As 2012 comes to an end this evening at midnight and 2013 dawns, I thought it appropriate to offer a few words concerning perspective. Words about what is the really important one thing in life - whatever the season of whatever year.
The few words concerning perspective do not come from me this day but rather from an acquaintance of mine. His name in history has come down to us as Symeon the New Theologian. Symeon was a monastic monk and priest who was revered, ridiculed, and exiled. He was hailed at times as an orthodox Christian theologian par excellence, as well as accused of being an excessive radical and heretic.
I find that sometimes I am on the end of such labels.
Nonetheless, my friend Symeon whether hailed or ridiculed, was passionate about the reality of one's personal experience of God. He penned many words throughout his life but these which follow are ones that strike in me emotions, sensations, soul stirrings which I find hard to articulate. Words which help put in perspective for me the one thing: Knowing God.
As you end your day this evening and awaken to another, please allow the words of my friend Symeon the New Theologian to reverberate in your soul......
"What is this awesome mystery
that is taking place inside me?
I can find no words to express it;
my poor hand is unable to capture it
in describing the praise and glory that belong
to the One who is above all praise,
and who transcends every word.....
My intellect sees what has happened,
but it cannot explain it.
It can see and wishes to explain,
but can find no words to suffice;
for what it sees is invisible and entirely formless,
simple, completely uncompounded,
unbounded in its awesome greatness.
What I have seen is the totality recapitulated as one,
received not in essence but by participation.
Just as if you lit a flame from a flame,
it is the whole flame you receive."
-- St. Symeon the New Theologian (949 - 1022)
Peace for real in 2013,
Dennis
Monday, December 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Fundamentalist Leaders Miss the Mark!
I need to get something off my chest. Please bear with me.
I have listened to a variety of sources ranging from YouTube videos, several ministry podcasts as well as having read several articles thus far on the tragic event in Newtown Connecticut. I have found many of these sources, religious and otherwise, to be insightful, tender, wise and helpful. But today, today I heard from three conservative right-wing religious leaders that left me quite frankly shaking my head in disappointment.
In essence, all three of these leaders were saying in their own way and their own words that the young man who did the killing was satanic; that the whole event was the judgement of God on our culture, and we all better reconsider our worldview to be the same as these leaders, and repent - or we shall all likewise perish! Now, wasn't that helpful?
Please don't misunderstand me, these negative doomsday proclaimers have every right to say what they want to say and what they believe. But can we talk? I mean really, where is their humanity? Where is their sense of emotion and decency? Where is their heart for the tragic circumstances these parents, family and friends - our entire nation - is suffering right now? I heard no human concern from these religious leaders! Only judgement and wrath. Only their conservative fundamentalist theological interpretation and bias. Nor were there offers of any possible actions that we might take or solutions we might pursue to help prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
These leaders were speaking to their followers and they were telling them how to respond to questions posed to them about why their God would allow or bring to pass a tragedy like this to happen. Why did it happen? They were told because of Satan, sin, judgement and God's wrath. They were told that others in our nation had better believe just like they believe or they too will experience the wrath of God.
Followers of these religious leaders could then all return to their holy huddle and stay uncontaminated from the world cause after all they have done all they could do in this sinful, terrible, hell bound, corrupt world.
Does anyone wonder anymore why this kind of theology and belief system has lost so much credibility over the last generations in this nation? There is very little loving kindness and compassion to be found! It has become like the resounding gong or clinging cymbals of 1 Corinthians 13.
God help us all discover or rediscover the profound love and mercy of your Spirit.
Peace for real,
Dennis
I have listened to a variety of sources ranging from YouTube videos, several ministry podcasts as well as having read several articles thus far on the tragic event in Newtown Connecticut. I have found many of these sources, religious and otherwise, to be insightful, tender, wise and helpful. But today, today I heard from three conservative right-wing religious leaders that left me quite frankly shaking my head in disappointment.
In essence, all three of these leaders were saying in their own way and their own words that the young man who did the killing was satanic; that the whole event was the judgement of God on our culture, and we all better reconsider our worldview to be the same as these leaders, and repent - or we shall all likewise perish! Now, wasn't that helpful?
Please don't misunderstand me, these negative doomsday proclaimers have every right to say what they want to say and what they believe. But can we talk? I mean really, where is their humanity? Where is their sense of emotion and decency? Where is their heart for the tragic circumstances these parents, family and friends - our entire nation - is suffering right now? I heard no human concern from these religious leaders! Only judgement and wrath. Only their conservative fundamentalist theological interpretation and bias. Nor were there offers of any possible actions that we might take or solutions we might pursue to help prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
These leaders were speaking to their followers and they were telling them how to respond to questions posed to them about why their God would allow or bring to pass a tragedy like this to happen. Why did it happen? They were told because of Satan, sin, judgement and God's wrath. They were told that others in our nation had better believe just like they believe or they too will experience the wrath of God.
