Redemption: Another View of the Jesus Story

My UU Christian Fellowship is currently reading Krista Tippett's book Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living. This is the second time I'm reading it, and there is so much  to ponder that I will be riffing on it for a while here at Lifting the Spirit. 

In the chapter on Faith, in Krista's interview with Margaret Wertheim, the subject of redemption comes up, and Margaret, a science writer and a woman who holds a unique image of God as Love, comments an how we humans speak of redemption.

First, a quick review of the definition of "redemption" as provided by Google AI.

Key Meanings of Redemption:

• Theology/Religion: 

  Deliverance from sin, spiritual bondage, or evil, often through a sacrificial act (like Christ's sacrifice in Christianity).
• Finance/Business: 

  Repaying or buying back debts, bonds, stocks, or property, like redeeming a mortgage or shares.
• General/Personal: 

  Rescuing something lost, making amends for past mistakes, or achieving a triumphant comeback after failure or adversity.

I've highlighted "making amends for past mistakes" because this phrase, among the "personal definitions," hints at how we can be redeemed, possibly without direct Divine Intervention. Ms. Wertheim offers that we humans don't seem to be able to discuss the concept of redemption in a personal context, but only within theological circles. She goes on to say:

I don't think that humans are innately sinful, but I think we all make mistakes. Every single one of us. And collectively, we're making massive mistakes. And the question is, How can we redeem ourselves, in the sense of making amends? (Tippett, pg. 215-216)

I am like Ms. Wertheim. The concept of original sin has never made any sense to me. In my Catholic faith, I was taught that infants who died went to purgatory, not to Heaven, so they could be cleansed of their sin before sharing the glory of God. What sin? Where in an infant's short existence can they sin? 

But I'm also skeptical of the dogma that Jesus died for our sins so we are all cleansed. But Baptism is still needed, so the church says, so maybe Jesus' death wasn't completely effective?

I believe that Jesus had a more important gift of redemption to give. In the atonement dogma, the emphasis is placed on the death of Jesus - that horrid, politically motivated, tortuous death that played out over a few days. The Nicene Creed says "...he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man...he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried."

Where does the creed acknowledge the power of his life and ministry? Three years of traveling, preaching, molding a group of followers to help reform Judaism and to bring people to redemption. Not through his death, but through each person reviewing their life, putting Love/God at the center of living, and making amends for each mistake and error where they can, and therefore redeeming themselves. 

I believe that's the additional power of the redemption message. Repent! Turn Around! Everyday choose the Way of Love, Gratitude, Surprise and Awe, and Essential Goodness. And when you falter, when you err, make amends. Turn around, make better choices. Jesus showed us throughout his brief ministry how to live and how to claim our own redemption here on earth. 

Jesus may have died for our sins to give us eternal life (for future discussion). If you believe that, I respect that choice. But also consider that the cleansing didn't stop there, for we were also given the guidelines for redeeming ourselves daily through our acts of kindness, loving our neighbors, and making amends. 

What do you think about this personal view of redemption? Possible? Not in line with dogma? Worth pondering? Let me know in the comments. 

And remember that Kindness and Deep Listening are what we do here at Lifting the Spirit.

May you always walk the Way of Jesus.

Blessings,

LaVerne

Living From the Soul - A Book Review

 Living From the Soul: The Seven Spiritual Principles of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Sam Torode. Sam Torode Book Arts, 2020.

"The Soul is the highest conception of excellence and truth we can bring forth."

~Elbert Hubbard

In September 1833, Ralph Waldo Emerson embarked on a ship headed to Europe. He left behind three deaths in his life - that of his wife, his beliefs, and his career. Over the course of that journey over the wide ocean, Emerson laid out seven core principles that would guide him throughout his life.

1. Trust Yourself
2. As You Sow, You Will Reap
3. Nothing Outside Can Harm You
4. The Universe Is Inside You
5. Identify With The Infinite
6. Live in the Present
7. Seek God Within

Sam Torode, the author, takes us on a short (79 pages) but deep exploration of the Soul and how it might answer some of Life's BIG questions:

• What do you do when your world falls apart?
• Where can you find peace in the midst of uncertainty?
• Who can you turn to for guidance?

In seven chapters plus a forward, introduction, and appendix, Torode riffs on these principles and questions, supported by some of the world's greatest minds - Joseph Campbell, Lao Tzu, Shakespeare, Dickenson, Jesus, and more. 

You might read this book in one gulp, but I guarantee you'll eventually read it again slowly, maybe journaling and highlighting along the way, and then re-read it as you experience more of life and need the foundation and solace these thoughts and ideas can provide. 5 Stars plus! This is a keeper.

