"In this multimedia presentation, McCane and Mathewson reveal how the equally toothless performances of New Atheists like Richard Dawkins and creationists like Ken Ham share more with the garish world of Hulk Hogan and the Iron Sheik than with serious scholarship." (Religion Dispatches)
Watch the video here.
Though I'm not much of a professional wrestling fan, this presentation not only brought me further insight into the science and religion "debate" it also shed a new light on the creativity and artistic quality of professional wrestling that I surely never had thought of before.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Merton Book Controversial
Daniel Burke of the Religion News Service has recently written about a new biography by Mark Shaw out entitled Beneath the Mask of Holiness about Thomas Merton, the inspirational contemplative Trappist monk who has been influential to many contemplatives (Christian and beyond) after him. However, this book has brought with it much controversy since it deals with the romantic relationship between Merton and Margie Smith, a student-nurse at a nearby hospital in Louisville, KY. This biography treats this taboo love encounter and chronicles Merton's internal struggles of a life of self-discipline and celibacy with the romance and love he felt with Margie.
It should be an engaging read regardless of your acquaintance with Merton or interest in the religious life.
Read Burke's article at RNS.
It should be an engaging read regardless of your acquaintance with Merton or interest in the religious life.
Read Burke's article at RNS.
"Advent Conspiracy" movement
Though it is a bit on the late side, my friend and Unity minister, Rev. Thomas Shepherd, over at his "Theo-blog" has notified me of an intriguing new movement among Christians concerning the Christmas season and the meaning behind Jesus' birth. It's called "Advent Conspiracy":"The story of (Jesus) Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love. So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists. And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas? What if Christmas became a world-changing event again? Welcome to Advent Conspiracy." (Excerpt from http://www.adventconspiracy.org )
As Rev. Shepherd has stated, though the language of this movement is worded in more "traditional" Christian vocabulary, nonetheless, I believe many Unity and New Thought devotees will be interested and moved by such practices.
The Advent Conspiracy movement is grounded in 4 fundamental ideas that promote the revolution of practicing the Christmas season:
1. Worship fully - Focus on a renewing celebration of God-with-us (Immanuel), which is the underlying message of the birth of Christ.
2. Spend less - Draw back on spending lavishly on expensive gifts. Dial in on the meaningfulness of the gift, the personalization of the gift, rather than how much it costs. Moderation, prudence, and self-discipline is key here, all qualities upheld by Jesus.
3. Give more - Though the gifts may not be expensive, one can still offer more to those in need. Give more time, energy, and service to more people more often.
4. Love all - The greatest gift of all is the gift of paying attention to friends and family. This is really the essence of love and compassion - paying attention to those for whom you care.
If put into practice even moderately, these values could revolutionize the way we understand and draw meaning from Christmas. In fact, I further suggest we practice these principles every day throughout the year as much as we are able.
Peace and blessings!
(Image from Advent Conspiracy website.)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Harvey Cox and Thomas Dyer on Interfaith Voices
This week's program of Interfaith Voices ("a public radio show promoting religious harmony and interfaith understanding") includes a feature of Harvard theologian, Harvey Cox, and Buddhist military chaplain, Thomas Dyer.
Harvey Cox, Hollis professor of Divinity at Harvard University, looks inside the idea of ‘spritual but not religious’, and discovers that modern believers are abandoning creeds and doctrine for practices that emphasize a direct experience with the divine in his new book The Future of Faith. He speaks of this current development as Christianity, and religion in general, entering the "age of the Spirit." This is an idea that would resonate significantly with Unity ministers, students, and churchgoers of all stripes. One of the central tenets within Unity circles is that creeds, dogmatic statements, and static belief are not the cornerstones of authentic faith. Rather, it is first-hand experience of the Divine or Sacred or Spirit that promotes faith and engenders spiritual growth.
And Thomas Dyer is the first Buddhist military chaplain. A former Southern Baptist minister, Dyer is now a practicing Buddhist that has entered the military as as spiritual guide and counselor for Buddhist and non-Buddhist soldiers alike. With the increasing number of Americans becoming interested in Buddhism it is completely understandable how eventually a representative of the growing American Buddhist traditions would be included in military chaplaincy. Interfaith Voices conducts an intriguing interview with chaplain Dyer.
Check out these features and more at Interfaith Voices.
Harvey Cox, Hollis professor of Divinity at Harvard University, looks inside the idea of ‘spritual but not religious’, and discovers that modern believers are abandoning creeds and doctrine for practices that emphasize a direct experience with the divine in his new book The Future of Faith. He speaks of this current development as Christianity, and religion in general, entering the "age of the Spirit." This is an idea that would resonate significantly with Unity ministers, students, and churchgoers of all stripes. One of the central tenets within Unity circles is that creeds, dogmatic statements, and static belief are not the cornerstones of authentic faith. Rather, it is first-hand experience of the Divine or Sacred or Spirit that promotes faith and engenders spiritual growth.
And Thomas Dyer is the first Buddhist military chaplain. A former Southern Baptist minister, Dyer is now a practicing Buddhist that has entered the military as as spiritual guide and counselor for Buddhist and non-Buddhist soldiers alike. With the increasing number of Americans becoming interested in Buddhism it is completely understandable how eventually a representative of the growing American Buddhist traditions would be included in military chaplaincy. Interfaith Voices conducts an intriguing interview with chaplain Dyer.
Check out these features and more at Interfaith Voices.
New Pew Forum Poll on Religious Belief in America
Americans are widely known now for our rather mix-and-match tendencies in religious approach and identity. Many people attend services of other religions than our own and blend Christianity with other religious practices like Buddhist meditation and New Age techniques.
This is no doubt a prominent approach within my denomination, Unity. We have always drawn inspiration and influence from other religious traditions from the very start when Charles and Myrtle Fillmore were reading about Indian religion and taking metaphysical cues from Emerson and other Transcendentalists. While Unity is not New Age, it is New Thought, which is a tradition that feels free to draw on New Age methods and beliefs to forward people on their spiritual journey, while often retaining much language, scripture, and culture from Christianity.
So this new Pew Forum poll is relevant to all Americans, but Unity occupies a unique place in American religious practice since it stands within the predominant Christian tradition yet draws on and incorporates much from other religions that constitute the rich plurality of religion and culture within the U.S.
The Pew Forum poll generally states that although the U.S. is an overwhelmingly Christian country, significant minorities say they hold beliefs of the sort found at Buddhist temples or New Age gatherings. Twenty-four percent of those surveyed overall and 22 percent of Christians say they believe in reincarnation, the idea that people will be reborn in this world again and again. Also, another piece in the poll relates that 1/4 of Americans say they sometimes attend services of a faith different from their own. (I am part of this 25% since, though I'm a progressive Unity Christian, attend Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christian services often and I participate in Buddhist temple ceremonies and meditation gatherings from time to time as well.)
This is no doubt a prominent approach within my denomination, Unity. We have always drawn inspiration and influence from other religious traditions from the very start when Charles and Myrtle Fillmore were reading about Indian religion and taking metaphysical cues from Emerson and other Transcendentalists. While Unity is not New Age, it is New Thought, which is a tradition that feels free to draw on New Age methods and beliefs to forward people on their spiritual journey, while often retaining much language, scripture, and culture from Christianity.
So this new Pew Forum poll is relevant to all Americans, but Unity occupies a unique place in American religious practice since it stands within the predominant Christian tradition yet draws on and incorporates much from other religions that constitute the rich plurality of religion and culture within the U.S.
The Pew Forum poll generally states that although the U.S. is an overwhelmingly Christian country, significant minorities say they hold beliefs of the sort found at Buddhist temples or New Age gatherings. Twenty-four percent of those surveyed overall and 22 percent of Christians say they believe in reincarnation, the idea that people will be reborn in this world again and again. Also, another piece in the poll relates that 1/4 of Americans say they sometimes attend services of a faith different from their own. (I am part of this 25% since, though I'm a progressive Unity Christian, attend Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christian services often and I participate in Buddhist temple ceremonies and meditation gatherings from time to time as well.)
Alan Cooperman, associate director for research at the Pew Forum, says, ''It is as much now the norm as it is the exception for Americans to blend multiple religious beliefs and practices." (Faith in Public Life)
This rather new but increasingly present phenomenon of multiple religious belonging is becoming a permanent and interesting feature of the American religious situation. Within Unity circles, multiple religious belonging is probably more common than in other denominations and is very much welcomed, which can be witnessed in public statements of the Association of Unity Churches and Unity Institute as well as local Unity congregational statements.
This is all a testament to the openness and inclusivity of the Unity movement (regardless of the internal disputes about Unity's "identity") and to the influence of the wonderful religious diversity of our current religious context in the U.S.
Morality Not Necessarily Good?
Philosopher Hans-Georg Moeller has a new book out, The Moral Fool: A Case for Amorality (Columbia University Press, 2009), that interestingly argues that the language of morality or ethical rectitude distorts and hinders our abilities to address the most fundamentally important social and political issues of our times.
Dr. Moeller answers 10 interesting questions concerning these issues in his book in a recent post on Religion Dispatches. Some of the questions are: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about your topic?; What’s the most important take-home message for readers?; Are you hoping to just inform readers? Give them pleasure? Piss them off?
Check out the entire article at Religion Dispatches.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Evangelicals and Atheists...Good Bedfellows?
The most recent show topic on Interfaith Voices radio program is entitled "Evangelicals and Atheists...Good Bedfellows?" Maureen Fiedler interviews Frank Schaeffer who has written a book called Patience with God: Faith for People Who Don't Like Religion (Or Atheism).
In the past, Schaeffer helped build up the religious right and was part of this movement until he discovered it was full of fanatics. After leaving the religious right movement he has argued that the religious fundamentalists and the extremist atheists in our culture have a whole lot in common.
Listen to the program at Interfaith Voices.
In the past, Schaeffer helped build up the religious right and was part of this movement until he discovered it was full of fanatics. After leaving the religious right movement he has argued that the religious fundamentalists and the extremist atheists in our culture have a whole lot in common.
Listen to the program at Interfaith Voices.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Parialment of World Religions Names First Muslim Leader
The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions elected as its chair Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid, a Chicago Muslim.
Adelle M. Banks has the whole story at RNS.
Adelle M. Banks has the whole story at RNS.
New Book Explores Relationship Between Ancient Biblical Laws and Contemporary Church Controversies
One of the Old Testament professors at my alma mater, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, Cheryl Anderson, is publishing a scholarly book called Ancient Laws and Contemporary Controversies: The Need for Inclusive Biblical Interpretation (Oxford, 2009).
