+ This post is open for editing and additions. So come back! Last updated at 1:15pm ESDT on Tuesday, May 10, 2011.
+ Inner Frontier offers "Be Attention Now" by Joseph Naft.
+ It is very likely that the Presbyterian Church (USA) will finally end its ban on ordaining openly GLBT folks to the office of Pastor or Elder or Deacon. 86 Presbyteries have voted to end the ban. We need 87 Presbyteries. IT WILL HAPPEN TODAY, probably when the Twin Cities Presbytery votes tonight.
Showing posts with label Presbyterians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Presbyterians. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MORE LIGHT -- 1
+ More Light Presbyterians offers "An Open Letter to the Presbyterian Church From One of Your Baptized Kids" by Michael Adee. I am including this in its entirety as the Presbyterian Church (USA) gets closer and closer to realizing the vision of More Light which so many of us have desired for so long:
Grace and peace to all of you. I was baptized as an infant at First Presbyterian Church, Billings, Montana. I was taught faith, Scripture, the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and confirmed at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sulphur, Louisiana. As a kid and teenager, I loved going to church and being part of a church family. I sang in our church choir with my Dad, loved our youth group of four and the all-church potluck dinners. I had Jesus' bumper stickers on my 1963 VW bug when I was in high school. I probably annoyed some of my friends in high school and college with my Christian zeal.
When I affirmed being gay in my late twenties, the Church was no longer a safe or loving place for me, so I left the Church. I give thanks to God for being loved back to faith by Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. I was ordained and installed as an Elder there. I've served as an Elder at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati and First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I began serving as a volunteer with More Light Presbyterians in 1991 and on staff since 1999. I would not be in the Presbyterian Church, or in any church, if not for Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church and their unconditional welcome and invitation to serve God with them.
I believe the 219th General Assembly's Ordination Amendment 10-A offers this kind of unconditional welcome and invitation to faith, grace, salvation, church membership and ministry to all of God's children, not just some.
I've put a lot of my heart, thought, reflection on Scripture, prayer and my life experience into why I wholeheartedly support 10-A and believe it is a gift for God for our Church right now. Our Church will more lovingly and accurately reflect God's heart with the approval of 10-A.
My Top Ten Reasons to Support Amendment 10-A
1. This amendment returns our Church to the historic Presbyterian way of focusing upon faith and character as qualifications for ministry, not martial status or sexual orientation.
2. This amendment honors God's call to ministry and the recognition of gifts for ministry given by God to people regardless of gender, race, marital status, sexual orientation or other human differences.
3. This amendment allows for local congregations to call ministers, elders and deacons who can best meet the needs within their own communities.
4. This amendment affirms the moral equality of all persons and ends discrimination based upon marital status or sexual orientation.
5. This amendment affirms God's diverse creation that we can see in Scripture and in our life together in community.
6. This amendment affirms the gift of love by God to persons not limited by gender or race; and it provides support for the beautifully diverse and sacred reality of love and faithfulness experienced by couples and families in our world today.
7. This amendment allows our Church the chance to shift from 37 years of debate, legislation and judicial cases about sexual orientation and to place our energies on mission, service and a hurting world that needs our care and ministry.
8. This amendment is a helpful solution to the 14 years of departure from the historic Presbyterian standards for ordination. It's time to be honest, G-6.0106b has failed our Church. This "fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness" requirement has brought nothing but hurt, suspicion, division and driven people away from our Church.
9. This amendment affirms that God's creation, God's love, God's grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are available for all persons, not just some.
10. This amendment affirms Jesus' commandment for us to love God, neighbor and self; and to recognize as Jesus' taught that all persons are neighbor in God's world, no exceptions.
Imagine, dream, pray and work with me for a new way of being Church and serving in our world with the passage of 10-A.
with hope and grace,
Michael
Grace and peace to all of you. I was baptized as an infant at First Presbyterian Church, Billings, Montana. I was taught faith, Scripture, the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and confirmed at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sulphur, Louisiana. As a kid and teenager, I loved going to church and being part of a church family. I sang in our church choir with my Dad, loved our youth group of four and the all-church potluck dinners. I had Jesus' bumper stickers on my 1963 VW bug when I was in high school. I probably annoyed some of my friends in high school and college with my Christian zeal.
When I affirmed being gay in my late twenties, the Church was no longer a safe or loving place for me, so I left the Church. I give thanks to God for being loved back to faith by Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. I was ordained and installed as an Elder there. I've served as an Elder at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati and First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I began serving as a volunteer with More Light Presbyterians in 1991 and on staff since 1999. I would not be in the Presbyterian Church, or in any church, if not for Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church and their unconditional welcome and invitation to serve God with them.
I believe the 219th General Assembly's Ordination Amendment 10-A offers this kind of unconditional welcome and invitation to faith, grace, salvation, church membership and ministry to all of God's children, not just some.
I've put a lot of my heart, thought, reflection on Scripture, prayer and my life experience into why I wholeheartedly support 10-A and believe it is a gift for God for our Church right now. Our Church will more lovingly and accurately reflect God's heart with the approval of 10-A.
My Top Ten Reasons to Support Amendment 10-A
1. This amendment returns our Church to the historic Presbyterian way of focusing upon faith and character as qualifications for ministry, not martial status or sexual orientation.
2. This amendment honors God's call to ministry and the recognition of gifts for ministry given by God to people regardless of gender, race, marital status, sexual orientation or other human differences.
3. This amendment allows for local congregations to call ministers, elders and deacons who can best meet the needs within their own communities.
4. This amendment affirms the moral equality of all persons and ends discrimination based upon marital status or sexual orientation.
5. This amendment affirms God's diverse creation that we can see in Scripture and in our life together in community.
6. This amendment affirms the gift of love by God to persons not limited by gender or race; and it provides support for the beautifully diverse and sacred reality of love and faithfulness experienced by couples and families in our world today.
7. This amendment allows our Church the chance to shift from 37 years of debate, legislation and judicial cases about sexual orientation and to place our energies on mission, service and a hurting world that needs our care and ministry.
8. This amendment is a helpful solution to the 14 years of departure from the historic Presbyterian standards for ordination. It's time to be honest, G-6.0106b has failed our Church. This "fidelity in marriage and chastity in singleness" requirement has brought nothing but hurt, suspicion, division and driven people away from our Church.
9. This amendment affirms that God's creation, God's love, God's grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are available for all persons, not just some.
10. This amendment affirms Jesus' commandment for us to love God, neighbor and self; and to recognize as Jesus' taught that all persons are neighbor in God's world, no exceptions.
