!) Then we can be more compassionate toward ourselves and others (love of self and of others). And the tapestry grows to include all of your family. Your family encompasses all, so who would we be to write off any other members. We might be estranged with this or the other one, but we cannot deny their being part of your family. Help me keep that awareness.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Now that I’m 33, I think I finally know my purpose in life.”
[Late bloomer? No. He never said this.]
D. Blog: Bodega Bay 
Still spooky after all the years since The Birds was filmed in this little town...
We’ll wait forever if we expect governments to bring us peace. They think they must “defend” us with weapons of mass destruction.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You give us family that provides us with identity and a sense of belonging. When we learn about our family histories, we find stories of sex scandals, criminal activity, mental illness, and other things we might wish to deny. But they are part of the richness in the family tapestry. When we deny those parts of the family, we deny part of our own identity. When we accept those parts of our background, we have a more integrated sense of self. (No wonder we have those stories of our imperfect human forebears in the Bible!) Then we can be more compassionate toward ourselves and others (love of self and of others). And the tapestry grows to include all of your family. Your family encompasses all, so who would we be to write off any other members. We might be estranged with this or the other one, but we cannot deny their being part of your family. Help me keep that awareness.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Now that I’m 33, I think I finally know my purpose in life.”
[Late bloomer? No. He never said this.]
D. Blog: Bodega Bay
Still spooky after all the years since The Birds was filmed in this little town...Wednesday, August 26, 2009
John Muir Territory
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Some say peace is boring because it doesn’t bring the challenge, excitement and sense of purpose that many people find in war. Personally, I think survival is challenging, exciting and the ultimate purpose.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, the Desire of Nations,
You are the divine one and despite all their posturing, presumption and pretending, nations cannot make themselves divine. No matter how many people convert to nationalism, that religion is a sham. Only you are divine.
Nations might desire you simple because you are source and sustainer. Your blessings can make nations great. The trouble is that greatness tempts nations to forget who makes them great, as well as to forget wherein their greatness lies. Gratitude and humility are the appropriate attitudes, but hard to come by when you confer good things upon self-important nations.
When I pray for my nation, you know I pray for forgiveness for our hubris and our grave wrongs throughout our history. I pray for a humble spirit; I pray for a will to seek after divine ways of service rather than willful seeking advantage over other nations. I pray for a sense of community with other nations.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Me first!”
[I didn’t find this in the texts.]
D. Blog: John Muir Territory
Some say peace is boring because it doesn’t bring the challenge, excitement and sense of purpose that many people find in war. Personally, I think survival is challenging, exciting and the ultimate purpose.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, the Desire of Nations,
You are the divine one and despite all their posturing, presumption and pretending, nations cannot make themselves divine. No matter how many people convert to nationalism, that religion is a sham. Only you are divine.
Nations might desire you simple because you are source and sustainer. Your blessings can make nations great. The trouble is that greatness tempts nations to forget who makes them great, as well as to forget wherein their greatness lies. Gratitude and humility are the appropriate attitudes, but hard to come by when you confer good things upon self-important nations.
When I pray for my nation, you know I pray for forgiveness for our hubris and our grave wrongs throughout our history. I pray for a humble spirit; I pray for a will to seek after divine ways of service rather than willful seeking advantage over other nations. I pray for a sense of community with other nations.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Me first!”
[I didn’t find this in the texts.]
D. Blog: John Muir Territory
May The Forest Be With You!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Alternative Medicine
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If peace comes tomorrow, what will you do? Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
It gets repetitive in some respects, but never boring and never out of date. My life is repetitive in the sense that I find so much goodness in each day, so much satisfaction, so much beauty. You surprise me with the variety of pleasant activities and encounters that you send my way or lead me to. Trauma has taken a vacation. Drama pops up only on rare occasions. My life will not make for a soap opera or a movie, but I’m okay with that.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Well, yes, I suppose you could say I practice alternative medicine.”
[When He was not interviewed by the Nazareth Herald.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
We do not live by bread alone,
Nor can fear bring life.
Try adding love…
If peace comes tomorrow, what will you do? Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
It gets repetitive in some respects, but never boring and never out of date. My life is repetitive in the sense that I find so much goodness in each day, so much satisfaction, so much beauty. You surprise me with the variety of pleasant activities and encounters that you send my way or lead me to. Trauma has taken a vacation. Drama pops up only on rare occasions. My life will not make for a soap opera or a movie, but I’m okay with that.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Well, yes, I suppose you could say I practice alternative medicine.”
[When He was not interviewed by the Nazareth Herald.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
We do not live by bread alone,
Nor can fear bring life.
Try adding love…
Monday, August 24, 2009
Taking Stock
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If praying for peace is idealistic or trite, what is endorsing war?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Let me compare our lives to that of Miss Daisy, with you as Hoke, our driver.
We want to go places and do things, but can’t manage to go by ourselves. At first, we don’t like the suggestion that we need you to drive us. Gradually we accept the idea, then grow to like having your take us places. Later, we learn to trust you, depend on you, befriend you.
You do not impose yourself on our lives, but neither do you permit us to deny you your integrity. And, in the end, we are closer to you than perhaps to anyone in our “natural” relations.
I think the comparison works, perhaps was intended by the playwright.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“No problem.”
[Not what He said in response to the leper who thanked Him for being healed. He had proper manners, so He probably would have said “You’re welcome” – had He spoken English.]
D. Blog: Taking Stock
In the face of the death of someone near and dear to me, I am a little stunned, even though it has been expected for some weeks and anticipated for a few days. Again I am reminded of how life sends shocks to our system that shake us from complacency and renew our hold on life. The shocks make us take stock of what is important to us, get a clearer grasp of what we want to do with our lives. We need this – taking stock. Sudden shocks can be the impetus that moves us to do that. We don’t call for them ourselves, else it would not be shock. But the shock therapy works. We go on with renewed clarity of mind and vision.
If praying for peace is idealistic or trite, what is endorsing war?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Let me compare our lives to that of Miss Daisy, with you as Hoke, our driver.
We want to go places and do things, but can’t manage to go by ourselves. At first, we don’t like the suggestion that we need you to drive us. Gradually we accept the idea, then grow to like having your take us places. Later, we learn to trust you, depend on you, befriend you.
You do not impose yourself on our lives, but neither do you permit us to deny you your integrity. And, in the end, we are closer to you than perhaps to anyone in our “natural” relations.
I think the comparison works, perhaps was intended by the playwright.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“No problem.”
[Not what He said in response to the leper who thanked Him for being healed. He had proper manners, so He probably would have said “You’re welcome” – had He spoken English.]
