http://thephbase.blogspot.com/2012/04/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html#!/2012/04/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html
Just thinking, if we were the ones who needed the death and resurrection of Jesus as an illustration of the forgiveness God had already given us (like the Father in the parable of the "prodigal" son), what does that say of our reading of Genesis 3: 23-24?
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Genesis 3
Genesis 3:23-24
What happened to her?
It would be nice to think that Eve got to remain in the garden, but already we see the moral of the ethical story teller assume that after “marriage” and after the curse Eve was now One Flesh with her husband and had no identity other than his and no choice but to live with the consequences of his lust.
In America because of election politics and the opinion of at least one candidate for the nomination of the Republican Party as President, a small group with personalities like the reality show family, the Dugga’s, and Quiverfull movement leaders the Hesses have had their ideology mentioned. http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/atheologies/5844/%E2%80%9Cone_of_us%E2%80%9D:_rick_santorum_and_the_politics_of_(very_big)_family
“My body is not my own” is their motto – and their interpretation of that idea is that women of child bearing age have no right to control their bodies regarding reproduction is based right here Genesis 3 in this patriarchal idea of the curse. For millennium men have feared women and sought to control them as wealth. But the short sightedness of accumulating, including large families, leads to poverty, neglect, planetary overpopulation, starvation, death. Humanity just can’t get it right. I guess that is part of the moral of the ethical story, too.
But here is my idea. “My body is not my own” is a great idea! Good for you Santorum, et al. I agree with you, BUT you have not gone far enough ethically. I know that I am not completely autonomous. The end of the issue is not my nuclear family, or my immediate neighborhood. Nor is it limited to national concerns. For me, the sacrifice of control is about the whole of the planet, not just biology or my man’s lust and its consequences. The cause for unbridled reproduction lays a curse upon all sexual activity that is not reproductive, including homosexuality.
Notice too, that the direction of the action is not from the Church or Congress or Legislature onto me. It is my action directed toward my commitment to my children, my neighbors and the world around me, human and beyond. It is toward sustainability for future generations, not just the myopic present.
In centuries past the call to remember “my body is not my own” lead to the ideal of serving others and denying oneself. Celibacy, work for the poor, focusing passions for the spreading of the message of God’s eternal love AGAPE and not EROS which is carnal and temporal. It has nothing to do with usurping divine power at all over others, but over oneself.
Beyond the curse of Genesis 3 and the forced loss of self, is the message of the Christian faith. This is Holy Week 2012, the remembrance of death of the immortal-mortal son of God the burial of the “sin” or payment of original sin and the resurrection to a new life – one garden to another garden. “It is not my body” is gone in authoritarian terms for in Christian terms the curse and the law are dead and buried and the self is resurrected to autonomy and the challenge of growth and service. Now not only men, but women have a moral obligation to make decisions based on their conscience, to think of the impact of their decisions. Imagine such a world. I was taught to think ahead to the consequences of my actions.
Holy One, fill our hearts with the compassionate love of all our brothers and sisters on earth so that we can see that our carnal desires for food, clothing, shelter and family are not without effect on others everywhere. Inspire us to take the motto ”Our bodies are not our own” and lower our footprint upon the earth, and leave room for others.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Bringing folks together for good: against-sex-trafficking : Imtalkingnow
I am sick in bed, but my fingers have been doing a great deal of walking. Today via BYU [Brigham Young University] TV channel I attended the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to listen to talks by prophet, apostles, members of the seventy and others. Unless one was not familiar with the teachings of the LDS church I would have thought is was just another Protestant group. I admire their focus on organization toward mission and their willingness and encouragement of how to do mission in a normal way everyday. But I did not hear anything that would place the conference in April 2012, the teachings were just as appropo to 1973 or 1956.
Then I turned to the Odyssey Network (not a TV channel) and found this gathering, very much about this year. http://odysseynetworks.org/video/faith-leaders-rally-against-sex-trafficking Here was a video showing people who did not share a theology or faith story who were focused on a mission. There are conferences, but the focus was not within, but outward, totally.
What is interesting is that I have been asked to edit a page connected to Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan which is advertizing a gathering on this topic also. http://www.imtalkingnow.org/
There are so many leaders talking about goodness and mercy and justice from one end of the spectrum to another, from a certain distance to "getting-your-feet-muddy-and-hands-dirty" type of work. We good at talking, and a few are good at walking. We people of faith have to to both well and loudly.
I live near Sanford, FL - yeah - that one. We lost a young man staying with his dad, who was shot and killed by a man yet to be arrested so that an authority can make an official decision regarding the case. People are walking and talking. I hope we will do some good and learn to work together.