Imagine, dream, pray and work with me for a new way of being Church and serving in our world with the passage of 10-A.
with hope and grace,
Michael
Sunday, October 17, 2010
SUPPORTING THE PALESTINIANS -- 15
+ updated at 3:57 ESDT on Sunday, October 17, 2010
+ Too many Americans are in denial or ignorance when it comes to our policies in the Middle East. I suggest that you read Wallwritings, a great blog by James Wall, and get informed. James Wall was the Editor of my favorite journal, The Christian Century, from 1972 to 1999. Today he offers "Rahm and the General Are Gone; Time to Put Freeman Back to Work" advocating (as he has consistently) for a huge shift in our foreign policy toward the Middle East.
Excerpt 1: " ... President Obama has at least two more years in which he must work around the Congress and address himself to restoring moral fiber to his handling of the atrocious conduct of the Netanyahu-Lieberman government of Israel. I suggest he start by restoring Charles Freeman to a position of influence in his administration."
(The next 2 excerpts are written by Freeman since he was ousted from the Obama administration in early 2009 probably due to pressure from my NY Senator Charles Schuman, an AIPAC loyalist.)
Excerpt 2: "The Middle East is a constant reminder that a clear conscience is usually a sign of either a faulty memory or a severe case of arrogant amorality. It is not a badge of innocence. These days, we meticulously tally our own battlefield dead; we do not count the numbers of foreigners who perish at our hands or those of our allies. Yet each death is a tragedy that extinguishes one soul and wounds others. This deserves our grief. If we cannot feel it, we may justly be charged with inhumanity."
Excerpt 3: "There is a special irony in having been accused of improper regard for the opinions of foreign governments and societies by a group so clearly intent on enforcing adherence to the policies of a foreign government — in this case, the government of Israel. I believe that the inability of the American public to discuss, or the government to consider, any option for US policies in the Middle East opposed by the ruling faction in Israeli politics has allowed that faction to adopt and sustain policies that ultimately threaten the existence of the state of Israel… This is not just a tragedy for Israelis and their neighbors in the Middle East; it is doing widening damage to the national security of the United States.”
+ Too many Americans are in denial or ignorance when it comes to our policies in the Middle East. I suggest that you read Wallwritings, a great blog by James Wall, and get informed. James Wall was the Editor of my favorite journal, The Christian Century, from 1972 to 1999. Today he offers "Rahm and the General Are Gone; Time to Put Freeman Back to Work" advocating (as he has consistently) for a huge shift in our foreign policy toward the Middle East.
Excerpt 1: " ... President Obama has at least two more years in which he must work around the Congress and address himself to restoring moral fiber to his handling of the atrocious conduct of the Netanyahu-Lieberman government of Israel. I suggest he start by restoring Charles Freeman to a position of influence in his administration."
(The next 2 excerpts are written by Freeman since he was ousted from the Obama administration in early 2009 probably due to pressure from my NY Senator Charles Schuman, an AIPAC loyalist.)
Excerpt 2: "The Middle East is a constant reminder that a clear conscience is usually a sign of either a faulty memory or a severe case of arrogant amorality. It is not a badge of innocence. These days, we meticulously tally our own battlefield dead; we do not count the numbers of foreigners who perish at our hands or those of our allies. Yet each death is a tragedy that extinguishes one soul and wounds others. This deserves our grief. If we cannot feel it, we may justly be charged with inhumanity."
Excerpt 3: "There is a special irony in having been accused of improper regard for the opinions of foreign governments and societies by a group so clearly intent on enforcing adherence to the policies of a foreign government — in this case, the government of Israel. I believe that the inability of the American public to discuss, or the government to consider, any option for US policies in the Middle East opposed by the ruling faction in Israeli politics has allowed that faction to adopt and sustain policies that ultimately threaten the existence of the state of Israel… This is not just a tragedy for Israelis and their neighbors in the Middle East; it is doing widening damage to the national security of the United States.”
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
SUPPORTING THE PALESTINIANS -- 13
+ Recently the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church (USA) dealt with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Breaking Down the Walls," a Report by the Middle East Study Committee was received and mostly accepted. Before the Assembly met, an article in The Christian Century appeared accusing the Committee of an anti-Jewish orientation. The article is "Habits of anti-Judaism" by Ted A. Smith and Amy-Jill Levine, both Professors at Vanderbilt Divinity School.
I wrote them a letter and await a response. Here is my letter:
Dear Professors Smith and Levine,
This is a response to your recent article in The Christian Century, "Habits of Anti-Judaism". I applaud you for writing the article even though I profoundly disagree with much of your analysis.
You have motivated me to actually read the report which you criticize. Thank you!
Full disclosure from the start: I'm a retired Presbyterian Pastor who has long been an outspoken advocate for the Palestinians. I am not anti-Jewish but I will admit right from the start that I do find the creation of Israel in 1948 very problematic.
You accuse the report authors of bad theology. I think I would agree with you that there is some bad theology but I think you picked out parts of the report -- what I would call cherry-picking -- rather than deal with all of the report in its full context.
I think I detect some bad theology on your part.
It seems clear to me that you embrace the view that the Jewish people have a special place in God's plan for the planet and, thus, deserve a homeland long denied. Maybe. Maybe not.
I wonder why your crtiticism was so weak on the twentieth century history of the land we now call Israel-Palestine. No matter what we believe about the Bible and the theology of the Chosen People, it seems clear to me that twentieth century politics has far more to do with the development of Israel as a nation-state than does ancient history.
The United Nations recommendations of 1947 were not at all fair to the Palestinians. The seeds were planted in those recommendations for a tragedy. But the 1947 recommendations were far more fair than the facts on the ground since 1948 and especially since 1967. A tragedy indeed.
It seems to me that one can not avoid dealing with the current situation. I understand that Jewish-Christian relations have been horrible for most of the past 2000 years. But creating Israel and unconditionally supporting the slow but steady ethnic-cleansing of Arabs in Israel-Palestine is not necesarily the best way to mend Christian-Jewish relations.
So, I see your criticism's neglect of current international politics as a significant flaw in your analysis.
Theology is fluid, dynamic, not static. How Jews and Christians believe and behave in our times is very important. An honest look at what really happened in the twentieth century is vital.
In one word: COLONIALISM.
What many of us Presbyterians find so erroneous in the unconditional and special support of Israel is the colonialism which made it possible to be created and continues to make it possible. The UK and then the USA created and continue to maintain Israel. (The UN of 1947 was dominated by Colonial Powers; it was not the UN of today).
Israel for all practical purposes is our colony just as South Africa continued to be a colony until the Black majority finally took control. The Native Arab population far outnumbered the Jewish immigrant population in 1948. And, to use a term now so widely used, many of them were Illegal Immigrants.
So, try to look at what has happened and is continuing to happen from the Arab point of view. And then come up with a theology which affirms their rights with as much passion as you affirm Jewish rights.
Finally, the more I look at the Report of the Committee, the more I see how much cherrry-picking you did. You simply failed to deal with the document as a whole. Yes, you found some flaws which do indeed need to be pointed out.
