I had never been to Chicago.

I had never been to Chicago. So in early June we decided to take a short vacation and "do" the windy city. What a marvelous, fabulous city!
It was an interesting trip because of the variety and diversity of places and people. It began with a targeted destination of the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, KY. KY was not high on my list of places to visit, but it is one beautiful state. From lush, green mountains to rolling hills, real bluegrass, and bewitching limestone formations, it was a visual feast. The limestone base creates a unique filtering system for the water that is unbelievably delicious and the best in the world for building strong bones for race horses! I say "targeted" because somehow I took a detour and ended up at the Woodford Reserve Distillery--one of the best bourbons KY has to offer!
The Village is a monument to the religious creativity and imagination of Americans. At their height they had over 3000 "communities" around the nation, focused on simple living, expressive spirituality, and common care for one another. The food, raised on the farm and produced from its own herds, was delicious beyond experience. There are only two of these communities remaining, preserved by non-Shakers. Since sexual abstinence was promoted, they didn't grow by leaps and bounds----and that practice is not in favor today, so you see the problem.
The high light of the route from Pleasant Hill to Chicago was the miles and miles of gigantic wind turbines producing renewable, non-cancer causing, inexpensive energy! They looked like something from outer space.
Entering Chicago on an afternoon as the traffic from a Cubs home game is unleashed on congested infra-structure is daunting to a small town boy! There is more to relate than time to read; here is my summary:
1. a rainbow population, each person with their own story and human dignity
2. the challenge and enjoyment of public transportation and the challenge to master the maps and schedules
3. breathtaking architecture, jaw dropping, eye popping architecture---do NOT miss the 90 minute boat tour
4. the Willis Tower and the ability to "step out" into space (clear platform) where you can see forever on a clear day
5. the parks, so many parks. They value public land and access for ALL people.
6. Millennial Park and the Bean
7. The Art Institute of Chicago. The collection is out of the world, and you can walk right up to the master pieces you have only seen in books!
8. Chicago deep dish REALLY is different and the beef, Midwestern beef melts in your mouth.
This doesn't scratch the surface---universities, sports arenas, clean river (now!),friendly people everywhere who came from everywhere to build a city and a nation of opportunity.
The spirit is alive in Chicago-----and well worth another visit!

My America

We have just celebrated another Memorial Day. The concert on the Mall was entertaining and inspiring. I am grateful every day for those who sacrificed for the cause of honor, freedom, and responsible global citizenship. And for those who went and returned wounded in body and spirit, we owe them care, support, and respect. June 6, D-Day, will be another occasion to remember---those who served in combat AND support roles.
It is a time to reflect on what they fought for, what values are worth fighting for, the integrity of our motives, and the kind of world (and nation) we want for ourselves, our children, and all future generations.
My America will be a nation of equal opportunity for ALL people. We are created equal under the law, with different talents, gifts, and strength. Class, race, gender, faith should not discriminate or divide.
My America will be a nation filled with love and compassion enough to insist on and provide adequate health care for everyone, and the sick (physically and mentally) are not denied required care because of excessive costs and mismanaged service.
My America will be a nation that puts human beings and quality of life before money and profit, a nation that recognizes the necessity of clean air and clean water and a healthy earth. Limited natural resources require responsible use and distribution. I want a clean world for my and your children and grandchildren. We are stewards, not owners, of this magnificent creation. This is not a complex concept. We do not have to choose between a healthy future and jobs now. There is a solution to the challenge. American ingenuity is up to the task.
My America will be a nation that honors a rational exercise of the Second Amendment while limiting and restricting irrational, excessive, abusive license of violence. For God's sake and ours, do we really need to carry guns to church like Georgia politicians think they do?
My America will be a nation that understands and preserves the First Amendment separation of church and state. There is no place, NO place for sectarian prayer in the public arena. Please pray at home, in your places of worship, in your hearts, but more importantly, why don't we all try LIVING the values we think are so necessary. The heart of every world religious tradition is the recognition of "something" greater than myself AND the admonition to love and honor others. It has been said by others in many ways, but its truth rings clear: the life worth living is the one lived in service to others.
The choice is ours, personally AND as a nation; we can live a Self-centered OR Other-centered life. The consequences and benefits are unlimited.

