Why Church? (Part I)

The subject of church and how it does or doesn’t fit into a faith-filled life started to be of interest to me as I reflected on the last year or so and my association with the Episcopal faith.

That caused me to recall experiences I had a couple of years ago on a bizarre little forum called “Christianet.” It is extremely limiting, and is poorly administered, allowing only rather short comments on subjects.

I soon discovered that it was peopled in large part by fundamentalists who took sport in demonizing the Roman Catholic church. For the first time in my life, I learned that some folks actually contend that Revelation and the “whore of Babylon” was considered by them as the Roman Catholic Church.

Now such nonsense was and is laughable of course, since no respectable expert on the bible would support such a thesis. When questioned as to what church taught them this, I was informed that they had no church; church was the place where “man-made” doctrine was made, and that every true believer was perfectly guided by the Holy Spirit, and thus needed no instruction.

Skipping past the illogic that drives such thinking (after all isn’t one’s “self-interpretation” just as man-made? ), I was introduced thusly to what I had never known existed: the “unchurched believer.

Now, certainly I would have been the first to agree that many believers are unchurched. But we take that to mean they are believers in name only pretty much, and faith barely if ever intrudes on their day to day life. God is called upon in extreme situations only. But I had never heard that there were fundamentalists who believed that church was some false place that stood between them and true understanding.

As I recalled this strange experience, I was struck by what should have been obvious to me then: namely the degree to which fundamentalists, like most of us, are so adept at ignoring those parts of the bible that cut against the theology they have developed regarding it. In this case, it seems particularly blatant, since the bible fairly speaks against self-interpretation and against the idea that faith is expressed without benefit of a believing community.

So you see, there are really two issues here: the degree to which the bible supports the conclusion that one can and should self-interpret it without reference to experts or teachers of any kind, and the degree to which the bible supports the conclusion that the Judeo-Christian God is meant to be experienced in a community of believers, namely church or synagogue.

Fundamentalists are fond of saying that they believe the literal words in the bible as the “holy word of God” himself. As such, it would seem that everything within it should be followed to the best possible degree one can. Of course, it takes no genius to realize that no one, fundamentalists included, do this.

The mouth that tells us that Leviticus states that God abhors homosexuality as an “abomination” also tells us that we need not avoid pork, blood of animals, usury, and other Levitical prohibitions because Christianity supplants the Old Testament. Go figure. Its a cafeteria, as the ultra-orthodox Catholic is wont to say, and you can pick and choose what is in fact the “word of God.”

Let’s look at the issues in the Hebrew Testament. Certainly there is nothing to suggest that there were church buildings in the time of Abraham. There were none it seems among the other tribes and peoples of the region either. Yet, Abraham, like the followers of Baal and El, erected altars and offered sacrifice, albeit, animal and never human.

I’m not sure these events were witnessed by the people, but certainly people performed certain communal acts, such as making sure their homes had “household gods” and presumably helping to support the the sacrificing.

By the time of Moses, we add the ark of the covenant, and thereafter, it was considered the “home of God.” Moreover, Moses “taught” the people the meaning of the commandments. A priesthood was developed from the tribe of Levi. Clearly the people both looked to the priesthood and to the place of God as sacred and began observing ritual as a people.

In I believe Kings (don’t hold me to it), the Torah is discovered and read to the people continuously in one sitting, reminding them of their duties to God. This of course was the work of Moses, designed to explain in detail to the people God’s wishes. (Of course all serious experts also agree today that Moses did not author the Torah, and that in fact it was the editing of re-editing of at minimum four authors.) Moses didn’t suggest that anyone should read it as they determined and then off and implement it in their own way.

The prophets throughout the Hebrew Testament are another example of “teaching.” I’m not certain if the prophets, any or all, came from the tribe of Levi or not, but certainly the lesson of much of the Testament is that one ignores their teaching at one’s peril. In fact, the mishnah is tribute to the importance the Hebrews have, since ancient times, placed on the value of experts who study Torah and then teach the people the intricacies of the faith.

Similarly the ark of the covenant was moved first to a large tent, and then ultimately to it’s own Temple, built by Solomon. Jerusalem thus became the religious center of Judaism. Believing Jews went on pilgrimage for high holy days, and offered sacrifice as required.