Where am I going with this? Well, if we can talk a good talk about caring for family, not living in discord, being moral and ethical, AND actually living that out in the needy world, not just our private lives, imagine what the name of Jesus, or God, or the prophets we follow would mean? Newsweek wouldn't have an article by Andrew Sullivan about how people are leaving church but still following Jesus. Now I am an institutional product, but really a refugee and I can see both sides of this issue. I hope we can network in a way that supports the groups we need to be part of, yet keep the corporation to a minimum, so we spend our time walking the walking and not just talking.
OK I am done talking [for] now.
Then I turned to the Odyssey Network (not a TV channel) and found this gathering, very much about this year. http://odysseynetworks.org/video/faith-leaders-rally-against-sex-trafficking Here was a video showing people who did not share a theology or faith story who were focused on a mission. There are conferences, but the focus was not within, but outward, totally.
What is interesting is that I have been asked to edit a page connected to Union Theological Seminary in Manhattan which is advertizing a gathering on this topic also. http://www.imtalkingnow.org/
There are so many leaders talking about goodness and mercy and justice from one end of the spectrum to another, from a certain distance to "getting-your-feet-muddy-and-hands-dirty" type of work. We good at talking, and a few are good at walking. We people of faith have to to both well and loudly.
I live near Sanford, FL - yeah - that one. We lost a young man staying with his dad, who was shot and killed by a man yet to be arrested so that an authority can make an official decision regarding the case. People are walking and talking. I hope we will do some good and learn to work together.
Where am I going with this? Well, if we can talk a good talk about caring for family, not living in discord, being moral and ethical, AND actually living that out in the needy world, not just our private lives, imagine what the name of Jesus, or God, or the prophets we follow would mean? Newsweek wouldn't have an article by Andrew Sullivan about how people are leaving church but still following Jesus. Now I am an institutional product, but really a refugee and I can see both sides of this issue. I hope we can network in a way that supports the groups we need to be part of, yet keep the corporation to a minimum, so we spend our time walking the walking and not just talking.
OK I am done talking [for] now.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Pearls of LIfe - Wreath of Christ
The God Pearl
The large, golden God Pearl forms the beginning and the end of the string of beads. It is a reminder that drawing closer to God is the goal of our lifelong journey of faith. Grasp the God Pearl and remember that you are never alone. God who created you is always with you, loving you and leading you.
The Pearls of Silence
The Pearls of Life include six oblong beads. These are the Silence Pearls that call you to set aside time in your busy day to be quiet and still so you can sense God’s presence. Silence makes it easier to hear what God might be saying to you. In quiet times, you can share your most intimate thoughts with God without saying a word. Breathe deeply. God is near.
The I Pearl
You were created in God’s image. The small, white I Pearl, closely joined to the God Pearl by a Silence Pearl, is a reminder of how unique and special God made you. The I Pearl can help you see yourself from God’s perspective, as a beloved child with talents and abilities to be discovered and nurtured.
The Baptism Pearl
The next large, white bead is the Baptism Pearl. This bead holds the promise of forgiveness, and the assurance of God’s never ending love for you. This bead invites you to leave behind your feelings of guilt over things you have done and things you have failed to do and to begin again, trusting in God’s grace.
The Desert Pearl
Everyone experiences difficult times when life seems dry, barren, and lonely. The large, sandcolored bead helps you travel through such times in your life. The Desert Pearl reminds you that even times of doubt and struggle can bring you closer to God if you turn to Jesus for comfort and guidance.
The Serenity Pearl
The blue Serenity Pearl stands for the peace and joy that only God can give. After traveling through desert times, this bead offers you a place to rest and be renewed. Here your worries fade as your faith and courage grow. Welcome this blessed moment that calls you to really live, not just exist. Carpe diem. Seize the day!
The Love Pearls
The large, red beads are the Love Pearls. The first stands for the love others give you. When you feel loved and cared for, it is easier for you to act lovingly. The second Love Pearl represents the love you give to others. It reminds you to love not only family and friends, but also people who are hard to love the same way Jesus loves you.The Pearls of Mystery
The Mystery Pearls are three, small white beads that hold the inner secrets of the heart. We all have questions and things we don’t understand. We all have dreams, fears, and desires that we keep hidden from others, but there is no need to hide ourselves from God. These beads invite you to share your most intimate feelings with God.
The Night Pearl
The large, black bead is for the darkest times in your life - times of doubt, fear, and despair. The Night Pearl encourages you to express your anger, pain, and sadness, and not to deny what you are feeling. Even when you doubt God’s existence, even in the face of death, even in the darkness, God comes to you.