The Religion Press Release Service states of Dr. Anderson's book: "Anderson contends that biblical laws, such as one requiring unmarried women to marry their rapist, or those accepting slavery, reflect a privileged male perspective and not necessarily those of everyone in faith communities. She argues that traditional Christian practices and biblical interpretations still exclude voices of women and certain others, including homosexuals and different racial/ethnic groups. She maintains that contemporary controversies in churches - such as homosexuality and the ordination of women - result from these groups expressing their own realities and perspectives on faith. According to Anderson, inclusive biblical viewpoints are consistent with Christian tradition. She bases her conclusions on the Bible (Old and New Testaments) and Protestant reformers (Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Wesley), and parallels them with the U.S. Constitution."
I remember Dr. Anderson as being an intriguing professor for several reasons, but especially because of the way she was able to relate Mosaic, biblical law to contemporary legal issues and legislature due to her background and degree in American law. This especially suits her in writing such a scholarly piece about the relationship between ancient biblical law and current issues in legality. It should be an academically rigorous and provocative work.
Check out a review of the book at RNS.
The Religion Press Release Service states of Dr. Anderson's book: "Anderson contends that biblical laws, such as one requiring unmarried women to marry their rapist, or those accepting slavery, reflect a privileged male perspective and not necessarily those of everyone in faith communities. She argues that traditional Christian practices and biblical interpretations still exclude voices of women and certain others, including homosexuals and different racial/ethnic groups. She maintains that contemporary controversies in churches - such as homosexuality and the ordination of women - result from these groups expressing their own realities and perspectives on faith. According to Anderson, inclusive biblical viewpoints are consistent with Christian tradition. She bases her conclusions on the Bible (Old and New Testaments) and Protestant reformers (Martin Luther, John Calvin and John Wesley), and parallels them with the U.S. Constitution."
I remember Dr. Anderson as being an intriguing professor for several reasons, but especially because of the way she was able to relate Mosaic, biblical law to contemporary legal issues and legislature due to her background and degree in American law. This especially suits her in writing such a scholarly piece about the relationship between ancient biblical law and current issues in legality. It should be an academically rigorous and provocative work.
Check out a review of the book at RNS.
Happy B-day Baha'u'llah!
For Baha'is, today is the Birthday of Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the Baha'i Faith and celebrates the rebirth of the world through the love of God. In many ways, it's similar to the Christian celebration of Christmas.
Baha'u'llah was born on Nov. 12, 1817 in Tehran, Iran (Persia). He taught that manifestations of God (such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, etc.) have appeared throughout history to help us better know and worship the one God and bring human relationships and societies to a greater, more loving existence.
There are no prescribed rituals for celebrating the Birthday of Baha'u'llah, but its usually marked by abstaining from work (if possible) and having community gatherings where prayers, devotional readings, music, and food are shared. It's a time for rejoicing and affirming the unity of community (something that we in Unity Christianity can note as significance and share with our Baha'i brothers and sisters).
From sunset Nov. 11 to sunset Nov. 12 today, we can each pause and, in ways appropriate to our own religious tradition or spiritual path, send thoughts and actions of love and goodwill toward our Baha'i brothers and sisters as they celebrate the Birth of Baha'u'llah, their prophet and founder.
Peace and blessings!
Baha'u'llah was born on Nov. 12, 1817 in Tehran, Iran (Persia). He taught that manifestations of God (such as Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, Muhammad, etc.) have appeared throughout history to help us better know and worship the one God and bring human relationships and societies to a greater, more loving existence.
There are no prescribed rituals for celebrating the Birthday of Baha'u'llah, but its usually marked by abstaining from work (if possible) and having community gatherings where prayers, devotional readings, music, and food are shared. It's a time for rejoicing and affirming the unity of community (something that we in Unity Christianity can note as significance and share with our Baha'i brothers and sisters).
From sunset Nov. 11 to sunset Nov. 12 today, we can each pause and, in ways appropriate to our own religious tradition or spiritual path, send thoughts and actions of love and goodwill toward our Baha'i brothers and sisters as they celebrate the Birth of Baha'u'llah, their prophet and founder.
Peace and blessings!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
New Study Shows Vitality of Religious Left
A new study from the University of Florida dispels some common fictions about the political power and presence of the religiously liberal and progressive in the U.S.
The study essentially states that, despite the lack of religiously liberal voices portrayed in the media, there is a burgeoning leftist religious population in the U.S. and dispels the known "God gap" theory that white Christians are conservative and most likely to vote Republican. Kenneth Wald of the U of Florida states: "We are able to uncover considerable evidence of a religious left among Christians, and the big news is that it matters electorally...Having a strong communitarian view of faith is associated with voting for Democratic candidates. Because of favorable political circumstances, we're in an age where we're likely to see a flowering of the religious left." (U of Florida press release)
Candace Chellew-Hodge says more at Religion Dispatches.
The study essentially states that, despite the lack of religiously liberal voices portrayed in the media, there is a burgeoning leftist religious population in the U.S. and dispels the known "God gap" theory that white Christians are conservative and most likely to vote Republican. Kenneth Wald of the U of Florida states: "We are able to uncover considerable evidence of a religious left among Christians, and the big news is that it matters electorally...Having a strong communitarian view of faith is associated with voting for Democratic candidates. Because of favorable political circumstances, we're in an age where we're likely to see a flowering of the religious left." (U of Florida press release)
Candace Chellew-Hodge says more at Religion Dispatches.
Liberal View of New Hate Crimes Legislation
For those following the new hate crimes legislation signed by President Obama that expands past federal hate crime laws to make it an offense to attack people because of their sexual orientation, here is an opinion piece in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch by Rev. Dr. Daniel O'Connell that gives a great summary of a liberal or progressive view of this new law and the values of equality and liberty that underpin it.
Some regard the recent law as a success for supporting and affirming the freedom and equality of every person in America, while others see it as having the potential of inhibiting religious speech (even though the law explicitly states that no one can be prosecuted for their belief-system or speech, only actions of violence and hate towards people due to their sexual orientation). As a Christian, my value system is one that rigorously affirms and seeks to enact in relationships and society the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Most Americans (though, sadly, not all) don't put up with hate crimes against people because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, so why should we also put up with hate crimes against those due to their sexual orientation?
Read Rev. Dr. O'Connell's op ed piece in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Faith in Public Life.
Some regard the recent law as a success for supporting and affirming the freedom and equality of every person in America, while others see it as having the potential of inhibiting religious speech (even though the law explicitly states that no one can be prosecuted for their belief-system or speech, only actions of violence and hate towards people due to their sexual orientation). As a Christian, my value system is one that rigorously affirms and seeks to enact in relationships and society the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Most Americans (though, sadly, not all) don't put up with hate crimes against people because of their race, ethnicity, gender, or religion, so why should we also put up with hate crimes against those due to their sexual orientation?
Read Rev. Dr. O'Connell's op ed piece in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Faith in Public Life.
Music Topic on Unity.FM: Music as Worship and Theology
For those who are musically minded like myself, Rev. Dr. Thomas Shepherd's program on Unity.FM called "Let's Talk About It" will host the topic Make a Joyful Noise: Music as Worship, Theology, and Celebration.
This is an excellent topic for theological discussion within and outside of the Unity community. Indeed, music has been a central part of religious life in Christianity and other world religions. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors danced around fires and sang about the success of the hunt and to the Sacred for future successes. Hindu Vedic priests chanted the intricately prescribed Sanskrit words in elaborate rituals believed to appease the gods and bring about favor in human life. In the early Christian churches Christians gathered before dawn and sang hymns with each other to Christ, the Son of God and Savior of humanity.
In medieval Christendom, the Mass as a musical composition became a central component in worship, which not only set the time and organization for the service but also served as an aesthetic masterpiece of expression offered to the God of all creation.
However, music has sometimes become a "going-through-the-motions" with no gusto or spiritual fervor. This malady has been noticed and addressed in recent years with new musical movements that re-capture and re-conceive of music as an elemental part of spiritual expression, worship, and theological discourse. We can see this renaissance occurring not just in New Thought churches (in which it has had a profound impact) but also mainline and evangelical Protestant churches as well as Catholic and Eastern Orthodox congregations.
Check out this week's edition of "Let's Talk About It" on Friday Nov. 6 at 4pm CST at Unity.FM.
This is an excellent topic for theological discussion within and outside of the Unity community. Indeed, music has been a central part of religious life in Christianity and other world religions. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors danced around fires and sang about the success of the hunt and to the Sacred for future successes. Hindu Vedic priests chanted the intricately prescribed Sanskrit words in elaborate rituals believed to appease the gods and bring about favor in human life. In the early Christian churches Christians gathered before dawn and sang hymns with each other to Christ, the Son of God and Savior of humanity.
In medieval Christendom, the Mass as a musical composition became a central component in worship, which not only set the time and organization for the service but also served as an aesthetic masterpiece of expression offered to the God of all creation.
However, music has sometimes become a "going-through-the-motions" with no gusto or spiritual fervor. This malady has been noticed and addressed in recent years with new musical movements that re-capture and re-conceive of music as an elemental part of spiritual expression, worship, and theological discourse. We can see this renaissance occurring not just in New Thought churches (in which it has had a profound impact) but also mainline and evangelical Protestant churches as well as Catholic and Eastern Orthodox congregations.
Check out this week's edition of "Let's Talk About It" on Friday Nov. 6 at 4pm CST at Unity.FM.
Harvard's "Humanist" Chaplain on State of Belief
As a follow-up to my last post concerning Greg Epstein, Harvard University chaplain, and the notion of "humanistic" or "atheistic" chaplaincy as a viable mode of spiritual service, I'd like to bring to attention Epstein's presence as guest on this past weekend's program of State of Belief.
State of Belief is a radio program hosted by Rev. Welton Gaddy and sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance, an NGO dedicated to the upholding and maintaining of 1st Amendment religious rights and concerns.
Check out last week's program with Greg Epstein as guest here.
State of Belief is a radio program hosted by Rev. Welton Gaddy and sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance, an NGO dedicated to the upholding and maintaining of 1st Amendment religious rights and concerns.
Check out last week's program with Greg Epstein as guest here.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Humanist and Atheist Chaplaincy
"The nonreligious population is exploding, and somebody has to minister to them. Harvard’s humanist chaplain is on the road, sharing a vision of the common good, hoping his message will resonate with theists and atheists alike." (Religion Dispatches, Oct. 30, 2009)With millions of people identifying as "non-religious" or "non-theist" in the U.S. there is a growing and often unrecognized need for spiritual or emotional counseling of those that fall into this group. Greg Epstein is one who has stepped up. He is a "humanist chaplain" at Harvard University who has recently published a book called Good Without God: What a Billion Non-religious People Do Believe (William Morrow, 2009) which discusses the reality of an atheistic spirituality.
I've been curious about this relatively new distinction people oftentimes make between 'religion' and 'spirituality.' When I ask people about the difference between the meaning of the two terms they usually retort that religion has something to do with institutions, social gathering, doctrine, dogma, etc. whereas spirituality has more to do with a personal, individual pursuit of meaning and truth. Thus, on this distinction, the notion of an atheistic spirituality would make sense, I suppose. Atheists can consider themselves spiritual but not religious; they have a personal quest for meaning and truth but not one that involves a particular institutional affiliation, doctrine, or belief about God, deity, divinity, or the like.