Blessed Reading!

PURCHASE or KU LOAN AT AMAZON: 

https://amzn.to/4hjR0Su

Use a Card Deck to Examine Your Life

Disclosure: The links below (whether the link is associated with an image or text) are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you in advance for your support.

"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates

Recently, I have been facing an overwhelming set of decisions and tasks in a variety of areas of my life: health, my writing career, an aging house, friends and family struggling with life-altering issues. Some people thrive under that variety and pressure, but at this point, I have trouble answering the questions "What is most important? What do I focus on first?"  Stephen Covey's quote floats in my mind:  "I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions." 

So I've been re-exploring HOW to make decisions and create a satisfying, fulfilling life. In my reading, inspiring experts suggest:

"Have your outer world reflect your inner world." - Lisa Congdon and Andreea Niculescu 

         "Follow Your Bliss." - Joseph Campbell 

"Men are not moved by things, but by the view they take of them." - Epictetus

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." - James Allen

Even the Bible has suggestions:

⦁ Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "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."

⦁ Romans 12:2 (NIV): "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

⦁ Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

Okay, I got it. What's inside determines your behavior. How do I discern what's actually inside?  A friend's recommendation to the rescue! 

THE LIVE YOUR VALUES DECK 

Click Image to Purchase

VALUES. A DEFINITION... OR TWO  

⦁ Underlying principles or standards, as of behavior, that are considered important or desirable and/or are regarded  highly or esteemed. Each person holds a unique set of values.

⦁ Personal Values: These are principles that an individual holds dear, such as honesty, compassion, integrity, or ambition. They help a person determine their priorities and what they consider to be a fulfilling life.

⦁ Cultural Values: These are shared beliefs within a society or community about what is good, right, or important. They can include things like respect for elders, community solidarity, or individualism, and they often shape social norms and expectations.

⦁ Ethically, values are used to define what is morally right or wrong.

To figure out what's going on inside me, I have tried questionnaires and personality tests and church sermons. 

But this is the first time I have in my hand, in physical form, my 12 Core Values.

I don't usually pitch products in this space, but THIS REALLY HELPED.

⦁ I chose my 12 Values from a very large selection of 73 values, one on the front of each card of the deck, along with a short description of that value.

⦁ On the back of each card is a list of ideas for how to think about the value and suggestions for actions to bring this value more deeply into your life.

⦁ There are two blank cards if you need to add a value that you don't find in the deck. (I did  use one of those.)

⦁ There are three cards that are the "sorting cards": Matters Most, Matters Some, Doesn't Matter

⦁ There's a little booklet that describes how to use the cards, determine your core values, and how to study each in more depth to give you more insight. 

Click to Buy The Card Deck Now

Each card has a lovely illustration to represent the value. The definitions are concise and clear, the ideas and suggestions will give you abundant food for thought. I keep my 12 core values close by so I can use them for meditation, calming my monkey mind, and decision-making. They are a steadying influence in my chaotic world. 

I'm sure that whatever your circumstances, this deck of Values will guide you to become "a product of your decisions" in a positive way with decisions based on a firm foundation of personal and cultural values. With that foundation, you have every chance to live a satisfying and fulfilling life. 

Blessings on Your Day!

              

     Click to Buy The Card Deck Now

 

The Bedrock of Deep Faith

Lately, I've been focused inward, reflecting on the Soul, what my own faith feels like and looks like. I came across this reading that I had used in my UU Covenant Group in 2007.  It sums up why I chose Unitarian Universalism, and provides a look at an inner stance that this religion promts.

Excerpt from Challenge of a Liberal Faith, George Marshall, Chapter 4, “The Religious Liberal Faces Life” UU Association, 1988

 "A person’s religion is not measured by the fervor of one’s Sunday devotions, one’s frequency at church meetings, or one’s pious expression of faith.  A genuine test of faith is how a person stands up in the face of some great grief, some unexpected tragedy, some harrowing experience, or some upsetting crisis.  The most devout often stumble, while the presumed backslider measures up.  During World War II some chaplains reported that religious faith was not measured by chapel attendance so much as by inner fortitude.

Too often the person whose faith depends on the dim religious light of a sanctuary or the soft tones of an organ gently soothing the harried emotions finds it is far removed from the actualities of the highways and byways, the dark street corners, the chill mortuary, or aseptic hospital bed.  Often the frenzied and harried parents facing the turbulence of adolescent strivings find this faith inadequate as they struggle with these pressures.  The modern adult at home and in business too often finds that constant demands of “decisions, decisions, decisions” wear down the resistance, so that one loses all sense of perspective, relationship, and serenity, thus acting impulsively without regard to values or primary concerns.