Throughout the environs of Galilee and the land, synagogues were the norm, and indeed throughout the Roman world as well. These were centers of learning and education for all faithful Jews. They were centers of worship for all as well.

So the evidence is clear and convincing that the norm of the Hebrew Testament is both that teaching by those who were specially trained was the norm, as were those specially called. The teaching was interpretation of the sacred writing of Torah and later, the psalms and prophets and other writings. It is just as clear that a physical entity was the gather place where worship and faith issues played out in community.

Tomorrow we look at the New Testament and see what we can find there.

Blazing A New Trail

From time to time we are in some new group and we are asked, “Tell us something about yourself.” Most of us are wont to reply with terms like, wife, mother, attorney, Irish, American and so forth. But in truth, that is not who we are. I learned this from Deepak Chopra, a spiritual guru that has taught me much over the years.

The proper and only response for all is this: “I am a spiritual being, having a human experience.” That defines us perfectly.

We are all, as it were, on a unique journey, the trip of a lifetime literally, and no one is on the same exact trail as we are. Some may be utterly unaware, some only vaguely so, and some few are fully engaged. We travel forth in any case.

I have been interested in writing a piece on church for some weeks, and realized finally that I was likely to offend some folks and anger others if I did not preface it with some explanation. This is that explanation.

For I truly and utterly believe that there is no wrong way to make the journey and indeed no uniquely right way either. This takes me to a absolute truth for me, and that is that each of us is like a blank key, and our journey is a process of cutting that key to fit the lock that is ours alone in God. We are each of us so perfectly unique in our creative circumstances, the where and when and by whom of our birth, and then our thoroughly personal experiences, that it stands to reason that God fashions a perfect but unique fit just for us.

Thus our paths may be quite different. Our choice of faith tradition can be one of great importance in this, but for some, it may be of little consequence for much of their life. Prayer, ritual, church, all weave in and out of our journey, sometimes of utmost importance and value, and sometimes not. Every mystic has remarked of the dry periods or as it is often called, the “dark night of the soul.”

I have had periods of intense church, and yet found my circumstances change and have chosen to journey alone, focusing on Eastern practices and reading on my own. I have returned to church now and feel blessed to be there. Some read inspirational or serious exegetical or theological works, others wouldn’t dream of such stuff. Some soak up each Sunday’s service with great reverence, for others it is business as usual, and remarked on little.

I am convinced this is as it should be, and no one can or should tell anyone they are doing it right or wrong. We are where we need to be in each moment, and it is with the Spirit’s help that we move into new ways of worship and growth. God calls but sometimes we have mufflers on our ears and don’t hear at all, and then sometimes we faintly hear, and then sometimes the sound is deafening. We transcend from one place to another as we are directed internally, and no amount of outside interference changes things but to make us either guilty or resentful I suspect.

Faith is a deeply personal affair. We each come by it in our own way, in our own time, or not. And if not, no amount of “evidence” or cajoling will make much difference. When we are ready, then something, most anything, will be the tipping point, and we will move on the trail, one we are forced to cut our selves.

To try to follow another’s lead is I believe fraught with disappointment and no little chance of actual harm. I guess I don’t believe that evangelism is something that should be done by anyone but the most well educated in human psychology. Too many I suspect, go on their merry way, secure in the fact that they have been “saved,” and that the work is done. Too many relax in the shrugging assumption that “wanting” to believe is akin to believing, and leave it at that.

Too many, I suspect think there is no actual journey, and miss opportunities to really grow. In fact, I believe the best evangelism is the life well lived publicly. You may not turn a life today, but you may fifteen years from now, or next week. A innumerable set of threads may come together and the remembrance of your joy and peace may be recalled, and be the final piece that causes a transformation.

Perhaps I am wrong. But this is the way I see things. I could not describe my journey as being a good one, or not. It was and is, simply mine. If it tugs at you in some small way, then Glory to God, if not, you may learn what to avoid. And this is how I see everyone.