D. Blog: Taking Stock
In the face of the death of someone near and dear to me, I am a little stunned, even though it has been expected for some weeks and anticipated for a few days. Again I am reminded of how life sends shocks to our system that shake us from complacency and renew our hold on life. The shocks make us take stock of what is important to us, get a clearer grasp of what we want to do with our lives. We need this – taking stock. Sudden shocks can be the impetus that moves us to do that. We don’t call for them ourselves, else it would not be shock. But the shock therapy works. We go on with renewed clarity of mind and vision.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Pointing to God
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The Divine perspective sees war as mass suicide.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You say, “Don’t fence me in.” We build cages that would restrict your love to our kind of people.
You say, “Do not forsake me, oh my darlings.” We chase after models of fashion, celebrity, and patriotism that move you to the far reaches of our devotion.
You say, “Do unto others what you would have them do to you.” We look for our own advantage, show no mercy, seek revenge, and occasionally feel sympathy without being moved to political acts of compassion.
You ask, “Who will go for me?”
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Sure, I’ll send you my resume.”
[Not what He said to the carpenter head-hunter who never contacted Him.]
D. Blog: Pointing to God
We have words that point to the Divine, symbols that point to the Divine, Rituals that point to the Divine. Sometimes we act as if our pointers are God. We’re wrong of course. Our words, symbols, rituals only point. The Reality of the Divine is much larger than our representations. Perhaps we should be more conscious of pointing to the Holy One with acts of love, pointing to Divinity when we see or experience such acts. They are surely more adequate pointers, less confusing, more directly connected to God.
The Divine perspective sees war as mass suicide.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You say, “Don’t fence me in.” We build cages that would restrict your love to our kind of people.
You say, “Do not forsake me, oh my darlings.” We chase after models of fashion, celebrity, and patriotism that move you to the far reaches of our devotion.
You say, “Do unto others what you would have them do to you.” We look for our own advantage, show no mercy, seek revenge, and occasionally feel sympathy without being moved to political acts of compassion.
You ask, “Who will go for me?”
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Sure, I’ll send you my resume.”
[Not what He said to the carpenter head-hunter who never contacted Him.]
D. Blog: Pointing to God
We have words that point to the Divine, symbols that point to the Divine, Rituals that point to the Divine. Sometimes we act as if our pointers are God. We’re wrong of course. Our words, symbols, rituals only point. The Reality of the Divine is much larger than our representations. Perhaps we should be more conscious of pointing to the Holy One with acts of love, pointing to Divinity when we see or experience such acts. They are surely more adequate pointers, less confusing, more directly connected to God.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Earth Can Dispense with These
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I have fallen into conscious peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Most of your work goes on without our noticing. We see the sudden and the flashy and the spectacular, but you work slowly and silently changing lives, changing the course of history. I sometimes wonder if we would be more aware if we closed our eyes; would that help us see you better? It wouldn’t hurt if we turned off our TVs as a first step. But you probably don’t care whether we notice or not. Too much attention will interfere with what you’re doing. That’s okay. I’m on to you now, so I’ll be on the lookout.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, Thaddeus, what’s the schedule for our Samaritan tour? And who’s our opening act?”
[The texts never say that Jesus gave Thaddeus this kind of responsibility.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Looking for Hitler’s return more than we look for signs of the Christ’s presence
- Dyed mulch
- Cultivating grass instead of gardens
- Machismo
- Princess brides with their extravagant weddings (sorry, a wedding isn’t a coronation)
I have fallen into conscious peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Most of your work goes on without our noticing. We see the sudden and the flashy and the spectacular, but you work slowly and silently changing lives, changing the course of history. I sometimes wonder if we would be more aware if we closed our eyes; would that help us see you better? It wouldn’t hurt if we turned off our TVs as a first step. But you probably don’t care whether we notice or not. Too much attention will interfere with what you’re doing. That’s okay. I’m on to you now, so I’ll be on the lookout.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“So, Thaddeus, what’s the schedule for our Samaritan tour? And who’s our opening act?”
[The texts never say that Jesus gave Thaddeus this kind of responsibility.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Looking for Hitler’s return more than we look for signs of the Christ’s presence
- Dyed mulch
- Cultivating grass instead of gardens
- Machismo
- Princess brides with their extravagant weddings (sorry, a wedding isn’t a coronation)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Sheeple = Sheep People
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Those on the front lines don’t see much glory in war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I took a walk today. I often do. I knew you were with me, as usual, because amazing things happened. I went to the grocery store, where there were foods and school supplies and household items diverse, in quantity, and of high quality. That was a good stop.
From the grocery store, I walked a few blocks to the post office, for I had an important packet of papers to send. The deadline for their submission is only three days from now. The postal service guarantees the papers will arrive in two days, even though this is a weekend. That’s a good thing, made even better by a courteous clerk.
The walk’s next stop was at the bank. I needed more cash in my wallet. Even though it’s not a weekday and the bank is closed, the automated teller machine worked like a machine and gave me the cash I requested. It was amazing! Another good stop.
Next stop was a little coffee shop. I wanted something to drink. It was just right, and with cup in hand, I walked to the market where dozens of vendors sell their wars. I was especially interested in seeing the artwork. Some of that appealed to me, but what really caught my attention was a large photography of some colorful wildflowers found right here in the heart of the city. What an incredible walk! Thanks for taking me along with you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“The military-industrial complex will bring the Roman Empire to ruin, as surely as its superiority complex will.”
[He was a prophet, but He never made this prediction.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week -- "Sheeple"
Short for "Sheep People".
1) Groups who reactively act from saturation advertising, fads, trends and a need to go along with the crowd.
2) Those who let "group think" affect their decisions instead of their own individuality.
3) The nickame given to those whose purchasing habits match those of large demographic sectors by 80% or greater. -- B.J. West (as cited on siliconvalleyslang.com)
[You know who you are…]
Those on the front lines don’t see much glory in war.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I took a walk today. I often do. I knew you were with me, as usual, because amazing things happened. I went to the grocery store, where there were foods and school supplies and household items diverse, in quantity, and of high quality. That was a good stop.
From the grocery store, I walked a few blocks to the post office, for I had an important packet of papers to send. The deadline for their submission is only three days from now. The postal service guarantees the papers will arrive in two days, even though this is a weekend. That’s a good thing, made even better by a courteous clerk.
The walk’s next stop was at the bank. I needed more cash in my wallet. Even though it’s not a weekday and the bank is closed, the automated teller machine worked like a machine and gave me the cash I requested. It was amazing! Another good stop.
Next stop was a little coffee shop. I wanted something to drink. It was just right, and with cup in hand, I walked to the market where dozens of vendors sell their wars. I was especially interested in seeing the artwork. Some of that appealed to me, but what really caught my attention was a large photography of some colorful wildflowers found right here in the heart of the city. What an incredible walk! Thanks for taking me along with you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“The military-industrial complex will bring the Roman Empire to ruin, as surely as its superiority complex will.”
[He was a prophet, but He never made this prediction.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week -- "Sheeple"
Short for "Sheep People".
1) Groups who reactively act from saturation advertising, fads, trends and a need to go along with the crowd.