Religious liberalism can help.  Here is a faith that is not external, but internal.  The Unitarian Universalist church makes no other offer than this: to help a person develop a faith that is within.  Do not come to a Unitarian Universalist church to find religion, to learn beliefs, or to be given a faith.  Come only when you reach a point where all external faiths are rejected and you are ready to begin with the bedrock of your own being, experience, and character to construct the faith that is meaningful to you.”

What do you think about these words? Are you constructing a faith from within or without?

For a copy of Marshall's book Challenge of a Liberal Faith, CLICK HERE.

Blessings on your day!

 

Learning to Follow Jesus through Peter Mayer's Music

I find that I feel closer to God and can lean deeper into the teachings of Jesus through music. I grew up during Vatican II in the Catholic Church which opened up worship to the composition of folk songs for the Mass and "Guitar Masses," perfect for smaller churches and student campus missions with no organs. The movement wasn't welcomed by everyone, but I was in my happy place. I sang in several churches over the years, both Catholic and Episcopalian, and learned from the best-- The St. Louis Jesuits (more on them in an upcoming post), as well as my partners in our Music Missions.

Then I moved to the Unitarian Universalist denomination which does play its share of Christian music, but certainly not with the same regularity I was accumstomed to.

Then one Sunday in church, we sang "Blue Boat Home," by singer-songwriter Peter Mayer (not the guy who played for Jimmy Buffet; the musician from Stillwater, Minnesota). Mayer had set new words to a very familiar hymn tune composed by Rowland Hugh Pritchard in the mid-1800's. Mayer's words describe Earth as a ship sailing the ocean of the universe - a blue boat - with we humans as the crew and passengers on a wonderous journey. It has a smooth waltz cadence and uplifting images. 

Not long after, Mayer performed in concert at my church, and I was blown away. The one song that struck me deep in the heart was "God Is a River." I became an instant fan. I found a playlist of his songs on YouTube which I saved to my phone and started collecting every CD he's produced. 

As the Folk Mass movement had given wings to my spiritual path when I was younger, 40 years later, Peter Mayer 's music renewed my soul. His album "Midwinter" is a permanent part of my Solstice/Christmas celebrations.

So, a bit more about this extrodinary musician. He is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church and many of his songs express a fresh approach to spirituality. His music and performances have garnered admiration for their spiritual depth and emotional resonance. His songs, "Holy Now" and "Blue Boat Home," are celebrated for their introspective lyrics and connection to Unitarian Universalist values. Fans have described his concerts as uplifting and soul-stirring [I agree!!], often highlighting his ability to blend storytelling with music. [from RiseUpSinging.org] 

Have you experienced his music or performances firsthand? Let me know in the comments. And if music speaks to your soul, and you haven't experienced Mayer's music yet, I encourage you to have a listen. [https://www.petermayer.net/  On YouTube: @petermayer9776 ]

Blessings on your Day!

Current Lessons from Revelation

In a post back in March [Reflection on Revelation], I shared the interpretation Marcus Borg offers for the Book of Revelation, one based in historical and cultural context, with a comment that Revelation provides some insight into domination systems in the world as illustrated by the Roman Empire over 60 years after the death of Jesus. A friend in my Christian Fellowship lent me a book of another interpretation published in 1983 which is also based firmly in historical and cultural context.

Pheme Perkins, The Book of Revelation, Collegeville Bible Commentary, New Testament 11. The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, 1983

This short treatise is only 87 pages long, but includes the text of Revelation at the top of each page while below, the author discusses that content. The  layout is easy to follow and the content fascinating. In his book Perkins offers this observation on how the Roman Empire presented itself in its conquered countries, and it struck me as being relevant to our situation today in the US. 

The self-glorifying and even self-divinizing inscriptions and proclamations of the imperial rulers presented the empire as beneficient. So does the literature written by those who benefited from the opportunities given by imperial expansion. We have seen that those local, civic authorities who sought favor with the empire joined the proclamation of benefits of the empire through the various cultic activities in honor of the emperor. Clearly, the local citizenry did not have a universally agreed upon assessment of the empire.[Italics mine]. Pg 57.

Our current administration and the administration of Rome offer a similar message: the imperial administration is here for the good of the people, in modern parlance, to make America great... again. Imperial Rome had no need to make itself great again, because it already was. [ASIDE: I personally feel that the US has always been great. Flawed of course, but grounded on a constitution, and a strong system of processes, law, and checks and balances that make it great.] In both cases, all of the people who have something to gain from the position of the administration join their voices to the chorus. And as in Rome, the US citizenry does not agree upon the truth in the message being propagated.  