Yet again.......

Yet again violence rears its ugly head. Be patient; give it enough time , and we will forget and move on. But will you please take a minute with me and put yourself/myself in the shoes of mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters. Will you listen to the heart beat and feel the heart ache of those who have lost children to gun violence in this country? Some of you have probably already said, "there he goes again, that damn bleeding heart liberal." Some of you have probably said, "what good does it do to keep talking about it? There's nothing we can do" And that's the point! Many clichés come to mind, but the one that keeps ringing in my head is, "Silence is complicity."
If your first response is to answer violence with greater violence, you are part of the problem.
If your god is the NRA, you are part of the problem.
If your first response is the priority of "MY" second amendment right, you are part of the problem.
I refuse to surrender to the Tea Party/Sarah Palin/Phil Robertson/fundamentalists who have no clue as to the meaning of separation of church and state.
I refuse to surrender to the Bundy/tax evasion/eco-terrorist darlings of the FOX, ultra-right ideologues.
I refuse to surrender to the Rubio/Paul/Santorum closed minds who deny the integrity and potential of those (immigrants) who see the hope and dream of a better life that can be realized in this great nation.
I refuse to surrender to the militaristic/homophobic/racist/ignorant (anti-education and science) voices screaming across this landscape.
I invite you, urge you, plead with you to be the force and presence of love, compassion, understanding, Other-centered caring, and together let's show the world there is a better way, a just way, a loving way.

How did we get to where we are today?

I just finished Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul by John Barre (he wrote the definitive history of the influenza pandemic of the 1910s). While a biography of an early 17th century backwoods preacher may not sound very relevant to our world, I can assure you there is NOT a more relevant book out there. I was raised in a tradition that regarded him as a hero for Baptists. Boy, was I surprised to get the bigger picture.

Williams was born and raised in England before and during the turbulent years before and during the reign of good old King James---yes, that flamboyant, bisexual King James of the KJV of 1611 who demanded a certain translation of Romans to justify his assumption of the divine rights of kings!!!!!  Williams was also a tight friend of Oliver Cromwell!!

Williams studied the law with Edward Coke, one of the greatest jurist in English history, who incidentally regarded Thomas Littleton as his greatest predecessor (sorry for the family plug there!). Williams was a "Puritan" who came to Mass. Bay Colony in the 1620s. He soon fell out with them (I will spare the details for those who wish to pursue), and ultimately attained the charter from King Charles for the Plantation and Commonwealth of Rhode Island. Its better than a Dan Brown mystery!

But here's the point and relevance. The two giants of the period, friends then adamant adversaries, who shaped the world you and I live in, were John Winthrop and Roger Williams. They had diametrically opposing views of church, state, democracy, and freedom.

Yes, Puritans left England seeking religious freedom---then immediately turned around to deny it to everyone who disagreed with them. They sought "a city on a hill" in which community, demanded by a Christian state, conformity imposed by government compulsion in which only church members could vote, and opposed the Church of England as too popish. Winthrop demanded godliness that he insisted was attained and practiced in community. No one was allowed to follow their own conscience. Massachusetts, under this church/state would go on to banish Anglicans, Baptists, and any dissenters. They even hung Quakers! But you get the point; his was a state based on the church with morality imposed.

