Jesus, Yeshua and Isa

OK-I'm going to start my series on the Inaugural Speech. However I think I need to start with Rick Warren's prayer. While I had misgivings on Rick Warren being involved-I shouldn't have been, because nothing did more to showcase Warren "overiratedness" or lack of relevancy like his performance at the Inauguration. The prayer was boring and so loaded with cheese, my cholesterol jumped up. His vision and theme were sappy and had the whole "Baptist-fake" sheen.
For example, the way he pronounced the Obama girls named (yes, Jon Stewart made a similar observation) but he was obviously trying to show off his coolness and "acceptance" of their "ethnic" names so he said them the way white people who try to hard-he over-pronounces. My mom does it ALL the time. Its not real, I don't care what anyone says or what his intentions were-its fake--which is my biggest problem with religion and religious people-they (and I when I was a kool-aid drinker) think the intentions are paramount-even over the actions, or consequences or being real. -This will OBVIOUSLY have to be another blog post now . . . :)
However, the biggest thing I took away from Rick Warren's prayer was the misguided, fake-ass attempt to be multi-cultural. When he ended his prayer he said he prayed it in the name of the one who had changed his life-Yeshua, Isa, the son of God, Jesus. Well this is only inclusive to right-wing evangelicals-whose ignorance of Christology, theology and other religions is an open sore. Just using the Hebrew and Arabic pronunciations of Jesus is simply the equivalent of saying "Hey-soos" in Spanish speaking countries. Yeshua is NOT at all recognized in Judaism (outside of the man who led the army around Jericho) and while Isa is Jesus in Islam-the approach and understanding is not the same. Using the other versions of Jesus doesn't reach out to other believers. There were not Jews and Muslims sitting on their sofa going "Oh, I'm so glad he used our language, now I know who he is praying to. That is how I pray too.". That is the worst case of being "just smart enough to be ignorant.". Jews and Muslims don't pray to Jesus, Yeshua or Isa-at all. In fact both are MUCH stricter than Christianity in termsw of monotheism. There is no trinity in Islam or Judaism. They don't believe or pray the same way as Christians, but with an accent. The only thing sadder than that ending to that prayer is how many Chistians didn't pick-up on how ignorant it really was and how many of them felt it was magnanimous and inclusive and cosmopolitan for him to reach out that way. . .

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

I LOVE Lupe Fiasco

I am a HUGE fan of Lupe Fiasco. This is his rendition of Kanye's "Jesus Walks", entitled "Muhammed Walks". Its really good and smart. Kanye's original is below.

Muhammed Walks



Jesus Walks

Devil and Daniel Mouse

OK--I have looked for this show for years. I used to watch it when I was a child on Halloween. Until one day my fundy parents either became aware I was watching it; or had recently been indoctrinated into thinking it was bad.

Anyway--here it is in 3 parts.

Rick Warren-A Change of Mind if not Heart

This is a follow-up to the previous Rick Warren related post. I recieved two comments to teh contrary (thanks!) and have done a lot of reading and reviewing other's opinions.

OK--let me first say there is a DIFFERENCE in allowing someone to have opposite points of view; (I NEVER suggested Warren be silenced or not entitled to his opinions) and giving those opposing view points center stage and top billing.

I still would have preferred, if Obama wanted to do this, to have Warren give the less prestigious benediction and let Rev Lowery (who marched with King and supports gay marriage AND who is giving the benediction) do the "prime time" slot of invocation.

But it is what it is; and ultimately the point made by cousin Lynn, Jack as well as bloggers Nate Silver and Lee Stranahan and here(alhough Bob Cesca agrees with me and again) is THIS is how we do things in Obama's America. and ultimately I'm fine with it. I even sent an email to change.gov stating my support now (only to be fair, since I fired off one after I heard the news). There is an upside in that it seperates the men from the boys as far as working together-disagreeing without being disagreeable. And I strongly disagree with Warren (and his boring little book) as well as Obama for giving him the invocation. But ultimately I trust Obama and it is just a prayer--I'm willing to let this one go. Especially in the hopes of securing sure footing in the attempt to extinguish the rancorous and ignorant partisanship exploited by Republicans and conservatives over the past decades. Huzzah! then, I say Huzzah!

To hear Lee and Bob debate the Warren invitation, you can also listen here.

Rick Warren-I don't like this!