2) Those who let "group think" affect their decisions instead of their own individuality.
3) The nickame given to those whose purchasing habits match those of large demographic sectors by 80% or greater. -- B.J. West (as cited on siliconvalleyslang.com)
[You know who you are…]
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Knocking Opportunities
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The one with the most love wins.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Hostess with the Mostest,
You invite us to share in a feast with our friends and neighbors. All of us are invited. The food is plentiful and delicious. The conversation sparkles. You see to it that all who come feel welcome as special guests. You know how to handle even the few guests who become obnoxious. Everything from soup to nuts pleases our tastes and nourishes our being. In the interaction with you we know we are growing. You make the experience interesting and fun. When it’s time to go, we wonder how the time could pass so quickly. We can hardly wait for the next invitation from you. You can count on me to be there.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I know, Pilate. The Truth can be difficult, but you can face it.”
[Actually, Pilate turned away from it. But Jesus never said this.]
D. Blog: Knocking Opportunities
The chance to spend time with family after long periods of separation…
Early dismissal from work or school…
An evening alone with my wife…
An unexpected invitation…
A free ticket to a game or a concert…
Some idle time at work and a good book in my briefcase…
Riding the subway and a good book in my pocket…
Hearing about a public lecture on a subject that interests me…
A sunny spring weekend…
“Would you like…” from someone who cares about me…
Participating in the lives of children…
A sale on something I’ve thought about buying…
A buffet of activities in a city…
These and countless other golden opportunities come our way. All we need is be prepared to respond.
The one with the most love wins.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One, Hostess with the Mostest,
You invite us to share in a feast with our friends and neighbors. All of us are invited. The food is plentiful and delicious. The conversation sparkles. You see to it that all who come feel welcome as special guests. You know how to handle even the few guests who become obnoxious. Everything from soup to nuts pleases our tastes and nourishes our being. In the interaction with you we know we are growing. You make the experience interesting and fun. When it’s time to go, we wonder how the time could pass so quickly. We can hardly wait for the next invitation from you. You can count on me to be there.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I know, Pilate. The Truth can be difficult, but you can face it.”
[Actually, Pilate turned away from it. But Jesus never said this.]
D. Blog: Knocking Opportunities
The chance to spend time with family after long periods of separation…
Early dismissal from work or school…
An evening alone with my wife…
An unexpected invitation…
A free ticket to a game or a concert…
Some idle time at work and a good book in my briefcase…
Riding the subway and a good book in my pocket…
Hearing about a public lecture on a subject that interests me…
A sunny spring weekend…
“Would you like…” from someone who cares about me…
Participating in the lives of children…
A sale on something I’ve thought about buying…
A buffet of activities in a city…
These and countless other golden opportunities come our way. All we need is be prepared to respond.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mountain Crime
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
In my childhood, I played in backyard forts and battled pretend enemies. Fortunately, I grew out of that childish phase and learned that the only true enemy lies within.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Through Jesus, we can learn that you befriend us. Despite our flaws and failings, you stand behind us. You are faithful and true in caring for us and working for our best interests. If we’re not too self-absorbed, the friendship is mutual and we care about your interests, too.
You demonstrate your friendship through deeds. In major and minor ways, you do supportive acts that make our lives better and more enjoyable.
Friends talk, too. Sometimes the conversation is routine. At other times, we touch on matters of some depth and intimacy. I appreciate your wisdom and counsel. I’m grateful that you are friend enough to look beyond my occasional whining, as well as my more frequent mistakes. You’re a good friend.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Give your heart to me? Why? If I wanted your heart, I’d have asked for it. I asked you to take up your cross and follow me.”
[Oh, right. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Mountain Bike, Mountain Crime
SWANNANOA — Buncombe County Sheriff's deputies charged a Swannanoa man with stealing a mountain bike and selling it to a store in Asheville.
Arthur O'Neal Muckelvene Jr., 55, was charged with misdemeanor larceny and obtaining property by false pretense after he sold the bike to a store for $40, according to warrants filed at the Buncombe County Magistrate's Office. His bond was set at $1,000.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times
[You won’t see this kind of crime reported in the New York Times. Here in the mountains, this news is fit to print. Who’s that Bernie guy made-off with??]
In my childhood, I played in backyard forts and battled pretend enemies. Fortunately, I grew out of that childish phase and learned that the only true enemy lies within.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Through Jesus, we can learn that you befriend us. Despite our flaws and failings, you stand behind us. You are faithful and true in caring for us and working for our best interests. If we’re not too self-absorbed, the friendship is mutual and we care about your interests, too.
You demonstrate your friendship through deeds. In major and minor ways, you do supportive acts that make our lives better and more enjoyable.
Friends talk, too. Sometimes the conversation is routine. At other times, we touch on matters of some depth and intimacy. I appreciate your wisdom and counsel. I’m grateful that you are friend enough to look beyond my occasional whining, as well as my more frequent mistakes. You’re a good friend.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Give your heart to me? Why? If I wanted your heart, I’d have asked for it. I asked you to take up your cross and follow me.”
[Oh, right. But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Mountain Bike, Mountain Crime
SWANNANOA — Buncombe County Sheriff's deputies charged a Swannanoa man with stealing a mountain bike and selling it to a store in Asheville.
Arthur O'Neal Muckelvene Jr., 55, was charged with misdemeanor larceny and obtaining property by false pretense after he sold the bike to a store for $40, according to warrants filed at the Buncombe County Magistrate's Office. His bond was set at $1,000.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times
[You won’t see this kind of crime reported in the New York Times. Here in the mountains, this news is fit to print. Who’s that Bernie guy made-off with??]
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Metaphors for God
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
It’s in the book: “How can you love God without loving your neighbors?”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
No matter how real, how deep, how sublime our experience of you, when it comes to putting the experience into words, when it comes to expressing the meaning of you in our lives, metaphor is the only means of doing so. That is also true of other profound experiences we have, but it is most obvious when we try describing your presence.
Who is like unto you? To what can you be compared? We know the answer, but we try anyway.
And some of the metaphors seem apt. To a degree you are like the image of a father or mother that many of us carry, or a shepherd, a judge or a king. I wonder if we should add doctor to the list. At least it doesn’t automatically connote male in our days.
Isn’t it fortunate, and a little odd, that we never connected you with the image of priest or preacher? Sadly, in our culture, there’s no decent image of servant.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Dad thought the stable was fine as a place for my birth, but Mom still says it had no flow to it.”
[Mary needed weaning from HGTV? No. He never said this.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
God stands over all.
We stand under divine care.
May we understand.
It’s in the book: “How can you love God without loving your neighbors?”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
No matter how real, how deep, how sublime our experience of you, when it comes to putting the experience into words, when it comes to expressing the meaning of you in our lives, metaphor is the only means of doing so. That is also true of other profound experiences we have, but it is most obvious when we try describing your presence.