Since atheists do often consider themselves spiritual persons, then it is crucial that the spiritual service of chaplaincy address their particular needs as well. Thus, we must have chaplains that are trained and prepared to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of atheistic worldviews and lives, chaplains that can make that modern/post-modern distincition between religion and spirituality when working with atheist persons.
I like the idea of the work that Greg Epstein is doing. This kind of activity needs more public attention. This is an area of chaplaincy that is not much talked about but is crucial for servicing the spiritual needs of a now significant population of the U.S. and the world.
(Above image from Religion Dispatches.)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Prayers and Meditations of World Religions Course
I just started teaching/facilitating a class at Unity Church of Peoria, IL called "Prayers and Meditations of the World's Religons." The aim of the course is to introduce church-goers to some of the more prominent and representative contemplative expressions of faith in order to facilitate deeper interreligious understanding and perhaps transform ourseves and our own prayer practices.
Last night the first class met and, while we didn't actually read or pray any prayers yet, it was a wonderful and lively discussion of what prayer and meditation is, the diversity of prayer and contemplation in the various world religions, what mysticism is and its central role in the forming and development of religious traditions, the strengths and weaknesses of language and conceptions, etc.
Anyway, though I've facilitated the class before at other Unity churches, I'm very excited about how this particular incarnation has begun and look forward to the promising fruitful conversation that will come about.
If you happen to be in the central Illinois area come and join us for some stimulating and intriguing discussion and reading of the prayers and meditations of the world's religions. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm at the Unity Church of Peoria.
Peace.
Last night the first class met and, while we didn't actually read or pray any prayers yet, it was a wonderful and lively discussion of what prayer and meditation is, the diversity of prayer and contemplation in the various world religions, what mysticism is and its central role in the forming and development of religious traditions, the strengths and weaknesses of language and conceptions, etc.
Anyway, though I've facilitated the class before at other Unity churches, I'm very excited about how this particular incarnation has begun and look forward to the promising fruitful conversation that will come about.
If you happen to be in the central Illinois area come and join us for some stimulating and intriguing discussion and reading of the prayers and meditations of the world's religions. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30pm at the Unity Church of Peoria.
Peace.
Common Tables "eLerts"
Common Tables, an organization that promotes and facilitates grassroots-style interfaith dialogue, has come out with a new feature called the "eLert." It's essentially a mass email list that sends people an email notification that brings attention to significant holidays from all the major world religions as they occur, along with a brief explanation.
Sign up for Common Tables' "eLert" here.
Sign up for Common Tables' "eLert" here.
The Conservative Bible Project
Through the wonderful blogosphere essay forum, Religion Dispatches, I've been made aware of a particular group of conservative Christians called "The Conservative Bible Project." Interestingly, according to this community (founded by Andy Schlafly, also founder of Conservapedia), apparently the English translations of the Bible have become too liberalized and must be re-written, re-translated, and edited so as to free it from its progressive-liberal bias.Although most scholars and practitioners alike find this project to be a bit of a joke, I somewhat find this to be a fascinating project. I think it lifts up some very pertinent and significant questions about biblical translation and interpretation and the Bible's relation to politics. As Joseph Laycock and Thomas Fabisiak write in their Oct. 21, 2009 essay in Religion Dispatches, "Is Schlafly a profoundly cynical politician, attempting to manipulate religion in a way that would put Machiavelli and Karl Rove to shame? Or does he truly believe that the Bible has been tainted by 'liberalism' for over a thousand years?" They have a point.
I also share Laycock and Fabisiak's connection of this project to The Jefferson Bible. For those who are unaware, America's 3rd president, Thomas Jefferson, felt that the Bible had been abused, corrupted, and misappropriated by Christians for so many years that he set out on a project where he excised all the supernatural passages out of the New Testament, or those that referred to miracles of some kind. After his cut and paste venture, all that was left was largely those pericope's of Jesus' teachings and parables. The connection to Schlafly is striking. The question becomes, "Is Schlafly attempting a conservative version of the Jeffersonian editing enterprise?"
Probably not exactly. Jefferson's pursuit was totally personal and wasn't published until years later, whereas Schlafly's project is aimed at being very public, political and geared toward dispelling a certain category of infestation -- "the liberal."
There also a write-up of the project by Rachel Weiner in the Huffington Post.
(Image from Religion Dispatches website; it's a section of the Conservative Bible Project's Bible translation, which translates "Pharisee" as "Liberal.")
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Comic Book Bible
Legendary comic book author R. Crumb has put out a comic book version of the book of Genesis. Even though comic books, and R. Crumb's in particular, have largely been considered to be rather irreverent and quick to make jabs, people are saying that this take is rather sensitive to the content of the Bible and not as tasteless as one might expect.
Gabriel Mckee of Religion Dispatches writes a review of the comic, just put out October 19, 2009.
Gabriel Mckee of Religion Dispatches writes a review of the comic, just put out October 19, 2009.
Buddhism's Prominence in America
A friend turned me on to this article at the Buddhist Channel about Buddhism and its place in today's American society and culture. Andrew Lam briefly outlines the roots of Buddhism in the U.S., its development up to now, and its impact and presence in here in the States. All this from his own Buddhist perspective, of course.It's a concise but intriguing article. Check it out here.
(Image from Buddhist Channel website.)
Friday, October 16, 2009
A Pagan Republican Comes Out of the Broom Closet
Interesting story about New York City councilman, Dan Halloran, is a neo-pagan devotee, practicing the beliefs and rituals of the religion of the early people in Northern Europe. Normally, this wouldn't be too big of a deal or make news, but rather than being associated with the political progressive-liberal parties he's a Republican.Read the story by Sarah Pike at Religion Dispatches.
Image also from Religion Dispatches.
Contemplative Leadership: Realizing Human Potential and Improving the Human Condition
The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living is holding two contemplative leadership events in January:"The Merton Institute for Contemplative Living invites leaders from all sectors of society to the Contemplative Leadership Retreat held January 14-16, 2010, and the Contemplative Leadership Conference held January 17-18, 2010, at the Duncan Conference Center in Delray Beach, Florida. Both programs address the leadership crisis found throughout the guiding institutions society
Contemplative leadership evolves from living in right relationship with self, others, nature, and God. These relationships are the source from which a leader's awareness, influence, and vision flow. They serve as guides for a leader's ethical behavior, engender trust within the organization, and provide a platform of meaning and purpose on which the group or organization's mission manifest." (Religion & Ethics Newsweekly)
More information at the Merton Institute's website.
Image from Merton Institute's website.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided Explores the Dark Side of Positive Thinking
"A new book reveals the historical roots and conservative uses of the positive thinking movement, showing how it encourages victim-blaming, political complacency, and a culture-wide flight from realism." (Michelle Goldberg, Religion Dispatches)Bright-Sided: How The Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America is a recently published book by Barbara Ehrenreich that traces the origins, development, and ethically dubious uses of the so-called positive thinking movement. She largely speaks against this movement, arguing that this message has been used to blame completely innocent victims of disasters and diseases, inhibit social and political activism, and, in some instances, exploit people for profit. She takes a hard-nosed look at the darker facet of this movement of positivity that exists in circles from conservative Christians (e.g. Joel Osteen and prosperity gospelers) to New Agers (e.g. The Secret) and corporate America.
The Christian denomination with which I'm affiliated, Unity, finds its historical roots in the New Thought movement, which combined a healthy dose of American Pragmatism with Transcendentalism's spiritual tenor. New Thought is centered firmly in the positive thinking movement, and is in fact where the current movement finds its beginnings. All in all, Ehrenreich does make valid points about the ethical difficulties with some aspects of the positive thinking movement. I don't believe that everyone who gets cancer is solely responsible for contracting that disease due to their "victim" mentality or negative attitude. I don't believe that those who are killed or harmed by tsunamis or hurricanes had it coming to them because of the mental atmosphere that they harbor. I don't think reality is that simple; I believe cause and effect is not just linear but multi-faceted and multi-layered. Of course, in order to enact any real social change it must not stay confined to our inner attitude but become an engaged activity cultivated in relationships and society.
Sure, Ehrenreich makes some good points about the pitfalls of positive thinking. However, I'd argue that any personal or social change that is to be enacted must have its conception and origin in some feeling of optimism or "positivity" of sorts. As reviewer, Michelle Goldberg, states, "How else could Gandhi believe that he could get the British to leave India, or Martin Luther King convince himself and his followers in the possibility of winning racial equality? Barack Obama became president in part by imbuing millions of individuals with the wild hope that they could change the world." (Religion Dispatches) This all requires a seed of optimism and positivity, which is what all good religion has at its heart - a very real and acute sense of hope.
Read Goldberg's review essay at Religion Dispatches.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Patheos Launches Interfaith Dialogue on Religion and Education
Patheos.com, one of the world's foremost online forums for global dialogue on issues of religion and spirituality, recently launched a "Public Square" examination of the challenges and issues facing religious education from the perspective of the world's seven largest religious traditions.
To read a review of the recent dialogue forum see this article of the Religion News Service.
To find out more go to Patheos.com.
To read a review of the recent dialogue forum see this article of the Religion News Service.
To find out more go to Patheos.com.
Journal of Inter-religious Dialogue Releases Its Second Issue
The Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue has just released its second issue of peer-reviewed scholarly articles called "Engaging the Taboo: Gender, Sexuality, and the Body in Our Religious Traditions." This topic is very crucial in today's milieu and is an extremely important issue to be dealt with within and among the religious traditions of the world.
The Journal offers a novel way of establishing long-term dialogue and collaboration between religious communities and individuals with a compelling and scholastic methodology.
The Journal is available to read online in a free web platform.
The Journal offers a novel way of establishing long-term dialogue and collaboration between religious communities and individuals with a compelling and scholastic methodology.
The Journal is available to read online in a free web platform.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Is God 'Out There' or Only Found Within?
This Friday on Unity.FM Rev. Dr. Thomas Shepherd's program "Let's Talk About It" will feature an interesting topic: "Praying to the Ceiling - Is God 'Out There' or Only Found Within?"
"Let's Talk About It" always has interesting themes for its programming, but this one promises to be extra intriguing, in my opinion. As a Unity student in the Unity movement I'm certainly of the belief that God is most certainly found within. The living Christ is fully present within every human being as the Divine Ground of Being, and, as such, is God immanent.
However, since God is not relegated to being present only within one individual, but is present in every individual, God is also found outside of myself in the being and life of others. I can encounter God not only through the Christ innate in myself but also in my interactions and relationships with others. The back-and-forth movement of inter-relatedness discloses God as Being, Life, and Love in my relationships with other human beings.