And so do yours!
I may have more to say as I continue to reflect on this very important conversation about very important human beings, Jewish and Palestinian and Presbyterian and many others.
I welcome your continuing contribution to the conversation with the hope that you definitely will do theology with a passion for justice for the Palestinians as well as the Jews.
love, john + www.abundancetrek.com + "Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice." -- Martin Luther King, Jr. (a speech containing this famous quote is found at http://www.indiana.edu/~ivieweb/mlkwhere.html)
I wrote them a letter and await a response. Here is my letter:
Dear Professors Smith and Levine,
This is a response to your recent article in The Christian Century, "Habits of Anti-Judaism". I applaud you for writing the article even though I profoundly disagree with much of your analysis.
You have motivated me to actually read the report which you criticize. Thank you!
Full disclosure from the start: I'm a retired Presbyterian Pastor who has long been an outspoken advocate for the Palestinians. I am not anti-Jewish but I will admit right from the start that I do find the creation of Israel in 1948 very problematic.
You accuse the report authors of bad theology. I think I would agree with you that there is some bad theology but I think you picked out parts of the report -- what I would call cherry-picking -- rather than deal with all of the report in its full context.
I think I detect some bad theology on your part.
It seems clear to me that you embrace the view that the Jewish people have a special place in God's plan for the planet and, thus, deserve a homeland long denied. Maybe. Maybe not.
I wonder why your crtiticism was so weak on the twentieth century history of the land we now call Israel-Palestine. No matter what we believe about the Bible and the theology of the Chosen People, it seems clear to me that twentieth century politics has far more to do with the development of Israel as a nation-state than does ancient history.
The United Nations recommendations of 1947 were not at all fair to the Palestinians. The seeds were planted in those recommendations for a tragedy. But the 1947 recommendations were far more fair than the facts on the ground since 1948 and especially since 1967. A tragedy indeed.
It seems to me that one can not avoid dealing with the current situation. I understand that Jewish-Christian relations have been horrible for most of the past 2000 years. But creating Israel and unconditionally supporting the slow but steady ethnic-cleansing of Arabs in Israel-Palestine is not necesarily the best way to mend Christian-Jewish relations.
So, I see your criticism's neglect of current international politics as a significant flaw in your analysis.
Theology is fluid, dynamic, not static. How Jews and Christians believe and behave in our times is very important. An honest look at what really happened in the twentieth century is vital.
In one word: COLONIALISM.
What many of us Presbyterians find so erroneous in the unconditional and special support of Israel is the colonialism which made it possible to be created and continues to make it possible. The UK and then the USA created and continue to maintain Israel. (The UN of 1947 was dominated by Colonial Powers; it was not the UN of today).
Israel for all practical purposes is our colony just as South Africa continued to be a colony until the Black majority finally took control. The Native Arab population far outnumbered the Jewish immigrant population in 1948. And, to use a term now so widely used, many of them were Illegal Immigrants.
So, try to look at what has happened and is continuing to happen from the Arab point of view. And then come up with a theology which affirms their rights with as much passion as you affirm Jewish rights.
Finally, the more I look at the Report of the Committee, the more I see how much cherrry-picking you did. You simply failed to deal with the document as a whole. Yes, you found some flaws which do indeed need to be pointed out.
And so do yours!
I may have more to say as I continue to reflect on this very important conversation about very important human beings, Jewish and Palestinian and Presbyterian and many others.
I welcome your continuing contribution to the conversation with the hope that you definitely will do theology with a passion for justice for the Palestinians as well as the Jews.
love, john + www.abundancetrek.com + "Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice." -- Martin Luther King, Jr. (a speech containing this famous quote is found at http://www.indiana.edu/~ivieweb/mlkwhere.html)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
REFORMED CHURCHES ISSUE AN APOLOGY FOR PERPETRATING ABUSE AGAINST NATIVE AMERICANS
+ The World Communion of Reformed Churches has just concluded a meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here is an report by Ecumenical News International on a significant statement by this body which includes the Presbyterian Church (USA):
Grand Rapids, Michigan (ENI). A global Protestant body representing 80 million Christians has issued an apology for the role played by churches in perpetrating abuse against Native Americans, First Nations and other indigenous peoples. "We … repent of our history littered with ways in which we have betrayed Gospel values of justice, fairness, and love for our neighbour … by the confiscation of land, and mass killings," delegates at the founding meeting of the World Communion of Reformed Churches said in a 26 June statement. The 18-28 June gathering in Grand Rapids, in the state of Michigan, took place on the traditional territory of Native American peoples, delegates noted.
Grand Rapids, Michigan (ENI). A global Protestant body representing 80 million Christians has issued an apology for the role played by churches in perpetrating abuse against Native Americans, First Nations and other indigenous peoples. "We … repent of our history littered with ways in which we have betrayed Gospel values of justice, fairness, and love for our neighbour … by the confiscation of land, and mass killings," delegates at the founding meeting of the World Communion of Reformed Churches said in a 26 June statement. The 18-28 June gathering in Grand Rapids, in the state of Michigan, took place on the traditional territory of Native American peoples, delegates noted.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
REFORMED AND ALWAYS BEING REFORMED -- 5
+ Thanks to Presbyterian Voices for Justice (the brand new name of the merged Witherspoon Society and Voices of Sophia), I discovered that USA Today offers "Where have all the Protestants gone?" by Oliver Thomas.
Excerpt 1: "'By valuing the individual quest for faith,' says the Rev. John Lindner in the fall issue of the Yale divinity journal Reflections, 'Protestant practice has resulted in a drift toward the self-authentication of truth, suspicion of ecclesiastical authority and an outbreak of freelance spirituality, launching generations of seekers.' Read steeple dropouts. This has helped fuel the increase in New Age movements as well as in the number of Americans who refer to themselves as 'spiritual but not religious.' Denominational labels and loyalty mean little to such people."
Excerpt 2: "Religion professor and Presbyterian elder Peggy Cowan sees something else — something that could help churches connect with a generation of seekers who might consider portions of the Apostle's Creed on par with Harry Potter. 'Theological exploration,' she calls it. With Jesus as their tutor, successful churches in post-modern America must be willing to affirm that all theology is provisional in light of the mystery of God."
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
Excerpt 1: "'By valuing the individual quest for faith,' says the Rev. John Lindner in the fall issue of the Yale divinity journal Reflections, 'Protestant practice has resulted in a drift toward the self-authentication of truth, suspicion of ecclesiastical authority and an outbreak of freelance spirituality, launching generations of seekers.' Read steeple dropouts. This has helped fuel the increase in New Age movements as well as in the number of Americans who refer to themselves as 'spiritual but not religious.' Denominational labels and loyalty mean little to such people."