Who is like unto you? To what can you be compared? We know the answer, but we try anyway.
And some of the metaphors seem apt. To a degree you are like the image of a father or mother that many of us carry, or a shepherd, a judge or a king. I wonder if we should add doctor to the list. At least it doesn’t automatically connote male in our days.
Isn’t it fortunate, and a little odd, that we never connected you with the image of priest or preacher? Sadly, in our culture, there’s no decent image of servant.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Dad thought the stable was fine as a place for my birth, but Mom still says it had no flow to it.”
[Mary needed weaning from HGTV? No. He never said this.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
God stands over all.
We stand under divine care.
May we understand.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Looking Through Windows
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
In 5,000 years, our war memorials will have decayed, to be replaced by Earth’s peace – with or without humans.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You share our pain. More to the oint, you share the pain of those who suffer unjustly at the hands of the bullying, the brutal and the ignorant. You ease the pain, supplement the courage, strengthen the resolve of those who endure the hardships.
If you need a slogan, how about “When you bleed, I bleed.” Or, “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.” Or, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” Of course, there’s always “I feel your pain.”
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Why are you crying, Mom? Don’t you know it’s Good Friday?”
[She didn’t know, but He didn’t say this on the cross, either.]
D. Blog: Windows
I once said I would have problems working in an office that had no windows. But soon after that, I was moved to just such an office. I felt fortunate that my computer had Windows and I used the “wallpaper” pattern that looked like blue sky and wispy clouds. It did look like a beautiful sky through the “window” of my monitor.
A trivial substitute for a real window, but it helped ease what would otherwise have been a terrible sense of confinement and claustrophobia. I am even more fortunate to have divine companionship, because the Holy One provides the window that let’s me look on life honestly and yet with compassion. I think that’s what Jesus showed: knowing the truth about what goes on, but viewing it with compassion rather than judgment.
In 5,000 years, our war memorials will have decayed, to be replaced by Earth’s peace – with or without humans.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You share our pain. More to the oint, you share the pain of those who suffer unjustly at the hands of the bullying, the brutal and the ignorant. You ease the pain, supplement the courage, strengthen the resolve of those who endure the hardships.
If you need a slogan, how about “When you bleed, I bleed.” Or, “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.” Or, “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” Of course, there’s always “I feel your pain.”
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Why are you crying, Mom? Don’t you know it’s Good Friday?”
[She didn’t know, but He didn’t say this on the cross, either.]
D. Blog: Windows
I once said I would have problems working in an office that had no windows. But soon after that, I was moved to just such an office. I felt fortunate that my computer had Windows and I used the “wallpaper” pattern that looked like blue sky and wispy clouds. It did look like a beautiful sky through the “window” of my monitor.
A trivial substitute for a real window, but it helped ease what would otherwise have been a terrible sense of confinement and claustrophobia. I am even more fortunate to have divine companionship, because the Holy One provides the window that let’s me look on life honestly and yet with compassion. I think that’s what Jesus showed: knowing the truth about what goes on, but viewing it with compassion rather than judgment.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Eye for an Eye Madness
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The sweet smell of peace takes me to the door of heaven.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You give us life and love.
You give us peace and purpose.
You give us hope.
Yet when living brings pain, we reject you and the value of your gifts.
We become unruly and ungrateful children.
You offer forgiveness; you prepare to embrace us.
God, you’re amazing!
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’ve been working out every day since Sarah called me a wimp.”
[She called ‘em as she saw ‘em, I suppose. But He never said this.]
D. Blog: Eye for an Eye
I had a seminary professor who said that all major religions strive to teach one thing: not to return evil for evil.
There seems to be some question about that in parts of Islam and in too much Christianity and Judaism. Nevertheless, I think the remark is correct. A God-centered life, a life in touch with the Divine, a spiritual person, a person steeped in religion above politics or business, will not be about getting even.
An eye for an eye only damages our vision. An eye for an eye keeps us from seeing what is important. An eye for an eye leads to a lot of broken body parts. An eye for an eye robs us of at least one of our senses, makes us out of our senses. An eye for an eye is cruel and inhuman, barbarian, cold-blooded. An eye for an eye is an appeal to lower math when a higher calculus is needed and available.
So much of the political landscape today is about this eye for an eye madness: crime and punishment, capital punishment, terrorism and the fight against it, Israelis and their step-counterstep dance of destruction.
We can demonstrate the alternatives: compassion, dialogue, penitence, forgiveness. We can learn that four eyes are better than three, two, one or none.
The sweet smell of peace takes me to the door of heaven.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You give us life and love.
You give us peace and purpose.
You give us hope.
Yet when living brings pain, we reject you and the value of your gifts.
We become unruly and ungrateful children.
You offer forgiveness; you prepare to embrace us.
God, you’re amazing!
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’ve been working out every day since Sarah called me a wimp.”
[She called ‘em as she saw ‘em, I suppose. But He never said this.]
D. Blog: Eye for an Eye
I had a seminary professor who said that all major religions strive to teach one thing: not to return evil for evil.
There seems to be some question about that in parts of Islam and in too much Christianity and Judaism. Nevertheless, I think the remark is correct. A God-centered life, a life in touch with the Divine, a spiritual person, a person steeped in religion above politics or business, will not be about getting even.
An eye for an eye only damages our vision. An eye for an eye keeps us from seeing what is important. An eye for an eye leads to a lot of broken body parts. An eye for an eye robs us of at least one of our senses, makes us out of our senses. An eye for an eye is cruel and inhuman, barbarian, cold-blooded. An eye for an eye is an appeal to lower math when a higher calculus is needed and available.
So much of the political landscape today is about this eye for an eye madness: crime and punishment, capital punishment, terrorism and the fight against it, Israelis and their step-counterstep dance of destruction.
We can demonstrate the alternatives: compassion, dialogue, penitence, forgiveness. We can learn that four eyes are better than three, two, one or none.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
He's Had Better Days
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
I look forward to the day we don’t have war to kick around anymore.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Given a chance, we respond with trust rather than fear.
Given a chance, we respond with truth rather than lies.
Given a chance, we respond with love rather than hate.
Given a chance, we respond with hope rather than despair.
Thank you for the chances of a lifetime.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“To be honest, kind thief, I’ve had better days, too.”
[Not one of His recorded words from the cross.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- monarchy
- anarchy
- patriarchy
- oligarchy
- theocracy
I look forward to the day we don’t have war to kick around anymore.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Given a chance, we respond with trust rather than fear.
Given a chance, we respond with truth rather than lies.
Given a chance, we respond with love rather than hate.
Given a chance, we respond with hope rather than despair.
Thank you for the chances of a lifetime.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“To be honest, kind thief, I’ve had better days, too.”
[Not one of His recorded words from the cross.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- monarchy
- anarchy
- patriarchy
- oligarchy
- theocracy
Friday, August 14, 2009
Truthiness??