The Christ in me is fully God, but this presence is not all of God, it doesn't exhaust God's being. This leads me to a decisively panentheistic (all-in-God) viewpoint: God is fully in all creation, but God is also equally beyond creation. God is both immanent and transcendent. Faith in this experiential truth, for me, leads me to claim that I find God "in" myself and also "outside" myself. That is, I experience God as being part and parcel of myself, my own subjective awareness, but also not limited to me as subject -- experienced as object or that-to-which-I-relate.
I'm looking forward to hearing what Rev. Dr. Shepherd and his guests have to say about this fascinating and important topic of theology for the Unity movment.
Listen on Friday Oct. 9, 2009 at 4pm CST to "Let's Talk About It" on Unity.FM.
"Let's Talk About It" always has interesting themes for its programming, but this one promises to be extra intriguing, in my opinion. As a Unity student in the Unity movement I'm certainly of the belief that God is most certainly found within. The living Christ is fully present within every human being as the Divine Ground of Being, and, as such, is God immanent.
However, since God is not relegated to being present only within one individual, but is present in every individual, God is also found outside of myself in the being and life of others. I can encounter God not only through the Christ innate in myself but also in my interactions and relationships with others. The back-and-forth movement of inter-relatedness discloses God as Being, Life, and Love in my relationships with other human beings.
The Christ in me is fully God, but this presence is not all of God, it doesn't exhaust God's being. This leads me to a decisively panentheistic (all-in-God) viewpoint: God is fully in all creation, but God is also equally beyond creation. God is both immanent and transcendent. Faith in this experiential truth, for me, leads me to claim that I find God "in" myself and also "outside" myself. That is, I experience God as being part and parcel of myself, my own subjective awareness, but also not limited to me as subject -- experienced as object or that-to-which-I-relate.
I'm looking forward to hearing what Rev. Dr. Shepherd and his guests have to say about this fascinating and important topic of theology for the Unity movment.
Listen on Friday Oct. 9, 2009 at 4pm CST to "Let's Talk About It" on Unity.FM.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Unity Leader Mindy Audlin and Voices of Peace
Mindy Audlin, host of the Unity.FM program The Leading Edge, recently brought together 21 world-renowned spiritual leaders who share a passion for peace-building. The transcripts of these interviews are now available as an e-book with proceeds benefiting organizations such as The Global Peace Project.Learn more about the Voices of Peace project.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Daily Word (9.28.09)
Forgive:
"I draw on God's love within to forgive." (DW, 9.28.09)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Lk 6:37)
Mei Meditatio:
Connecting to God's presence through prayer, I share in the all-inclusive and all-powerful Love of God through Christ. Participating in this Love, I'm able to forgive myself and others through realizing that all is connected and interdependent through Christ and thus all is well. Releasing past, old thoughts, words, and actions I move into new, fresh experiences that transform my life.
In order to be forgiven I must first forgive, which starts within myself.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I draw on God's love within to forgive." (DW, 9.28.09)
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." (Lk 6:37)
Mei Meditatio:
Connecting to God's presence through prayer, I share in the all-inclusive and all-powerful Love of God through Christ. Participating in this Love, I'm able to forgive myself and others through realizing that all is connected and interdependent through Christ and thus all is well. Releasing past, old thoughts, words, and actions I move into new, fresh experiences that transform my life.
In order to be forgiven I must first forgive, which starts within myself.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu Receive Awards
His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were awarded the Fetzer Institute's Prize for Love and Forgiveness this past Sunday at the 2009 Peace Summit in Vancouver. Each will receive a $100,000 monetary prize to support their work and a handcrafted, inscribed journal.
The Fetzer Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting services that advance the values of love and forgiveness in the world. Their purpose: "The Institute engages with people and programs working to bring the power of love and forgiveness to the center of individual, organizational and community life. We create and support projects that serve as healing forces in a divided world, and that spread knowledge about how individuals everywhere can be more loving and forgiving in daily life."(Fetzer Institute website)
To learn more about the Prize for Love and Forgiveness and to watch a video of the summit go to the Fetzer Institute's website.
The Fetzer Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting services that advance the values of love and forgiveness in the world. Their purpose: "The Institute engages with people and programs working to bring the power of love and forgiveness to the center of individual, organizational and community life. We create and support projects that serve as healing forces in a divided world, and that spread knowledge about how individuals everywhere can be more loving and forgiving in daily life."(Fetzer Institute website)
To learn more about the Prize for Love and Forgiveness and to watch a video of the summit go to the Fetzer Institute's website.
Christian and Buddhist faithful focus prayers on value of resolving conflict
Buddhists and Christians gathered in the Pittsburgh area for a 40-hour prayer and meditation vigil for the purpose of resolving the tension and conflict in the world and in the midst of the G-20 summit.
It was talked about as an event where people aren't talking about peace or discussing resolutions, but are able to simply sit together, connect with each other through prayer and song, and "be peace."
Ann Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the entire story at Faith in Public Life.
It was talked about as an event where people aren't talking about peace or discussing resolutions, but are able to simply sit together, connect with each other through prayer and song, and "be peace."
Ann Rodgers of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the entire story at Faith in Public Life.
New Book about Delving into Another Religion
There's a recent book out by Benyamin Cohen called My Jesus Year: A Rabbi’s Son Wanders the Bible Belt in Search of His Own Faith which details his journey into another faith. Cohen, who is Jewish, took one year and went church-hopping throughout the Bible Belt to learn more about Christianity and perhaps to see how Christianity might influence him as a Jew.He states, "I want Jesus to make me a better Jew." Interestingly, when he attended these many churches in the South, he went wearing a yarmulke and without any hint of hiding the fact that he was Jewish. Surprisingly, he wasn't driven away with pitchforks or anything. There were certainly interesting conversations that surely involved stereotypes, confusion, and misunderstanding, but this is all part and parcel of interfaith encounter. He ultimately comes to an understanding that people of faith come in all shapes and sizes and that we have much to learn from one another through dialogue and mutual participation in each other's practices.
I think this is a decent model for anyone interested in learning more about another's faith and transforming one's own. It's always good to start with reading about other beliefs, cultures, practices, etc. but we can't stay there. To really delve deep into another faith we must practice with the other, worship with the other, pray and meditate with the other, otherwise we're only scratching the surface of the wisdom and truth that could be disclosed in that encounter.
Read a book review by Benjamin Weiner, "A Jew in Church? No Big Deal."
Image from Religion Dispatches.
Speakers and Programs Announced for the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne
"Chicago, Illinois (September 24, 2009) -- In its role as a leading force for interreligious harmony, global peace and environmental sustainability, the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions announces over a dozen new speakers at the 2009 Parliament of the World Religions. The Parliament will be held in Melbourne, Australia, December 3 - 9, 2009.
In addition to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, NPR journalist Margo Adler and Obama administration official Dalia Mogahed, newly confirmed presenters include Buddhist teacher, author and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh; Yale Professor Mary Evelyn Tucker; Native American leader Chief Oren Lyons; and Timorese spiritual activist Constantino Pinto." (RNS)
With over 500 speakers, events, and workshops the Parliament of the World's Religions, which gathers every 5 years in a different city, is the largest and most diverse interreligious meeting in the world. The Parliament addresses issues that are of significant concern to humanity and the planet as a whole and seeks to find answers to these problems through dialogue and co-working with each other, recognizing the importance of our religious and spiritual traditions and values in the process of addressing these issues. This particular Parliament in Melbourne seems to have gathered a focus on climate change and how the religious traditions are able to help solve this increasing problem.
To learn more go to Parliament of World Religions website.
In addition to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, NPR journalist Margo Adler and Obama administration official Dalia Mogahed, newly confirmed presenters include Buddhist teacher, author and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh; Yale Professor Mary Evelyn Tucker; Native American leader Chief Oren Lyons; and Timorese spiritual activist Constantino Pinto." (RNS)
With over 500 speakers, events, and workshops the Parliament of the World's Religions, which gathers every 5 years in a different city, is the largest and most diverse interreligious meeting in the world. The Parliament addresses issues that are of significant concern to humanity and the planet as a whole and seeks to find answers to these problems through dialogue and co-working with each other, recognizing the importance of our religious and spiritual traditions and values in the process of addressing these issues. This particular Parliament in Melbourne seems to have gathered a focus on climate change and how the religious traditions are able to help solve this increasing problem.
To learn more go to Parliament of World Religions website.
Activity Slowing
Recently, I've realized that the combination of all the different responsibilities that are on my plate these days has left less time for me to blog daily. Previously I was able to carve time out for daily blog activity, with sometimes 3 or 4 entries of interest. However, I've been feeling rather unproductive with my research, so I should spend much more time working on my dissertation, do more preparation for teaching other classes at the Dwight Correctional Center (through Lakeland College), and juggle other miscellaneous stuff dealing with progressing on the ordination path for Unity. Thus, I plan to blog at least once or twice a week, rather than every day, which means the Daily Word meditations will be cut as well -- I'll pick out one's that really resonate with me and share my thoughts on them, but it won't be an everyday activity.
So, blogging activity will be slowing a little, but the purpose, of course, hasn't changed and is just as present in my thoughts and actions as before. Peace and God bless.
So, blogging activity will be slowing a little, but the purpose, of course, hasn't changed and is just as present in my thoughts and actions as before. Peace and God bless.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New Book on Buddhist-Christian Dialogue and Science
B. Allan Wallace has written a new book called Mind in the Balance: Meditation in Science, Buddhism and Christianity. Though I haven't had a chance to purchase and read it yet, it looks to be a wonderful scholarly analysis of the inquiry into human consciousness through the meditative techniques of Buddhism and Christianity with the inclusion of modern scientific research into these practices."By establishing a dialogue in which the meditative practices of Buddhism and Christianity speak to the theories of modern philosophy and science, B. Alan Wallace reveals the theoretical similarities underlying these disparate disciplines and their unified approach to making sense of the objective world." (Center for Progressive Christianity)
Read the full review of Wallace's book at the Center for Progressive Christianity.
Daily Word (9.24.09)
Hope:
"The light and love of God within me shine brightly." (DW, 9.24.09)
"Your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope." (Job 11:17-18)
Mei Meditatio:
Hope is not a vain wishing that something will be the case, bereft of any actuality or reality extant in the attitude. Rather, hope is a confident expectation that something will be the case, teeming with a faithful attitude that the essential good in what is hoped for will assuredly come about, or is already always present but simply not yet recognized.
The light and love of God in Christ shine in me and through me now, making the darkness of night into the dawn of morning. New mornings are always occurring in my life, and I have the confidence to recognize and accept these rebirths in the trusting hope of greater glory to God and God's creation.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"The light and love of God within me shine brightly." (DW, 9.24.09)
"Your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope." (Job 11:17-18)
Mei Meditatio:
Hope is not a vain wishing that something will be the case, bereft of any actuality or reality extant in the attitude. Rather, hope is a confident expectation that something will be the case, teeming with a faithful attitude that the essential good in what is hoped for will assuredly come about, or is already always present but simply not yet recognized.