Followers of these religious leaders could then all return to their holy huddle and stay uncontaminated from the world cause after all they have done all they could do in this sinful, terrible, hell bound, corrupt world.
Does anyone wonder anymore why this kind of theology and belief system has lost so much credibility over the last generations in this nation? There is very little loving kindness and compassion to be found! It has become like the resounding gong or clinging cymbals of 1 Corinthians 13.
God help us all discover or rediscover the profound love and mercy of your Spirit.
Peace for real,
Dennis
Monday, December 17, 2012
People Kill People - Too Often With Guns!
I find myself tearing up almost every time the news on television describes the event and aftermath at Sandy Hook Elementary School in the state of Connecticut. It was a massacre of twenty little children and six adults by a deranged young man using a "domesticated" version of an M-16 military weapon. It is tragic in every sense of the word. It is horrific, evil, indescribable, senseless. And it seems to be a pattern in our increasingly drifting, compass-less society.
I am deeply saddened and troubled that we live in a culture that is seemingly addicted to violence - in our politics and war-making, supported many times by religion; domestic violence in our homes and families; much of our entertainment, many of our movies and television programs; increasing violence in professional sports; not to mention computer games, musical lyrics and rap; and a national fascination with guns!
I heard that today 34 people in our country will die by means of a gun. And 34 more tomorrow, and 34 the next day - and 34 everyday. If nothing is done, if no action is taken by all levels of government, religion, education organizations, parents, grandparents, mental health professionals, the NRA, etc, then during the next 4 years 48,000 people in our country will die by means of a gun! That number is about the same as all Americans who died in the Viet Nam war over a ten year period! In our nation, among our people. Addicted to violence. Tragic.
But there is reason for hope, even now.
As I have stated before, I am an imperfect follower of Jesus. Jesus believed in and practiced nonviolence toward humanity throughout his life and ministry. He told us to love even our enemies. He taught us to put away the sword. He taught us to love God, to love neighbor, and to love self. He went to the grave committed to these truths and desiring that we would follow in his steps. Will you? Will I?
We can if we will renounce violence at all levels, beginning with ourselves. We can we if will teach nonviolence and model nonviolence in our families. We can if we embrace daily pray and meditation across our nation. We can if we support strict gun control and background checks and a complete ban on assault weapons. We can if instead of being preoccupied with so called success and power, status, wealth and control, and being consumed by consumerism, we chose to lead simpler lives, with our spouses, children, neighbors, the world.
Will a positive change happen overnight? Of course not! But if we are committed to nonviolence and we persevere, incredible changes for the good will take place.
As for me and my house, we desire to follow Jesus and his example. I pray that in your life and in your way you will chose the same. Our very survival and the survival of our children depends on it.
Peace for real,
Dennis
I am deeply saddened and troubled that we live in a culture that is seemingly addicted to violence - in our politics and war-making, supported many times by religion; domestic violence in our homes and families; much of our entertainment, many of our movies and television programs; increasing violence in professional sports; not to mention computer games, musical lyrics and rap; and a national fascination with guns!
I heard that today 34 people in our country will die by means of a gun. And 34 more tomorrow, and 34 the next day - and 34 everyday. If nothing is done, if no action is taken by all levels of government, religion, education organizations, parents, grandparents, mental health professionals, the NRA, etc, then during the next 4 years 48,000 people in our country will die by means of a gun! That number is about the same as all Americans who died in the Viet Nam war over a ten year period! In our nation, among our people. Addicted to violence. Tragic.
But there is reason for hope, even now.
As I have stated before, I am an imperfect follower of Jesus. Jesus believed in and practiced nonviolence toward humanity throughout his life and ministry. He told us to love even our enemies. He taught us to put away the sword. He taught us to love God, to love neighbor, and to love self. He went to the grave committed to these truths and desiring that we would follow in his steps. Will you? Will I?
We can if we will renounce violence at all levels, beginning with ourselves. We can we if will teach nonviolence and model nonviolence in our families. We can if we embrace daily pray and meditation across our nation. We can if we support strict gun control and background checks and a complete ban on assault weapons. We can if instead of being preoccupied with so called success and power, status, wealth and control, and being consumed by consumerism, we chose to lead simpler lives, with our spouses, children, neighbors, the world.