This is where Bible study is helpful, if considered in the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The Book of Revelation was written for the Jesus sect of Jews who had by this time separated from the Jewish community and called themselves Christians. Their land was occupied by leaders who wanted to dominate the people and the land. Rome had been successful, so the underclass in Palestine felt the "boot" of imperial rule with great strength and little mercy. In the US -at this writing-, the "boot" has also struck with little compassion. In Rome, many were in such awe of the Empire that no one thought it could be beaten. The underclass of Palestine had little recourse except rebellion, mostly unsuccessful.  In the US, there are many who are working daily through the court system, on the ground with targeted groups, and through constant communcation through government channels to push back and use whatever system checks and balances are available.

Revelation reminds us that Domination is a quest that is still sought by people in any regime of any time, and it is our call, as descendents of the Jesus sect, to be attentive, and "wise as serpents [sometimes misquoted as foxes, but sends the same message] and innocent as doves" [having no self-serving agenda] (Matthew 10:16). If there is something or someone within our reach that is under threat from the harm domination can inflict, then we are called to speak up, to act, to step into the light. 

This is not easy by any means, and I have struggled with how to respond, how to prepare. But a focus on those issues within your reach and your passion will help you make wise choices while working without a self-serving agenda. A note: if your self-serving agenda includes the fact that you are one of the "targeted" and the agenda will in fact serve the good of targeted others, move forward.  To see some examples of how others have done this, watch the movies "Spotlight" about the uncovering of pedophilia in the Catholic Church, and "The Toxic Town" about mothers fighting back against the power structure that covered up toxic waste in their town. I know that here in North Carolina, our Governor and Attorney General are working as buffers while the Federal government reshapes. 

Are there other examples of people in your sphere who are working to protect rights, the rule of law, and compassion as a way of life? Share in the comments, please. I'd love to hear more. As Krista Tippett suggests (Taking in the Good) , we all need to "take in the good."

Blessings on your day.

Taking in the Good

 I've heard several comments about hope over the years: 

• Hope is the most dangerous thing in a human; 
• Hope can be a driving force, a source of strength, and a beacon of light in the darkest times; 
• People with higher levels of hope tend to have better mental health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

The American Heritge Dictionary defines HOPE as "The longing or desire for something accompanied by the belief in the possibility of its occurrence."

One of the books my therapist recently gave me to study was Krista Tippett's Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living. She has a whole chapter on Hope as one of five virtues-- raw materials we humans can use to become wise. Here is something I learned for Krista's book to help me escape the "breaking news" and fill it with "fixing news."

"Hope is distinct, in my mind, from optimism or idealism. It has nothing to do with wishing. It references reality at every turn and reveres truth. It lives open-eyed and wholehearted within the darkness that is woven ineluctably into the light of life and sometimes seems to overcome it. (pg.232)

Hope inspires goodness to reveal itself. Hope takes goodness seriously, treats it as a data point, takes it in. This is a virtue for living in and of itself: taking in the good… (pg.259)

Our world is abundant with quiet hidden lives of beauty and courage and goodness. There are millions of people at any given moment, young and old, giving themselves over to service, risking hope, and all the while ennobling us all. To take such goodness in and let it matter - to let it define our take on reality as much as headlines of violence - is a choice we can make to live by the light in the darkness, to be brave and free… Taking in the good whenever and wherever we find it, gives us new eyes for seeing and living.” (pg. 265)

May you take in the good today. 

Reflection on Revelation

Harry Dresden fights demons and werewolves. He's a character from a Jim Butcher series and is regularly in save-the-world mode. Nicodemus is an evil opponent bent on stoking the fires of destruction...and a deadly plague. When Harry asks why, Nicodemus says, "Have you read Revelation?" Harry answers that he doesn't think Nicodemus is wanting to touch off the Apocalypse. Nicodemus gives this answer:

...The Apocalypse, as you refer to it, isn't an event. At least, it isn't any specific event...Apocalypse is a frame of mind...A belief. A surrender to inevitability. It is despair for the future. It is the death of hope."

Harry's friend responds, "And in that kind of environment, there is more suffering. More pain. More desperation..."

So Harry and his friend are skeptical of the Nicodemus interpretation. And so is Marcus Borg.

My fellow Christians and I have been reading Marcus Borg's READING THE BIBLE AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME. His chapter on the Book of Revelation is... well, a revelation.  Borg reminded me that in my upbringing as a Catholic, the Book of Revelation was rarely preached. In the Episcopal Church, Revelation was read as part of the seasonal lectionary, but again, rarely preached. Better to ignore it than dive into the deep waters of apocalyptic interpretation. 