The light and love of God in Christ shine in me and through me now, making the darkness of night into the dawn of morning. New mornings are always occurring in my life, and I have the confidence to recognize and accept these rebirths in the trusting hope of greater glory to God and God's creation.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Daily Word (9.23.09)
Faith:
"My faith is strong. I am confident." (DW, 9.23.09)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2Tim. 4:7)
Mei Meditatio:
With a confident and steadfast faith seeking ever-growing understanding, I press on toward further revelation of God's Truth in Christ in my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"My faith is strong. I am confident." (DW, 9.23.09)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2Tim. 4:7)
Mei Meditatio:
With a confident and steadfast faith seeking ever-growing understanding, I press on toward further revelation of God's Truth in Christ in my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Daily Word (9.22.09)
A Shift:
"God guides me through seasons of change in my life." (DW, 9.22.09)
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'" (Psalm 31:14)
Mei Meditatio:
With an understanding faith seeking ever more expansion of wisdom, I trustingly accept God's presence in me through Christ Jesus. I wholeheartedly make room for the change and transformation that God's love has in store for my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"God guides me through seasons of change in my life." (DW, 9.22.09)
"But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'" (Psalm 31:14)
Mei Meditatio:
With an understanding faith seeking ever more expansion of wisdom, I trustingly accept God's presence in me through Christ Jesus. I wholeheartedly make room for the change and transformation that God's love has in store for my life.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Dalai Lama Featured on Interfaith Voices
This week on Interfaith Voices radio program, Pico Iyer, who is a journalist for Time magazine, talks about His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a long-time friend. Topics range from how the Dalai Lama was chosen, his childhood, his religious and political leadership of Tibet, and Tibet's relationship to China.
This interview with Pico Iyer is an intriguing and informative piece for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, and/or interreligious understanding.
Listen at Interfaith Voices.
This interview with Pico Iyer is an intriguing and informative piece for those interested in Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, and/or interreligious understanding.
Listen at Interfaith Voices.
Daily Word (9.21.09)
World Peace:
"United in divine love, we walk a path of peace." (DW, 9.21.09)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (Jn. 21:21)
Mei Meditatio:
Love is that Reality which lies at the center of all being. As a dynamic force that's activity is unification and harmonization, Love brings people, ideas, emotions, etc. together working toward greater experience and expression of lovingkindness. As the great apostle Paul has said, love is peaceful, patient, kind, unboastful, and not rude. This suggests that participating in the Reality of Love through the power and presence of Christ Jesus is experience of God, which allows for the practical expression of this Love through compassionate and wise service for the good of all.
I am part and parcel of the Love of God in Christ. I demonstrate Christ's Love through tapping into the presence of Love in myself and then letting this peace and equality flow outward into my relationships and work in society.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"United in divine love, we walk a path of peace." (DW, 9.21.09)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." (Jn. 21:21)
Mei Meditatio:
Love is that Reality which lies at the center of all being. As a dynamic force that's activity is unification and harmonization, Love brings people, ideas, emotions, etc. together working toward greater experience and expression of lovingkindness. As the great apostle Paul has said, love is peaceful, patient, kind, unboastful, and not rude. This suggests that participating in the Reality of Love through the power and presence of Christ Jesus is experience of God, which allows for the practical expression of this Love through compassionate and wise service for the good of all.
I am part and parcel of the Love of God in Christ. I demonstrate Christ's Love through tapping into the presence of Love in myself and then letting this peace and equality flow outward into my relationships and work in society.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Spiritual Social Action on Unity.org
A recent short essay entitled "Spiritual Social Action Leads to Unity in the Community" by Jane Simmons has been posted on Unity.org which originally appeared in the Jan. 2009 issue of Contact magazine.
In this brief article Simmons articulates what I've been hoping to see come about in Unity as an over-all movement. I know social action has always been a part of Unity circles and groups, but it has rarely been emphasized as an integral part of Unity metaphysical thought or made a distinct and explicit ministry in the Association of Unity Churches. That is, until recently when the "spiritual social action" group in Unity began formulating a language and spiritual rationale that places importance on social engagement and justice advocacy and this activity's significance for spiritual growth.
Simmons sums up well the communal dimension I've always felt is an integral element of one's spiritual journey. Sometimes Unity people and Unity metaphysical thought are so individualistic that this societal-intersubjective facet is downplayed or not even spoken of or engaged in at all.
No human is an island unto his/her self. Based on the belief and conviction of the interconnectivity of all life grounded in a God often referred to as Oneness or Source or Absolute, it seems that social justice, human rights, and general community action to better others' well being as well as our own would be a foundational ethical principle in Unity. If God in Christ is present equally and fully in each of us and our thought, word, and deed actions substantially affect ourselves and all else around us (based on the principle of Oneness), then our service for others not only physcially and spiritually helps others, it also uplifts ourselves.
The notion of spiritual social action should be integrated into Unity metaphysics. In fact, I'd like to develop a Unity systematic theology wherein the principle of spiritual social action becomes a central theological piece. Social engagement, as an ethic, can be formulated as the organic outgrowth of a mature and effective inner contemplative life -- and the inner contemplative life can be furthered, deepened and expanded through the participation in the service of social action toward the betterment of lives, relationships, and society as a whole.
I like the five points of spiritual social action based on Unity principles that are forwarded by Simmons:
- Empowerment of individuals rather than inviting dependency (which I take to mean a complete dependency on others that dissolves one's sense of worth, uniqueness, and distinction as and individual spiritual being; this is not a negation of the principle of inter-dependence, which refers to the reality of every individual being affected by and in intimate relationship with other individuals)
- Creation of sustainable living, allowing the receiver to give back (that is, when the receiver becomes too reliant on the giver a lack of integrity and equality arises; true social action gives with the intention and implementation of empowering the receiver with resources to become the giver of social service as well)
- Honoring the wholeness of Spirit within all beings, regardless of the outer appearance (no matter what the outer conditions may be, "spiritual" social action recognizes the inner dimension of spiritual integrity and God-presence within all individuals)
- Coming from a consciousness of love and compassion (the intention and attitude with which spiritual social action is done is characterized by love and compassion for humanity, usually grounded in an inner practice of some kind, i.e. prayer, meditation, contemplation)
- Moves us from the role of "benevolent giver, handing down to a needy receiver" to instead, the conscious realization of the privilege to be of service to the divine (in other words, the hierarchy and inequality of relationship inherent in other forms of social service is abrogated in favor of a more humble role of giving to a spiritual equal -- giving from God, through God, to God since God is fully present in every piece of the process).
Read the essay at Unity.org.
In this brief article Simmons articulates what I've been hoping to see come about in Unity as an over-all movement. I know social action has always been a part of Unity circles and groups, but it has rarely been emphasized as an integral part of Unity metaphysical thought or made a distinct and explicit ministry in the Association of Unity Churches. That is, until recently when the "spiritual social action" group in Unity began formulating a language and spiritual rationale that places importance on social engagement and justice advocacy and this activity's significance for spiritual growth.
Simmons sums up well the communal dimension I've always felt is an integral element of one's spiritual journey. Sometimes Unity people and Unity metaphysical thought are so individualistic that this societal-intersubjective facet is downplayed or not even spoken of or engaged in at all.
No human is an island unto his/her self. Based on the belief and conviction of the interconnectivity of all life grounded in a God often referred to as Oneness or Source or Absolute, it seems that social justice, human rights, and general community action to better others' well being as well as our own would be a foundational ethical principle in Unity. If God in Christ is present equally and fully in each of us and our thought, word, and deed actions substantially affect ourselves and all else around us (based on the principle of Oneness), then our service for others not only physcially and spiritually helps others, it also uplifts ourselves.
The notion of spiritual social action should be integrated into Unity metaphysics. In fact, I'd like to develop a Unity systematic theology wherein the principle of spiritual social action becomes a central theological piece. Social engagement, as an ethic, can be formulated as the organic outgrowth of a mature and effective inner contemplative life -- and the inner contemplative life can be furthered, deepened and expanded through the participation in the service of social action toward the betterment of lives, relationships, and society as a whole.
I like the five points of spiritual social action based on Unity principles that are forwarded by Simmons:
- Empowerment of individuals rather than inviting dependency (which I take to mean a complete dependency on others that dissolves one's sense of worth, uniqueness, and distinction as and individual spiritual being; this is not a negation of the principle of inter-dependence, which refers to the reality of every individual being affected by and in intimate relationship with other individuals)
- Creation of sustainable living, allowing the receiver to give back (that is, when the receiver becomes too reliant on the giver a lack of integrity and equality arises; true social action gives with the intention and implementation of empowering the receiver with resources to become the giver of social service as well)
- Honoring the wholeness of Spirit within all beings, regardless of the outer appearance (no matter what the outer conditions may be, "spiritual" social action recognizes the inner dimension of spiritual integrity and God-presence within all individuals)
- Coming from a consciousness of love and compassion (the intention and attitude with which spiritual social action is done is characterized by love and compassion for humanity, usually grounded in an inner practice of some kind, i.e. prayer, meditation, contemplation)
- Moves us from the role of "benevolent giver, handing down to a needy receiver" to instead, the conscious realization of the privilege to be of service to the divine (in other words, the hierarchy and inequality of relationship inherent in other forms of social service is abrogated in favor of a more humble role of giving to a spiritual equal -- giving from God, through God, to God since God is fully present in every piece of the process).
Read the essay at Unity.org.
Daily Word (9.17.09)
Gifts:
"I am richly blessed with the gifts of Spirit." (DW, 9.17.09)
"Now there are varieties of gifts . . . but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." (1Cor. 12:4, 6)
Mei Meditatio:
In my individuality I manifest certain spiritual gifts through my creativity and intuition. Through service to others in the form of teaching and social justic advocacy, and the joyful resonance of musical expression, my time and talent bless and transform relationships and society.
Though each of us possesses and expresses different spiritual gifts it's the same God who activates this bounty. And though there are a variety of spiritual and religious traditions in the world each is an articulation of the same spiritual Ultimate and Absolute that underpins all reality -- that from which all came and that to which all will return in dynamic Oneness.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am richly blessed with the gifts of Spirit." (DW, 9.17.09)
"Now there are varieties of gifts . . . but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone." (1Cor. 12:4, 6)
Mei Meditatio:
In my individuality I manifest certain spiritual gifts through my creativity and intuition. Through service to others in the form of teaching and social justic advocacy, and the joyful resonance of musical expression, my time and talent bless and transform relationships and society.