Excerpt 2: "Religion professor and Presbyterian elder Peggy Cowan sees something else — something that could help churches connect with a generation of seekers who might consider portions of the Apostle's Creed on par with Harry Potter. 'Theological exploration,' she calls it. With Jesus as their tutor, successful churches in post-modern America must be willing to affirm that all theology is provisional in light of the mystery of God."
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
Monday, February 22, 2010
REFORMED AND ALWAYS BEING REFORMED -- 4
+ There are some people in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and many other denominations who believe that doctrines from past centuries still must be strictly followed. I believe that the doctrines of previous centuries still make a lot of sense but must be understood in ways that check out with our current state of knowledge and wisdom. So, the Progressive Christianity movement makes a lot of sense. We honor the past but are not bound by it. We can move forward. We can and must change.
Those who believe that doctrines from past centuries still must be strictly followed will often say that us Progressive Christians are more influenced by modern social trends than by the Holy Spirit. I take this criticism seriously. We must always seek to discern God's will with plenty of prayer, humility, openness and diligent study of the many factors involved.
I am satisfied that the Presbyterian Church (USA) usually does such discernment with great integrity and courage. The perfecting of our denomination is far from done but it is happening in marvelous ways.
I am glad that I have many Presbyterian colleagues who identify with the Progressive Christianity movement. I will offer a more comprehensive list of groups and individuals in the future but for now let me offer a few:
Those who believe that doctrines from past centuries still must be strictly followed will often say that us Progressive Christians are more influenced by modern social trends than by the Holy Spirit. I take this criticism seriously. We must always seek to discern God's will with plenty of prayer, humility, openness and diligent study of the many factors involved.
I am satisfied that the Presbyterian Church (USA) usually does such discernment with great integrity and courage. The perfecting of our denomination is far from done but it is happening in marvelous ways.
I am glad that I have many Presbyterian colleagues who identify with the Progressive Christianity movement. I will offer a more comprehensive list of groups and individuals in the future but for now let me offer a few:
- The Witherspoon Society
- Presbyterians for Earth Care
- John Shuck, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, TN. Check out Shuck and Jive, his fantastic Blog
- John Preston, Retired Pastor, Northeast Regional Representative, Presbyterians For Earth Care. His recent book, Wrestling Until the Dawn, deals with the need for major reform as we deal with our postmodern era, the ecological crisis and emerging biblical scholarship.
- J. Mark Davidson, Pastor of The Church of Reconciliation, Chapel Hill, NC. His sermons are always provocative, profound, progressive and inspirational. Check out his recent books, Sacred Glimpses and A Luminous Presence.
Friday, February 12, 2010
REFORMED AND ALWAYS BEING REFORMED -- 3
+ We definitely need to re-imagine Jesus. The Jesus Seminar has contributed immensely to a new and much improved understanding of Jesus which moves us away from the Jesus-olatry and Bible-olatry which has plagued our great wisdom tradition for centuries. I love Jesus. I love the Bible. Idolizing Jesus and the Bible reduces their impact. God mercifully gives us the great gift of freedom. We are free to find new meaning and joy and to reject doctrines which simply do not make sense in our times. Great thinkers like Diarmuid O'Murchu, Cynthia Bourgeault, Marcus Borg, Raimon Panikkar, Matthew Fox, Sallie McFague and John Shelby Spong (to mention only a few) are leading us forward with great courage and fantastic freedom and curiosity and wisdom.
In the S&P course on InterSpiritual Wisdom, Cynthia Bourgeault says:
The modern Christian mystical theologian Raimon Panikkar suggests intriguingly that the real problem all along has been that JESUS WAS NOT A MONOTHEIST! His experience of God was much more a flowing, interabiding one (i.e, "I in you, and you in me, that all may be one...)--a flow later captured (though usually misunderstood) in the doctrine of the Trinity, where form, emptiness, created, and uncreated are always engaged in a circle dance of love--yes, Rami, the very essence of divine "is-ing." It was Jesus's claims of too great intimacy with God that violated the strong Abrahamic sense of an unbridgeable abyss between creator and creature and the radical unknowability of God. Panikkar argues impressively that it was the attempt to paste Jesus's radically nondual vision onto the metaphysical basis of Jewish monotheism that resulted in the "San Andreas fault" running through the heart of the Christian message to this day.
Related closely to this powerful idea are the provocative and progressive teachings of John Shelby Spong. Spirituality and Practice offers a review of A New Christianity for a New World: Why Traditional Faith Is Dying & How a New Faith Is Being Born by John Shelby Spong.
Excerpt 1: "Spong tosses aside the theistic supernatural overlay on the man from Nazareth. He sees him as a boundary breaker who tears down the walls that separate people. He also is a fear buster who by his magnetic passion convinces individuals to put aside tribal and xenophobic fears. Spong concludes: 'Jesus will become the doorway into the Holy for those of us who have been privileged to know his name, but there will be other doorways for other people.'"
Excerpt 2: "Progressive Christians who are re-imagining their faith in the twenty-first century will find this thought-provoking and substantive work right in sync with prior works by Matthew Fox, Andrew Harvey, Wayne Teasdale, and Diarmuid O'Murchu."
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
In the S&P course on InterSpiritual Wisdom, Cynthia Bourgeault says:
The modern Christian mystical theologian Raimon Panikkar suggests intriguingly that the real problem all along has been that JESUS WAS NOT A MONOTHEIST! His experience of God was much more a flowing, interabiding one (i.e, "I in you, and you in me, that all may be one...)--a flow later captured (though usually misunderstood) in the doctrine of the Trinity, where form, emptiness, created, and uncreated are always engaged in a circle dance of love--yes, Rami, the very essence of divine "is-ing." It was Jesus's claims of too great intimacy with God that violated the strong Abrahamic sense of an unbridgeable abyss between creator and creature and the radical unknowability of God. Panikkar argues impressively that it was the attempt to paste Jesus's radically nondual vision onto the metaphysical basis of Jewish monotheism that resulted in the "San Andreas fault" running through the heart of the Christian message to this day.
Related closely to this powerful idea are the provocative and progressive teachings of John Shelby Spong. Spirituality and Practice offers a review of A New Christianity for a New World: Why Traditional Faith Is Dying & How a New Faith Is Being Born by John Shelby Spong.
Excerpt 1: "Spong tosses aside the theistic supernatural overlay on the man from Nazareth. He sees him as a boundary breaker who tears down the walls that separate people. He also is a fear buster who by his magnetic passion convinces individuals to put aside tribal and xenophobic fears. Spong concludes: 'Jesus will become the doorway into the Holy for those of us who have been privileged to know his name, but there will be other doorways for other people.'"
Excerpt 2: "Progressive Christians who are re-imagining their faith in the twenty-first century will find this thought-provoking and substantive work right in sync with prior works by Matthew Fox, Andrew Harvey, Wayne Teasdale, and Diarmuid O'Murchu."