So, as you read tomorrow’s post on Church, be mindful that I am not suggesting that all who are unchurched by choice or happenstance are doing something wrong. I am simply commenting on my analysis of scripture. We all seek to do right, and fail to be perfect. Some suggest that Torah was impossible to keep even for the most pious Jew and thus Jesus was sent to atone for our limitations. So read tomorrow with no thought that I am criticizing. I would be loathe to do so. I have enough trouble guarding against the splinters in my own eyes.

Blessings.

Godly Humor: Part X

It is with no little irony, as I reviewed the last couple of posts in “Godly Humor,” that I realized how aptly named it was. Another joke by my Lord. For my spiritual journey most resembles a zig zag, which winds and bends, doubles back and races fitfully along, much no doubt, to the amusement of God. It all seems quite deliberate.

So to, the announcement at the end of Part IX, that the spiritual part of my autobiography was “concluded.” How could I have come to that idea?

In the last few weeks, it seemed that I was reflecting a good deal about the past year and my new journey of sorts in the Episcopal Church. And I thought it fair to set down my observations. Take serious note that I do not speak for my own parish, nor certainly for the Church at large.

It has been a bit more than a year since I first set foot in Christ Church, eager, tentative, hopeful, and not a little saddened by the events which led me to that juncture. Yet, not a few months later, I am joyously happy, relieved, dedicated, comfortable, and and endless list of other happy adjectives. It has been a good fit.

I recall telling the Contrarian that I intended to “attend church.” I “might” engage in some biblical studies if such were offered. I expected nothing further. As I learned of the breadth of ministries offered, my excitement grew, but I remained firm. No groups or committees that met in the evening hours, not much of anything that wasn’t scheduled for Sundays. No extra drives into town for me.

Yeah right. God it seemed had other plans. With, I imagine, great glee, I started in the Adult Forum group, wherein we first studied Hosea, and then on to Paul’s moral teachings. I met wonderful, bright, and by my estimation rather right thinking individuals. I soon felt right at home, and that was due in no small measure to the immense welcoming that is so much a tradition of the Episcopal church at large, but is central to my parish.

While I was “careful” with my liberal opinions, and “mindful” of my newness, I was constantly urged to speak my mind and join in the conversation whatever it might be. For Episcopalians by design are not a hierarchical group. Although we are led by fine, well educated, and spiritual leaders, they in deep humility encourage everyone to be an important part of the congregation.

There is an exuberance, an excitement there, no matter what day of the week you happen to stop by. People are busy. They are busy about being a Matthew 25 people.

“When was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?”

I can honestly say that in no church that I ever attended have I found so many ways of serving the community and thus God’s people. In no place did I feel God’s call so loudly and insistently.

And against all the pronouncements of “no night meetings, no weekday drives,” and all that, I find myself immersed more and more. Today, I serve as a chalice server, co-chair of the library committee, member of the Adult forum committee, Jubilee ministries committee, volunteer at Loaves and Fishes, new member of the Education for Ministry Program, and it appears a couple more that have not yet quite formalized.

I say this in no way to toot my horn, for goodness knows I can name several dozen at my church who do twice as much or more. They are my models and examples, for the face of Christ shines brightly in them. It is with their very lives that they draw me forth. I can say as much for the magnificent clergy that we have. Warm, engaging, spiritual, deeply immersed in the Gospel, they all, Rector, assistant Rector, and deacons reach forth to teach and preach and to guide and lead in the best tradition of Church.

I am reminded that I have not been transformed as much as I am being transformed, for like the journey, it is never ending.

I recognize that in the greater Episcopal Church there are serious problems. Some of our brethren have seen fit to turn their back on a fine tradition of the church, namely that we disagree and argue during the week about doctrine, and come together on Sunday to worship our God. Some have determined that they cannot abide by the decisions made by the majority on some issues and have gone their own way. I view this with sadness, but note that there is a movement throughout Christendom of realignment generally.

Not all think the same within my own parish. One would never expect that. Yet, I like to think that while we may disagree, we respect each other. We care for the well being of all our congregants no matter our different theological beliefs. We search, in the words of our rector, to find God working in our lives in agreement and disagreement. We seek the lessons that are always there to be learned.