Williams, on the other hand, believed that government is secular and does NOT and is NOT advanced by biblical passages. He decried the insertion of biblical strictures on the civil code. As he opposed conformity, he was willing to doubt, even himself. He urged debate and saw the church as corrupt, tainted. He demanded that worship be individual. Before you Libertarians hoist him on your shoulders for promoting individualism, freedom, and nonconformity, we must also acknowledge that he was NOT antinomian and adamantly opposed anarchy. Williams' gifts to the American experience were separation of church and state (he invented the phrase about wall of separation that Jefferson borrowed), the seeds of democracy (that Winthrop could not tolerate), equality under the law (this was his argument with kings in England), promoted liberal arts education (while employing Bacon's scientific method), and the concept of "soul liberty." While the last is a historic Baptist principle, truthfully Williams was a member of a Baptist congregation was less than a year! There went another of my early childhood myths!

It is a page burner if you like history and political philosophy.   Enjoy.

Life has a way of.......

Life has a way of bringing us back to reality and what is important. It is so easy to get caught up in plans of grandeur and secondary significance that we ignore or miss what is in front of us. Others have stressed living in the present, living in the "now." To say the obvious, so obvious I for one have to be reminded, the past is over; there's nothing I can do about yesterday. I need to let go and center in the present. That doesn't mean I forget, that I don't honor those and what have gone before me. There is great necessity in learning from the past and not repeating its mistakes. Santayana was insightful. Obvious, again, I do not control the future. I can plan and hope and yearn, but ultimately I do not control. If you want to give God a laugh, tell her your plans. Thank you, Neibuhr, for the Serenity Prayer. Goodness how I need that wisdom!
Since last I sat and stared at this screen, so much has happened. "Life" has demanded attention.
Friends have continued to struggle mightily with life-threatening illnesses. Baby showers have announced the anticipated arrival of new life. Childhood playmates have lost mortal combat for life and love, and they did it with great dignity. Other "family" have announced their affirmation of love and optimism by setting a wedding date. The cycle continues; samsara; moksha.
Grass needs cutting. Invitations need answering. Doctor appointments need to be kept. Journeys need to begin and end. Classes need to be taught, mothers remembered, graduations celebrated. The present really is a gift and not to be taken for granted. Through it all, hope and love sustain us and make it all worth the effort.

Sticks and stones.....

Remember the children's chant: sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me? Saying that might have kept some of us out of trouble at recess, but the more I reflect on those words, the more I must disagree with the assumption. Words can hurt us and often do.
I think for example of the blatant lies that are often broadcast in public and social media. Sometimes we do it unintentionally, not having questioned the source of our information, but repeating what we have received because it fits our preconceptions. Other times we do it deliberately to make our "point" and advance a particular agenda.
I think of slander and libelous comments fostered on those with whom we disagree. We assume the worse we can make others look, the better we and our like-minded associates can seem. We use words we do not understand and maliciously apply them to those we oppose. I heard someone observe: everyone is intitled to their own interpretation, but no one is intitled to their own facts. I have tried to be sure my "facts" are right before I pronounce them with authority.
I think careful and responsible attention to the words we use can restore civility and respect allowing ample opportunity for disagreement. Words set a tone, create an atmosphere or climate, and open or close attempts to communicate.
The words we use say more about us than about those we are attempting to characterize. Example: when someone says "nigger," they are revealing their prejudice and smallness of character. When we fill our discourse with words of violence and negative, destructive intention, we reveal our hostility and anger that accomplishes nothing constructive and uplifting.
I have consciously tried to eliminate phrases like "Jew someone down" because of the prejudicial stereotype behind it; I try not to use the word "kill" when talking about people and ideas because of the hostile, violent connotation; I try not to call someone I disagree with an "enemy," as I try to acknowledge their integrity and value as fellow human beings. Do I always live up to this lofty advice? No, and I apologize for my shortcomings. More and more I appreciate this incredible journey we are on together, and I need all the help I can get.
I am reminded of my traditions petition: "May the words of my mouth (MAY THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH) and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight." I start each day with these words on my lips, asking for help.