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
GOD HAS A DREAM -- 2
+ This is the second in a series of posts on a marvelous book, God Has A Dream by ArchBishop Desmond Tutu.
+ Bishop Tutu deals with the theme of transfiguration throughout the book. This Sunday, February 14, is the last Sunday before Lent when the Goispel lesson is always The Transfiguration of Jesus. Tutu says that the miracle of transfiguration is happening all of the time. He points to the miracle of his own country, South Africa, which mostly peacefully transitioned to allow all of its citizens to vote and participate in their democracy after decades of a brutal apartheid regime. He was a big part of this transfiguration and he became a leader of the reconciling efforts since that regime was replaced.
This Sunday also is now called Evolution Sunday. I believe there is every reason to see that Evolution and Transfiguration are not in opposition but indeed are complementary. Presbyterian blogger John Shuck advocates Evolution as a basic understanding of reality that we need to embrace. He offers an intriguing post, "Better Living Through Evolution" which now has elicited quite a few interesting comments including my own which I am offering here:
It is simply an impossibility that I would not add a thought or 2 to this discussion.
First, I love the archetype of Transfiguration. 3 Utica Presbyterian churches will be studying Desmond Tutu's GOD HAS A DREAKM beginning this Sunday evening. Tutu uses the theme of Transfiguration throughout his inspiring and challenging book. I'm sure he embraces Evolution too.
Second, I agree with those who believe we need to embrace Evolution firmly. There is absolutely no reason to think that we must come up with a different theory simply because Evolution refuses to back up the Genesis stories. Thanks John for your prophetic and illuminating contribution to this effort.
Third, I am a fan of Christian myth and ritual because the radical meaning of our symbols and archetypes does not contradict but affirms the truths of Evolution. I see the effort of David Sloan Wilson as both a promotion of Evolution and Transfiguration. True transfiguration is always happening right now, right here, in this holy moment of life. Perhaps the author of the Gospel of John understands that even better than those who gave us the story of the Transfiguration. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is always transfigured and transfiguring. He is all about change, changing himself and others into people who love one another. Not that the other Gospels don't promote change and love. They do too.
We can evolve, be transfigured, into creatures who live life in a bold and compassionate way, advocating for and creating more and more peace and justice and joy, God's Holy Realm.
+ The Spirituality and Practice team offers connections to practices and resources on Justice and Transformation.
+ There is a website devoted to the book and its ideas and calls to action.
+ Click here to see all of my posts on God Has A Dream.
+ Bishop Tutu deals with the theme of transfiguration throughout the book. This Sunday, February 14, is the last Sunday before Lent when the Goispel lesson is always The Transfiguration of Jesus. Tutu says that the miracle of transfiguration is happening all of the time. He points to the miracle of his own country, South Africa, which mostly peacefully transitioned to allow all of its citizens to vote and participate in their democracy after decades of a brutal apartheid regime. He was a big part of this transfiguration and he became a leader of the reconciling efforts since that regime was replaced.
This Sunday also is now called Evolution Sunday. I believe there is every reason to see that Evolution and Transfiguration are not in opposition but indeed are complementary. Presbyterian blogger John Shuck advocates Evolution as a basic understanding of reality that we need to embrace. He offers an intriguing post, "Better Living Through Evolution" which now has elicited quite a few interesting comments including my own which I am offering here:
It is simply an impossibility that I would not add a thought or 2 to this discussion.
First, I love the archetype of Transfiguration. 3 Utica Presbyterian churches will be studying Desmond Tutu's GOD HAS A DREAKM beginning this Sunday evening. Tutu uses the theme of Transfiguration throughout his inspiring and challenging book. I'm sure he embraces Evolution too.
Second, I agree with those who believe we need to embrace Evolution firmly. There is absolutely no reason to think that we must come up with a different theory simply because Evolution refuses to back up the Genesis stories. Thanks John for your prophetic and illuminating contribution to this effort.
Third, I am a fan of Christian myth and ritual because the radical meaning of our symbols and archetypes does not contradict but affirms the truths of Evolution. I see the effort of David Sloan Wilson as both a promotion of Evolution and Transfiguration. True transfiguration is always happening right now, right here, in this holy moment of life. Perhaps the author of the Gospel of John understands that even better than those who gave us the story of the Transfiguration. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is always transfigured and transfiguring. He is all about change, changing himself and others into people who love one another. Not that the other Gospels don't promote change and love. They do too.
We can evolve, be transfigured, into creatures who live life in a bold and compassionate way, advocating for and creating more and more peace and justice and joy, God's Holy Realm.
+ The Spirituality and Practice team offers connections to practices and resources on Justice and Transformation.
+ There is a website devoted to the book and its ideas and calls to action.
+ Click here to see all of my posts on God Has A Dream.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
REFORMED AND ALWAYS BEING REFORMED -- 2
+ Spirituality and Practice offers a book review of A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that are Transforming the Faith by Brian McClaren. Here's an excerpt from the review: "We've been very impressed with what is coming out of the Emergent Movement, and we welcome the prospect of its growing momentum as more and more seekers find a spiritual home that speaks to their faith, openness to other religions, need for practice, and passion for mending a broken world. Certainly McClaren's books, lectures, and buoyant spirit provide a light to show the way into the hopeful and holy future!"
S&P also offers an excerpt from the book.
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
S&P also offers an excerpt from the book.
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
REFORMED AND ALWAYS BEING REFORMED -- 1
+ My friend Ralph Clingan offers this great contribution to our understanding of "Reformed and Always Being Reformed," the Presbyterian motto:
Dearly beloved! A few years ago I did an inventory of my library. My career as an activist pastor, professor and theologian started in 1961, so I have amassed a large collection of books. The largest single segment of my library consists of books about music, prayer and spirituality. I have a book, The Background of Passion Music (London: SCM Press Ltd, 1957) by Basil Smallman late Musicologist of Nottingham University. I may have cited this wee tome before, but in the wake of the demise of beloved feminist, out and proud Lesbian theologian Mary Daly, Smallman's words reminded me of the importance of such passionate workers among us. Jacob Spener (1635-1705), a Reformed pastor and theologian educated at Strasbourg, spent a year in Geneva. Spener found that "the Calvinist branch of the Reformed Church showed ramarkable humanism in the emphasis laid on practical Christianity, on the expression of faith by good works rather than by the strict observance of doctrinal minutiae." His Pia desidera (1675) contained six proposals to guide his students and colleagues:
i The Bible should be studied in private, small group meetings;
ii The laity should regain their position as a common priesthood and their rights to share in the spiritual governance of the church,
iii A new emphasis be placed on practical Christianity,
iv Unbelievers should be approached with greater sympathy and understanding,
v Increased value should be attached to the cultivation of spiritual life in theological education, and
vi A more direct and emotional type of preaching should be encouraged.