OK, as anyone who has read my blog knows I am very opinionated, and often my opinions are very liberal. I also hope they have seen my calls for bi-partisanship and post-partisanship as well as a need for balance, pragmatism and wisdom. I have spoken for the need for Americans to be united and the President to be President of EVERYONE. Furthermore, I am a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE Obama fan! I trust his wisdom and direction and decisions.
But I disagree and am very disappointed in the decision to have Rick Warren give the inaugaral invocation.
Yes Warren is more moderate on poverty and AIDS issues-how wonderful of him to actually emulate what was Christ's central ministry! And Yes, civil rights veteran Joe Lowery will be given the benediction-so its not like there will be an all out evangelical right-wing fest.BUT, Rick Warren is a lead advocate against Prop 8 in California-"big deal" you say. "He's a evangelical preacher, big surprise?" You say. Well as recent as since the election Warren compared gay marriage with incest and pedophilia. Warren is also anti-abortion in any circumstance and said he agrees with James Dobson on all social issues, his tone is just softer.
Again, "so what" you say. Well here is "so what" we must move past the divisiveness of these issues and they should NOT be legitimalized. I am not saying we should have Gene Robinson-the 1st gay Bishop in the Episcopal Church-give the invocation, I am fine with a moderate-but that is just it-a moderate. Evangelicals have had a disproportionate influence on politics and government and society in the name of "bi-partisanship, patriotism and moral values". They gave us George W. Bush and still support him-the only ones who do. I am fine with Obama reaching out to Warren and other leaders to bridge the gap, and find consensus. I am NOT ok with him having someone who declared Obama would unleash a holocost on the unborn.
Maybe this is personal-I was told that I'd be going to Hell because I supported Obama-who would allow homosexuals to take over and kill babies. And even as I write this post I feel the pull to trust Obama knows what he is doing and that the potential back-lash of progressives opposition could really alienate evangelicals-which is detrimental to our country. But I feel their views are too out of the mainstream, too corrosive and too wrong direction for our country. To me this sends the wrong message! These are the people who have no problem with Sarah FREAKIN' Palin, for God's sake.

I love Obama and I trust him. But I strongly disagree with this particular olive branch!

Forward

Ok-I have been doing lots of thinking about my blog in the past week since the election. I had really been following an election/Obama theme-and I do not apologize, I mean this was heralded asone of the biggest elections in our history and definitely the biggest of our generation. So I think that going forward I want to return to more posts about religion and focus on politics where it interesects. Also-and I can't emphasize this enough-the election of President Obama has changed my thinking somewhat. Not that I won't do rants and posts from a cynical or caustic point of view, but I also want to take a page from our new Pres and work towards solutions and pragmatic ideas. I think this is partly because Obama's election has seemed to show some of the irrelevance of many of the far-right, fear-mongering, jingoistic, xenophobic, ultra-national, intolerant ideas. Not that they are eliminated, but I do feel that in post-Obama America, a lot of these ideas are being shown in the light of truth and they wither. I want to turn this into a blog post, and will at a later time. And the second reason I want to tweak my attention is the example of our future president. He has proven himself calm, intelligent, controlled and confident. His approach is truly the "3rd Way" and I think vitriol is not beneficial to solution making (or governing). Again, I will still vent, but I hope that my posts serve to ignite discussion, bridge differences, expound on common ground, and do my small part to moving us forward as a nation, as a people and as a community.

An END to Phariseeical Politics

Let's END this NOW! This year; This time! Kay Hagan is on the RIGHT track!

The Bubble of Evangelical/Rightwing Conservatism

This is a very poignant article form the HuffingtonPost.com.