A Tribute to My Father

Wednesday would have been my father's 100th birthday (March 19, 1914--March 19, 2014)! He was the finest man I have ever known, and even after I outgrew his 5' 7", I still looked up to him. I miss him everyday.
My earliest memory of him was the day he came home from the Great War and I saw this strange man grab and kiss my mother. Even though he was married with a child, he still considered it his patriotic duty to volunteer and serve his country. When it was over, he never glorified the war or mentioned it to me other than the time I asked him where he served. He was the ideal citizen soldier (he served in the Navy), and whether he agreed or not, he supported me in my conscientious objection to Vietnam.
Nine months and five minutes later :) my sister was born. They had a special bond (like Mother and I did) that showed me his warm and gentle side. He taught me how to ride a bike, take care of puppies, build model airplanes, and shoot a gun. Some of our best times were early morning breakfasts and waiting together in the deer stand. His trophies were limited, mine nonexistent.
He took me to the library for my first book about the birds and bees and taught me how to drive, leaving me alone to drive home after getting my licence at age 14. He was a teacher par excellence, remembered and revered by generations of veterans on the GI bill and high school students. Nothing escaped his ever watchful gaze, earning him the nickname "Hawkeye" around school.
Most of all he taught me integrity and deeply held moral values. He was not above admitting mistakes and changing his mind when convicted of the right. I remember him saying in 1954 that if the schools were ever integrated, he would stop teaching. Well, they were and he continued sharing his wisdom and talents and skills with the next generations. He put his arms around me when a cross was burned in our front yard because of my youthful idealism, and he ended his professional life as the director of a predominantly black technical college in Beaufort, SC.
My father was a passionately, deeply religious man, on the conservative side (son of a country Baptist preacher), and quiet in his political convictions. He led by example: gentle, strong, caring, devoted. He could say "I love you" without hesiation, and even as adults, we kissed and hugged.
Harold Elijah Littleton, Sr. father and friend      I miss you!

Visiting grandchildren

Our daughter Shanon was born during a challenging time in "our world." We gave her the middle name "Hope," to express to the extended family (in a time of strained communications) our affirmation of the good gift of creation, desire for wholeness, and optimism for the future. She and her sister Raquel have not disappointed us. Beautiful, intelligent, talented, capable, compassionate, caring, generous only begin to scribe these amazing women. Then they put the icing on the cake by giving us four grandchildren!
When the Nelsons from California visit, especially in summers, I get to take the boys hiking and camping and catch up on long times between visits. Raleigh is a little closer, so we see the Baggetts more often. Such is my pleasure this week.
Shanon is on the west coast with her sister, and I am needed (fortunately with the time) to help out in Raleigh. I get to fix breakfast, ferry to school, meet the bus drop off, take to piano lesson, watch a basketball game, prepare dinners, and who knows what others joys will present themselves before I return home next Tuesday. Forgive a point of personal privilege, but my grandkids (like yours I'm sure!) are absolutely phenomenal. The gratifying thing is---they are being raised to embody the values of their parents. They are becoming wonderful, loving human beings. This week is not a burden; it is a gift to me and I'm soaking it up!
Along with everything else, they are a constant reminder of my/our responsibility to give them a clean, safe, generous, accepting world in which loving and compassionate people and societies take care of the sick, feed the hungery, strive to eliminate poverty, and live by moral values that put service to others to the top of our priorities.
I look at my grandchildren and remain "hope-full."