As we enter the last year of the first decade of 2000, I found Smallman's citations from Spener a good reminder of how enduring a legacy is ours. Aluta continua ...
Thanks Ralph. Defintely something worthy of consideration as Christians struggle to work out our identity in a new millenium.
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
Dearly beloved! A few years ago I did an inventory of my library. My career as an activist pastor, professor and theologian started in 1961, so I have amassed a large collection of books. The largest single segment of my library consists of books about music, prayer and spirituality. I have a book, The Background of Passion Music (London: SCM Press Ltd, 1957) by Basil Smallman late Musicologist of Nottingham University. I may have cited this wee tome before, but in the wake of the demise of beloved feminist, out and proud Lesbian theologian Mary Daly, Smallman's words reminded me of the importance of such passionate workers among us. Jacob Spener (1635-1705), a Reformed pastor and theologian educated at Strasbourg, spent a year in Geneva. Spener found that "the Calvinist branch of the Reformed Church showed ramarkable humanism in the emphasis laid on practical Christianity, on the expression of faith by good works rather than by the strict observance of doctrinal minutiae." His Pia desidera (1675) contained six proposals to guide his students and colleagues:
i The Bible should be studied in private, small group meetings;
ii The laity should regain their position as a common priesthood and their rights to share in the spiritual governance of the church,
iii A new emphasis be placed on practical Christianity,
iv Unbelievers should be approached with greater sympathy and understanding,
v Increased value should be attached to the cultivation of spiritual life in theological education, and
vi A more direct and emotional type of preaching should be encouraged.
As we enter the last year of the first decade of 2000, I found Smallman's citations from Spener a good reminder of how enduring a legacy is ours. Aluta continua ...
Thanks Ralph. Defintely something worthy of consideration as Christians struggle to work out our identity in a new millenium.
+ Click here to see all of my "Reformed And Always Being Reformed" (Semper Reformanda) posts.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
ADVENT 2009 -- 1
+ Let's catch up with a series of Advent posts on the Presbyterian Welcome blog:
An introduction was posted on November 29, the first Sunday in Advent:
Advent Begins...
At church this morning, you may have heard someone read this:
“So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” -- Luke 21:31
When do you know that God's kin(g)dom is near? Every day during advent and up until the new year we will be posting sentences much like this one, each written by a different member of our community. We've got the official leaders of the LGBT Presbyterian movement, some of our member church pastors, board members, and many other less well-known but even more special voices to add. Please leave your comments during this time, either on the blog or via facebook, as we continue to expand and explore what it truly looks like for God's reign to be realized on Earth.
Advent: day 1
A friend of mine wrote this on her Facebook page: "At home, really sick. If I were straight and married to my domestic partner, I'd have insurance and I would go to the doctor and they would tell me whether or not I have H1N1. Instead, we have to have an affidavit notarized when she gets back and then send it to NYC and we might eventually get covered. Annoyed. Really, really achy." I found this heartbreaking, especially as one who enjoys the double privileges of both heterosexuality and marriage. Neither sexuality nor marital status should be the gauge by which we determine whether or not someone deserves health care. Everyone deserves health care, period. When health care is a reality for all -- for all -- then I will know the kingdom of God is near.
-- Rev. Ian Doescher, Calvary Presbyterian Church, Portland Oregon
Advent: day 2
When a developmentally delayed teenager who can barely form a coherent sentence affirms his faith and is received as an active member, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- John Edward Harris, North Church, Queens, Flushing NY
Advent: day 3
When I see hatred reduced to struggling for survival against love, I will know that the reign of God is near.
-- Jenny Howard, Louisville Seminary, Louisville, KY
Advent: day 4
When cynics' hearts melt, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- Rose Darling, Broadway Presbyterian Church Liaison to Presbyterian Welcome, New York City, NY
Advent: day 5
When I see the faces of my small congregation on Sunday mornings, in all their variety of age and color and culture and orientation, when I remember their hopes and fears and joys, sorrows, and triumphs and see that we are all still here together, I know that the kindom of God is near.
-- Rev. Bob Brashear
Pastor, West-park Presbyterian Church
Manhattan, Upper Westside
Advent: day 6
When I see a deer watching me through my window, defying the odds of all kinds of weather, traffic, and suburban development, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- Laura Cunningham, Pastor, Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, Pearl River, NY
Advent: day 7
When I think of the people God has blessed me with, those who have brought me this far, I know the Kingdom of God is near.
-- Mieke Vandersall, Minister Director, Presbyterian Welcome
Advent: day 8
When people comment on preachers’ theology or insight or eloquence or even humor, and not their sexuality, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- Pam Byers, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, San Francisco
Advent: day 9
When everyone realizes & embraces themselves (and others) as created in God's image, unconditionally loved by God, and as children of God ...and all of us treat each other as sacred, then.......I know the kingdom of God is near.
-- Michael J. Adee, Executive Director & Field Organizer, More Light Presbyterians, Santa Fe, NM
+ I offered an Advent reflection on December 2: "Wake Up for Advent"
An introduction was posted on November 29, the first Sunday in Advent:
Advent Begins...
At church this morning, you may have heard someone read this:
“So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” -- Luke 21:31
When do you know that God's kin(g)dom is near? Every day during advent and up until the new year we will be posting sentences much like this one, each written by a different member of our community. We've got the official leaders of the LGBT Presbyterian movement, some of our member church pastors, board members, and many other less well-known but even more special voices to add. Please leave your comments during this time, either on the blog or via facebook, as we continue to expand and explore what it truly looks like for God's reign to be realized on Earth.
Advent: day 1
A friend of mine wrote this on her Facebook page: "At home, really sick. If I were straight and married to my domestic partner, I'd have insurance and I would go to the doctor and they would tell me whether or not I have H1N1. Instead, we have to have an affidavit notarized when she gets back and then send it to NYC and we might eventually get covered. Annoyed. Really, really achy." I found this heartbreaking, especially as one who enjoys the double privileges of both heterosexuality and marriage. Neither sexuality nor marital status should be the gauge by which we determine whether or not someone deserves health care. Everyone deserves health care, period. When health care is a reality for all -- for all -- then I will know the kingdom of God is near.
-- Rev. Ian Doescher, Calvary Presbyterian Church, Portland Oregon
Advent: day 2
When a developmentally delayed teenager who can barely form a coherent sentence affirms his faith and is received as an active member, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- John Edward Harris, North Church, Queens, Flushing NY
Advent: day 3
When I see hatred reduced to struggling for survival against love, I will know that the reign of God is near.