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit Earth.” That’s another way of saying “In the end, peace prevails.”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
A nearby church sign says you will be returning. When did you leave? Where did you go? I thought you were here the whole time.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Send me 1,000 shekels and I will personally pray for your healing.”
[Yes, we need health care reform. No, He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “truthiness”
truthiness, what one wishes to be the truth regardless of the facts. (From the Colbert Report on television.)
[Thanks to the American Dialect Society for the reminder. This word fits some of the Jesus un-quotes. But I thought it came from a former President with the middle initial W.]
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit Earth.” That’s another way of saying “In the end, peace prevails.”
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
A nearby church sign says you will be returning. When did you leave? Where did you go? I thought you were here the whole time.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Send me 1,000 shekels and I will personally pray for your healing.”
[Yes, we need health care reform. No, He didn’t say this.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “truthiness”
truthiness, what one wishes to be the truth regardless of the facts. (From the Colbert Report on television.)
[Thanks to the American Dialect Society for the reminder. This word fits some of the Jesus un-quotes. But I thought it came from a former President with the middle initial W.]
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Value of Hatred: Nothing
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Hatred never produced anything of value.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I imagine you’ve heard it all many times before. I can’t impress you by saying thanks or giving praise again. Still, the sense of gratitude in me wants expression, the love of this life must find ways to speak to you, the joy felt in response to the beauty everywhere must reach out from me to you. So what if it bores you: It’s great just to be here!
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’d like to dedicate this sermon to my Mom.”
[Sorry, Mom, He never said it.]
D. Blog: Controlling Crime in the Mountains
WEAVERVILLE – Police say they caught a Mars Hill man with a stolen motor scooter.
Steven Craig Ripley, 36, was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and driving while impaired, according to warrants served today.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, August 7, 2009
[I don't know for sure, but it seems to me it would be tough to find much glamour or glory in apprehending such criminals.]
Hatred never produced anything of value.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I imagine you’ve heard it all many times before. I can’t impress you by saying thanks or giving praise again. Still, the sense of gratitude in me wants expression, the love of this life must find ways to speak to you, the joy felt in response to the beauty everywhere must reach out from me to you. So what if it bores you: It’s great just to be here!
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I’d like to dedicate this sermon to my Mom.”
[Sorry, Mom, He never said it.]
D. Blog: Controlling Crime in the Mountains
WEAVERVILLE – Police say they caught a Mars Hill man with a stolen motor scooter.
Steven Craig Ripley, 36, was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and driving while impaired, according to warrants served today.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, August 7, 2009
[I don't know for sure, but it seems to me it would be tough to find much glamour or glory in apprehending such criminals.]
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Grandmother God
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Unless you’re doing something for peace on Earth, I don’t want to hear about your religion.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I approach in silence and in wonder.
What will you reveal to me this time?
I listen. I wait.
A word comes. A thought follows.
Ahh. So that’s how it is. That’s how it will be.
That’s the revelation for this moment.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Blessed are those who wage war and call it peacemaking, for they shall be full of it.”
[In character perhaps, but He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Grandmothers
There’s something about a grandmother’s love that’s like no other love. It can be strict when it comes to boundaries, but it takes great pride in each grandchild. She keeps track of our birthdays and the succeeding milestones of our maturing process. She gives lavish presents beyond the means of our parents, real and spiritual. She is thrilled when we choose to spend time with her. She likes us to tell her how life is going for us. She bestows hugs and kisses profusely. I guess her love is like that of another, like God’s.
Unless you’re doing something for peace on Earth, I don’t want to hear about your religion.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
I approach in silence and in wonder.
What will you reveal to me this time?
I listen. I wait.
A word comes. A thought follows.
Ahh. So that’s how it is. That’s how it will be.
That’s the revelation for this moment.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Blessed are those who wage war and call it peacemaking, for they shall be full of it.”
[In character perhaps, but He didn’t say it.]
D. Blog: Grandmothers
There’s something about a grandmother’s love that’s like no other love. It can be strict when it comes to boundaries, but it takes great pride in each grandchild. She keeps track of our birthdays and the succeeding milestones of our maturing process. She gives lavish presents beyond the means of our parents, real and spiritual. She is thrilled when we choose to spend time with her. She likes us to tell her how life is going for us. She bestows hugs and kisses profusely. I guess her love is like that of another, like God’s.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Who Dares Speak for Jesus?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Wars are but potholes on the road to peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We “see” you differently, we “hear” you differently, we interpret you differently, we experience you differently, we remember you through different rituals. For us it can seem confusing, this array of ways to call upon your name. But you are a god of many names, a spirit who blows where you will. When I meet you in the form of expression that is not familiar to me, I give thanks. For you are larger than my imagination and the unfamiliar form helps make you that much more familiar to me. I confess that I have encountered an occasional form that is so foreign to me that I could not see/hear/experience you in it. You might have been there, but I could not recognize you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I can speak for myself, Peter. I don’t need you to speak for me.”
[Oh yeah?! But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Earth teems with God’s glory.
We breathe, see, taste, hear, touch.
We can’t miss it – LIFE!
Wars are but potholes on the road to peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We “see” you differently, we “hear” you differently, we interpret you differently, we experience you differently, we remember you through different rituals. For us it can seem confusing, this array of ways to call upon your name. But you are a god of many names, a spirit who blows where you will. When I meet you in the form of expression that is not familiar to me, I give thanks. For you are larger than my imagination and the unfamiliar form helps make you that much more familiar to me. I confess that I have encountered an occasional form that is so foreign to me that I could not see/hear/experience you in it. You might have been there, but I could not recognize you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“I can speak for myself, Peter. I don’t need you to speak for me.”
[Oh yeah?! But He never said it.]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
Earth teems with God’s glory.
We breathe, see, taste, hear, touch.
We can’t miss it – LIFE!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Jesus' Advice
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
What is war but the extreme example of throwing babies out with the bath water?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Your tears flow in the falling rain. They are your reaction to the pain we cause one another. Terrorist attacks around the world, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, brutal oppression by governments, rebel forces that kill civilians and civil authority figures, urban gangs, poverty that robs hope, misplaced government priorities that value armaments above education – all the ways we show how little we value individual human life. It all makes you weep as you wept over the city of Jerusalem, a like so many that knew not the ways of peace. When I think about it, I’m left with two reactions: I cry with you, and I’ll try not to be a cause of tears for you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Here’s my advice when you’re having difficulty: use your Easy Button.”
[It’s not that easy for most of us, so He never said it.]
D. Blog: Dealing with Anger
The preacher said, “Live the energy of your anger into the energy of love.”
I’m working on it.