Reflections on Lent

For the Christian world, Wednesday was Ash Wednesday and marked the beginning of Lent. Many non-liturgical traditions ignore or do not understand the meaning and significance of the season. Lent is the 40 day period leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It is a time of preparation; it is a time of self-denial and introspection. It is a time of "dieing" as the believer gets ready for "resurrection," re-birth. It is a serious time. It is intended to be a life changing time.
So, whether you are Christian or not, may I invite you to consider the message of Lent, death to the old and life to the new. During Lent many give up something--chocolate, meat, alcohol--to focus inward. Here is my list of suggested things to give up (based on the words of Jesus of Nazareth found in Matthew 5: 39-44:
1) give up hate, revenge, and retaliation. To be struck on the right cheek was to be back-handed, slapped, humiliated. The imperative (yes, imperative, not suggestion or recommendation or do when convenient) is to live an alternative to violence, which is usually our first reaction. DO love in humility.
2) give up greed and hoarding and selfish consumerism. If someone takes your "coat," offer a second. We never know their needs, and generosity is not "qualified." DO love wastefully, without thought to race, social or economic status, beliefs, etc.
3) give up begrudging meeting others needs or rightful expectations of us. When asked to go a mile--doing the minimum, doing the expected, doing the required--gladly double the effort to relieve the suffering of others. DO love because the person in front of us has dignity and value and a rightful place on this earth.
4) give up thinking about what and if we will receive in return. "Pay forward." Open our hearts and pocketbooks to respond to the needs of the world. DO think of others first. Do go out of the way to assist those in need. Lead by example.
Detractors will immediately say: these are not practical, these are ideals to strive for but not feasible, these cannot be attained, these are nice but unrealistic.
How do we know? Few of us have earnestly tried. One step at a time. One day at a time. Until we die to the old and enter the new.

Winter reflections

The ebb and flow of life hypnotizes, and in the process it is often tempting to get lost and lose the big picture. The passion of the moment should never be minimized, but it is easy to forget that the universe has its own timeframe. MLK said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Some of us want justice now, and patience is a hard lesson to learn.
February 9 the Moral Movement gathered in Raleigh. It was an inspiring gathering to be involved in. It was joyous. It was thrilling. It was uplifting. It was peaceful and full of love and compassion. It was positive. Its purpose was to remind the power structure that our world needs healing and it is within our power to do this.
My grand daughter Isabel wanted to go with me. An eleven year old, in the innocence of love and caring, grasped the importance of what 20 to 80,000 (depends on who you ask) people sang and "preached" about and marched for. Her questions humbled me and taught me much!
Immigration is an issue and opportunity that both parties claim they want to resolve. Yet grown people cannot put aside their egoes and personal agendas to cooperate for the good of the nation. Economically it makes sense. In terms of human needs and moral demands, it makes sense. Constructive, positive outcomes far outweigh isolated and short term inconveniences.
The LGBT's day has come. They have suffered too long at the hands of narrow-minded, mean-spirited people. Their integrity deserves recognition. Their access to equal treatment under the law has far too long been denied. Their "family values" deserve affirmation.
The heavenly declaration of 2000 years ago needs to be heard and implementd: "Peace on earth to people of good will."  Whose side will we stand on?

Reflections on MLK and 12 Years a Slave

I have not posted in several days because I have been reflecting on two recent events.
January 20 was MLK Day, a deserved Day, a challenging Day, a required Day for our national conscience. Yes, non-violence was a practical tool in his leadership struggle for equality and ending discrimination, but it also was a deeply held moral conviction that came out of his profound faith. Until the untimely end, his faith guided him in his recognition of the dignity and worth of every human being, his expanding conviction of the immorality of the Vietnam War, and his increasing awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty in this country. "A prophet is never appreciated in his own country," and this country, the political establishment, and the "church" opposed him mightily.
I had the good fortune to hear him speak in person while I was in graduate school at Vanderbilt. The next year I and fellow students marched in Memphis in memorial to his life and death. He was not perfect. Name me one person who is. He was a work in progress, and he was light years ahead of most of us in the movement toward justice, mercy, love, and the humble walk. It is fitting to remember him in a Day of Service. It is more fitting that everyday be lived in service to our fellow humans.
In the sixties and seventies I was convinced that my generation would at last lift this nation to a realization of our ideals of equality for all under the law AND eliminate racial. hatred and discrimination. Today my generation IS the face of racial hatred and the perpetuation of inequality (racial, gender, economic). My generation is the embodiment of greed and selfish consumption, desperately clinging to the past, closing its heart to the needs of those around us.
Two examples: (1) an ad for Cheerioes to be shown during the Super Bowl shows an interracial family around a breakfast table. The early YouTube response is filled with racial slurs and racial hatred. And (2) we went to see 12 Years a Slave a couple of weeks ago. It is a powerful film, full of violence, realistic, straight from the book and author who experienced this tragedy. About 3/4 of the way through, two middle-aged Black women got up to leave. But before they exited, one of the woman screamed for all to hear: "You white bitches! It would be the same today if the laws hadn't changed!" At least she has some laws on her side..
We are not called to be successful; we are called to be faithful.---Mother Teresa
The best life is the one lived in service to others.---MLK
My wish is that we all remember.