In his clear history of the origin and the author of the book, Borg makes a few points: 

• It was not the last book of the Bible to be written, but placed last so that the Bible, taken as a whole, gives us the story of Paradise Lost (Genesis) to Paradise Restored (Revelation).
• The Greek word apokalypsis means both apocalypse and revelation, and can refer to a genre of literature.
• Revelation would have been read aloud to the audience in a liturgical/church setting. Borg suggests reading the entire book all at once aloud, or to find a recording that will give you the audio experience.

Borg describes two ways to interpret Revelation as scripture. 

1. The "Futuristic Interpretation." Reading the book as if it contains coded messages that guide us to the end of the world sometime in the future. The interpretation has several premises:
• What is described has not yet happened.
• As the inspired Word of God, the Bible cannot be wrong.
• Therefore, what Revelation describes is in the future.
• So if this about the future, why worry about the condition of the world now; it's all going to be destroyed anyway.
2. The "Past-Historical Interpretation." This approach takes seriously that the visions in Revelation were meant for a specific time period and to a specific audience who are living in a Domination system in a specific place. There is still a message for us, not about the "end times." Some notes:
• A Domination system is a "web of political oppression, economic exploitation, and religious legitimation."
• Look at the systems under which we live, watch for signs of an arising or present Domination system (a "Beast" as named in Revelation), and understand that God is Lord, not any leader of an earthly government. 
• If a Domination system is arising and/or present, keep the faith as taught by Jesus, and don't give up hope; the future will be better.
• John's message is much like that of the entire Bible:
• "radical affirmation of the sovereignty and justice of God"; and
• "radical criticism of an oppressive domination system pretending to be the will of God."

Hm-m-m. Sounding vaguely familiar. Strange times we live in.

I encourage you to get a copy of Borg's book, not just for Revelation, but also for all his other well-written and inciteful introductions. They've really been a revelation for me, and I hope his work supports you in your spiritual journey. 

Read the Bible again-- For the First Time. 

Any comments about your study of the Book of Revelation? What have you learned?

Blessings on your study!

Five Steps to Your Story of Now

On the first Sunday in January, our minister at the Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (ERUUF) gave a sermon related to the month's theme: The Practice of Story. He made the case that before one makes a resolution in the New Year, it is prudent to take a measure of where you are now. He presented this self-reflection in a very simple way: the way of five. I have used this for my own reflection as I contemplated what direction I should take this year, and I offer it to you.

Rev. Daniel explains how story helps us make sense of life, to understand it. Our own story may help us learn what we're "awake" to (or not) and what we want.   Early in the year is a good time to tell our own  "Story of Now" - how we got to this moment, what gifts we've gathered, what did we learn, and now, what is wanting to be created.

Template for Reflection

FIVE: Reflect on five key moments in your life - crossroads, enlightenment, new directions, reflection on the path not taken.

FOUR: Four Beliefs under which you operate. These are ways in which you view the world. How do you approach life? Core values. In what do you put your faith?

THREE: Three people who have most impacted your life. Why and how did they make a difference?

TWO: Two intentions for the new year. What is a gift you have that you would like to share more fully? What quality of love would you like to add to the world? Hint: Love can be manifested in many ways... listening, giving, volunteering, donating, hugging, stop doing. How can you make your part of this world a better place?

ONE: One action step you will take this week to put your intentions into practice. Every week, rinse and repeat.

I encourage you to listen to the sermon so you can pick up any nuances that speak to you. Below is the link to the full sermon on YouTube. I've bookmarked the recording so it starts at the beginning of Rev. Daniel's sermon, instead of the beginning of the service, but if you want to watch the entire service, please do.

CLICK NOW!

  STORY OF NOW SERMON.

In the comments, let us know if you thought this exercise

 was valuable for you and why.

Blessings on your day!

Thomas Jefferson on the Jefferson Bible

It has been almost 2 years since I last posted, and I have in my planning schedule a stockpile of ideas to carry me through this year. For 2025, I am re-committing to this blog for my own spiritual health. Hope you will join me. 

Back in March 2024 my Christian Fellowship was deep into Karen Armstrong's book The Case for God, specifically Chapter 9: The Enlightenment.  Which doesn't seem to be very "enlightened" for the plethora of descriptions of God and Christianity that arose during that time. Clearly a discussion for another blog.

The Jefferson Bible

What did arise in conversation was the Jefferson Bible. This document was printed by the Government Printing Office and handed out to every new member of Congress between 1904/5 to 1957. Between then and now, several private citizens and organizations have occasionally revived the practice. In 2013, for example, the American Humanist Association distributed a free copy to every member of Congress and Barack Obama. (Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson_Bible#Publication_history )

This past week, I've been reading a book I picked up in Williamsburg, VA : BECOMING JEFFERSON: My Life as a Founding Father by Bill Barker. 