-- Jenny Howard, Louisville Seminary, Louisville, KY
Advent: day 4
When cynics' hearts melt, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- Rose Darling, Broadway Presbyterian Church Liaison to Presbyterian Welcome, New York City, NY
Advent: day 5
When I see the faces of my small congregation on Sunday mornings, in all their variety of age and color and culture and orientation, when I remember their hopes and fears and joys, sorrows, and triumphs and see that we are all still here together, I know that the kindom of God is near.
-- Rev. Bob Brashear
Pastor, West-park Presbyterian Church
Manhattan, Upper Westside
Advent: day 6
When I see a deer watching me through my window, defying the odds of all kinds of weather, traffic, and suburban development, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- Laura Cunningham, Pastor, Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church, Pearl River, NY
Advent: day 7
When I think of the people God has blessed me with, those who have brought me this far, I know the Kingdom of God is near.
-- Mieke Vandersall, Minister Director, Presbyterian Welcome
Advent: day 8
When people comment on preachers’ theology or insight or eloquence or even humor, and not their sexuality, I know that the kingdom of God is near.
-- Pam Byers, Covenant Network of Presbyterians, San Francisco
Advent: day 9
When everyone realizes & embraces themselves (and others) as created in God's image, unconditionally loved by God, and as children of God ...and all of us treat each other as sacred, then.......I know the kingdom of God is near.
-- Michael J. Adee, Executive Director & Field Organizer, More Light Presbyterians, Santa Fe, NM
+ I offered an Advent reflection on December 2: "Wake Up for Advent"
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
GREENING THE MOHAWK VALLEY ONE CHURCH AT A TIME
+ MAKING OUR GREEN ECONOMY COME ALIVE AND THRIVE is the slogan of Green Local 175 which is led by Richard Morris. He is now spearheading an effort to get churches in the Mohawk Valley invoved. I attended a meeting last night as a Presbyterian representative. We also had a Lutheran, a Catholic and 3 Unitarians. We hope to recruit more people and build momentum for a greener Mohawk Valley and planet.
Friday, November 20, 2009
SUPPORTING THE PALESTINIANS -- 5
My friend and colleague, J. Mark Davidson, Pastor of The Church of Reconciliation in Chapel Hill, NC offers these important thoughts on the video, I AM ISRAEL, which was removed from the website of The Israel/Palestinian Mission Network which is closely affiliated with The Presbyterian Church (USA):
I looked at the video yesterday, and it stayed with me all day, and I thought about my reactions to it, and about what to say about it to you. Then this morning, I read that it had been taken down off the IP Mission Network webpage.
Basically, I think it is best that it was removed. Here's my thing:
a) it wasn't "anti-semitic," because anti-semitism, at least the way it functions in the public mind, is hatred of Jews because of their Jewishness; this is reprehensible and we should always repudiate it and renounce the anti-semitism in Church history, etc. But this video was not hatred of Jews because of their Jewishness, it was rage against Israel because of 60 years of oppression and dispossession;
b) I noticed that the question of whether the video should be kept on the site or removed tended to get played out on the plane of Israeli-Palestinian power politics: AIPAC and its allies might have been behind the accusation that it was anit-semitic, therefore we should stand against AIPAC's tactics and kept it posted on the site, etc. We have to find a way to get past this rut-worn polarization; it only feeds the conflict, and distracts thought and energy from the central issues;
c) everything said in the video about Israel's treatment of the Palestinians is accurate; the case for keeping the video up on the site is to get the word out about the Palestinian rage and frustration about Israel's oppression; the Palestinian viewpoint is a narrative and a perspective largely shielded from the American public;
d) my problem, though, with the video was that although the words were accurate, they weren't "true." Truth is something larger and deeper than facts. Laying out all these Israeli atrocities and violations of international law under the banner of the Israeli flag and a dark sound track and the words, "I AM ISRAEL" engages in what I call "enemy-speak". It can only invite defensive and self-justifying rhetoric from "the other side" and we end up keeping the conflict well-fed, we strengthen the well-worn conflict grooves in the brain;
e) one could as easily have done a video "I AM PALESTINE" and pictured the Palestinian flag and a dark sound track and 6 minutes of shrieking Israeli mothers mourning, like Rachel, their lost children, and said that Palestinians were bloodthirsty terrorists who brainwash their young and turn them into suicide bombers and send them onto crowded buses to kill Israeli seminarians and schoolchildren. And we would be outraged on behalf of the Palestinians, because that does not tell the whole truth about who the Palestinians are;
f) if we are going to post an "I AM ISRAEL" video that is not filled with "enemy-speak", wouldn't it have the face of Jeff Halper, ICAHD founder and my candidate for a modern Isaiah in our midst, or historian-in-exile Elan Pappe who wrote courageously about Israel's campaign of "ethnic cleansing", or for that matter, the conductor of the Israel Philharmonic or Israeli poets or Rabbis for Human Rights, etc. In the same way, we would insist that an "I AM PALESTINE" video should show the face of Naim Ateek or Jonathan Kuttab or Hannah Nashrawi, or gifted Palestinian pianists and poets and painters, and their centuries-long connection to the olive trees, and so forth.
g) there will be no true, just, and lasting peace in this deeply troubled land until everyone refrains from "enemy-speak", yes, speak truth to power, yes, challenge our own government to pressure Israel to end the occupation, return the dispossessed land, tear down the wall, etc., but not, in the process and in the name of so much suffering, dishonor that suffering by engaging in half-truths and distortions that undermine the Golden Rule and in the end break the commandment not to bear false witness.
So, I think we have to get beyond the video sound-bite, feel-good, enemy-speak, lash-out "journalism"; it cannot sow the seeds of peace which are built on the foundation of truth, justice, and love.
+ See my previous "Supporting the Palestinians" posts:
Go to #1
Go to #2
Go to #3
Go to #4
I looked at the video yesterday, and it stayed with me all day, and I thought about my reactions to it, and about what to say about it to you. Then this morning, I read that it had been taken down off the IP Mission Network webpage.