Though each of us possesses and expresses different spiritual gifts it's the same God who activates this bounty. And though there are a variety of spiritual and religious traditions in the world each is an articulation of the same spiritual Ultimate and Absolute that underpins all reality -- that from which all came and that to which all will return in dynamic Oneness.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Daily Word (9.16.09)
Rest:
"Aware of the Christ within, I am at peace." (DW, 9.16.09)
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt. 11:29)
Mei Meditatio:
The living, risen Christ is present in me, working towards the greater goodness and prosperity of myself and those around me. When I bring my awareness to this presence of divine life and love I awaken to contentment and peace of mind, body, and spirit.
In Christ and Christ in me brings about learning, humility, and respite. Life in Christ is Shabbat (rest).
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Aware of the Christ within, I am at peace." (DW, 9.16.09)
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt. 11:29)
Mei Meditatio:
The living, risen Christ is present in me, working towards the greater goodness and prosperity of myself and those around me. When I bring my awareness to this presence of divine life and love I awaken to contentment and peace of mind, body, and spirit.
In Christ and Christ in me brings about learning, humility, and respite. Life in Christ is Shabbat (rest).
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A Couple Essays on Government and Religion
Recently on Religion Dispatches there are two essays that give interesting progressive religious perspectives on the relationship between the state/government and religion/spirituality.
The first is Bruce Ledewitz's report on a panel discussion about the role of religious language in government. "Can government use religious language while remaining neutral in matters of religion?"
The second is Cady, Clarkson, and Ledewitz's article giving a good dialogue dealing with whether to reaffirm a division or separation in the relationship between religion and the state based on the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or allow some religious language in the public sphere. "Is it time for progressives, religious and nonreligious, to move toward a strategic acceptance of religious language in the public square? Or should efforts be focused on adding bricks to the wall of church/state separation?"
See more articles and essays at Religion Dispatches.
The first is Bruce Ledewitz's report on a panel discussion about the role of religious language in government. "Can government use religious language while remaining neutral in matters of religion?"
The second is Cady, Clarkson, and Ledewitz's article giving a good dialogue dealing with whether to reaffirm a division or separation in the relationship between religion and the state based on the 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution or allow some religious language in the public sphere. "Is it time for progressives, religious and nonreligious, to move toward a strategic acceptance of religious language in the public square? Or should efforts be focused on adding bricks to the wall of church/state separation?"
See more articles and essays at Religion Dispatches.
Daily Word (9.15.09)
Healing:
"I am a whole and holy being, an expression of divine perfection." (DW, 9.15.09)
"Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ." (Acts 4:10)
Mei Meditatio:
For healing to begin in mind and body we must take the step - the risk - to have faith in God's goodness and perfection and our existence as children of God. As God's children, we inherit goodness, light, and wholeness.
Let us affirm our spiritual inheritance of love and justice in Christ Jesus through prayer, meditation, and social action.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am a whole and holy being, an expression of divine perfection." (DW, 9.15.09)
"Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ." (Acts 4:10)
Mei Meditatio:
For healing to begin in mind and body we must take the step - the risk - to have faith in God's goodness and perfection and our existence as children of God. As God's children, we inherit goodness, light, and wholeness.
Let us affirm our spiritual inheritance of love and justice in Christ Jesus through prayer, meditation, and social action.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Daily Word (9.14.09)
Back to School:
"I embrace new opportunities to learn and grow." (DW, 9.14.09)
"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." (1Tim. 2:2)
Mei Meditatio:
Growth and transformation come largely through cultivating the attitude of openness to newness of experience. In order to more fully accept new opportunities it is first crucial to be able to let go of past, old, and un-useful memories and ideas. These can often obscure or get in the way of the growth that will help us lead more contented and health-ful lives in and through the grace of God in Christ.
I am receptive to the ever-changing process of growth in my life. I have a grateful attitude towards accepting new experiences and recognize opportunities to become a better person through the promotion of love, equality, and justice in relationships.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I embrace new opportunities to learn and grow." (DW, 9.14.09)
"What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." (1Tim. 2:2)
Mei Meditatio:
Growth and transformation come largely through cultivating the attitude of openness to newness of experience. In order to more fully accept new opportunities it is first crucial to be able to let go of past, old, and un-useful memories and ideas. These can often obscure or get in the way of the growth that will help us lead more contented and health-ful lives in and through the grace of God in Christ.
I am receptive to the ever-changing process of growth in my life. I have a grateful attitude towards accepting new experiences and recognize opportunities to become a better person through the promotion of love, equality, and justice in relationships.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Religion and Science: Toward a Postmodern Truce
In a recent article for Religion Dispatches Philip Clayton argues that, despite the apparent oppositional relationship between religion and science, these two systems searching for truth are actually heading toward a "truce" via our present postmodern sensibilities.
It's an interesting article for those who keep up with the religion and science dialogue. Read the essay at Religion Dispatches.
It's an interesting article for those who keep up with the religion and science dialogue. Read the essay at Religion Dispatches.
Mutations and Diversity within Pentecostalism
Anthea Butler writes an article chronicling the mutations and diversity within the Pentecostal movement. We learn to distinguish among the Prosperity Gospel, Word of Faith, and New Apostolic Movements — and why it matters.
Butler traces the differentiations between the theological approaches of folks like Joel Osteen, C. Peter Wagner, and T.D. Jakes. The article briefly outlines the historical and ideological origins and development of these different movements within the larger Pentecostal movement.
This article is significant because it texturizes and gives nuance to the more fundamentalistic movement in the US, which is often overgeneralized by some religious progressives. It's always good to know the opposing opinions, its plurality and depth, before offering any substantial critiques.
Read the article here.
Butler traces the differentiations between the theological approaches of folks like Joel Osteen, C. Peter Wagner, and T.D. Jakes. The article briefly outlines the historical and ideological origins and development of these different movements within the larger Pentecostal movement.
This article is significant because it texturizes and gives nuance to the more fundamentalistic movement in the US, which is often overgeneralized by some religious progressives. It's always good to know the opposing opinions, its plurality and depth, before offering any substantial critiques.
Read the article here.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Daily Word (9.13.09)
Appreciation:
"I give thanks for the presence of unconditional love." (DW, 9.13.09)
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are." (1Jn. 3:1)
Mei Meditatio:
Appreciation is the act of genuinely holding someone or something in an esteem that transcends mere tolerance and moves into real gratefulness. To appreciate is to be grateful for the presence of that person, place, thing, or idea -- and that gratitude is immensely transformative.
I am appreciative of God's presence in Christ of unconditional love, the love that surpasses all rational understanding and exists in the substantial abundance of divine Mystery. I give thanks for the love dynamically present in the eternal relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit. This infinite Love is immanent in my life and merits great rejoicing.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I give thanks for the presence of unconditional love." (DW, 9.13.09)
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are." (1Jn. 3:1)
Mei Meditatio:
Appreciation is the act of genuinely holding someone or something in an esteem that transcends mere tolerance and moves into real gratefulness. To appreciate is to be grateful for the presence of that person, place, thing, or idea -- and that gratitude is immensely transformative.
I am appreciative of God's presence in Christ of unconditional love, the love that surpasses all rational understanding and exists in the substantial abundance of divine Mystery. I give thanks for the love dynamically present in the eternal relationship of the Father, Son, and Spirit. This infinite Love is immanent in my life and merits great rejoicing.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Daily Word (9.11.09)
Comfort:
"Divine love is my comfort in an ever-changing world." (DW, 9.11.09)
"Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76)
Mei Meditatio:
Comfort comes from within, for God in Christ is found within myself, my own awareness. God meets me in my consciousness and lifts me up into glory.
Through service and steadfast love in Christ I demonstrate God's care and compassion in my daily living.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Divine love is my comfort in an ever-changing world." (DW, 9.11.09)
"Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant." (Psalm 119:76)
Mei Meditatio:
Comfort comes from within, for God in Christ is found within myself, my own awareness. God meets me in my consciousness and lifts me up into glory.
Through service and steadfast love in Christ I demonstrate God's care and compassion in my daily living.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Daily Word (9.10.09)
World Day of Prayer:
"Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world." (DW, 9.10.09)
"They are to do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share...so that they may take hold of life that really is life." (1Tim 6:18,19)
Mei Meditatio:
Today is Unity's World Day of Prayer, which is all about reaching inside of oneself through prayer and contemplation, connecting to the power and presence of God, and then reach out to others in one's own community and local society to enact the love, equality, and justice of Christ in everyday affairs. Through this practical activity we as loving, caring, compassionate communities can engender transformation in the world for the better.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Reach in. Reach out. We can change the world." (DW, 9.10.09)
"They are to do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share...so that they may take hold of life that really is life." (1Tim 6:18,19)
Mei Meditatio:
Today is Unity's World Day of Prayer, which is all about reaching inside of oneself through prayer and contemplation, connecting to the power and presence of God, and then reach out to others in one's own community and local society to enact the love, equality, and justice of Christ in everyday affairs. Through this practical activity we as loving, caring, compassionate communities can engender transformation in the world for the better.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Daily Word (9.9.09)
Harmony:
"I am in harmony with God's beautiful world." (DW, 9.9.09)
"The flowers appear on earth; the time of singing has come." (SofSol. 2:12)
Mei Meditatio:
Harmony requires a kind of intentional acquiescence and conscious incorporation of the changing outside world and dealing with its fluctuation with a centeredness in God's being in the Christ Spirit. Coming into a mental and attitudinal harmony with the rest of creation, noticing and appreciating the beauty, goodness, and love throughout it, is crucial to a sustained contentment in navigating through life.
Through Christ's guidance in love and justice I center myself in God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am in harmony with God's beautiful world." (DW, 9.9.09)
"The flowers appear on earth; the time of singing has come." (SofSol. 2:12)
Mei Meditatio:
Harmony requires a kind of intentional acquiescence and conscious incorporation of the changing outside world and dealing with its fluctuation with a centeredness in God's being in the Christ Spirit. Coming into a mental and attitudinal harmony with the rest of creation, noticing and appreciating the beauty, goodness, and love throughout it, is crucial to a sustained contentment in navigating through life.
Through Christ's guidance in love and justice I center myself in God.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Reminder: Jurgen Moltmann at Garrett-Evangelical
This is just a reminder for those who are interested in Christian theology that Jurgen Moltmann, the great German Protestant theologian at Tubingen University, is to speak at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (my alma mater) tomorrow Sept. 9, 2009 at 1:30pm Central time.
The talk can be viewed via webcast here. Tune in 30 minutes ahead of time and download Apple's free Quicktime player.
For more info about the talk, Dr. Moltmann, or how to listen/watch visit the Garrett-Evangelical Jurgen Moltmann page.
The talk can be viewed via webcast here. Tune in 30 minutes ahead of time and download Apple's free Quicktime player.
For more info about the talk, Dr. Moltmann, or how to listen/watch visit the Garrett-Evangelical Jurgen Moltmann page.
Buddhist chaplain is Army first
Thomas Dyer is the Army National Guard's first Buddhist-affiliated chaplain to be deployed. Though Dyer used to be a Baptist pastor, he has since been involved in Buddhism and Buddhist meditation techniques, which he feels will be useful during the trying months ahead when he will be deployed in December for Afghanistan.