What is war but the extreme example of throwing babies out with the bath water?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Your tears flow in the falling rain. They are your reaction to the pain we cause one another. Terrorist attacks around the world, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, brutal oppression by governments, rebel forces that kill civilians and civil authority figures, urban gangs, poverty that robs hope, misplaced government priorities that value armaments above education – all the ways we show how little we value individual human life. It all makes you weep as you wept over the city of Jerusalem, a like so many that knew not the ways of peace. When I think about it, I’m left with two reactions: I cry with you, and I’ll try not to be a cause of tears for you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Here’s my advice when you’re having difficulty: use your Easy Button.”
[It’s not that easy for most of us, so He never said it.]
D. Blog: Dealing with Anger
The preacher said, “Live the energy of your anger into the energy of love.”
I’m working on it.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Source of Learning
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
War’s flaws cannot be hidden by cover-up; nor can peace’s benefits.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You continue to inspire generations of psalmists, whose words and music bring us into your company. You live in them as a restless urge to express the image that carries your meaning in a feeling, an experience, a drama. You whisper the tune that carries the words to our souls, where we hear your voice calling us: “Listen, for truth lies here, can you hear it?”
Thank you for speaking to us in such a pleasant voice. It resonates.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My credit card limit is what??”
[It might be an interesting notion… but He never said it.]
D. Blog: On Learning
God has been called Wisdom, Sophia, for God is the ultimate source of all knowledge. I believe God is also the source of our desire to learn. God places within us a curiosity to learn whatever we can about the wondrous world around us. We go at this learning full time until we think we know everything, or until schools tell us we know nothing, or until educational systems make us afraid to learn and afraid to fail.
It breaks my heart to know there are adults who teach children to fear learning, to fear certain subjects deemed to be unclean. Because I had teachers who encouraged learning, I gained an appreciation for the great variety of knowledge fields. I also learned that I would avoid subjects that demean me or other human beings. So I disrespect violence and ridicule or abuse; they are rightly termed inhumane.
I also learned that truth is present in many books by many authors, that scripture has no corner on truth or on wisdom to live by. For Divinity and the divine will continue to be revealed through time. As usual, we can see God if we pay attention. God is present in the details as well as in the big picture. I am so grateful that the Divine One keeps me interested in learning more about this amazing life.
War’s flaws cannot be hidden by cover-up; nor can peace’s benefits.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You continue to inspire generations of psalmists, whose words and music bring us into your company. You live in them as a restless urge to express the image that carries your meaning in a feeling, an experience, a drama. You whisper the tune that carries the words to our souls, where we hear your voice calling us: “Listen, for truth lies here, can you hear it?”
Thank you for speaking to us in such a pleasant voice. It resonates.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My credit card limit is what??”
[It might be an interesting notion… but He never said it.]
D. Blog: On Learning
God has been called Wisdom, Sophia, for God is the ultimate source of all knowledge. I believe God is also the source of our desire to learn. God places within us a curiosity to learn whatever we can about the wondrous world around us. We go at this learning full time until we think we know everything, or until schools tell us we know nothing, or until educational systems make us afraid to learn and afraid to fail.
It breaks my heart to know there are adults who teach children to fear learning, to fear certain subjects deemed to be unclean. Because I had teachers who encouraged learning, I gained an appreciation for the great variety of knowledge fields. I also learned that I would avoid subjects that demean me or other human beings. So I disrespect violence and ridicule or abuse; they are rightly termed inhumane.
I also learned that truth is present in many books by many authors, that scripture has no corner on truth or on wisdom to live by. For Divinity and the divine will continue to be revealed through time. As usual, we can see God if we pay attention. God is present in the details as well as in the big picture. I am so grateful that the Divine One keeps me interested in learning more about this amazing life.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Did He Predict a Wealthy Church?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace on Earth depends on you!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Julia Cameron says the word GOD stands for Good Orderly Direction. In one of the Genesis accounts of creation, you are the force who brings order to chaos. I suppose the familiar proverb that cleanliness is next to godliness touches on the same theme. You bring order where we tend to create messes. You bring order to disturbed thinking, to broken relationships, to situations of injustice and anarchy, to messed up lives, to damaged psyches, to people whose spirits are lost. You do provide direction, too, a way to move forward in hope and expectation. You put together the pieces so that we are in order. Thank you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My followers will form an organization that controls unimaginable wealth.”
[No, He didn’t predict it.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Cotton in pill bottles
- “Feed lots” for cattle
- “All-you-can-eat” restaurants for people
- Bombs (where did the term IED come from???)
- Excess packaging (why do I need a pair of scissors to get to the bag of popcorn?)
Peace on Earth depends on you!
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Julia Cameron says the word GOD stands for Good Orderly Direction. In one of the Genesis accounts of creation, you are the force who brings order to chaos. I suppose the familiar proverb that cleanliness is next to godliness touches on the same theme. You bring order where we tend to create messes. You bring order to disturbed thinking, to broken relationships, to situations of injustice and anarchy, to messed up lives, to damaged psyches, to people whose spirits are lost. You do provide direction, too, a way to move forward in hope and expectation. You put together the pieces so that we are in order. Thank you.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“My followers will form an organization that controls unimaginable wealth.”
[No, He didn’t predict it.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Cotton in pill bottles
- “Feed lots” for cattle
- “All-you-can-eat” restaurants for people
- Bombs (where did the term IED come from???)
- Excess packaging (why do I need a pair of scissors to get to the bag of popcorn?)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Rabble Rising
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
When have you complained about too much peace?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
My mind cannot comprehend your ages. The period of recorded human history alone pushes the limits of my mind. I barely have an indication of unrecorded human history, much less geological ages or the age of the universe. This means you are the all-time great, the One who made time and continues to make it worth our while for the while that we’re immersed in it.
I wonder about the line in the hymn that asks you to let us hide in you. The image that comes is of one hiding in a cave from pursuing enemies. But sometimes enemies must be faced. And I don’t want to get into either of two patterns: seeking you only when there’s something from which I want to hide, or going to you for refuge when I should be engaging in a struggle. So far as I know, Jesus never hid in a cave.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"So, this is Jerusalem? Frankly, I’d rather be in Cleveland."
[He had nothing against Philadelphia, either, but Jerusalem was far less than hospitable.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “rabble”
[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary]
c.1300, "pack of animals," possibly related to M.E. rabeln "speak in a rapid, confused manner," probably imitative of hurry and confusion (cf. M.Du. rabbelen, Low Ger. rabbeln "to chatter"). Meaning "tumultuous crowd of people" is first recorded 1513; applied contemptuously to the common or low part of any populace from 1553. Rabble-rousing first attested 1802 in Sydney Smith.
[Members of Congress, meet the rabble that didn't vote for you.]
When have you complained about too much peace?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
My mind cannot comprehend your ages. The period of recorded human history alone pushes the limits of my mind. I barely have an indication of unrecorded human history, much less geological ages or the age of the universe. This means you are the all-time great, the One who made time and continues to make it worth our while for the while that we’re immersed in it.