Background: Mr. Barker is an actor and loves history. He began his career as an historical interpreter in 1980 when a friend noted that he looked like Thomas Jefferson and asked if he would portray Jefferson at Independence Hall for photo ops and celebrations. And he did... for over a decade at events across the country. He came to Colonial Williamsburg in 1993, and what had been a summer gig became a full-time vocation, due in large extent to Mr. Barker's urging and dedication. To do his job, he has read everything he can of Jefferson's writings, both public and personal, as well as the many histories written about Jefferson. He has portrayed Jefferson in Colonial Williamsburg for over 25 years and is now retired. My husband and I have had the very good fortune to see him many times over the years when we vacationed in Williamsburg. 

Given his extensive and intimate familiarity with Jefferson, I think he can give us a good perspective on the "Jefferson Bible" and how Jefferson might have reacted to it. 

Mr. Barker writes:

Another victim of "twistifications" (a word coined by Jefferson) of historical fact is what has become known as the "Jefferson Bible." Mr. Jefferson did not write his own version of the Bible... The project is the result of Jefferson's study of translations of the four Gospels in Greek, Latin, French, and English to compile the life and words of Jesus by way of the eyewitness accounts in the Gospels. Jefferson began his study in the first years of his presidency, and later titled it "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth." Jefferson's purpose was for his better understanding of the teachings of Jesus... It did not denigrate the moral lessons taught by Jesus. Rather it was an effort to get at what Jesus actually said. [Becoming Jefferson, pg. 159.

I do love the word "twistifications," don't you? Given this background of what lay behind Jefferson's motivation, I appreciate how Barker answers anyone who asks him (as Jefferson) "Tell me about your Bible."

"I beg your pardon. I trust I am not so presumptuous as to write a Bible. What you are perhaps referring to is my scholarly investigation of what Jesus was known to have said."  Many people will say, "What do you mean by 'what he was known to have said'? It's all in the Bible." To which I then answer, "Which one? the Catholic Bible or the Protestant Bible? The teachings of Jesus have been published in many different versions, translations, and languages. And Jesus himself did not write down his own words."  (Becoming Jefferson, pg. 160)

Jefferson wrote to Richard Rush in May 1813:  "The subject of religion, a subject on which I have ever been most scrupulously reserved. I have considered it a matter between every man and his maker, in which no other, and far less the public, had a right to intermeddle." (Becoming Jefferson, pg. 160)

Kurt Smith, a younger interpreter, has assumed the role of Jefferson with skill and dedication, and shows us Jefferson's perspectives from his earlier years in government. But I am especially grateful for Bill Barker's magnificent legacy to give us a perspective on Jefferson and on the religion of one of our Founding Fathers. 

I feel in touch with Jefferson's approach. I want to soak up everything I can about Jesus, this charismatic, itinerant preacher who taught his followers "The Way" within Judaism in a manner that generated an entirely new religion within two centuries of his death. I've been on a lifelong journey with this... and I feel I'm just getting started. 

The Inimitable, Limitless God

 Disclosure: Some of the links below (whether the link is associated with an image or text) are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

My Christian Fellowship group at church has just started reading Karen Armstrong's A CASE FOR GOD.  In her introduction, she states her intent to show through history that humans have always wanted to know more about the transcendent, no matter what it is called or how it is defined. 

To prepare for reading more, I listened to a radio interview Ms. Armstrong gave to NPR in September 2009. This is the final exchange between Terry Gross of "Fresh Air" and Ms. Armstrong:

GROSS: Now, you know, your view of religion isn't that there's a personal God who has some kind of physical manifestation and who can appear to you and speak to you. But some people have - say that they've experienced that manifestation of God. They've had some kind of direct contact or message from God. How do you - how do you process that?

Ms. ARMSTRONG: Far be it for me to decry anybody's religious beliefs or religious experience. And if religion - your experience of God speaking to you or whatever, compels you to live a more compassionate life, then it's doing its job. And if it's filling you with respect and awe for the natural world and for all God's creatures, it's doing its job. What we call God comes to us in many ways. I couldn't make the personal God work for me. But that's not to say it won't work for other people. We all experience the inimitable, limitless God in as many different ways as there are human beings.

Along with the other observations and information Ms. Armstrong shares throughout the interview, this last statement struck deep. After years of exploration, discussion, and prayer, the author describes something of my own perception of Transcendence in our world. What about you?

Listen to the complete interview on the NPR website.

The Joy of ... Snow!