Bob Smietana of the Nashville Tennessean has the full story at Faith in Public Life.
Bob Smietana of the Nashville Tennessean has the full story at Faith in Public Life.
Daily Word (9.8.09)
Something New:
"I experience life in a new way." (DW, 9.8.09)
"See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare." (Is. 42:9)
Mei Meditatio:
Newness, regeneration, and resurrection are occurring all the time; they are not one time events. Every occasion that my awareness is expanded, deepened, propelled forward, or taken to new heights (or any other spatial metaphor depicting a new, positive consciousness) I experience renewal.
As I focus on God and God's love, mercy, and justice I am reborn, living a new being in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare." (Is. 42:9)
Mei Meditatio:
Newness, regeneration, and resurrection are occurring all the time; they are not one time events. Every occasion that my awareness is expanded, deepened, propelled forward, or taken to new heights (or any other spatial metaphor depicting a new, positive consciousness) I experience renewal.
As I focus on God and God's love, mercy, and justice I am reborn, living a new being in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Daily Word (9.5.09)
Quiet Time:
"I take time to replenish my mind, body, and spirit." (DW, 9.5.09)
"In all your ways acknowledge him . . . It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." (Prov. 3:6,8)
Mei Meditatio:
Revivifying one's being in every aspect is necessary for continual energy and growth. This replenishment comes through connecting to God in Christ via living a life of prayer with special times set aside for contemplative practices. These prayerful moments of contemplation keep us in touch with the Source and Sustainer of our being and enable us to live a prayerful life.
I am inspired by Christ in me, my hope of glory. Touching the living Christ replenishes every facet of my being and leads me into right action of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I take time to replenish my mind, body, and spirit." (DW, 9.5.09)
"In all your ways acknowledge him . . . It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body." (Prov. 3:6,8)
Mei Meditatio:
Revivifying one's being in every aspect is necessary for continual energy and growth. This replenishment comes through connecting to God in Christ via living a life of prayer with special times set aside for contemplative practices. These prayerful moments of contemplation keep us in touch with the Source and Sustainer of our being and enable us to live a prayerful life.
I am inspired by Christ in me, my hope of glory. Touching the living Christ replenishes every facet of my being and leads me into right action of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Odyssey Networks Launches "A Million Prayers for Peace" Online Campaign
"Partners with United Nations to Support International Day of Peace -- Odyssey Networks, the nation's largest coalition of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith groups dedicated to building bridges of understanding through media, has launched a multimedia campaign to secure one million pledges to pray for peace on September 21-- the United Nations International Day of Peace."
Read more at Odyssey Networks website.
Read more at Odyssey Networks website.
Daily Word (9.4.09)
Divine Order:
"I see God's higher order unfolding in every situation." (DW, 9.4.09)
"Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things." (1 Tim. 2:7)
Mei Meditatio:
God's divine loving presence is abiding within and all around every aspect and element of creation. God is as much immanent as transcendent, which means that God's being extends beyond creation yet also is very much present within it.
I affirm Divine Order in the universe in which I live and look to find the good and uplifting in every situation, regardless of appearances. God in Christ bestows understanding and I make an intention to express this wisdom in my life through the service of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I see God's higher order unfolding in every situation." (DW, 9.4.09)
"Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things." (1 Tim. 2:7)
Mei Meditatio:
God's divine loving presence is abiding within and all around every aspect and element of creation. God is as much immanent as transcendent, which means that God's being extends beyond creation yet also is very much present within it.
I affirm Divine Order in the universe in which I live and look to find the good and uplifting in every situation, regardless of appearances. God in Christ bestows understanding and I make an intention to express this wisdom in my life through the service of love and justice.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Daily Word (9.3.09)
Employment:
"I joyfully serve God and others." (DW, 9.3.09)
"Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women, knowing that whatever good we do, we will receive the same again from the Lord." (Eph. 6:7-8)
Mei Meditatio:
Service is part and parcel of spiritual growth. When I give of myself to others I'm enlivening Christ in that relationship and the love and compassion burgeons therefrom.
I affirm grateful giving and receiving of service in thought, word, and deed however I'm able in any given situation.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Daily Word (9.2.09)
Prosperity:
"I accept the abundance of God flowing to me and through me now." (DW, 9.2.09)
"He brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey." (Deut. 26:9)
Mei Meditatio:
God's loving presence is ubiquitous, ever-inherent in my being through Christ. Spirit's liberative, revivifying activity comes to my awareness and flows from my being through my actions, resonating with the lives of others.
In Christ's loving embrace I recognize and respond to the abundant life, love, and liberty graciously given to me in God's abundance.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Obama Administration To Highlight Interfaith Volunteerism
"The White House will announce an effort Tuesday to highlight interfaith volunteerism. President Obama's United We Serve initiative is designating this week, Aug. 31 through Sept. 6, "Interfaith Service Week," administration officials said, with a series of service projects across the country.
In speeches, interviews and administration initiatives, Obama has advocated the idea that interfaith efforts should move beyond words and into action. In his speech from Cairo this summer, he said, 'faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews... .Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action--whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or promoting relief after a natural disaster.'" (Faith in Public Life)
I've supported most policies and platforms of the Obama campaign and administration thus far, but this is one that I highlight above all others. It exemplifies an embrace of religious and cultural diversity in this nation and the world as well as an attempt to bring people together to move from discussing ideas to actively working toward better living conditions and general well-being.
William Wan of the Washington Post has the story at Faith in Public Life.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Remember World Day of Prayer
Remember that the World Day of Prayer sponsored by Unity and Association of Unity Churches will be held September 10, 2009. People all over the world will be spending time in prayer, contemplation, and social engagement in their local communities.
This year's event will include:
1) Spiritual social action opportunities to help create a more peaceful and harmonious existence.
2) Opportunities to share prayer thoughts and requests online.
3) An online board for people to share ideas, prayers, experiences, and stories of social action with each other to inspire one another to make a difference.
Visit the World Day of Prayer website for more info and opportunities to engage in prayer and social engagement.
This year's event will include:
1) Spiritual social action opportunities to help create a more peaceful and harmonious existence.
2) Opportunities to share prayer thoughts and requests online.
3) An online board for people to share ideas, prayers, experiences, and stories of social action with each other to inspire one another to make a difference.
Visit the World Day of Prayer website for more info and opportunities to engage in prayer and social engagement.
Unity.FM (Aug. 31-Sept. 4)
This week on Unity.FM:
On Unity Classic Radio, Bob Brach will be playing Charles Fillmore's talk entitled "Our All for the Kingdom of God" (April 29, 1928) which speaks about what individuals can do to contribute to the manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the present context.
On World Spirituality, Paul John Roach will be talking with guest Robert Kull who spent one year in the Patagonian wilderness.
On the new Unity.Fm program, Let's Talk About It, Tom Shepherd discusses the meaning of the phrase, "I'm spiritual but not religious." The question becomes how should people committed to a faith community respond to those not committed to a particular faith community? What is the importance of "church" in a postmodern world? (Very interesting.)
Listen to these programs and check out program schedules at Unity.fm.
On Unity Classic Radio, Bob Brach will be playing Charles Fillmore's talk entitled "Our All for the Kingdom of God" (April 29, 1928) which speaks about what individuals can do to contribute to the manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the present context.
On World Spirituality, Paul John Roach will be talking with guest Robert Kull who spent one year in the Patagonian wilderness.
On the new Unity.Fm program, Let's Talk About It, Tom Shepherd discusses the meaning of the phrase, "I'm spiritual but not religious." The question becomes how should people committed to a faith community respond to those not committed to a particular faith community? What is the importance of "church" in a postmodern world? (Very interesting.)
Listen to these programs and check out program schedules at Unity.fm.
The Unbelieving Future of Christian Faith
Peter Laarman writes an intriguing article for Religion Dispatches concerned with the future sustainability of Christian faith as being one that doesn't cling to doctrine but is open to reinterpreting past teachings and bringing into our worldview new insights to edify and make relevant Christian spirituality in the present context.
Laarman's argument is that he predicts the Christianity of the future will be mostly comprised of those who haven't tenaciously latched onto dogma and creedal belief, instead opting for a faith guided by an ethic socially committed to liberating the oppressed, downtrodden, and poor in our communities and one maintaining an attitude of openness to truth and revelation wherever one may find it. And the people say . . . Amen!
Read the article at Religion Dispatches.
Laarman's argument is that he predicts the Christianity of the future will be mostly comprised of those who haven't tenaciously latched onto dogma and creedal belief, instead opting for a faith guided by an ethic socially committed to liberating the oppressed, downtrodden, and poor in our communities and one maintaining an attitude of openness to truth and revelation wherever one may find it. And the people say . . . Amen!
Read the article at Religion Dispatches.
Back to Blogging
After a two and a half week hiatus, I'm back to blogging. Since I'm working as a professor at a community college in a correctional facility, I'll be much busier than previously. Nonetheless, I plan on bringing in stories, opinions, and events going on in our communities throughout the world that come to my attention and which are concerned with progressive values of forward-thinking in theology, expanding awareness of important issues, and practically living out the love, equality, and justice of a socially engaged spirituality.
Peace!
Peace!
Daily Word (9.1.09)
Grace:
"God's grace refreshes and renews me." (DW, 9.1.09)
"Everything is for your sake, so that grace . . . may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:15)
Mei Meditatio:
God's grace is that ever-present Spirit of righteousness, goodness, and love that rejuvinates our being, leads us into upbuilding conduct, and guides our consciousness into ever greater heights of joyful lovingkindness.
Acknowledging the presence of God's grace in me, I am confident of Christ's work in strengthening my resolve to enact the faith I possess and live out the love of God in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"God's grace refreshes and renews me." (DW, 9.1.09)
"Everything is for your sake, so that grace . . . may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:15)
Mei Meditatio:
God's grace is that ever-present Spirit of righteousness, goodness, and love that rejuvinates our being, leads us into upbuilding conduct, and guides our consciousness into ever greater heights of joyful lovingkindness.
Acknowledging the presence of God's grace in me, I am confident of Christ's work in strengthening my resolve to enact the faith I possess and live out the love of God in Christ.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, August 17, 2009
On Hiatus
For the past week and this week I'm on a blogging hiatus since I'm in diligent preparation for teaching a couple of classes at Lakeland Community College in Dwight, IL. I just received news last week that I got the gig and will be starting Aug. 24, which really isn't a lot of time to prepare for two classes. Thus, I plan to do a lot of improvisation (I should be used to this kind of "on your toes" activity as a jazz musician). So, once classes have started and I have a routine, I'll be back at the keyboard blogging the Progressive-Practical Christianity as usual.
Peace.
