Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
A fine candidate for VP...
Obama: On Faith and Politics. Chicago Sun-Times 6-28-2006
Sen. Barack Obama this morning talks about religion and says Democrats need to better acknowledge the power of faith.
Good morning. I appreciate the opportunity to speak here at the Call to Renewal’s Building a Covenant for a New America conference, and I’d like to congratulate you all on the thoughtful presentations you’ve given so far about poverty and justice in America. I think all of us would affirm that caring for the poor finds root in all of our religious traditions – certainly that’s true for my own.
But today I’d like to talk about the connection between religion and politics and perhaps offer some thoughts about how we can sort through some of the often bitter arguments over this issue over the last several years.
I do so because, as you all know, we can affirm the importance of poverty in the Bible and discuss the religious call to environmental stewardship all we want, but it won’t have an impact if we don’t tackle head-on the mutual suspicion that sometimes exists between religious America and secular America.
For me, this need was illustrated during my 2004 face for the U.S. Senate. My opponent, Alan Keyes, was well-versed in the Jerry Falwell-Pat Robertson style of rhetoric that often labels progressives as both immoral and godless.
Indeed, towards the end of the campaign, Mr. Keyes said that, “Jesus Christ would not vote for Barack Obama. Christ would not vote for Barack Obama because Barack Obama has behaved in a way that it is inconceivable for Christ to have behaved.”
Now, I was urged by some of my liberal supporters not to take this statement seriously. To them, Mr. Keyes was an extremist, his arguments not worth entertaining.
What they didn’t understand, however, was that I had to take him seriously...
Read the rest at http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=news.display_article&mode=S&NewsID=5451
Sen. Barack Obama this morning talks about religion and says Democrats need to better acknowledge the power of faith.
Good morning. I appreciate the opportunity to speak here at the Call to Renewal’s Building a Covenant for a New America conference, and I’d like to congratulate you all on the thoughtful presentations you’ve given so far about poverty and justice in America. I think all of us would affirm that caring for the poor finds root in all of our religious traditions – certainly that’s true for my own.
But today I’d like to talk about the connection between religion and politics and perhaps offer some thoughts about how we can sort through some of the often bitter arguments over this issue over the last several years.
I do so because, as you all know, we can affirm the importance of poverty in the Bible and discuss the religious call to environmental stewardship all we want, but it won’t have an impact if we don’t tackle head-on the mutual suspicion that sometimes exists between religious America and secular America.
For me, this need was illustrated during my 2004 face for the U.S. Senate. My opponent, Alan Keyes, was well-versed in the Jerry Falwell-Pat Robertson style of rhetoric that often labels progressives as both immoral and godless.
Indeed, towards the end of the campaign, Mr. Keyes said that, “Jesus Christ would not vote for Barack Obama. Christ would not vote for Barack Obama because Barack Obama has behaved in a way that it is inconceivable for Christ to have behaved.”
Now, I was urged by some of my liberal supporters not to take this statement seriously. To them, Mr. Keyes was an extremist, his arguments not worth entertaining.
What they didn’t understand, however, was that I had to take him seriously...
Read the rest at http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=news.display_article&mode=S&NewsID=5451
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Psalm 119
Bits and pieces of a favorite psalm.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word...
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands...
1 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you...
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word...
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees...
46 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word...
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands...
1 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you...
I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word...
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.
107 I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.
108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
110 The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.
111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.
112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees...
46 I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.
149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.
The Light Bulb
This one always makes me think of Chuck, Office Miracle Worker at John XXIII. Boy, how we disagreed politically, and boy, was he ever opinionated. But we both agreed that this list is hilarious. He died last spring. I know many people miss him. For the record, he was a Christian Scientist.
How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but for the message of light to continue, send in your donations today.
How many fundamentalists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one because anymore would be a compromise, and ecumenical standards of light would slip.
How many liberals does it take to change a light bulb? At least ten, as they need to hold a debate on whether or not the light bulb exists.
How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? Change???
How many charismatics does it take to change a light bulb? Only one since his or her hands are in the air anyway.
How many Catholics does it take to change a light bulb? None. They always use candles.