Basically, I think it is best that it was removed. Here's my thing:
a) it wasn't "anti-semitic," because anti-semitism, at least the way it functions in the public mind, is hatred of Jews because of their Jewishness; this is reprehensible and we should always repudiate it and renounce the anti-semitism in Church history, etc. But this video was not hatred of Jews because of their Jewishness, it was rage against Israel because of 60 years of oppression and dispossession;
b) I noticed that the question of whether the video should be kept on the site or removed tended to get played out on the plane of Israeli-Palestinian power politics: AIPAC and its allies might have been behind the accusation that it was anit-semitic, therefore we should stand against AIPAC's tactics and kept it posted on the site, etc. We have to find a way to get past this rut-worn polarization; it only feeds the conflict, and distracts thought and energy from the central issues;
c) everything said in the video about Israel's treatment of the Palestinians is accurate; the case for keeping the video up on the site is to get the word out about the Palestinian rage and frustration about Israel's oppression; the Palestinian viewpoint is a narrative and a perspective largely shielded from the American public;
d) my problem, though, with the video was that although the words were accurate, they weren't "true." Truth is something larger and deeper than facts. Laying out all these Israeli atrocities and violations of international law under the banner of the Israeli flag and a dark sound track and the words, "I AM ISRAEL" engages in what I call "enemy-speak". It can only invite defensive and self-justifying rhetoric from "the other side" and we end up keeping the conflict well-fed, we strengthen the well-worn conflict grooves in the brain;
e) one could as easily have done a video "I AM PALESTINE" and pictured the Palestinian flag and a dark sound track and 6 minutes of shrieking Israeli mothers mourning, like Rachel, their lost children, and said that Palestinians were bloodthirsty terrorists who brainwash their young and turn them into suicide bombers and send them onto crowded buses to kill Israeli seminarians and schoolchildren. And we would be outraged on behalf of the Palestinians, because that does not tell the whole truth about who the Palestinians are;
f) if we are going to post an "I AM ISRAEL" video that is not filled with "enemy-speak", wouldn't it have the face of Jeff Halper, ICAHD founder and my candidate for a modern Isaiah in our midst, or historian-in-exile Elan Pappe who wrote courageously about Israel's campaign of "ethnic cleansing", or for that matter, the conductor of the Israel Philharmonic or Israeli poets or Rabbis for Human Rights, etc. In the same way, we would insist that an "I AM PALESTINE" video should show the face of Naim Ateek or Jonathan Kuttab or Hannah Nashrawi, or gifted Palestinian pianists and poets and painters, and their centuries-long connection to the olive trees, and so forth.
g) there will be no true, just, and lasting peace in this deeply troubled land until everyone refrains from "enemy-speak", yes, speak truth to power, yes, challenge our own government to pressure Israel to end the occupation, return the dispossessed land, tear down the wall, etc., but not, in the process and in the name of so much suffering, dishonor that suffering by engaging in half-truths and distortions that undermine the Golden Rule and in the end break the commandment not to bear false witness.
So, I think we have to get beyond the video sound-bite, feel-good, enemy-speak, lash-out "journalism"; it cannot sow the seeds of peace which are built on the foundation of truth, justice, and love.
+ See my previous "Supporting the Palestinians" posts:
Go to #1
Go to #2
Go to #3
Go to #4
Thursday, November 19, 2009
SUPPORTING THE PALESTINIANS -- 4
+ The I AM ISRAEL video was removed by IPMN and called a "mistake." I just posted the following comment on the page where the video had been:
I can understand and even appreciate the decision to remove the video. The edge of anger was hard to take and it was clearly unbalanced. However, people in the USA need to hear that anger and need to hear that pain. I appreciate Barb Shuck's comment and I am going to put it on my blog. She has been there and has seen and felt the pain. What Israel is doing with huge support from our government is wrong, horribly wrong. The video is an understandable reaction to the nightmare Barb describes. And she is only describing the little piece of it that she saw.
The charge of "anti-Semitism" is all too freely thrown about these days and should not be used in the context of this kind of outrageous oppression against the Palestinians. I am sick of hearing the label of "anti-Semitic" aimed so often and so erroneously at all of us advocing long overdue justice for the Palestinians.
I really do believe that the video is not anti-Semitic but a legitimate cry for help and for justice that we need to hear and feel.
You can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4gymxY2zM8&feature=player_embedded
+ See my previous "Supporting the Palestinians" posts:
Go to #1
Go to #2
Go to #3
I can understand and even appreciate the decision to remove the video. The edge of anger was hard to take and it was clearly unbalanced. However, people in the USA need to hear that anger and need to hear that pain. I appreciate Barb Shuck's comment and I am going to put it on my blog. She has been there and has seen and felt the pain. What Israel is doing with huge support from our government is wrong, horribly wrong. The video is an understandable reaction to the nightmare Barb describes. And she is only describing the little piece of it that she saw.
The charge of "anti-Semitism" is all too freely thrown about these days and should not be used in the context of this kind of outrageous oppression against the Palestinians. I am sick of hearing the label of "anti-Semitic" aimed so often and so erroneously at all of us advocing long overdue justice for the Palestinians.
I really do believe that the video is not anti-Semitic but a legitimate cry for help and for justice that we need to hear and feel.
You can see the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4gymxY2zM8&feature=player_embedded
+ See my previous "Supporting the Palestinians" posts:
Go to #1
Go to #2
Go to #3
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
SUPPORTING THE PALESTINIANS -- 3
+ We must get beyond our ignorance and denial when it comes to US support of the ethnic cleansing being done by Israel. John Shuck has just written a great post on this important subject at his fantastic blog, Shuck and Jive, responding to a controversial video now on a website related to the Presbyterian Church (USA). I have been dealing with the video with several comments to three posts at Viola Larson's Naming His Grace. Today, I made the following comment at both the video page and at Viola Larson's latest post on the subject:
I believe the strong Presbyterian support of the Palestinian cause is motivated totally by empathy and compassion and real facts on the ground and not hatred toward Jews.
While this video clearly has a lot of anger, frustration. and perhaps despair, I don’t believe it crosses the line into anti-Semitism. Most of the statements in the video tell the sad tale of ethnic cleansing by Israel. Most Americans are in ignorance or denial about what Israel is doing with our government’s huge support.
People need to know how the Palestinians feel about the massive loss of life, livelihood, land and resources the Palestinians have suffered for the past 92 years as the Nakba continues day after day after tragic day.
I am asking some of my colleagues to see the video and tell me if they agree with me. If I find that most of them do, I will be fighting to keep the video on the website and even try to spread the word about it. Americans need to know what’s really happening in the Israeli-controlled West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as what has happened in the past throughout the region.
Here is the video:
+ See my previous "Supporting the Palestinians" posts:
Go to #1
Go to #2
I believe the strong Presbyterian support of the Palestinian cause is motivated totally by empathy and compassion and real facts on the ground and not hatred toward Jews.
While this video clearly has a lot of anger, frustration. and perhaps despair, I don’t believe it crosses the line into anti-Semitism. Most of the statements in the video tell the sad tale of ethnic cleansing by Israel. Most Americans are in ignorance or denial about what Israel is doing with our government’s huge support.
People need to know how the Palestinians feel about the massive loss of life, livelihood, land and resources the Palestinians have suffered for the past 92 years as the Nakba continues day after day after tragic day.
I am asking some of my colleagues to see the video and tell me if they agree with me. If I find that most of them do, I will be fighting to keep the video on the website and even try to spread the word about it. Americans need to know what’s really happening in the Israeli-controlled West Bank and East Jerusalem as well as what has happened in the past throughout the region.
Here is the video:
+ See my previous "Supporting the Palestinians" posts:
Go to #1
Go to #2
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