Peace.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Daily Word (8.11.09)
Grace:
"Thank you, God, for your grace." (DW, 8.11.09)
"And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (Jn. 1.14)
Mei Meditatio:
Grace is God's free gift of being, love, and life as children of God in God's perfect care. When we connect ourselves to God in conscious awareness and experience we are able to share in the benefits and bounty of this truly amazing grace.
Through Christ I live in God's loving care.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Thank you, God, for your grace." (DW, 8.11.09)
"And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth." (Jn. 1.14)
Mei Meditatio:
Grace is God's free gift of being, love, and life as children of God in God's perfect care. When we connect ourselves to God in conscious awareness and experience we are able to share in the benefits and bounty of this truly amazing grace.
Through Christ I live in God's loving care.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Chaplains work to prevent Army suicides
As of the end of June there have been 88 reported active duty suicides this year in the Army. And there have been similar numbers in the recent past, though the numbers keep getting higher. In response to this situation, the U.S. Army has heightened suicide prevention efforts by establishing a task-force, improving policies, protocol, and resources, and recruiting more psychological and spiritual counselors.
Thus, military chaplains have been seeing an increasing amount of soldiers coming to them for some kind of assistance. In times such as these, what with the U.S. military engaged in warfare and spread out so thin, there is bound to be repercussions on the well-being of the soldiers. And this is precisely what military chaplains are for -- attending to the needs of the soldiers as human individuals.
Read the story by Vicki Brown of the United Methodist Reporter at Faith in Public Life.
Thus, military chaplains have been seeing an increasing amount of soldiers coming to them for some kind of assistance. In times such as these, what with the U.S. military engaged in warfare and spread out so thin, there is bound to be repercussions on the well-being of the soldiers. And this is precisely what military chaplains are for -- attending to the needs of the soldiers as human individuals.
Read the story by Vicki Brown of the United Methodist Reporter at Faith in Public Life.
Unity.FM (8.10-14.09)
See this week's programming on Unity.FM.
Visit Unity.FM to listen to spiritually uplifting and open-minded talk radio.
Visit Unity.FM to listen to spiritually uplifting and open-minded talk radio.
Daily Word (8.10.09)
Joy:
"I am joy in expression!" (DW, 8.10.09)
"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy." (Job 8.21)
Mei Meditatio:
Joy is the singing of the heart. As I further realize my place in the universe as a child of the living and loving God of Being, I sizzle with resounding joy. I am grateful for reconciliation and revivification in Christ and emit zeal with my being for God's Divine Order.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"I am joy in expression!" (DW, 8.10.09)
"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy." (Job 8.21)
Mei Meditatio:
Joy is the singing of the heart. As I further realize my place in the universe as a child of the living and loving God of Being, I sizzle with resounding joy. I am grateful for reconciliation and revivification in Christ and emit zeal with my being for God's Divine Order.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Daily Word (8.9.09)
Prayer:
"Prayer by prayer I enrich my life." (DW, 8.9.09)
Mei Meditatio:
Via prayerful living, that is, living my life as a prayer itself, I align myself with God and participate more fully in the new being that Christ affords.
Prayer is my utility for resurrecting myself each moment into new awareness of unity-in-diversity.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"Prayer by prayer I enrich my life." (DW, 8.9.09)
Mei Meditatio:
Via prayerful living, that is, living my life as a prayer itself, I align myself with God and participate more fully in the new being that Christ affords.
Prayer is my utility for resurrecting myself each moment into new awareness of unity-in-diversity.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Daily Word (8.8.09)
Comfort:
"The love of God enfolds me and my loved ones." (DW, 8.8.09)
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life. . .will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8.38, 39)
Mei Meditatio:
The love of God in Christ is the one omnipotent supportive presence moving throughout the world, and it is that which connects all being and life together in a dynamic unity. Regardless of the situations that come about in this world, as Paul says, "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation" will be able to tear us from God's love or each other. In other words, there is nothing in heaven or on earth that could possibly be more steadfast, present, powerful, and unifying than the love of God in Christ.
I affirm Christ's loving presence existing in my life and working through my actions to engender a more full experience of well-being with me, in my relationships, and throughout the world.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"The love of God enfolds me and my loved ones." (DW, 8.8.09)
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life. . .will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8.38, 39)
Mei Meditatio:
The love of God in Christ is the one omnipotent supportive presence moving throughout the world, and it is that which connects all being and life together in a dynamic unity. Regardless of the situations that come about in this world, as Paul says, "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation" will be able to tear us from God's love or each other. In other words, there is nothing in heaven or on earth that could possibly be more steadfast, present, powerful, and unifying than the love of God in Christ.
I affirm Christ's loving presence existing in my life and working through my actions to engender a more full experience of well-being with me, in my relationships, and throughout the world.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Daily Word (8.7.09)
World Peace:
"With every loving thought, we contribute to world peace." (DW, 8.7.09)
"While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" (Lk. 24.36)
Mei Meditatio:
With our words and deeds it is obvious that they can concretely work towards peaceful situations in our societies. However, it is even so with our thoughts. Thinking thoughts and holding ideas of love, compassion, well-being, justice, and equality affects one's own actions as well as that of others and thus makes a true contribution to peaceful co-existence.
I consciously lift my thoughts towards peace and carry them forth into expression with my speaking and acting. Centered in God I realize my potential and act in Christ to bring about goodness and positivity.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
"With every loving thought, we contribute to world peace." (DW, 8.7.09)
"While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" (Lk. 24.36)
Mei Meditatio:
With our words and deeds it is obvious that they can concretely work towards peaceful situations in our societies. However, it is even so with our thoughts. Thinking thoughts and holding ideas of love, compassion, well-being, justice, and equality affects one's own actions as well as that of others and thus makes a true contribution to peaceful co-existence.
I consciously lift my thoughts towards peace and carry them forth into expression with my speaking and acting. Centered in God I realize my potential and act in Christ to bring about goodness and positivity.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Bishop John Shelby Spong on Interfaith Voices
This week the outspoken, intriguing, and often controversial Episcopalian Bishop (retired) John Shelby Spong will be the main guest on the Interfaith Voices online radio program.Bishop Spong is a prolific writer, publishing books and giving talks on important topics sensitive to an audience interested in reinterpreting and revisioning traditional Christian doctrines and practices. The titles of some of his past books speak to his forward-thinking concerns: Rescuing the Bible From Fundamentalism, Living in Sin?: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality, A New Christianity for a New World, and Why Christianity Must Change or Die. His relentless progressive perspective has given support and a significant voice to openminded and inclusive Christian communities throughout the world.
His most recent book is called Eternal Life: A New Vision, which is on rethinking images and notions of heaven, hell, and the afterlife from a Christian context and understanding.
Listen to Bishop Spong on Interfaith Voices.
(Image from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill website.)
Daily Word (8.6.09)
Prosperity:
"I am a child of God, blessed with unlimited good." (DW, 8.6.09)
"Other seed fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty and sixty and a hundredfold." (Mk. 4.8)
Mei Meditatio:
I have been created and am being sustained by Spirit. Mother-Father God is the Source of all life and I am fully participatory in the being and dynamic movement of life.
As I affirm my place as child of God, I recognize Christ as the Logos empowering, organizing, and maintaining all existence of which I am integrally a part. As I witness the loving goodness of Christ transforming within I am better able to witness and enact Christ transforming reality outside myself.
In the name and through the power of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. Amen.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Scholarship Opportunities for Retreat at Bethany Spring
The Magee Foundation has awarded a grant to Bethany Spring, The Merton Institute Retreat Center, to provide retreat scholarships for clergy, seminarians, and those who work in congregational ministry of all denominations. The scholarships are meant for those in need of some kind of rest and respite who also need financial assistance to make a retreat. Bethany Spring offers directed and private retreats in a peaceful, rural atmosphere located just one mile from the Abbey of Gethsemani in New Haven, Kentucky.To learn more visit the Merton Institute website or read a write-up at the RNS.
(Above photo from RNS website.)
New Book: "The Buddha's Wish for the World"
"The Pure Land tradition is the most widely practiced form of Buddhism in the world. In Japan, the Pure Land path is epitomized by Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhism), Japan's largest Buddhist denomination. The head of Jodo Shinshu, Monshu Koshin Ohtani, has written a book that will be available in English for the first time. The Buddha's Wish for the World will be published in September, 2009, by the American Buddhist Study Center Press.
The Buddha's Wish for the World is dedicated to honor the 750th memorial of Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1263), the founder of Jodo Shinshu, who established this spiritual path in 13th century Japan. The book includes a foreword by world-renowned Buddhist scholar, Professor Robert Thurman, Professor of Buddhism at Columbia University and Founder of Tibet House in New York."
Should be a great read for those interested in the Pure Land tradition, and especially the Japanese Jodo Shinshu. I'm not very knowledgeable about Japanese Buddhism, besides a very general understanding of some main branches of Zen practice, but there is certainly a special place in my heart for Pure Land Buddhism. I would venture a guess that this is because of the often noted parallels between the Christian and Pure Land understandings of soteriology, which describes that liberation requires at least some "other" assistance in this process -- that liberation isn't possible without some measure of outside influence or help. While both Christian and Pure Land soteriologies can be much more nuanced than that, this is the fundamental conviction upon which the elaborate doctrines are based.
Though many people in Unity would decry this "other power" liberation type as something left over from the "traditional" (and thus the implication is often "outdated") understanding of salvation, it actually nonetheless fits well into the Unity system. Unity usually emphasizes the belief that one is master of one's own fate and therefore is solely responsible for one's own liberation from sin (which means going from an awareness that is not in line with the omnipresent reality of God to Christ-consciousness that is fully harmonious with God-Mind). Granted, there are some Unity students who would point out the notion of the collective consciousness where all the thought-actions of humankind are present and can affect individual people and events in the relative world. But I think that the traditional Christian and Pure Land notions of "other power" soteriologies are compatible in the Unity metaphysical system largely due to the teaching of "interdependence" or "interconnectedness" or, as most simply put it, "Oneness." Since all individuals depend on each other for their existence and are intimately connected at the most fundamental, essential level, this seems to me to imply that ultimately none of us is completely independent to the extent of being able to achieve a liberated state without help, or at least the existential influence, from/by others. Since we need/rely upon each other for being, existing, living we also need/rely upon each other in the continual process of becoming ever more liberated into greater awareness of Oneness and Love.
Besides this, one of the most basic values in the Unity movement (which I think cooperates with the metaphysical system) is that "we honor all paths to God, all ways to worship God" because it is the underlying Presence of God's Love that underpins all spiritual and religious expression. This ethic of openness and inclusivity is a steadfast hallmark of the Unity movement that couldn't explicitly single out any particular understanding of soteriology as "wrong," "false," or "untrue." This is one of the most precious aspects that I cherish about Unity.
This is just my two cents (or is it $10.00 with inflation) on the subject.
To read a review of the upcoming Pure Land book visit the RNS website.