How many camp youth leaders does it take to change a light bulb? One, but soon all those around can warm up to its glowing.
How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb? Ten: one to actually change the bulb and nine to say how much they really liked the old one.
How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb? We choose not to make a statement either in favor or against the need for a light bulb, however if in your own journey you have found that a light bulb works for you, that's fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship to your light bulb and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long lived, and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths.
How many TV evangelists does it take to change a light bulb? One, but for the message of light to continue, send in your donations today.
How many fundamentalists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one because anymore would be a compromise, and ecumenical standards of light would slip.
How many liberals does it take to change a light bulb? At least ten, as they need to hold a debate on whether or not the light bulb exists.
How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? Change???
How many charismatics does it take to change a light bulb? Only one since his or her hands are in the air anyway.
How many Catholics does it take to change a light bulb? None. They always use candles.
How many camp youth leaders does it take to change a light bulb? One, but soon all those around can warm up to its glowing.
How many Episcopalians does it take to change a light bulb? Ten: one to actually change the bulb and nine to say how much they really liked the old one.
How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb? We choose not to make a statement either in favor or against the need for a light bulb, however if in your own journey you have found that a light bulb works for you, that's fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship to your light bulb and present it next month at our annual light bulb Sunday service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long lived, and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Letter from Kirpal Singh
Dear Ones,
May the grace of God be on you all.
We are seekers after Truth and for that purpose we have joined various religions, which are our schools of thought. Truth is not the exclusive right of any particular creed, or place, or age. It is a man's birthright. Just as every man has the right to breathe the air, and absorb the rays of the sun, we are all privileged to draw from the Unseen Source of Life, Strength, and Wisdom, which is within each of us. That infinite supply cannot be exhausted. Anyone belonging to any religion can delve it out from within with the help of somebody who is competent - call him by any name you like. Take all that you can. Not only will it suffice for you, but through it you will become instrumental in helping your fellows. Your smile will inspire another to smile. Your strength will impel another to be strong. A noble soul always draws forth the noble quality in others.
God is love, and our souls are also love and it is through love alone that we can know God. Love knows true renunciation, service, and sacrifice for the good of others without any consideration. A true man is one who is truthful, leads a life of continence, radiates love to all others for the sake of God residing in them, and knows "giving," "giving," and always "giving." We never lose anything when we give. When you give love, do you find that you have less love in your heart? On the contrary, you are conscious of an ever greater power of loving, but no one can be convinced of these things till he has applied them in a practical way. An ounce of practice is worth tons of theories.
It is a practical age - therefore, it is for us to make our idealism more practical. Believe in God, Who is Spirit; Love - the principle of all things; Who is in me and I am in Him; Who resides in every heart. We should therefore love all mankind and others. If one cannot love those whom he sees, how can he love God whom he does not see? There is a Religion above all religions which teach rituals, dogmas, and doctrines. That is Truth. Religion truly means "re" - back, and "ligio" which comes from "ligore" - to bind; i.e., to bind our soul back to Truth - God. You have to be born into the Truth. All Masters who come from time to time speak of the same Truth. We are lovers of Truth. That is the True Religion, on the basis of which the whole world can sit together and the East and West could be united.
May the grace of God be on you all.
We are seekers after Truth and for that purpose we have joined various religions, which are our schools of thought. Truth is not the exclusive right of any particular creed, or place, or age. It is a man's birthright. Just as every man has the right to breathe the air, and absorb the rays of the sun, we are all privileged to draw from the Unseen Source of Life, Strength, and Wisdom, which is within each of us. That infinite supply cannot be exhausted. Anyone belonging to any religion can delve it out from within with the help of somebody who is competent - call him by any name you like. Take all that you can. Not only will it suffice for you, but through it you will become instrumental in helping your fellows. Your smile will inspire another to smile. Your strength will impel another to be strong. A noble soul always draws forth the noble quality in others.
God is love, and our souls are also love and it is through love alone that we can know God. Love knows true renunciation, service, and sacrifice for the good of others without any consideration. A true man is one who is truthful, leads a life of continence, radiates love to all others for the sake of God residing in them, and knows "giving," "giving," and always "giving." We never lose anything when we give. When you give love, do you find that you have less love in your heart? On the contrary, you are conscious of an ever greater power of loving, but no one can be convinced of these things till he has applied them in a practical way. An ounce of practice is worth tons of theories.