Oliver Willis --author

The Bubble Convention

Ricardo Montalban and Hervé Villechaize are not the only residents of Fantasy Island. That far-off land of make believe is also the shipping address for many Republicans and the vast majority of the modern conservative movement. The ongoing Republican convention is the sort of evidence that would get Fred Thompson's D.A. on Law & Order to nod knowingly and drawl "go to trial".
Conservatives have spent a lot of time and money constructing their Fantasy Island. Some of it was planned, but much of it grew organically. From the think tanks propped up by rich lunatics and big business, the demagogic talk shows that blast out twenty-four hours of nonsense, to the television news shows and channels that regurgitate the propaganda and even the right wing blogs that were too pathetic to grow their own communities and instead had to be the product of GOP consultants, the conservative movement has a well oil machine that has sold the nation on ill-conceived wars, tax policy, and the like.
The problem the movement ran into is when it selected then re-elected a leader into the Fantasy that actually believed it. For all their faults, Ronald Reagan knew the religious right was simply his ticket to fortune, and George H.W. Bush recognized the economics as voodoo. On the other hand, George W. Bush actually believes this crap. And so do their followers and hangers-on. Why do you think they remain so loyal to the least popular president of the last two decades? Why, when every other American saw the Iraq War as a mess and the response to Katrina as a disaster and the idea that we should privatize social security in the same class as madness, do these people persist in holding on? Why do they wrap themselves in the death cult of Bush and conservatism? Because they surround themselves with media that tells them that's the way to think.
Objective reality never comes into play. Rush tells them it's a liberal plot of the drive-by media. Fox assures them that they are in the mainstream of public opinion no matter how fringe their beliefs. The Heritage Foundation and AEI show them cooked up numbers with "research" backing their assertions. It couldn't be phony, it says so right here in the editorial section of the Wall Street Journal!
The convention unfolding is the product of that bubble. A convention where the keynote speakers on night one were a failed president, a b-list actor who couldn't muster a single primary win because he thought he could campaign from a golf cart, and a senator who got drummed out of his own party and formed his own dishonest party to retain his seat. These speakers spoke in a poorly lit and laid out arena they could not fill. And when they spoke, they threw out red meat to the crowd that gained much applause - but out in the actual world it just looks like the fringe pandering to the fringe. They don't care, because Hannity will praise it, and Newsmax will legitimize it. They can't ever be wrong as far as the bubble is concerned.
The bubble leads to picks like Harriet Miers and Sarah Palin, both insults to American women by a movement that thinks shared genitalia is all that is needed to get women on board. They couldn't possibly think folks like Sarah Palin are grossly unqualified and out of the mainstream. Why? Because even though he railed against just such a profile a few weeks ago, the Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol thinks she is magnificent too. The man was Dan Quayle's chief of staff, how could he possibly not be a good judge of vice presidential character!?
The enemy of the bubble is always reality. It is not a spin machine on the left that can counterbalance the bubble, just cold hard facts. In 2006 bubble pundits like Hugh Hewitt assured their followers that Republicans were on the verge of painting the entire map red. As late as election day the flock was assured that there was no way Nancy Pelosi could ascend to Speaker of the House. It was insisted that polls were skewed and not to be trusted. Reality, in other words, had a liberal bias. And even after the Democrats took the House and Senate, conservatives used the bubble to convince themselves that their losses were not due to their unpopular president and his policies that had led to the deaths of thousands and global instability. Nope. It was earmarks. As if.
Last week the bubble worked with its regular ally, the mainstream media (who is easily distracted by the shiniest thing and the loudest noise), tried to keep banging the drum for numerous falsehoods about the Democrats. They each dropped like flies as Michelle Obama spoke and was not a militant, the Clintons spoke and called for unity with Obama, and Obama went on the attack and gave specifics while still giving the sort of speech John McCain could not give half of on his best day.
No militant Obamas. No Democratic disunity. No aloof Obama. No weakling Obama. Now, like any rational being did they accommodate this information into their understanding of the world? No, like zombies they shut it out and proceeded to put on this freakshow in Minnesota which will go on for two more days and then on the road with McCain and whoever his running mate might be.
I'm under no illusions that the bubble might pop with a McCain loss in November. The bubble is resilient! It wraps the right up like a cocoon of ignorance (many of the bubble residents resemble the cast of Cocoon) and allows no enlightenment inside. At this point, they couldn't live without it.
I would say I pity them, but I'm not sure what positive purpose any of it serves. Good riddance.

Focus on The Family's Rain Request--G-d as Biased Weatherman

Focus on the Family's newest web ad:

Is this really what Christians want to use G-d for?

RIDICULOUS!!!

PS--notice how he gets abortion and same-sex marriage in there 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!

