There are 'laws' of decency, fairness, and humanity that even we heathen atheists prescribe to. Live and let live. Wild animals rarely hurt others just for the fun of causing pain or showing their superiority. That misfortune seems relegated to humans; those who see themselves as having superior minds. <3
Sentiments to live by. Simple yet challenging for us as a species. My favorite spiritual guidance, citation unknown, is, "Speak the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."
This is a fine mental exercise and also one that is too often avoided by many who still fervently consider themselves to be faithful Christians.
[(for both you and Anne) It’s also the type of mental exercise I am confident we would have heard suggested by The Rev. Dr. Fritz Schilling at WPC on Northshore Drive if he were still alive. I was a long time member there though I have since moved away.]
The celebration over Lindsey Graham’s death is disturbing. And the humor from Mitch McConnell’s poor health is equally distressing.
I am reminded of that moment when John McCain took the mic away from a supporter when she said inaccurate things about Obama. We can disagree—powerfully—but need to remember that political opponents are human beings too.
Thank you for these reminders from the heart of the Christian faith tradition. It's helpful to remember many biblical scholars contend these gospel quotes that are attributed to the Galilean peasant sage were not necessarily uttered by the historical figure, Jesus; but grew out of the early community's remembrances of his life and teachings. This tradition continues in posts like this one; in order to challenge and confront those similar worldly powers that persist.
It's funny, I grew up in the Episcopal church, and retain a lot of the moral lessons, but I also was growing up when the "Moral Majority" was a force in politics, and there were obnoxiously loud "Christians" at my high school doing prayer at the flag pole in the mornings, saying our gay peers were going to hell, and so on. If hateful, stupid people keep insisting "this is what Christianity is", some people are going to wonder why you'd want to be a Christian. I don't know whether I would've stuck with it, in the absence of that -- what I _actually believe_ ended up being something more like Pantheism -- but maybe. The current pope and his predecessor have certainly been great advertisers for the virtues of faith.
A non-religious, yet spiritual fellowship to which I belong says, "Our real goal is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people around us."
And many of us are not really "Christian" in the popular sense of the word today!
There are 'laws' of decency, fairness, and humanity that even we heathen atheists prescribe to. Live and let live. Wild animals rarely hurt others just for the fun of causing pain or showing their superiority. That misfortune seems relegated to humans; those who see themselves as having superior minds. <3
Thanks and have a lovely Sunday.
Absolutely the best way to start Sunday morning! Wish there was a way to sky write this across America. Thank you John!
Sentiments to live by. Simple yet challenging for us as a species. My favorite spiritual guidance, citation unknown, is, "Speak the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words."
This is a fine mental exercise and also one that is too often avoided by many who still fervently consider themselves to be faithful Christians.
[(for both you and Anne) It’s also the type of mental exercise I am confident we would have heard suggested by The Rev. Dr. Fritz Schilling at WPC on Northshore Drive if he were still alive. I was a long time member there though I have since moved away.]
What a lovely thought James. I love that church. (And Fritz married us.) The current pastor is a gem too.
Thank you John.
The celebration over Lindsey Graham’s death is disturbing. And the humor from Mitch McConnell’s poor health is equally distressing.
I am reminded of that moment when John McCain took the mic away from a supporter when she said inaccurate things about Obama. We can disagree—powerfully—but need to remember that political opponents are human beings too.
Being reminded about this is important.
I very much agree.
Amen.
Thank you.
Thank you! You know why.🐟
Amen, amen . . .
A simple thank you is not enough for this. You filled my heart on this beautiful Sunday. Bless you.
This is wonderful! Thanks! 💙
Thank you for these reminders from the heart of the Christian faith tradition. It's helpful to remember many biblical scholars contend these gospel quotes that are attributed to the Galilean peasant sage were not necessarily uttered by the historical figure, Jesus; but grew out of the early community's remembrances of his life and teachings. This tradition continues in posts like this one; in order to challenge and confront those similar worldly powers that persist.
It's funny, I grew up in the Episcopal church, and retain a lot of the moral lessons, but I also was growing up when the "Moral Majority" was a force in politics, and there were obnoxiously loud "Christians" at my high school doing prayer at the flag pole in the mornings, saying our gay peers were going to hell, and so on. If hateful, stupid people keep insisting "this is what Christianity is", some people are going to wonder why you'd want to be a Christian. I don't know whether I would've stuck with it, in the absence of that -- what I _actually believe_ ended up being something more like Pantheism -- but maybe. The current pope and his predecessor have certainly been great advertisers for the virtues of faith.
A non-religious, yet spiritual fellowship to which I belong says, "Our real goal is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people around us."
And many of us are not really "Christian" in the popular sense of the word today!
Biblical direction is somewhat kaleidoscopic, yet when rereading The Sermon on the Mount it seems a place to begin finding our way🌱
Anyone in particular in mind?