It is a practical age - therefore, it is for us to make our idealism more practical. Believe in God, Who is Spirit; Love - the principle of all things; Who is in me and I am in Him; Who resides in every heart. We should therefore love all mankind and others. If one cannot love those whom he sees, how can he love God whom he does not see? There is a Religion above all religions which teach rituals, dogmas, and doctrines. That is Truth. Religion truly means "re" - back, and "ligio" which comes from "ligore" - to bind; i.e., to bind our soul back to Truth - God. You have to be born into the Truth. All Masters who come from time to time speak of the same Truth. We are lovers of Truth. That is the True Religion, on the basis of which the whole world can sit together and the East and West could be united.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Honesty
Okay, here we go. Two things. I can't believe how engrained going to a physical place is for me in relationships. It is automatic...especially when I'm uncomfortable and don't want to talk, or don't want to face my feelings (usually the feeling that I'm not as into the relationship as X person), or just when I feel like I need a boost of confidence. It is how I keep a power relationship with men, even though that is not what I want in a relationship. I CRAVE equality, mutual vulnerability, deep love. I ENACT games, power, and feelings of comfort and perceived safety. It makes me really, really sad. I don't want to move from the uncomfortable places, or have a power/control dynamic. I want to sit with all of it, and know that I can make it as a whole person, mind-body-spirit intact.
THAT's the piece that always makes me feel like relationships drain my spiritual life. It's my lack of honesty with myself. I can't believe how often I KNOW a relationship isn't what I want, but I allow my mind to squirm its way out of having to deal with that. I tell myself it will be okay for a little while, or it's just that I'm afraid of committment, or I just need to give it some time.....when deep down I KNOW. That allowing myself off the hook, that self-deception and denial is what keeps me from being able to feel grace in my life, to feel connected to Spirit, even to just sit and meditate.
Honest relationships begin with me. I've been so dishonest, and I'm just starting to face it. It has caused a lot of people pain, including myself. I realize the first step to keeping a relationship with a spiritual life as the focus is immediate honesty.
I don't want a relationship where language about games, or who is in control, or who has whom even fits. There is something so far beyond that. THAT is what I am reaching for.
THAT's the piece that always makes me feel like relationships drain my spiritual life. It's my lack of honesty with myself. I can't believe how often I KNOW a relationship isn't what I want, but I allow my mind to squirm its way out of having to deal with that. I tell myself it will be okay for a little while, or it's just that I'm afraid of committment, or I just need to give it some time.....when deep down I KNOW. That allowing myself off the hook, that self-deception and denial is what keeps me from being able to feel grace in my life, to feel connected to Spirit, even to just sit and meditate.
Honest relationships begin with me. I've been so dishonest, and I'm just starting to face it. It has caused a lot of people pain, including myself. I realize the first step to keeping a relationship with a spiritual life as the focus is immediate honesty.
I don't want a relationship where language about games, or who is in control, or who has whom even fits. There is something so far beyond that. THAT is what I am reaching for.
"There is more love somewhere.
There is more love somewhere.
I'm gonna keep on til I find it...
There is more love somewhere."
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Dreams in Belize
I am sitting in the business center of a hotel in Belize City, my last night here. What a whirlwind week it has been. The hotel is a welcome relief from the heat and mosquitoes; the trip is a welcome relief from too much work; and this friendship that is blossoming in my heart is simply welcome.
I know now the hurt and pain--I have both caused it and felt it. But I know that it can be worth it all. I have no apologies anymore after this trip. Love is rare. I am not sorry or guilty; the time is not wrong or off. I already have so much more than I ever dreamed possible. To have it, whenver it comes, is enough.
I know now the hurt and pain--I have both caused it and felt it. But I know that it can be worth it all. I have no apologies anymore after this trip. Love is rare. I am not sorry or guilty; the time is not wrong or off. I already have so much more than I ever dreamed possible. To have it, whenver it comes, is enough.
Friday, June 02, 2006
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