Moses on the Mountain

I think this will turn into a longer more thought out post at another time. But for now I just wanted to point out that it was when Moses was on the mountain getting all the "religious" stuff that the people got involved in the orgy and idol worship. I also want to point out that this was after G-d had spoken to them to tell them he wanted to make them a nation of priests and they said "No we don't want G-d to talk directly to us. We want G-d to talk to Moses for us instead.". And then because their was no SPIRITUALITY they created their own tangible customs and religion. Meanwhile Moses is getting a lot of "jots and tittles" to make the ignorant and simple people happy--and they actually turn away from G-d.
Atheist, Agnostic, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew or whatever--Not thinking, dogma, lack of self-reflection, ignorance and the absence of spirituality will lead us further from our mission, further from our better selves, further from who we could be.

I Am a Proud American Liberal

Check out this post in defense of liberalism.

Wayne Besen on HuffingtonPost.com

It is campaign season, once again, which means conservatives, will try to paint Democrats as "liberals," as if it were a dirty word. I, for one, am proud to be a liberal and believe we should stand up against these conservative smears.

One of the great fallacies in modern lore is that liberalism stands for nothing and liberals have no core beliefs. The right wing, from the Pope to the President, has impugned the left by unfairly portraying it as a valueless movement mired in moral relativism.

This could not be further from the truth. Indeed, the left is the backbone of freedom, the defender of personal liberty, the guarantor of free speech and religious worship and the nurturer of democratic movements across the globe. Far from believing in nothing, wherever liberal democratic values prevail, civilizations flourish and free people thrive.

The cornerstone of liberalism is the idea that each person is endowed with the precious gift of liberty and can freely choose his or her own path - for better or worse. We believe this is crucial to greater enlightenment, personal growth and ultimate fulfillment. It also offers the best opportunity for people to realize their dreams and achieve their spiritual promise.

Liberalism encourages exploration and education. It reveres science and celebrates the inquisitive mind. Indeed, liberal values are often superior to those held on the right, because they are tenaciously subjected to rigorous examination. Beliefs that are questioned and still prevail are the ones that stand the test of time.

Like conservatism, liberalism has very strong core principles. But unlike conservatism, liberalism is not afraid to question "the way it is." The fulcrum of this philosophy is that all ideas will be constantly examined, scrutinized, studied and debated. If new information emerges to counter the culture's prevailing values or understanding, it will be rightfully taken into account. Far from moral relativism, liberalism searches for the ultimate value in which to build a moral foundation: Truth.

Right wing movements across the globe often seem uninterested in truth if it contradicts their obdurate belief systems. Reality averse, they are woefully unable to adjust to new understandings, burgeoning ideas and cultural awakenings. For example, despite overwhelming evidence that women are the equals of men, they still can't drive or vote in some Muslim countries. In America, gay people are still treated as second-class citizens, even though mountains of science and empirical evidence suggest that homosexuality is as biologically ingrained as eye color or handedness.

Liberals believe in the power of "reason," while conservatives are often just plain reactionary. This is why the GOP is the party of the "southern strategy" and anti-gay subterfuge. Republican power is directly related to fertilizing fear and fomenting fanaticism.

Indeed, the great appeal of modern conservatism, or other forms of authoritarianism, is that people don't have to think for themselves. They can mentally "check out" of this world and place their worries in the hands of a commanding politician or a higher deity.

Modern conservatives are often discomfited by the complexities of life and demand answers to the world's many unanswerable questions. They arrogantly and disingenuously claim to have absolute truth, while liberalism boldly proclaims that it does not have such ubiquitous powers of understanding. Liberalism is for those who are unafraid to fully embrace the magnificent journey of life and tackle the great mysteries of our time.

If one looks at modern conservatism in the United States, it is easy to see that it is a movement of intellectual and spiritual atrophy. In the political realm, conservatives essentially call for judges who are "strict constructionists," which is shorthand for saying "the Constitution is a dead document."

What a monumentally ridiculous notion to put forth, that American jurisprudence has not evolved in more than two centuries! Do strict constructionists believe that women and African Americans should have their rights restricted because the nation's founders treated women as second-class citizens and owned slaves?

Likewise, modern conservatives have also rendered the Bible (or Koran) "dead documents." In conservative houses of worship, traditionalists put forth the untenable belief that holy books are literal. They call these books "God's Plan," as if the Creator hasn't had a new thought in a couple of thousand years.

Modern conservatives will claim that liberals are sacrilegious for holding such beliefs. To the contrary, liberals are often extraordinarily religious or spiritual people. However, they diverge with conservatives in that they believe the strongest faith is one that is subject to healthy skepticism and painstaking examination. In encouraging people to explore all faiths -- free of guilt, shame, coercion or fear -- liberalism also offers people the greatest number spiritual options.