When I lived in Michigan, snow was a way of life. It came in the Fall, stayed into Spring, and if you lived in or visited the Upper Peninsula, you were likely to see snow in July. In the Triangle of North Carolina, snow is ... different.

We had our first snowfall today. Tomorrow is the first day of Winter, so right on time. The snow came in big, fluffy flakes and fell slowly, gently, in no rush at all. Each flake landed and disappeared. The ground is still too warm to hold such a small offering. The whole snow event  took place in the early morning, around 7 AM, and lasted 15 minutes.

My husband hurried into my home office where I was writing and pulled the blinds open. "It's snowing!" he said with the excitement of a little boy. To which I replied, "Will you look at that!" and we stood for long minutes, an arm around each other, watching.

In those moments, I experienced the Joy that Sister Wendy talks about in her Book of Meditations. She says that Joy is not constant, but flashes suddenly upon our shadows and darkness, illuminating and transforming our interior landscape. In joy, the world becomes different, marvelous, unique.

And so it was for those few minutes this morning.

As we finish this third week of Advent, Laudete Week, the week of joy, I pray that you find such joy in your life. Often.

Blessings on your day!

What Does Love Look Like?

During this second week of Advent, the theme is Love.

For my Advent reflection, I often use Sister Wendy's Book of Meditations in which Sister Wendy uses art, mostly paintings, to visualize four topics. One of these topics is Love. As I consider the different paintings and the author's perspective, I am amazed how often we use the word "love" and to how many different things we refer--Bromance, friendship, romantic attachment, sex, casual affection for humankind, parental love, significant engagement in another's welfare. We talk about being in love with nature, family, books, sports, movies, celebrities, pets, spouses, new shoes, our homes.

Some people who swear they are in love can be greedy, clingy, secretive, blind, obsessive, exclusive, angry, possessive, controlling, dramatic, self-indulgent (which is different from self-care), confined and insular.

Other people say they are in love and are patient, kind, inclusive, expansive. They find joy in the truth, look for what others are doing right, acknowledge blessings, make allowances, trust with their intelligence engaged, work actively for the other's welfare, repent when they hurt someone, relate to others with open-eyes and open-hearts.

Simply put, Sister Wendy offers:

• If it is love at all, the happiness [I would add, the welfare] of the other comes first.
• Love is a verb. It is an action verb. Love displays itself by putting the other first.
• If love is a verb, then it is a choice. Day by day. Hour by hour.

Paul sent a few words on the subject of Love to his boasting congregation in Corinth (1 Corinthians 13).

Read Sister Wendy. Read Paul. Then make your choice.

May you choose Love.

Prepare To Be The Light

There are many phrases and words associated with this Season of Advent -- getting ready, waiting, reflection, looking forward, anticipation, the coming, meditation.

Today, what came to the forefront of my thoughts was PREPARATION.

Many Christians talk about preparing for what or who is coming. The baby Jesus. The Light. The Sun. All Love. The image is of a Coming from the outside, from the Heavens, from somewhere else to save us from our brokenness, wrongness, suffering. History and the Bible shows us that for that ultimate Coming, we're going to be waiting a long time.

And what do we do in the meantime?

During Advent, we prepare. Not for a power outside ourselves to bring the Kingdom, the Beloved Community. We prepare ourselves by stirring up the Divine power within us so we can be the change during the rest of the year.

The Eternal Birth must take place in you....The birth of Christ in our souls is for a purpose beyond ourselves: it is because his manifestation in the world must be through us. ~Meister Eckhart

Celebrating the birth of Jesus honors a human who shows us the Way to manifest the Light and Love of God. Another model is St. Nicholas whose feast day we celebrate today. We don't need to wait for something or someone outside of us. It is through us that Light and Love are brought into the darkness of the world.

Let us take this time in Advent to learn how to transform our inner lives so that we will consistently reflect what Jesus taught us about how to live. Let's prepare ourselves for our mission -- to bring God's Light into the world every day for the rest of our lives.

Blessings on your day!

The Source of Your Significance

I was sharing with a friend this week that I sometimes struggle with the feeling of being overlooked in life. It comes from some childhood experiences, but remains a consistent piece of my personality. I continue to recognize this feeling and work with it. My friend asked a question that stopped me in my tracks:

What is the source of your significance?

Rephrase. What reminds you that you're important in the world? What provides a gut-deep knowledge that you are significant?

My first reaction was, "Well, God is the source." But a moment later, I wasn't sure that was true. Yes, true out in the world, but perhaps not a truthful answer to this question of my significance and what is the source in reality. We often see ourselves as sources for change, pushing change into the world through our will and perseverance. Is that our significance, our personal contribution?

