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?
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
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!
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!
Monday, January 6, 2014
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.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
A Time to GiveThanks
When we look at everything going on around us in the world, the easy road often seems to complain, to criticize, to withdraw, to blame. Looking back on 2013, I see so much to be thankful for.
I am thankful for those with vision in the field of medicine who dream and work for cures to cancer, Parkinsons, and the myriad of illnesses that plague us. I am thankful for those who dream of a day when the human right of health care is a reality. I am thankful for the multitude who sacrifice their personal comfort and time making others comfortable.
I am thankful for the selfless millions who give to provide food for the hungry and the thousands who serve that food to families and homeless. I am thankful for agencies dedicated to the reduction, if not the elimination, of hunger in my community, state, country, and the world.
I am thankful for the generous throngs who give coats off their backs or out of the surplus of their clostes so others can be warm. I am thankful for individuals and organizations who brave the elements to find the neglected and bring them in for food, warmth, and clothing.
I am thankful for teachers who sacrifice higher salaries to serve and educate the next generation, sharing dreams, inspiring the next scientists, doctors, public servants, and teachers. I am thankful for these unsung heroes who give out of their own resources to supplement meager teaching provisions so their students will not be neglected.
I am thankful for the caring who visit those in prison to let them know they are humans of worth and dignity and valued as human beings.
I am thankful for the millions who have and continue to preserve our freedom.
I am thankful for poll workers and canvasers who strive to keep the vision of democracy alive for every citizen.
I am thankful for those who bag my groceries and smile warmth and cheer while earning a minimum wage. I am thankful for everyone who supports a living wage.
I am thankful for those who march and protest to remind the rest of us that the dream has not been fully realized yet.
I am thankful for those who serve in public office with humility, honesty, and a passion for everyone.
I am thankful for every person of goodwill, yearning for peace, living the peace so desperately needed in our world, and dedicated to the elimination of violence in our society and world.
My hope and resolution for 2014----to recommit and act in a way that serves others in becoming the people and world we are capable of being.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am thankful for those with vision in the field of medicine who dream and work for cures to cancer, Parkinsons, and the myriad of illnesses that plague us. I am thankful for those who dream of a day when the human right of health care is a reality. I am thankful for the multitude who sacrifice their personal comfort and time making others comfortable.
I am thankful for the selfless millions who give to provide food for the hungry and the thousands who serve that food to families and homeless. I am thankful for agencies dedicated to the reduction, if not the elimination, of hunger in my community, state, country, and the world.
I am thankful for the generous throngs who give coats off their backs or out of the surplus of their clostes so others can be warm. I am thankful for individuals and organizations who brave the elements to find the neglected and bring them in for food, warmth, and clothing.
I am thankful for teachers who sacrifice higher salaries to serve and educate the next generation, sharing dreams, inspiring the next scientists, doctors, public servants, and teachers. I am thankful for these unsung heroes who give out of their own resources to supplement meager teaching provisions so their students will not be neglected.
I am thankful for the caring who visit those in prison to let them know they are humans of worth and dignity and valued as human beings.
I am thankful for the millions who have and continue to preserve our freedom.
I am thankful for poll workers and canvasers who strive to keep the vision of democracy alive for every citizen.
I am thankful for those who bag my groceries and smile warmth and cheer while earning a minimum wage. I am thankful for everyone who supports a living wage.
I am thankful for those who march and protest to remind the rest of us that the dream has not been fully realized yet.
I am thankful for those who serve in public office with humility, honesty, and a passion for everyone.
I am thankful for every person of goodwill, yearning for peace, living the peace so desperately needed in our world, and dedicated to the elimination of violence in our society and world.
My hope and resolution for 2014----to recommit and act in a way that serves others in becoming the people and world we are capable of being.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Imagine a world lit by divine light
Imagine a world lit by divine light! According to the Genesis myth, this is exactly what happened "When God began creating the world," a more correct translation of Genesis 1:1. It was divine light, not physical light. Physical light did not come until day four when God created sun, moon, and stars. It was divine light, and it was present from the beginning. The creation story is about the divinity of the earth and ALL that is in it. The text says, affirms, insists that creation is good----God says so! The text says that before God's light gave warmth and illumination, the earth was a formless void and darkness. This first light and darkness are not good and bad, right and wrong, truth and falseness. Good and evil do not enter God's good creation until humans disobey, and that doesn't happen until Genesis 3. The divine light fills the dark void with meaning and purpose, fills it with God! God is in everything and everything is in God!
It is our failure to recognize the divine light in creation, in ourselves and others, that hides and obscures the potential brilliance yearning to be free, longing to be shared and embraced, inviting all creation to become that for which and to which we were created.
That light, God's light, divine light finds its greatest expression and truest incarnation when creatures yield to the creator, love completely selflessly, seek peace, and mirror the compassion and generosity first given to them.
Love, peace, humility, service to others before consuming ego and conspicuous consumption. The gifts of creation are for the benefit of all, not the hoarding of the few. Divine light exposes the hidden, dark corners of our selfishness and always, always invites our surrender and commitment to divine purposes in the world.
It is the season of light: Feast of Dedication/Festival of Lights, Advent Candles, Islamic New Year and new light of fresh starts, Devali, and on goes creation's longing for oneness with Creator and creatures.
The children's song was never more true and compelling: "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." May we all, everyday, in every way.
It is our failure to recognize the divine light in creation, in ourselves and others, that hides and obscures the potential brilliance yearning to be free, longing to be shared and embraced, inviting all creation to become that for which and to which we were created.
That light, God's light, divine light finds its greatest expression and truest incarnation when creatures yield to the creator, love completely selflessly, seek peace, and mirror the compassion and generosity first given to them.
Love, peace, humility, service to others before consuming ego and conspicuous consumption. The gifts of creation are for the benefit of all, not the hoarding of the few. Divine light exposes the hidden, dark corners of our selfishness and always, always invites our surrender and commitment to divine purposes in the world.
It is the season of light: Feast of Dedication/Festival of Lights, Advent Candles, Islamic New Year and new light of fresh starts, Devali, and on goes creation's longing for oneness with Creator and creatures.
The children's song was never more true and compelling: "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine." May we all, everyday, in every way.
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