Many of my columns deal with gay themes because equality for gay men and women is the civil rights issue of the new Millennium. However, gay rights mean nearly as much to heterosexuals as they do for homosexuals. The very peace and prosperity of nations can be easily predicted by looking at how they relate to their gay citizens.

If a country treats gay people with dignity and respect and offers them equality, it signals that the country bases its decisions on sound education, rationalism and science. This inevitably leads towards success in all spheres of life.

Countries that ostracize and penalize homosexuals tend to be superstitious, authoritarian and anti-intellectual. This almost uniformly leads to poverty, war, oppression and ultimately tyranny.

A cynic might argue that the United States is not as gay friendly as other countries, yet, it is the richest country in the world. True, but nearly all of America's cities and states that are centers of profit and creativity offer acceptance for homosexuals. States most hostile to gay people are relatively backwards, with lower levels of education and income. Places that offer acceptance signal that they are open-minded and looking towards the future. Locales that reject homosexuals indicate that they are stuck in the past -- at their own peril.

In essence, gay rights are the canary in the coal mine for freedom and prosperity. Unfortunately, the bird is hacking, signaling a period of increased oppression and a dangerous erosion of freedom. It is up to us to rescue this nation from the perilous path it is now on. It is time we proudly stand up for what we believe in. If we don't defend our values, our opponents will define them.

Progressive does not mean passive. Our compassion does not mean that we lack passion. Our respect for other beliefs does not signify that we don't hold strong beliefs of our own that we are willing to fight for. Indeed, our power comes from out ability to adjust to reality. We are secure in our values, yet humble enough to adapt if our viewpoints are proven obsolete. Wherever liberal democracy takes root, a strong and proud record of economic, moral, social and political achievement follows.

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.

Post Modern Religion

I am not sure if such a thing does, could or even should exist. But I think a bit of post-modern mindset would be beneficial for many Christians, as well as adherents of other faiths.

When I first began my quest, it was looking for something more, something different--could it be found in another denomination? then I looked into Catholicism, then I looked and researched other religions besides Christianity. Every religion has its good points, every religion has purposes and even redeeming qualities; and yes, every religion has ignorance, extremes and intolerance.

However, what I found most true is that every religion is really afraid or unwilling to look at itself critically or outside of itself. Religions seem hell-bent--no pun intended--wait yes I did. :) on doing the classic poor logic of using the word to define itself. What makes something logical or even "defined" is the ability to use outside validaters to justify or explain its existence. For example--when I was a child we had this "children's dictionary" which was especially known for definitions like this: "Bananas: Bananas are yellow. Monkeys like to eat bananas." Despite there being two sentences, there is no real definition. All too often, THIS is the approach religions take when justifying or defending their own theology.

The problem with that is the word itself cannot be used in the definition or it is not considered valid. Ask a fundy why they believe in literal creationism and they'll cite Bible verses. Ask a fundy why homosexuality is "wrong" and they'll say things about the depravity of society, and maybe even a "reprobate mind" and then they'll go back to citing Bible verses. In large part it is because the idea itself is not founded in any kind of real proof. It is based on traditions, feelings, ignorance and intolerance.

What I was or have been looking for is a religion that is unafraid to look at itself critically. Unafraid to have adherents sit on the same pews with different opinions. From my research this is much like the early church. Lots of different kinds of believers came and their commonality was a faith and belief in the teachings of Jesus. Different ideas and interpretations were discussed and debated. NOT that this was some philosophical dream; but rather America did not have the numbers, influence or history yet to effectively say "This is EXACTLY who we are." and not like they could afford to turn members away.

I don't see why their can't be one religion that celebrates this kind of approach. But perhaps that is counter to what religion is.

Speaking of--my next blog will be on spirituality vs. religion.

Barack Obama is a Freakin' Political Genius

2 things happened this week with the Obama campaign that not only reassure me of the man's intelligence and political savvy; but also "embiggens" (to quote Jedidiah Springfield, of The Simpsons fame) my faith and hope that this election could be a real turning point for our country.