Will a positive change happen overnight? Of course not! But if we are committed to nonviolence and we persevere, incredible changes for the good will take place.
As for me and my house, we desire to follow Jesus and his example. I pray that in your life and in your way you will chose the same. Our very survival and the survival of our children depends on it.
Peace for real,
Dennis
Saturday, December 8, 2012
"The Way, the Truth, and the Life"
For some time now I have been thinking about the subject of salvation as it pertains to humanity, now and through history. For a long time I have accepted the orthodox Christian position that the only way to receive eternal salvation was through the person and work of Jesus Christ. But to be honest I have always wondered about God's justice concerning those through history who have never heard the name Jesus, or those even now in modern times who haven't heard his name, or have, but are authentically fulfilled in some other religion which does not subscribe to the orthodox Christian view of salvation when understood as through Jesus only. Are they all destined for an eternal torturous hell?
I certainly do not have all of this worked out in my own mind and soul to my satisfaction but I no longer accept the idea that to ask questions and consider other views concerning such things makes one a heretic. Although I know of some who think I have crossed the line and am on the brink of apostasy - if not already there. Nonetheless....
Jesus is quoted by John in his gospel (John 14:6), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." This is an important proof text that Christians have uttered down through the centuries to defend the teaching that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. Okay, fair enough.
As many of you know I love to read theology and recently I came across another view of Jesus' words in John 14:6 that I found intriguing and I offer a brief overview of it here for your consideration and comment.
In verse five of this chapter Thomas asks Jesus to show him the way. Now "a way" is a path, or a road, or a journey. Jesus had been making his way to Jerusalem and to his death and resurrection. Jesus responds to Thomas as quoted above.
I think it interesting that throughout the Gospels from the beginning, Jesus' way leads to his death followed by his resurrection. Is this not instructing followers of Jesus that the way to life in the presence of God is through a kind of death followed by newness of life? Could it be that John's meaning in this passage, using the example of Jesus, is a metaphor for the authentic holy life? In other words, the "way" - the path of dying to the old way of being and being born into a new way of being - is indeed the only "way" to God? And this "way" - of dying to the old way of being and being born into this new way of being - is actually known in many of the world's religions through the Spirit of God? That this way of Jesus is a universal way, known to millions of humans throughout history up to the present time who may have never heard the name of Jesus, or who know this way apart from the name Jesus? Think about the wonderful implications of this!
Incarnation means a kind of embodiment. Jesus is not only the way, he is what the way embodied in a person looks like. He is not only truth, Jesus is what the truth embodied in a person looks like. And Jesus is not only life, he is what real life embodied in a person looks like!
So there it is. A brief view of John 14:6 from a different perspective. Thanks for reading.
Peace for real,
Dennis
I certainly do not have all of this worked out in my own mind and soul to my satisfaction but I no longer accept the idea that to ask questions and consider other views concerning such things makes one a heretic. Although I know of some who think I have crossed the line and am on the brink of apostasy - if not already there. Nonetheless....
Jesus is quoted by John in his gospel (John 14:6), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." This is an important proof text that Christians have uttered down through the centuries to defend the teaching that Jesus is the only way to eternal life. Okay, fair enough.
As many of you know I love to read theology and recently I came across another view of Jesus' words in John 14:6 that I found intriguing and I offer a brief overview of it here for your consideration and comment.
In verse five of this chapter Thomas asks Jesus to show him the way. Now "a way" is a path, or a road, or a journey. Jesus had been making his way to Jerusalem and to his death and resurrection. Jesus responds to Thomas as quoted above.
I think it interesting that throughout the Gospels from the beginning, Jesus' way leads to his death followed by his resurrection. Is this not instructing followers of Jesus that the way to life in the presence of God is through a kind of death followed by newness of life? Could it be that John's meaning in this passage, using the example of Jesus, is a metaphor for the authentic holy life? In other words, the "way" - the path of dying to the old way of being and being born into a new way of being - is indeed the only "way" to God? And this "way" - of dying to the old way of being and being born into this new way of being - is actually known in many of the world's religions through the Spirit of God? That this way of Jesus is a universal way, known to millions of humans throughout history up to the present time who may have never heard the name of Jesus, or who know this way apart from the name Jesus? Think about the wonderful implications of this!
Incarnation means a kind of embodiment. Jesus is not only the way, he is what the way embodied in a person looks like. He is not only truth, Jesus is what the truth embodied in a person looks like. And Jesus is not only life, he is what real life embodied in a person looks like!
