Posts
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Experiencing God
Encounters with God come in all kinds of experiences. The joy and comfort of assurance that God is always with us; but, also in the experience of Her absence and complete hiddenness. It boggles the mind and confounds our logic, but it should not mean that Christians should lack a discipline of our mind.
To me the layers of meaning of Jesus on the cross are many and complex. Just a hint of this seems evident in Jesus’ experience of forsakenness when, at the same time, the centurion sees his suffering and death and hears Jesus’ cry, the centurion sees the Son of God. Quite an amazing scene. One that may takes years of contemplation to come close to understanding.
For myself, though, in whatever way we experience God, the power of our experience of God is only evident by the way in which our actions transform the lives of others, and dare I say -- transform our acts into the acts of God. Where would any of us be if Moses had encountered God on the mountain and just stayed up there to glory in his experience? What if Jesus had continued to wander around the countryside amazing the crowds without ever riding into Jerusalem to confront religious and political power?
Jesus called upon God even in his forsakenness, an encounter that continues to transform our lives.
To me the layers of meaning of Jesus on the cross are many and complex. Just a hint of this seems evident in Jesus’ experience of forsakenness when, at the same time, the centurion sees his suffering and death and hears Jesus’ cry, the centurion sees the Son of God. Quite an amazing scene. One that may takes years of contemplation to come close to understanding.
For myself, though, in whatever way we experience God, the power of our experience of God is only evident by the way in which our actions transform the lives of others, and dare I say -- transform our acts into the acts of God. Where would any of us be if Moses had encountered God on the mountain and just stayed up there to glory in his experience? What if Jesus had continued to wander around the countryside amazing the crowds without ever riding into Jerusalem to confront religious and political power?
Jesus called upon God even in his forsakenness, an encounter that continues to transform our lives.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Definition of Religion
Many in American today like to distinguish between "religion" and "spirituality". Some say that they are no longer religious but they are spiritual. I have read that Europeans have no third category such as "spirituality". One is either "religious" or "irreligious". Hmmmm, I wonder if that is true of Europeans?
I have previously offered a definition of religion on this blog. I wonder if those who prefer "spirituality" would want to reject religion as I have tried to define it? In searching for definitions of religion, one will find many very different ones and many different approaches. What are people rejecting when they say that they are not religious but rather they are spiritual? While I have some ideas, I am not entirely sure what they mean.
However for now, maybe as a step toward understanding religion and spirituality, I will repeat below a definition of religion offered by a philospher of religion, Geddes Maggregor.
Religion is chararacterized by
1) interest in,
2) concern for,
3) encounter with,
4) sense of absence from,
5) sacrificial ove of,
6) commitment to, and
7) joy over,
that which is judged to be more important than anything else in one's experience and which, so conceptualized, is taken to be a symbol of that which lies at the heart of all possible experience.
I think this is a good definition. I like that it does not have any primary emphasis on "beliefs" and seems to put more emphasis upon personal experience.
Although, what keeps this definition of religion from being totally subjective and private? Is the spirituality that Americans want to retain more subjective and private than what they consider to be religion?
I have previously offered a definition of religion on this blog. I wonder if those who prefer "spirituality" would want to reject religion as I have tried to define it? In searching for definitions of religion, one will find many very different ones and many different approaches. What are people rejecting when they say that they are not religious but rather they are spiritual? While I have some ideas, I am not entirely sure what they mean.
However for now, maybe as a step toward understanding religion and spirituality, I will repeat below a definition of religion offered by a philospher of religion, Geddes Maggregor.
Religion is chararacterized by
1) interest in,
2) concern for,
3) encounter with,
4) sense of absence from,
5) sacrificial ove of,
6) commitment to, and
7) joy over,
that which is judged to be more important than anything else in one's experience and which, so conceptualized, is taken to be a symbol of that which lies at the heart of all possible experience.
I think this is a good definition. I like that it does not have any primary emphasis on "beliefs" and seems to put more emphasis upon personal experience.
Although, what keeps this definition of religion from being totally subjective and private? Is the spirituality that Americans want to retain more subjective and private than what they consider to be religion?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Enoch Factor: The Sacred Art of KNowing God
Many people in America are moving away from religion but still like to see themselves as spiritual. They are rejecting the judgemental, out-of-touch, authoritarian approach that has predominated much of the Christian church in America. They identify "religion" with much of the parts of church life that they do not like, and they identify "spiritual" with what they want to keep.
This book can help you affirm, expand, and even transform your spiritual life. The author's approach is accepting of many different perpsectives as evidenced by the quotes sprinkled throughout the book from various religious leaders and authors. The best part of the book is the author's personal story that is woven throughout the entire book. His experience makes the book credible. Many religious leaders may also be able to identify with his experiences.
While the book has a Christian perspective, it is not proclaiming the views of any particular Christian denomination . The book also is not exclusively Christian either. The author affirms the insights and values of other religious traditions. While much of the author's perspective can be found in the writings of other Christian mystics, the material here is much more readable for the modern reader. Insights from eastern mysticism are also incorporated into the book.
This is a book that one can use to expand her mind and expand her spiritual consciousness.
This book can help you affirm, expand, and even transform your spiritual life. The author's approach is accepting of many different perpsectives as evidenced by the quotes sprinkled throughout the book from various religious leaders and authors. The best part of the book is the author's personal story that is woven throughout the entire book. His experience makes the book credible. Many religious leaders may also be able to identify with his experiences.