I wonder about the line in the hymn that asks you to let us hide in you. The image that comes is of one hiding in a cave from pursuing enemies. But sometimes enemies must be faced. And I don’t want to get into either of two patterns: seeking you only when there’s something from which I want to hide, or going to you for refuge when I should be engaging in a struggle. So far as I know, Jesus never hid in a cave.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"So, this is Jerusalem? Frankly, I’d rather be in Cleveland."
[He had nothing against Philadelphia, either, but Jerusalem was far less than hospitable.]
D. Blog: Word of the Week – “rabble”
[Thanks to the Online Etymology Dictionary]
c.1300, "pack of animals," possibly related to M.E. rabeln "speak in a rapid, confused manner," probably imitative of hurry and confusion (cf. M.Du. rabbelen, Low Ger. rabbeln "to chatter"). Meaning "tumultuous crowd of people" is first recorded 1513; applied contemptuously to the common or low part of any populace from 1553. Rabble-rousing first attested 1802 in Sydney Smith.
[Members of Congress, meet the rabble that didn't vote for you.]
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Crime in the Mountains
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
The hills are alive with the sounds of peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Whether we personalize you or not, you are with us and you work in such a way, intended or coincidental, as to benefit us. Impersonally stated, the life force is friendly toward us. Even though life is full of misery for too many people, we live in hope because you are with us. Because you are with us, I cannot be impersonal with you, I cannot depersonalize you. As God, you cannot be less than human; you are obviously more than human, more than person, but you include person in your composition. Language fails once again to contain you. You are life force. You are person. And more. Most important, as the good news from Jesus declares, you are with us.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"When I have a little time, I think I’ll build a cathedral as big as that temple."
[Not what He meant when He said He could rebuild it in three days.]
D. Blog: Crime in the Mountains
BLACK MOUNTAIN — A Black Mountain man was arrested Wednesday charged with hurling a brick at a vehicle. David Brandon Wilson, age unknown, of Trails of Kitazuma, was charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon. According to the arrest warrant, Wilson threw a brick at a vehicle, striking the driver’s side door while a man was driving. Wilson was released under a written promise to appear in court.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, August 6, 2009
[Maybe it’s just me, but the crime here seems much different from what I read about in the Washington Post.]
The hills are alive with the sounds of peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
Whether we personalize you or not, you are with us and you work in such a way, intended or coincidental, as to benefit us. Impersonally stated, the life force is friendly toward us. Even though life is full of misery for too many people, we live in hope because you are with us. Because you are with us, I cannot be impersonal with you, I cannot depersonalize you. As God, you cannot be less than human; you are obviously more than human, more than person, but you include person in your composition. Language fails once again to contain you. You are life force. You are person. And more. Most important, as the good news from Jesus declares, you are with us.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"When I have a little time, I think I’ll build a cathedral as big as that temple."
[Not what He meant when He said He could rebuild it in three days.]
D. Blog: Crime in the Mountains
BLACK MOUNTAIN — A Black Mountain man was arrested Wednesday charged with hurling a brick at a vehicle. David Brandon Wilson, age unknown, of Trails of Kitazuma, was charged with misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon. According to the arrest warrant, Wilson threw a brick at a vehicle, striking the driver’s side door while a man was driving. Wilson was released under a written promise to appear in court.
-- Asheville Citizen-Times, August 6, 2009
[Maybe it’s just me, but the crime here seems much different from what I read about in the Washington Post.]
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
David, Bathsheba - And Uriah
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If you must cling to something, let it be peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
It is difficult to hear/read/watch the news. Stories of victims abound. There are victims of abuse, of hatred, of intolerance, victims of injustice, of crime petty and major, victims of religious bigotry and religious violence, victims of poverty and oppression, hunger, prejudice, ignorance, victims o systemic oppression, of broken promises, of terrorism, of brain-washing, victims of disease, of harassment, of tragic accidents.
You represent all victims, standing with them, in their place and on their behalf. You hear their cries and you cry out for justice and mercy. You do not rest until they have comfort and healing. You promise that their victimization will end; they will rise above it to stand with you as full and whole souls created in your image, beyond the damage that victimizers would inflict.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.”
[Despite too many evangelists’ interpretation, He never said this – except to religious authorities who sounded a lot like modern evangelists.]
D. Blog: Benefitting from War
I ask myself: who benefits from war or other military action? Whose ego is such, whose conscience so dulled, that they choose to cause the young and the innocent to die in order to gain some personal benefit?
The story of David, Uriah and Bathsheba comes to mind. Sadly, Nathan no longer gets an audience with the ruling elites.
If you must cling to something, let it be peace.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
It is difficult to hear/read/watch the news. Stories of victims abound. There are victims of abuse, of hatred, of intolerance, victims of injustice, of crime petty and major, victims of religious bigotry and religious violence, victims of poverty and oppression, hunger, prejudice, ignorance, victims o systemic oppression, of broken promises, of terrorism, of brain-washing, victims of disease, of harassment, of tragic accidents.
You represent all victims, standing with them, in their place and on their behalf. You hear their cries and you cry out for justice and mercy. You do not rest until they have comfort and healing. You promise that their victimization will end; they will rise above it to stand with you as full and whole souls created in your image, beyond the damage that victimizers would inflict.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.”
[Despite too many evangelists’ interpretation, He never said this – except to religious authorities who sounded a lot like modern evangelists.]
D. Blog: Benefitting from War
I ask myself: who benefits from war or other military action? Whose ego is such, whose conscience so dulled, that they choose to cause the young and the innocent to die in order to gain some personal benefit?
The story of David, Uriah and Bathsheba comes to mind. Sadly, Nathan no longer gets an audience with the ruling elites.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Turn the Other Cheek?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
If peace were easy, would we care about it?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You provide purpose to life. Everything that is testifies to your glory and greatness. Even the dust of Earth reveals marvels if we stop to see and to listen. Giving that testimony is the ultimate purpose for all that is. Happy are we who know this grand purpose.
I think that’s what Jesus said: Blessed are the meek, for theirs is the dominion of heaven. You provide the purpose. You provide means to achieve the purpose through our character and our abilities and our experience. We can hardly help but fulfill the purpose, lest we lose our selves. Joy is ours when we know this purpose, when we know we are fulfilling it. The old saying puts it quite well: for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good. May it be so in me.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Because I said so!”
[When do you think He didn’t say that? One time, probably, when nobody questioned the bit about turning the other cheek…]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
There is no way to God.
God is the way.
To all that matters in life.
If peace were easy, would we care about it?
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You provide purpose to life. Everything that is testifies to your glory and greatness. Even the dust of Earth reveals marvels if we stop to see and to listen. Giving that testimony is the ultimate purpose for all that is. Happy are we who know this grand purpose.
I think that’s what Jesus said: Blessed are the meek, for theirs is the dominion of heaven. You provide the purpose. You provide means to achieve the purpose through our character and our abilities and our experience. We can hardly help but fulfill the purpose, lest we lose our selves. Joy is ours when we know this purpose, when we know we are fulfilling it. The old saying puts it quite well: for the glory of God and our neighbor’s good. May it be so in me.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“Because I said so!”
