I had one on the way to church today. I usually don't have the radio on, but had turned it on during my shopping yesterday and the first song to play was:
If God had a name what would it be?
And would you call it to his face?
If you were faced with him
In all his glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?
*And yeah, yeah, God is great
Yeah, yeah, God is good
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
What if God was one of us?
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home
If God had a face what would it look like?
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that
you would have to believe
in things like heaven and in Jesus and the saints
and all the prophets (*)
Trying to make his way home
Back up to heaven all alone
Nobody calling on the phone
'cept for the Pope maybe in Rome(*)
Just trying to make his way home
Like a holy rolling stone
Back up to heaven all alone
Just trying to make his way home
Nobody calling on the phone
'cept for the Pope maybe in Rome
I turned the radio off afterward and meditated on the words of the song. I realized that no matter how you intrepret the word "God" that it speaks to a significant point about all humanity. We are all the same. We are just trying to get through life and the Universe, God, Cosmic Consciouness, whatever you chose to call it is there to offer guidance and direction if only we ill slow down and pay attention. So let's pause and listen for the Great Mystery to speak to us and share our concerns with it from time to time.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Beatitudes
I am reading A Chosen Faith and their is an exercise to rewrite the Beattitudes for yourself. Here iss what I wrote. First here are the original Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:3-12
Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness̢۪ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Here are mine:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they will knnow peaceuuuu8.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will be accepted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will find answers to the Mystery.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called one with the Universe.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness̢۪ sake, for they will know freedom.
Observations on Religion at Atlanta Pride
It was encouraging to see so many churches at the event this year. Almost every type of church was represented this year. It is the first time I recall seeing a Catholic organization. I believe this is a reflection of the changing views on marriage which a recent poll showed. Apparently the majority of Americans really aren't opposed to gay marriage. Perhaps churches are beginning to resemble the beliefs of their members more closely than their historical roots.
I only saw 2 sets of protesters this year. I was just appalled that they would call themselves Christians. I can respect the ones who show up with signs that say, "God loves you and has a better plan for your life" or such. They believe we are wrong and they want us to know it. I'm not going to debate what the Bible says tonight in regards to homosexuality, I just want to make a point about the behavior of the protesters who were there. Both groups were carrying signs filled with hate and the words they used at points sounded like they belonged on a episode of Southpark. One group accused my church of being a bunch of pedophiles. I recall a much different Jesus in the Bible (regardless of your views on it). He said something about loving your neighbor as I recall and made friends with people in what his contemporaries considered the worst parts of society.
I just raised my heart flag higher and the crowd cheered louder and we tried to drown them out.
It was a good opportunity for my congregation to practice their principles even if others might not have.
We showed our belief in:
The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all.
We did this by letting people know we were there for them, assisting other organizations, marching in the parade and collecting donations. I was proud of them.
I only saw 2 sets of protesters this year. I was just appalled that they would call themselves Christians. I can respect the ones who show up with signs that say, "God loves you and has a better plan for your life" or such. They believe we are wrong and they want us to know it. I'm not going to debate what the Bible says tonight in regards to homosexuality, I just want to make a point about the behavior of the protesters who were there. Both groups were carrying signs filled with hate and the words they used at points sounded like they belonged on a episode of Southpark. One group accused my church of being a bunch of pedophiles. I recall a much different Jesus in the Bible (regardless of your views on it). He said something about loving your neighbor as I recall and made friends with people in what his contemporaries considered the worst parts of society.
I just raised my heart flag higher and the crowd cheered louder and we tried to drown them out.
It was a good opportunity for my congregation to practice their principles even if others might not have.
We showed our belief in:
We did this by letting people know we were there for them, assisting other organizations, marching in the parade and collecting donations. I was proud of them.
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