1> www.FighttheSmears.com is the new Obama website. What is different about this website is that he lays out all the rumors, innuendos and smears against him and BAM! debunks them on site! He is obviously not intimidated by the lies and falsehoods; he acknowledges them as existing and then he sheds light on them. This is incredible for a number of reasons.
First, for a supporter of Obama nothing is more satisfying than to know you not only have such a tool at your fingerprints, but it makes you feel like "Hell, Yeah! THAT is MY President." It keeps any lingering doubt from creeping up wondering what the truth is, or how the campaign will handle it. Second, for a generation that is more and more internet savvy and internet dependent, having a "political" SNOPES.com directly tied to the "urban legends" of your preferred candidate is pretty awesome, and yet a natural fit. Now rumors and "hidden emails" can be refuted as easily as a key-stroke--just like those other emails that filter through the office. Third, it is PRO-ACTIVE. He is putting it out there before he gets hit. He's drawing a line in the sand and saying "There will be no swift-boating this time." He is directly addressing the lies and rumors that Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity put forth in their passive-aggressive way. He's making sure they know he has their number.

2>Obama's campaign has started a new program called The Joshua Generation, it is directly aimed at reaching evangelical youth under 30 (probably under 25). It is aimed to reach them on their level, using the language they know, promoting the values they have chosen. It is aimed at that group of evangelical youth that have grown up on "youth group" and yet are in their college years. And its point is to work with them to see that their faith is more complex than gay marriage and abortion. Watch for this plan to be SUPER-successful.

So, again, Obama is a FREAKIN' political genius. I just hope that our country is ready for a smart president.

Religion and Sex

This entry will probably turn into a series of posts, but for now we'll start with one.

I am really convinced that a lot of issues find their root in the combination of these two topics.

I wonder what is the deal, and this is an area where Fundy's and evangelicals are certainly NOT alone, and neither is Christianity.

I do not pretend to be an expert on all religions, and feel free to fact check anything I say, but it does seem that every religion has some measure of hang-up when it comes to sex. Even the "pagan" religions from the NT or ancient middle-eastern religious with their "temple prostitutes" and "ordained sexual practices" obviously had hang-ups about sex, because they had to (pardon the pun) put it all out there.

In fact I think the only thing that is MORE regulated in the world's religions is actual freedom of thought.

Share your thoughts . . . there will be more posts on this, I'm sure.

The Problem with Islamic Extremism As I See It

All religions have fanatics; and good points. The difference as I see it is that while Christianity has somewhat moved into a new paradigm and modernity recently--Islam in the Middle East has largely not. This coupled with the friction always existing between "western" Europe and the Islamic east (since ancient times) has served to escalate the issue. Bush and the neo-cons trying to give religious credence to this hasn't helped either!
Part of the issue is we need to get off our high horses and remember our history, even in this country--let alone that of Christianity--has not been as noble and progressive as some are arguing.
That DOES NOT mean western civilization is not the most advanced (in some areas) up to this point--I for one would rather live ANYWHERE in the western world than in the Middle East. But it CANNOT mean that we ignore the contributions they have made and their potential to make more.
Americans are somewhat blindsided by our relative youth. Iran traces its civilization back to Persia (as you all know); but imagine how that must feel. Look at how we react to the surge of India or China or the resurgence of Russia. Just because Iran has been largely third world in our lifetime; doesn't mean that the people there don't know there own history and know that before our "founding fathers" even set foot on this continent--their civilization had invented many of the discoveries we take for granted today.
Is Islamic extremism wrong--ABSOLUTELY--should the Arab leaders/nations do more to help their people and openly condemn Islamic Extremism--ABSOLUTELY But it is also healthy for us to humble out a bit--put down the flag and cross and realize we are not exactly innocent and also look at how our best intentions might be misunderstood or miscommunicated to the Arab/Islamic audience.

Christian-Right focus on Revelations and End Times

As a Pentecostal raised person I would be remiss if I didn't speak to the unique role Revelatiosn and "end times" plays in our culture and theology. As a child I remember attending the evangelical equivalent of haunted houses: "Tribulation Hoses" which were designed to scare the SHIT out of you and get you saved in some room with faux clouds, cheezy praise music and black lights, along with the requisite actor playing Jesus. In classes and sermons we did all the analysis about the anti-christ and Babylon rising. I think this is what Rove/Delay/Rumsfeld/Bush and Cheney didn't quite get--a lot of those Christian-right backing their support REALLY believe all this. They (some of the Christian-right)wanted us into Iraq because they felt it was fulfillment of biblical prophecy. I had been hearing sermons my whole life about how America will be "embarassed and taken down a notch" before the 2nd Coming.