So there it is. A brief view of John 14:6 from a different perspective. Thanks for reading.
Peace for real,
Dennis
Monday, November 19, 2012
Reflections in Silence
Isn't it something how it is apparently possible to go through life and miss life? How we can run hell-spent after money, status, career, possessions, power, control, success... and miss life? How we can parade ourselves through life with purpose, goals, ambition, accomplishment and yet not have a clue as to what life really is? All the while thinking we know what life really is?
As an imperfect follower of Jesus, I find myself often reflecting on the will of God in and for my life, believing that is what life really is. I am what some call a seeker, a person who seeks after God and the deeper things of God - often in silence and solitude - wanting more of him, "knowing him as I am known of him," never content with where I am in him. Desiring more. But where am I headed? Where is he leading me?
As I reflect on so much of what is called Christianity in my culture of America my heart hurts for those who seem to accept the spiritually superficial, all the while believing they have it all figured out. Those who seem to think that God and salvation are the latest Christian fad or fashion, brand, doctrine, political issue, mega-church, or Christian public relations campaign, and miss the genuine penetrating, never-ending, deep down drawing of the Spirit.
But then I am reminded of, humbled and encouraged by the prayer of Thomas Merton from his book, Thoughts in Solitude. He prays:
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from this desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
Wow! To God be the glory!
Peace for real,
Dennis
As an imperfect follower of Jesus, I find myself often reflecting on the will of God in and for my life, believing that is what life really is. I am what some call a seeker, a person who seeks after God and the deeper things of God - often in silence and solitude - wanting more of him, "knowing him as I am known of him," never content with where I am in him. Desiring more. But where am I headed? Where is he leading me?
As I reflect on so much of what is called Christianity in my culture of America my heart hurts for those who seem to accept the spiritually superficial, all the while believing they have it all figured out. Those who seem to think that God and salvation are the latest Christian fad or fashion, brand, doctrine, political issue, mega-church, or Christian public relations campaign, and miss the genuine penetrating, never-ending, deep down drawing of the Spirit.
But then I am reminded of, humbled and encouraged by the prayer of Thomas Merton from his book, Thoughts in Solitude. He prays:
"My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from this desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."
Wow! To God be the glory!
Peace for real,
Dennis
Sunday, November 11, 2012
A Veteran's Day Conflict
I am noticing on Facebook today all the genuine and supportive posts about this being Veteran's Day. I have to say over the last several years every time this day rolls around I experience mixed emotions and I know why.
Along with every other American I have been conditioned from an early age to view the U.S. Military and military personnel with an almost sainthood status. These are young men and women who were drafted into or now volunteer to "defend freedom," sometimes being maimed in the process physically and/or mentally and sometimes giving the "ultimate sacrifice." There is something in me still that can admire the commitment and sacrifice these young people make.
On the other hand, their commitment includes rigorous physical training as well as mental conditioning and programing, all for the express purpose either directly or indirectly of killing our fellow human beings. And this quite frankly bothers me. I know they are suppose to kill only our nation's "enemies" when we are under threat but the truth is even with the most sophisticated weaponry and careful intelligence our military, supported by you and me, ends up with "collateral damage," a euphemism for killing innocent women, children and men, all too often. Besides this, our nation has involved itself in conflicts over the years and around the world that have been highly suspect as warranted or necessary. The real reason we fight too often I fear is to wield power and control over other nations so that we can continue our comfortable lifestyle. It seems that Augustine's "Just War Theory" gets very little attention these days.
I just find it all to be at odds with especially the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, along with the teaching and nonviolence of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Paul II (to name a few).
I will say thank you Vets for committing a part of your lives to something I guess you believe in and something bigger than yourselves. I can commend you for that. But my heart's desire is we all pray to come to the full conscious understanding that we are to love our enemies; that those who live by the sword will die by the sword; that violence, war and killing our brothers and sisters around the world is a completely evil and illogical position which will never bring peace.
Peace for real,
Dennis
Along with every other American I have been conditioned from an early age to view the U.S. Military and military personnel with an almost sainthood status. These are young men and women who were drafted into or now volunteer to "defend freedom," sometimes being maimed in the process physically and/or mentally and sometimes giving the "ultimate sacrifice." There is something in me still that can admire the commitment and sacrifice these young people make.