The Resurrection Pearl
The final large, white bead is the Resurrection Pearl. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we know that light overcomes darkness, hope defeats despair, and life conquers death. Hold this bead and remember that Jesus died for you. Trust in Jesus’ promise that because he lives, you, too, have the hope of everlasting life.The meaning of the pearls
In this time of great spiritual longing as well as unprecedented busyness, stress and difficulty in focusing, Swedish bishop Martin Lönnebo has devised the Pearls of Life™ as a method to help the mind attain a state of stillness, meditation and prayer. In this way, we are drawn back to what is most important in our lives, to our spiritual centre and an experience of God.The Pearls of Life bracelet are made of eighteen beads, twelve round and six oblong. Each has a meaning of its own, reflecting a particular issue, concern or desire in your life. Together they become a symbol of your journey through life, as well as companions for that journey.
The Pearls of Life™ that you hold in your hand make faith something that can be grasped. That is their special gift to you. The meaning of each bead is just the starting point for deeper understandings that will come as you use the Pearls of Life bracelet. Keep them close at hand and use them often. Let them be a blessing in your life.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thought #3 Try to share their poverty
Rags to Riches
This past week I had the chance to go to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Churchwide (National) Assembly here near Walt Disney World. I had the pleasure to see some friends from school days long ago, and some new friends from Facebook. I missed a few too. We all said we were doing well, but I lied, and maybe they did too.
There we stood in the richness of polished marble floors, rich vestments and altarware made just for the occasion, georgeous fabric art that made me feel so inspired and copies of icons that reminded us we were citizens of another realm, and all these riches belong to The Other. I am inspired to design some quilt squares with blessings attached! Oh to belong to a church that knows how to enjoy the beauty of art and music that has stood and will stand the test of time.
This quote from Merton reminded me that we are also called to barefooted living among the poorest, too. It was easy to pass approval for programs to fight malaria, or stop bullying, but Merton reminded me of Francis of Assisi, and of Jesus who were living in rags, and sharing those.
I ask myself, rich as I am in the midst of my poverty, how do I share now so that when I get that paying job, and family members get work we will not indulge ourselves but give to others. So I bought a meal to share with the too thin woman on the median, and I will hire someone to paint more of these house quilts with a blessing so I can have them in stock. Got to build this new start of a business, hire the unemployed, reach out and touch someone, let the blessings flow, build communities of trust and care, these will last! This is true rags to riches.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thought #2
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
~Philippians 4:8
Think on the things that are positive, Paul writes, the pure and lovely, admireable, excellent and praiseworthy. Easier said than done, I think in my lower moments when I ask, myself what is right? Certainly the first things I think about that are "lovely" are loons upon a northern lake, dancing on the surface of sparkling waters, with the scent of pine on the warm air. That's where I went when I was laboring to deliver my daughter (Happy #18 on the 18th!). Now when I am wondering what in the world is happening, I recall this verse used in my sorority days.
What are the beautiful things? Children playing together and laughing? The cats chasing a feather around, raindrops on roses in a parched land, rational voices discussing the needs and coming to agreement, no one bullied. (So beautiful!). Each positive all the more appreciated and enjoyed because of the constrast with the possibilities that the world could produce. Contrast health happy children in a safe society, versus children hungry and sick in a theater of war unprotected. Rain to a thirsty land, water running in trickles from up stream spreading to all who need rather than the stopped, stagnant, polluted, or piped away element.
The quilt square that comes to mind for this thought is a contrast of many threads and colors, balanced and working together. This is called a Hindu kolam, the play together of contrasts.
~Philippians 4:8
Think on the things that are positive, Paul writes, the pure and lovely, admireable, excellent and praiseworthy. Easier said than done, I think in my lower moments when I ask, myself what is right? Certainly the first things I think about that are "lovely" are loons upon a northern lake, dancing on the surface of sparkling waters, with the scent of pine on the warm air. That's where I went when I was laboring to deliver my daughter (Happy #18 on the 18th!). Now when I am wondering what in the world is happening, I recall this verse used in my sorority days.
What are the beautiful things? Children playing together and laughing? The cats chasing a feather around, raindrops on roses in a parched land, rational voices discussing the needs and coming to agreement, no one bullied. (So beautiful!). Each positive all the more appreciated and enjoyed because of the constrast with the possibilities that the world could produce. Contrast health happy children in a safe society, versus children hungry and sick in a theater of war unprotected. Rain to a thirsty land, water running in trickles from up stream spreading to all who need rather than the stopped, stagnant, polluted, or piped away element.
The quilt square that comes to mind for this thought is a contrast of many threads and colors, balanced and working together. This is called a Hindu kolam, the play together of contrasts.
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