Big Love and Gay Marriage

It seems to me that perhaps the non-compound, non-extreme, still-practicing mormons and gays and lesbians seeking legitimazation through marriage should hook-up. If the "normal" polygamists who have multiple but equal marriages between consenting adults and homosexuals who want something similar can "come out" and show their normalcy and how they are from opposite ends of the political spectrum, yet can come together--maybe both can advance their cause and image.

Of course, this sounds a bit "Kum Bah Ya" even for me. I personally think polygamy among equals is more of a fairy tale than Britney's comeback; and I think polygamy among unequals-even if not underage-is a greater threat to the sanctity and legitimacy of marrige than two loving gays or lesbians.

Big Love

Ironically I have fallen in love with the HBO series-Big Love. The premise is a devout yet "secular" Mormon family in Utah that still upholds the tenets of polygamy. This family, the Henricksons spans the gap between the FLDS and their "Amish-wear" and compounds and the main-stream "Apple Pie" Mormons of suburban Salt Lake City. It is not just the intriguing premise, the excellent acting or the amazing writing, directing and production. All those things this series has in spades as well. It is also the underlying values. The unassuming way-almost "pilgrim-like" approach to religion. The plea of "We know you don't agree, just give us the space to believe different from you.". It is enticing and fresh-NOT that I am interested in converting to the followers of Moroni and the debatable Joseph Smith, NOR am I interested in acquiring more than one wife-Sephania is ALL I want or need. Rather it is the "pilgrim-like", unassuming approach I mentioned before. There is something breath-taking and refreshing in it. Something that is all to absent in the current flavors of right-wing fundamental evangelical Christianity. I think it is humility-and the reason it rings so true-is that no other message was at the message of Jesus's philosophy. Not that the individual beliefs are to my taste-but the humble approach is long missing from Christianity-and "approach" is one of the biggest characteristics of the original Jesus-brand that I know.

On Lupe Fiasco and Cousin Lynn's Comment

My cousin, Lynn, made the following comment on my blog concerning Lupe Fiasco--I have some comments for her comment myslef--I'll make them after her's . . .

"I too love Lupe Fiaso and his music. Check out him and Jill Scott in Daydreamin' one of my all time fav's.
I have agreed with you and proclaimed my frustration in the church and the way they have capitalized religion.
I have agreed with you and proclaimed my frustration with Christians who only go to church so they don't have to be Christians everyday.
I have stated that I am not religious but instead spiritual in nature, trying everyday to break down the barriers that lead men who claim to be ruled by a teaching of love to kill in the name of doctrine.
However....I am a follower of Christ. I believe all of the differences from one Christian church to the other to be minutia. They all believe in Christ and that is the important part. Are they perfect, absolutely not. I believe everyone has the right to accept whatever religion they want, Christian or not, but I, in no way, would support or declare another religion as something that I was proud of or agreed with. I can agree to disagree with people and allow them to say what they will, but I will not be proclaiming what I do not believe in. Do not allow your voice to be used for something you do not believe in. By posting this video you, in essence, are proclaiming that you agree with him and that Mohammed is the equivalent to Jesus or the true prophet of God.
I can not agree with you on this one."

Obviously, the part where we digress is witnessed by her own transition "however". Cousin Lynn is under the assumption or presumption that my posting of Lupe's Muhammed Walks somehow constitutes my "witnessing" or "proclaiming" a Muslim message. More importantly, she assumes I would (or perhaps should) have a problem with that.

Since Cousin Lynn is a faithful follower of this blog--I feel rude not directing this to her--not to single her out; but in an attempt to not be rude; or so as not to feel as though I am talking behind her back instead of to her face. That being said--I will henceforth direct this to her . . .

Lynn--the assumptions/presumptions laid out earlier get to the heart of your issue. You state that I alleged that I "support or declare another religion as something that I was proud of or agreed with". I did no such thing. In the original post I said I was a fan of Lupe and that this song was "smart and good". I did not issue a testament to the tenets of Islam; and if saying something is good is the same as saying I am proud of it--then there is a chasm of difference in our understanding. Likewise, declaring something as "smart" is not limited to Christian themed or secular themed material, art or media. I assume (yes I know it is dangerous to assume) that you have no issue with his other work--as you yourself even recommended his music in your opening comment. Therefore, is the issue JUST that the song I chose was about Muhammed? It doesn't change his beliefs (anymore than it changes my beliefs) to post it. It doesn't make the song go away or not exist--so I don't quite comprehend how posting it is a declaration or promotion of Islamic values or beliefs.

Secondly, implied or inherrant in your comment is that I should see something wrong with Lupe's beliefs or with my posting the song. I do not. I believe what we have in common is greater than what divides us. I know you fervently defend the right of everyone to believe what they want to believe; you have no objection to Lupe choosing to be Islam--indeed, you state such in your comment. Your only issue is that I posted said song. But I ask you--why is it offensive. If America gives us the right to think, believe and express whatever we choose personally; is not the logical consequence listening to each others beliefs? Listening to someone else doesn't mean I am brainwashed into their thinking--instead it means often that I have a clearer understanding of my own beliefs--BECAUSE they are exposed to other beliefs and challenges. Faith that cannot be exposed to other beliefs or review is not faith worth having. Your passioned defense of Rick Warren's presence at the Inauguration was one of the voices that caused me to self-reflect and review my own critiques. (see here) Is that fairness of opinion only reserved for Christian beliefs?