On the other hand, their commitment includes rigorous physical training as well as mental conditioning and programing, all for the express purpose either directly or indirectly of killing our fellow human beings. And this quite frankly bothers me. I know they are suppose to kill only our nation's "enemies" when we are under threat but the truth is even with the most sophisticated weaponry and careful intelligence our military, supported by you and me, ends up with "collateral damage," a euphemism for killing innocent women, children and men, all too often. Besides this, our nation has involved itself in conflicts over the years and around the world that have been highly suspect as warranted or necessary. The real reason we fight too often I fear is to wield power and control over other nations so that we can continue our comfortable lifestyle. It seems that Augustine's "Just War Theory" gets very little attention these days.
I just find it all to be at odds with especially the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, along with the teaching and nonviolence of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and John Paul II (to name a few).
I will say thank you Vets for committing a part of your lives to something I guess you believe in and something bigger than yourselves. I can commend you for that. But my heart's desire is we all pray to come to the full conscious understanding that we are to love our enemies; that those who live by the sword will die by the sword; that violence, war and killing our brothers and sisters around the world is a completely evil and illogical position which will never bring peace.
Peace for real,
Dennis
Saturday, November 10, 2012
"Friends Who Stick Closer than Brothers"
Thursday I was returning from a job interview and had made arrangements to meet my friend George for a cheap lunch (remember I'm not working) at a little neighborhood diner. When I got there George was sitting at a table with "Mac" another gentleman I know who was actually on my caseload several years ago in a residential substance abuse program. I had been his counselor for a time and praise God he has been "clean" for many years! It was good to see him and catch up. He didn't know I had lost my job and was sorry to hear it.
So the three of us broke bread together as I secretly hoped that my friend George might pick up the tab for my lunch due to my strained financial circumstances. Mac finished eating before George and me and stated he needed to split. We exchanged goodbyes and Mac went his way. As George and I continued to talk, the waitress came to our table and said she just wanted to let me know that Mac paid my lunch tab!
I had such a warmness and joy fill my soul. My lunch tab wasn't much but that wasn't the point. It was that a man who had struggled with addiction for years; someone that I hadn't talked with for some time, out of the graciousness of his heart, knowing my circumstances felt moved to buy me lunch! It just doesn't get any better than that, right?
But then yesterday another friend and colleague of mine (Jim, a PhD from Yale) who I had worked with for almost twelve years and who was on vacation when I got "canned" decided to get together for lunch so I could explain all that happened in my "canning."
Throughout my explanation of the why and how of my dismissal he sat quietly and intently, listening to my every word, empathizing with what I felt occurred in this painful process. When I had finished he explained to me with emotion, tearing up on at least two occasions, how my departure has left a huge hole in the programs area of the organization and how he cannot remember when someone leaving has had such a profound impact on both staff and the residents I served. He said I have left a powerful legacy that will last. I was touched by his kind and heart-felt words.
Then he said he wanted me to know that if I find myself in a tough situation and in need of "a little financial help" he would be honored to assist. That's when I almost started to tear up.
I know I tend to be a softy, but I gotta tell ya the last few days have been pretty emotional for me. You know it says something in the book of Proverbs about having friends who stick closer than brothers. I am so blessed to say I got a few of 'em!!
Peace for real,
Dennis
So the three of us broke bread together as I secretly hoped that my friend George might pick up the tab for my lunch due to my strained financial circumstances. Mac finished eating before George and me and stated he needed to split. We exchanged goodbyes and Mac went his way. As George and I continued to talk, the waitress came to our table and said she just wanted to let me know that Mac paid my lunch tab!
I had such a warmness and joy fill my soul. My lunch tab wasn't much but that wasn't the point. It was that a man who had struggled with addiction for years; someone that I hadn't talked with for some time, out of the graciousness of his heart, knowing my circumstances felt moved to buy me lunch! It just doesn't get any better than that, right?
But then yesterday another friend and colleague of mine (Jim, a PhD from Yale) who I had worked with for almost twelve years and who was on vacation when I got "canned" decided to get together for lunch so I could explain all that happened in my "canning."
Throughout my explanation of the why and how of my dismissal he sat quietly and intently, listening to my every word, empathizing with what I felt occurred in this painful process. When I had finished he explained to me with emotion, tearing up on at least two occasions, how my departure has left a huge hole in the programs area of the organization and how he cannot remember when someone leaving has had such a profound impact on both staff and the residents I served. He said I have left a powerful legacy that will last. I was touched by his kind and heart-felt words.
Then he said he wanted me to know that if I find myself in a tough situation and in need of "a little financial help" he would be honored to assist. That's when I almost started to tear up.
I know I tend to be a softy, but I gotta tell ya the last few days have been pretty emotional for me. You know it says something in the book of Proverbs about having friends who stick closer than brothers. I am so blessed to say I got a few of 'em!!
Peace for real,
Dennis
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