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.