Today we remember

The end does not justify the means!

Continuing my discussion of morality, moral arguments, and moral action, I want to pick up on one aspect of that subject. Some argue that the end justifies the means. On the surface this might be attractive to some, but I take issue with that hasty conclusion. When I outlined the structure of a moral argument, I suggested that (1) begin with an honest assessment of the way things are, (2) clearly define the way you want things to be, (3) choose how and take action to get to where you want to be, and (4) always and frequently evaluate your progress in terms of your moral principles. It is #3 that I want to look at briefly today.
I believe, more correctly stated, it is the end that directs or guides the means chosen to achieve the end. The end is the vision, the goal, the dream of a "better" life or society or economy or political system.
Examples: (1) maybe the goal is a sustainable population, one that does does exhaust natural resources and, at the same time, provides necessary provisions for all. While I think that is a worthy goal, I do not support abortion as a means to control population growth and reduce the drain on resources. (2) maybe the goal is necessary and quality health care for everyone. While I think that is a worthy goal, I do not support the reduction or elimination of individual or private institutional creativity and innovation. I belive the Affordable Healthcare Act is a worthy "goal," "dream," "vision." The means to its achievement, the implementation of the law was and continues to be horrific and hurtful to too many. The MEANS demand revision. BUT let's not lose sight of the "end."
(3) maybe the goal is free speech and freedom OF and FROM religion. While I think that is a worthy goal, I do not support allowing anyone to say anything that is hurtful, distructive, libelous, or intentionally malicious. The targets of such language deserve protection. While I support the first amendment, I do not support the imposition of personal, denominational, or sectarian morality on others. Other examples abound.
I seek dialogue and collaboration on these and many other challenges facing us. I try desperately to remember Huston Smith's description of humility in World Religions: I am not the center of the universe; it was not created just for me. BUT I have a rightful place at the table of humanity/creation. It is a round table, and I must listen to and see all attendees.
Comments welcomed!

What is this thing called religion?

What is this thing called religion?

They tell us it means to tie back or tie together, but it seems to divide:

   Families

   Countries

   Ethnic groups

It is used to justify:

   Hate

   Discrimination

   War

   Genocide

It claims “truth”

   But people cannot agree on what that is

It offers certainty

   And leaves more questions than answers

If all I had to go on were the lives of believers I observe, I would throw up my hands in disgust and disbelief.

Since all I have to go on are the lives of believers (preserved in scriptures and traditions), past and present, humble, unselfish, compassionate lives given in service, I stand in awe and silent respect.

Religion: confounds my intellect

               Challenges my self-centeredness

               Invites my surrender

               Destroys my ego

                Infuses my life with purpose

For me it had no beginning.

            It spoke in the desert saying, “Go and don’t stop until I tell you to.”

            It appeared in a bush and gave its name.

            It lived a life of unparalleled fullness.

            It brought order, clarity, and purpose to a people wandering in darkness.

            It died for a cause on a motel balcony in Memphis and in sacrificial service to the untouchables in India.

It will not let me go.

It cradled me in infancy.

It mentors me in my endless pilgrimage.

It will wrap me in its bosom at twilight.

God damn it-----I am cursed to have been called to wholeness.

Thank God----I have not been left alone.