Finally, and this is the crux, I have nothing against my fellow humans. I find there is some peace and truth in the teachings of Muhammed. I find solace in the wisdom of the Jews. I appreciate the symbolism and learnings of Shiva and Hinduism; I can learn from Jainism, Buddhism and Taoism. And yes, I can and do look for guidance in the teachings of Jesus Christ as well as Darwin or Marx or Jefferson or Ghandi or Lincoln (all 6 were "non-traditional believers"). In fact, Lupe remade/released that song to show what we had in common. After listening to Kanye's Jesus Walks, he thought "Hey we believe Jesus was a prophet too. Lets highlight what we have in common." (listen to interview here - segment 1 has the interview--and scroll down near the bottom for the extended interview) His understanding or worldview is not the same as mine, but neither is yours; but I can appreciate his sincerity. I can appreciate his attempt to show that Islam and Christianity share a same G-d; share many of the same teachings; and many of the same people. I have no problem with anything he said in the lyrics (click for full lyrics)

"For we all are sinners

Bless us to be among the winners

When it ends

But until then please strengthen the mission within our hearts

All praise is due to God"

Amen

Advent

OK--Advent has become probably my favorite time of year since I converted to Catholicism. (I guess I'm technically a lapsed Catholic now?)

When I went through my conversion class, a lot of time was spent on Advent-and I think between Christmas and Lent/Easter period; this time gets short shrift. It was explained that Advent was the time of preparation for the feast of Christmas (actually 12 days BEGINNING on 12/25 and ending on Epiphany--ever heard of The 12 Days of Christmas???) In predom protestant and increasingly as "christian" becomes synonymous with evangelical-Advent is heard of less and less, with the exception of the cute calendars and perhaps an occasional advent wreath.

Advent is actually a wonderfully, beautiful time that modern Christians, and Americans could benefit from. Christmas was never meant to be celebrated as the "birthday" of Jesus. Rather it was the official festival where the birth of Christ was celebrated. The difference is not just semantics. When early Christian(Catholic) fathers were growing the faith, it was not uncommon for secular holidays to get hijacked and "rebranded" as Christian feast days. The winter solstice is a virtual "whos's who" of religious holidays-most involving light. Why? It is the darkest, shortest day of the year--what better way to deal with this than celebrating figurative "lights" piercing the darkness. This was the mindset when the day was chosen to celebrate the arrival of Christ into the world.

Advent is the 4 week period prior to December 25th. Each week the believer is supposed to draw closer to God in anticipation of the coming of the Christ symbolically into their life again. Each week there are special readings and lighting of candles that is climaxed by the lighting of the "Christ Candle" on Christmas Eve at midnight.

It would do a lot of Christians good to remember the concept and preparation of Advent instead of touting cliche's like "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" or ranting about the war on Christmas. Perhaps, if evangelicals spent more time in self-reflection and the coming of Christ into their personal lives; then maybe they, their church, and all of us would be better off. Maybe if we all spent time in self-reflection on what it means to be light in the darkness, we'd all be better off as well.

Sacrementables Blog Post on Bourbon Cowboy

Check out a GREAT post on Dave Dickerson's Bourbon Cowboy blog on Sacrementables--handy communion-to-go cups.

Brilliant!

http://bourboncowboy.blogspot.com/2008/08/sacramentables.html

A MUST read!

Spirituality vs. Religion

OK I realize when you read this many will be thinking they really understand the difference. When I was in church I heard this comparison many times. Even the fundy bumpersticker: "I'm not religious, I just love the Lord." plays to the comparison. Many churches, especially charismatic/non-denominational Evangelical churches have a lot of "pride" in their "anti-religious" stance. Even I will not claim to be an expert because I recognize I have to fight being dogmatic about my anti-religion, anti-church rhetoric.

All that being said, the difference doesn't come down to what you think you are. Many religious people espouse anti-religious sentiments while exhibiting Phariseeical traits and beliefs.

Spirituality comes down to self-reflection. It comes down to looking not just at what other people do, but what you do. Spirituality is living the beliefs others espouse, not necessarily because you "believe" them, but because they are just who you are, the way you live your life.

Perhaps the biggest difference is spirituality is totally NOT contingent on anyone else; not their beliefs, not their thoughts or feelings, not their approval or acknowledgement, not even neccessarily their knowledge. I am not one of these people who believes if you dod a good deed you should never mention it. I think there is a difference in talking about who you are and bragging. I don't think you should seek out opportunities to tell your good deeds, but if someone asks you or if it comes up, it is not a bad thing to acknowledge-but recognizing you are not doing it for that acknowledgement.