Then also, the whole Obama anti-christ tie-ins fit right in.
I am not saying everyone should be liberal--we need conservatives and moderates for discourse--but someone needs to do something about these right wing nut jobs--they are dangerous. At the very least we eed to realize who we're getting in bed with, who Republicans are getting in bed with? What A LOT of the Christian Right believes, etc . . . They are not into suicide missions and may be more "advanced" than Muslim insurrgents--but some of their rhetoric and philosophy is scary and dangerous all the same--trust me I know, that is where I came from.

Premonition or Just the Same Gripe?

I found this letter, that I wrote in January of 2004 (before the Kerry/Bush election)

Thought it was interesting:

The case for America's crimes could be made from> our> state sponsored assainations and attempts, our> support> of dictators and installing puppet regimes, on our> playing God on the world stage and damn the> consequences; BUT what about the crime of NOT doing> the right thing, of not supporting the ideals we set> forth in our Declaration of Independence and> COnstitution, of not being a leader instead of a> bully, of not helping our fellow man. We left> Afghanistan to waller in their own filth after they> helped us by getting rid of the Russians, and look> at> the price we paid, and yet we do it again, complete> attention has been turned from Afghanistan to Iraq,> why because we only keep our attention where the> action is, Afghanistan is conquered and subdued for> the moment we can leave them alone but we played> that> game once before and we payed a heavy price.> In the Middle East they call Ammerica the great> Satan, and the Christian right goes bezerk, but in> Islam Satan is not the harbringer of evil, and> antithesis of GOd he is in Evangelicalism, he is a> trickster, a deciever, someone whol lies and> manipulates you for his own good, to get his way. > Do> we really need to draw out the comparison anymore,> just> in that description of their concept of Satan we> stand> accused and condemned and yet we still do NOTHING.> > MY GOd, I am so taken over by this grief and anger. > The scales need to fall from the eyes, we need to> wake> up the apathetic voting bloc, Damn the ignorant> masses> for the time being we've got to get ourselves above> water. I don't do enough, not just to help right> the> situation but to help my fellow man. I let my voice> and cry be diminshed because I'm concerned with> status> quo, I'm guilty becasue I don't say enough, or I> don't> say it loudly. WHO will speak for the Truffula> trees,> the tres have no tongues they can't speak for> themselves, or the Brown Barbaloots, or the> SwammeeSwans or the Humming Fish. I should be> speaking louder lest I regret my attempt like> Schindler, I should be shouting louder lest ther be> no> one to speak when they come for me.> We stand at a crossroads, with unimaginable power,> yet> we have lost respect. and how do we remedy that? by> demanding it, by forcing it, by fear, by conniving,> by> subversion, by ignorance! I repeat the prayer of> St.> Francis of Assisi "God grant me the ability to> change> the things I can, accept the things I can't and the> wisdom to know the difference" All too often I've> looked at that from the standpoint of not fighting> some battles, of accepting life, and while that is> true, the converse is true as well. We ned to look> at> the things we accept and seee if they can be> changed.> My heart will not stop crying out, beging for a> voice, yearning to right the wrong. Where are the> true patriots, the ones willing to stand up for the> universal rights and betterment of man. Where is> our> Thomas Paine, where is our Common Sense. And dare I> say it, not in literal sense but figuratively where> is> our Brutus, where is our well meaning believer who> only wants to save the republic? Where is he, the> one> who with altruistic purposes joined the conspirators> against a comrade because he was first a friend of> Rome. I do not advocate violence of any sort, and> I'm> being more literary than literal, but where are our> patriots?> I know I'm preaching to the choir, I know I'm a> voice> crying in the wilderness but surely I'm not speaking> in vain, surely there are others who feel as> passionate, why don't I know them, why aren't I> involved. I must be a Thoreau lest by my inaction I> am judged a hypocrite or worse, a conspirator by> apathy> and inaction, by those who come after me.> It is WE the people not THEY who hold power, THEYonly have power when WE give it to them. I must bemore active as a WE, I alone will not help fight the"THEY" For the sake of the WE, we must shout loudenough to wake US up!