[When do you think He didn’t say that? One time, probably, when nobody questioned the bit about turning the other cheek…]
D. Blog: Tuesday Haiku
There is no way to God.
God is the way.
To all that matters in life.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bigger Barns
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Declaring war and suing for divorce often have a lot in common…
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We wear out, run down, burn out, come to the end of our rope, dry up, stop trying, arrive at our wit’s end, get sick and tired of dealing with stresses, get bone tired, feel ready to just lay down and die. We think that dry bones condition is the end of the road. We don’t have the optimistic vision that you do. Not naturally, we don’t.
But you supply it first for an Ezekiel, and then he passes it on to a few who get caught up in the possibilities, the winds of change, the breath of fresh air, and those tired old bones begin to stir and rattle and eventually dance. It would never happen without you. And when the bones dance, that’s for you, tap dancing that really gets the circulation going.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“One day, people will fill farmland with fields of buildings the size of this house. They will not live in them. They will use them to store the things they neither need nor use.”
[They couldn’t believe Him, even if He never said it.]
D. Blog: Storage Centers
A large “storage center” will soon open about half a mile from our house. That will make at least half a dozen such rent-a-garage places within a five mile radius of our house and garage. Most of the houses in our area have garages, closets, and some have storage sheds in their yards. As I drive about the countryside, it seems that every little town has at least one such facility. One of my conclusions is that there must be a lot of money making potential in these businesses. Low overhead. Next to no wages to pay. Steady rental income, plus auction and yard sale potential when rents are not paid. All for stuff. Even the farmer who desired a bigger barn had something of benefit he would have stored in it -- food. And Jesus said he was a fool...
Declaring war and suing for divorce often have a lot in common…
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
We wear out, run down, burn out, come to the end of our rope, dry up, stop trying, arrive at our wit’s end, get sick and tired of dealing with stresses, get bone tired, feel ready to just lay down and die. We think that dry bones condition is the end of the road. We don’t have the optimistic vision that you do. Not naturally, we don’t.
But you supply it first for an Ezekiel, and then he passes it on to a few who get caught up in the possibilities, the winds of change, the breath of fresh air, and those tired old bones begin to stir and rattle and eventually dance. It would never happen without you. And when the bones dance, that’s for you, tap dancing that really gets the circulation going.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“One day, people will fill farmland with fields of buildings the size of this house. They will not live in them. They will use them to store the things they neither need nor use.”
[They couldn’t believe Him, even if He never said it.]
D. Blog: Storage Centers
A large “storage center” will soon open about half a mile from our house. That will make at least half a dozen such rent-a-garage places within a five mile radius of our house and garage. Most of the houses in our area have garages, closets, and some have storage sheds in their yards. As I drive about the countryside, it seems that every little town has at least one such facility. One of my conclusions is that there must be a lot of money making potential in these businesses. Low overhead. Next to no wages to pay. Steady rental income, plus auction and yard sale potential when rents are not paid. All for stuff. Even the farmer who desired a bigger barn had something of benefit he would have stored in it -- food. And Jesus said he was a fool...
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Healthy Fundamentals
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace is not warring’s interruption, but its end.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You surround us much as the air surrounds us. We take you in as we do air. You supply what we need to breathe. I have been taking you in since before I was born.
I cannot look anywhere without seeing you. In you I find my natural habitat.
Sometimes I get caught in the illusions of the materialist world. Sometimes I am blinded by the glitter of technology and shiny things. Sometimes my ears are distracted by the background noise of our age.
Nevertheless, I know that when I focus my senses, what I perceive is you, sometimes even in the distractions. May my senses be attuned to you as I move through this day.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"Some day there will be almost as many people reading the New Herb Bible as read the Old God Bible."
[That's probably not an accurate statement, so of course He never said it.]
D. Blog: Some Healthy Fundamentals
Hope for the future.
Compassion for the hurting.
Love for God and our companions on Earth.
Healthy skepticism toward the world’s authorities, including those who claim to speak for God. Willingness to work for a cause beyond ourselves.
Care for the vulnerable, including Earth.
A sense of humor.
An appreciation for beauty and talent.
Enjoyment of music.
An expectation of finding signs of the divine presence anywhere.
Taking time to commune with the divine.
I can subscribe to those fundamentals. Not some time-bound ideology from men who were afraid of life and change and science, but attitudes that lead to healing activities. They make me fundamentally sound.
Peace is not warring’s interruption, but its end.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
You surround us much as the air surrounds us. We take you in as we do air. You supply what we need to breathe. I have been taking you in since before I was born.
I cannot look anywhere without seeing you. In you I find my natural habitat.
Sometimes I get caught in the illusions of the materialist world. Sometimes I am blinded by the glitter of technology and shiny things. Sometimes my ears are distracted by the background noise of our age.
Nevertheless, I know that when I focus my senses, what I perceive is you, sometimes even in the distractions. May my senses be attuned to you as I move through this day.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
"Some day there will be almost as many people reading the New Herb Bible as read the Old God Bible."
[That's probably not an accurate statement, so of course He never said it.]
D. Blog: Some Healthy Fundamentals
Hope for the future.
Compassion for the hurting.
Love for God and our companions on Earth.
Healthy skepticism toward the world’s authorities, including those who claim to speak for God. Willingness to work for a cause beyond ourselves.
Care for the vulnerable, including Earth.
A sense of humor.
An appreciation for beauty and talent.
Enjoyment of music.
An expectation of finding signs of the divine presence anywhere.
Taking time to commune with the divine.
I can subscribe to those fundamentals. Not some time-bound ideology from men who were afraid of life and change and science, but attitudes that lead to healing activities. They make me fundamentally sound.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Jesus as Vintner?
A. Unabashed Pacifist:
Peace does not arrive on a missile.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
“Rest in Peace.” We inscribe it on tombstones. Perhaps the saying belongs on our bedposts and pillows. It’s peace in this life that we need; peace after this life is assured.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“For such a time as this, this wine was bottled.”
[Not what He said as he poured at the Last Supper.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Hummers
- Power-seeking politicians
- Eating contests (pies, hotdogs, burgers, etc.)
- Beanie Babies
- Polluters
Peace does not arrive on a missile.
B. Unabashed Christian:
Holy One,
“Rest in Peace.” We inscribe it on tombstones. Perhaps the saying belongs on our bedposts and pillows. It’s peace in this life that we need; peace after this life is assured.
Amen
C. Un-quoting Jesus:
“For such a time as this, this wine was bottled.”
[Not what He said as he poured at the Last Supper.]
D. Blog: More Things Earth Can Live Without
- Hummers
- Power-seeking politicians
- Eating contests (pies, hotdogs, burgers, etc.)
- Beanie Babies
- Polluters
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)