Perhaps it is that recognition that makes the difference. It is self-reflection that makes that recognition possible. It is critically important that you live the EXAMINED life. It is the only life worth living. Examine WHY you believe what you believe and do it HONESTLY. Examine WHY you do what you do and look at it HONESTLY.
If you go to church for the social aspect-just admit that. There should be nothing wrong, social interactions ARE important and a reason we go to church, temple, mosque, etc.
If you are a smart person just admit that, don't buy into the lie our society has created that being smart means being arrogant. If you are arrogant, work on that (I have to) but that doesn't mean you shouldn't ackowledge your intelligence.
WHY do I say all this in this post? Because it is those first steps of honesty that create a habit of honest self-reflection. And it is that honest self-reflection that can lead to real good being done, real love being shown, real spirituality and not religiosity. And with real spirituality built on honest self-reflection, goodness and love-we can truly change the world.

That was what Jesus and Buddha were really aiming for-stripping the religions away from their core message and purpose and changing the world. Think about it and . . . ACT.

Funny Thoughts from Cousin Lynn

The following thoughts came to me from Cousin Lynn. Enjoy! :)

During these serious times, people of all faiths should remember these four religious truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian world.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters!

What is Faith? What could Faith be?

Faith is thrown around a lot, but not every one acknowledges what faith means. Sometimes faith is used as a catch-all or even scape goat "I don't have to prove my beliefs to you--I have Faith . . ." I think Faith should mean something more. I think we should grow, extend and stretch our faith. Anyone can choose not to believe in scinece on the basis of faith--the Catholic Church didn't forgive Galileo for saying the earth went around the sun, until late in the 20th century--but it takes REAL faith to say, I'll believe what science can prove to me; and yet still seek for the better part of life--the morals, the wisdom, the grace, the LOVE. I was raised in a fundamentalist, religious right tradition. I was raised to “hear from G-d”, etc. I thought it was just my lack of faith growing up, becasue even when I thought I was “hearing from G-d”–it really felt like I was just using my own common sense. This of course led to much consternation, questioning, doubt, etc. As an adult I have kind of come to believe that faith is more like a general target, and that “thinking on G-d” or praying or meditating, is a way for our conscious and sub-conscious to settle down from the distractions of the world and focus on the truths we know in our heart, and use them to make a wise decision, find peace, or gain “solid ground”. I do not mean to disparage or trivialize anyone’s faith. I have no problem with someone beleiving. However, I also think it is important that we examine for ourselves what is happening when we “use our faith”. An unexamined faith or an untested faith leads to blind fundamentalism, intolerance and ultimately the exact opposite of what Faith is supposed to stand for. I don’t see, or feel that the acceptance of logic/reason/science and the understanding of what really happens when we “pray”, “believe” or have “faith” should then negate that. I have no problem with people calling it what they want, using whatever stories, explanations, descriptions to describe the effects. But why can’t it just be that–and why does that recognition mean that faith is impossible. In short, Knowing that gravity makes the world spin and that it is the physics of the universe that started that process and keep it going, should not negate one’s “faith”. (and again, I use “faith” to not just mean religion, or theological thoughts, but to represent the core of every human’s beliefs in whatever they choose to believe in). In my opinion this truth only makes my inner faith stronger and more beautiful. Perhaps we should move our paradigm from faith aligning more with emotions to having it align in our minds more with wisdom.

FAITH is what we BELIEVE in.

Hi everyone,
I was going to write about the propensity for myth among the Fundy right. However, I had to do this first--I may get around to that tonight, but I had to get this post out.

I have been listening to the YES WE CAN video all day long. And it has MOVED me. I did not want to get on here and write just another blogpost about "fundy-truths". I wanted to write more and deeper than that at this point.

Here's why--that video and the words of Barack Obama in that video are inspiring. Regardless of your political color, as an American, those words should inspire us to be who we know we can be. To reach for the highest pinnacles of progress--not because it is our calling, or our birthright; but simply and profoundly because it is our DNA.

As I was listening I was overcome with the desire to do better and be better. And I realized that is what FAITH is. That is what Faith is about. When I commented on Traci and Beth's blog on Churchrater.com; I complemented Beth on her Faith (who is a Christian) and then went back and complemented Traci on hers (who is an atheist) because it is VERY important to see that Atheists are not "lacking in faith". That faith may be a different kind of faith or in different things (tangible and intangible) but FAITH still exists. Even faith in science, logic and reason constitutes dynamic faith. Faith is not the sole property of one tradition, mindset, people or paradigm. Faith is what we all have in common when it comes down to it. Faith is what moves us each day to be the people we are. The Hebrew scriptures tell us "without a vision, my people perish." Those words, while taken out of context are truth--not just for Judeo-Christianity, or even monotheistic religions; or even for religions at all. Even the non-believer believes in something--I am convinced it is what makes us human. Descartes said "Cognito ergo sum." I think therefore I am. I want to take it one step further . . . Puto ergo sum . . .I BELIEVE therefore I am.