While the book has a Christian perspective, it is not proclaiming the views of any particular Christian denomination . The book also is not exclusively Christian either. The author affirms the insights and values of other religious traditions. While much of the author's perspective can be found in the writings of other Christian mystics, the material here is much more readable for the modern reader. Insights from eastern mysticism are also incorporated into the book.
This is a book that one can use to expand her mind and expand her spiritual consciousness.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
MY REACTIONS TO "Ecumenism Means You, Too" by Steven R. Harmon
I could call this a "book review", but it is not. I hated doing book reviews. This short blog is my personal reaction to the recent book "Ecumenism Means You, Too" by Steven R. Harmon. It is a short book and easy to read. For me, some of it was quite inspiring.
I suspect that a person's attitude towards authority and dogma will influence his reaction to this book. I have read several discussions regarding Christian unity and divisions recently. Some have contended that there are so many differences between Christians that the designation "Christian" should be abandoned. Others have argued that their interpretation of Christianity is "right" and therefore all the others are "wrong". In the face of these discussions, it is hard to imagine an ecumenical perspective on Christianity. Nevertheless, I do. And with a blog title "An Ecumenical Christian Perspective", how could I ignore this little gem of a book.
The author does not present a naive view of ecumenism. He knows the challenges. However, in spite of that, the book has a positive and inspiring tone. There are three very good things about this book.
First, it acts as a very good source for information about Christian ecumenism. This part of the book is good for students and those who want to know more about the topic and want to become involved with ecumenism.
Second, the chapter on the theology of ecumenism was inspiring and scripturally based. As the author is from a Baptist tradition, it is not suprising that he would emphasize the scriptural basis of ecumenism.
Third, the author does not stop with theology or scripture. He offers ten practical things that any Christian can do for the unity of the Church. One of my favorite suggestions is "....learn all you can about the "Great Tradition" to which all denominational traditions are heirs." Another of my favorites is ".....join other Christians in serving as advocates for social justice and environmental responsibility." This gives you a flavor. I heartly recommend you read the book to get a full meal.
Speaking of a full meal, I have another practical suggestion for maintaining and enhancing the unity of the Christian church. I learned in seminary that in the early tradition of the church there was the practice of a "love feast". There may be some Christians that still practice that tradition. I am not sure. In a very simple way, many Church suppers are just that. But I have never been a part of a practice that was explicitly called a "love feast".
I think Christians should start a renewed tradition of a love feast. My guidance for it would be.
1. No priest, bishop, pope, deacon, pastor, minister or any other "official" person within any church may officiate at the love feast.
2. The full meal will be prepared and served only by lay people.
3. No one can be excluded ----- not based upon church membership, belief, lack of belief, social status, race, ability to pay, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. There can be no reason to exclude anyone except those who are violent. The only basis of inclusion is that a person wants to participate and they are willing to be peaceful.
4. Everyone who is able will pay toward the meal and toward the meal of those who may not be able to pay.
5. The only formal part of the meal will be a prayer of gratitude for the meal and for everyone who particpates.
I suspect that a person's attitude towards authority and dogma will influence his reaction to this book. I have read several discussions regarding Christian unity and divisions recently. Some have contended that there are so many differences between Christians that the designation "Christian" should be abandoned. Others have argued that their interpretation of Christianity is "right" and therefore all the others are "wrong". In the face of these discussions, it is hard to imagine an ecumenical perspective on Christianity. Nevertheless, I do. And with a blog title "An Ecumenical Christian Perspective", how could I ignore this little gem of a book.
The author does not present a naive view of ecumenism. He knows the challenges. However, in spite of that, the book has a positive and inspiring tone. There are three very good things about this book.
First, it acts as a very good source for information about Christian ecumenism. This part of the book is good for students and those who want to know more about the topic and want to become involved with ecumenism.
Second, the chapter on the theology of ecumenism was inspiring and scripturally based. As the author is from a Baptist tradition, it is not suprising that he would emphasize the scriptural basis of ecumenism.
Third, the author does not stop with theology or scripture. He offers ten practical things that any Christian can do for the unity of the Church. One of my favorite suggestions is "....learn all you can about the "Great Tradition" to which all denominational traditions are heirs." Another of my favorites is ".....join other Christians in serving as advocates for social justice and environmental responsibility." This gives you a flavor. I heartly recommend you read the book to get a full meal.
Speaking of a full meal, I have another practical suggestion for maintaining and enhancing the unity of the Christian church. I learned in seminary that in the early tradition of the church there was the practice of a "love feast". There may be some Christians that still practice that tradition. I am not sure. In a very simple way, many Church suppers are just that. But I have never been a part of a practice that was explicitly called a "love feast".
I think Christians should start a renewed tradition of a love feast. My guidance for it would be.
1. No priest, bishop, pope, deacon, pastor, minister or any other "official" person within any church may officiate at the love feast.
2. The full meal will be prepared and served only by lay people.
3. No one can be excluded ----- not based upon church membership, belief, lack of belief, social status, race, ability to pay, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. There can be no reason to exclude anyone except those who are violent. The only basis of inclusion is that a person wants to participate and they are willing to be peaceful.
4. Everyone who is able will pay toward the meal and toward the meal of those who may not be able to pay.
5. The only formal part of the meal will be a prayer of gratitude for the meal and for everyone who particpates.
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