The darkness of this season may keep us a little closer to home, a little less eager to rush out and be a change agent. In the dark, no longer able to see clearly, we may be more ready to stop, to receive, to listen, to wait.  To focus on our Inner Light. To let silence and meditation bring forth an understanding of our true significance. In the dark, that Inner Light can smolder, refuel, recharge. When the longer days come, we'll be ready with a better comprehension of our purpose, a way forward.

May you find your way. Amen.

Psalm 90: On Human Frailty

The Psalmist speaks of how short our time on earth is--"eighty [years] for those who are strong" (v.10). Instead of the resignation of Ecclesiastes, here the writer offers a simple prayer:

Teach us to count up the days that are ours, and we shall come to the heart of wisdom. Each morning fill us with your faithful love, we shall sing and be happy all our days; let our joy be as long as the time that you [God, life] afflicted us, the years when we experienced disaster.  ~Psalm 90: 12, 14-15

 May it be so. Amen.

The Daily Conflict - The World or God?

I'm coming back online during Advent (perhaps I'll be able to carry on through the New Year!) because my own spiritual path is in transition. More on that as the season proceeds. I'll start with a meditation that I found in an Advent booklet published by United Church of Chapel Hill a few years ago. 

The meditation is based on Matthew 22: 15-22, the question of paying taxes. “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” The writer of the meditation feels that this is an opportunity to reflect on our own lives and ask the questions what is our obligation to God, what are our obligations to the world, and how do we choose between the two.

My reaction was to remember one of the things I've learned in reading Bishop John Spong. The Bible was written in a day in which God existed outside the world, in the sky, and humans existed separately, on the earth. So there was a divide. The world or God? Ancient image, ancient concept.

Modern concept: the Divine Spirit permeates around and through everything. Earth, heavens, people, deeds, seas. Everything. I believe that the question for me in this modern world is...how do I make the Spirit VISIBLE, how do I manifest it?  My purpose is to bring the Light out from under the bushel and place it on a lamp stand. Every choice, every action can be a Revelation of the Spirit. That revelation comes from the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): Joy, Love, Peace, Patience (Forbearance), Generosity, Kindness (Compassion), Gentleness, Self-Control, and Faithfulness. As the United Church of Christ says, "God is still speaking". God speaks through me.

God speaks through us.

May it be so. Amen.

The Choice of Violence

Ben Sira, in the book sometimes known as Ecclesiasticus, says this about the freedom of choice:

Do not say, 'The Lord was responsible for my sinning,'
for he does not do what he hates.
Do not say, 'It was he who led me astray,'
for he has no use for a sinner.
The Lord hates all that is foul,
and no one who fears him will love it either.
He himself made human beings in the beginning,
and then left them free to make their own decisions.
If you choose, you will keep the commandments
and so be faithful to his will.
He has set fire and water before you;
put out your hand to whichever you prefer.
A human being has life and death before him;
whichever he prefers will be given him.
He never commanded anyone to be godless,
he has given no one permission to sin.
~Sirach 15: 11-17, 20

Violence has no excuse when human imagination and creativity can find alternatives. God's healing power is upon the wounded of Boston.

Amen.

Humility by Sirach

The lessons from Ben Sira in the Book of Sirach always perk up my thought processes. One reading of a verse is never enough. Here's part of his advice on humility.

Do not try to understand things that are too difficult for you
or try to discover what is beyond your powers.
Concentrate on what has been assigned to you,
you have no need to worry over mysteries.
Do not meddle with matters that are beyond you;
what you have been taught already exceeds the scope of the human mind.
For many have been misled by their own notions,
wicked presumption having warped their judgement.
~Sirach 3:21-24,

On first reading, the passage feels all wrong and reminds me of days gone by when a man would say to a woman, "Don't you worry your pretty, little head about that, darlin'." Then I remember that Ben Sira was writing for young Jewish men in his classes and trying to give them advice for living.

One way to read this is...what you have in front of you to do is certainly enough to keep your mind busy. Your thoughts don't need to be distracted by "mysteries" (gossip, things happening in other departments, concepts you don't understand). Know your position; concentrate on your position and its concerns. Do not presume to know everything. Be humble; don't jump in until you have more information.

When are you misled by your own notions? Have you ever meddled with matters beyond you? What are your thoughts?

Blessings on your day!

Time to Transform

Happy Easter, my friends!

Are you ready for transformation? Can you release whatever is holding you back, let it die? Can you let your divine potential shine?

 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  ~Isaiah 43:19

Are you ready?

Gracious God,
Set us free from a past that we cannot change;
Open to us a future in which we can be changed; and
Grant us grace to grow more and more in your likeness and image
~Good Friday Service, United Church of Chapel Hill

Blessings on your day!