I can say that all that I desired in “church” were met here, and more, that I did not contemplate. I rejoice in liturgy and am uplifted in the great traditions of the service. I feel God’s hand upon my shoulder each Sunday as I enter the pew. I feel a hushed reverence at Eucharist unlike any I have ever known.

Is my parish singularly special? I cannot speak to that, for I know no other. I suspect it is and it isn’t. It is unique and yet reflects all that I have come to understand of the Episcopal tradition. God may be quite the comic when it comes to upsetting my notions about the journey, but he was quite serious when he chose Christ Church and the Episcopal faith for me.

May all your faith choices be as wondrous.

Our First Book Giveaway!

The Hatchette Book Group has given me the honor of hosting a book giveaway. I am grateful to them for the opportunity.

The book offered is Jason Frenn’s Breaking the Barriers: Overcoming Adversity and Reaching Your Greatest Potential.

Mr. Frenn has spent years as a missionary in Costa Rica, and had led innumerable crusades. He is also an inspirational speaker. Besides his evangelical work under the auspices of the Assemblies of God, he hosts a weekly radio program.

The book is listed under religion and inspirational. I would categorize it additionally as a self-help book and perhaps under the prosperity gospel genre, though I am sufficiently unfamiliar with that teaching to be sure.

Mr. Frenn has addressed the issue so many of us face: barriers to the life we wish which often seem impassable. His premise is that God wishes us all to live up to our potential and wishes us abundance in that fulfilled life. Through a step-by-step process Frenn guides the reader through a series of life altering changes that bring us in alignment with God character, Jesus’ wisdom, and the discipline of the Holy Spirit.

Each chapter is has at least two stories used to illustrate the point being made, and how development and adherence to the principle being taught results in a solution to the barrier  that inhibits progress. Many of the stories are compelling.

There are practical lessons for achieving success in prayer and daily life that will assist the person bogged down and seemingly “stuck” in an unhealthy place. One of the more useful ones is the writing of a “eulogy” or epitaph of yourself. What would you like to be remembered for, what attributes would you hope loved ones and friends might say about you at your funeral. These can give good clues as to your desires in life, often hidden in the busyness of life. They can suggest areas you need to improve.

At the end of each chapter are specific prayers to recite daily as you move to change your actions, your beliefs, your thoughts, and turn them to those that uphold and invite God’s action in your life.

You should know that this book takes a decidedly literalistic approach to scripture. Whether you agree theologically with that or not, you will surely find good advice for bringing God into the forefront of your life and thus growing in both faith and in achieving the goals you set.

Whether it be finances, relationships, personal addictions, or career change, the methods Mr. Frenn offers are helpful to consider and implement.

***

Now as to the giveaway. If you are interested in obtaining a free copy (five are being offered), leave a comment to this post and your email address-or e-mail me separately if you are uncomfortable making it public.

The giveaway will conclude on September 4, 2009, and the winners will be e-mailed on September 5. I will randomly draw five names from all those submitted.

Winners so notified must return the  e-mail with full name and address. No PO Box please and the offer is good only in the US and Canada.

I will submit this information to the Hatchette Book Group, which will mail the book directly to you.

That’s all that is required.

Please consider that even if you don’t feel the book would be your type, think about whether you know someone who would enjoy it, and let them know how to submit an entry, or do so on their behalf. Or consider it as a gift to a person or library that you think might benefit from it.

I have another offering for next month, and no doubt based on the success, this process many well continue. Good luck to all!

Senator Grassley, Enough is Enough

An open letter to Senator Charles Grassley, (R-IA):

Senator:

It is with heavy heart that I write, given that a Senator of huge magnitude and ability passed from the scene yesterday. Now I must traverse to the opposite end of the spectrum and address you and your behavior as my representative in Congress.

I am not a native born  Iowan, having come to this fair state some ten plus years ago. I am aware that you  have had  a long career representing Iowa, well preceding my arrival. I am assured that indeed you have done things that reflect your care and love for this state in the past. So I am told.

I am a committed Democrat, and an unapologetic and proud liberal, and thus it is natural that you and I would disagree on most things. However, your behavior as of late transcends all bounds of political difference and renders you in my view unfit to represent this state.

It is apparent to me that the morality of health care reform doesn’t touch you or any of your Republican colleagues. You apparently consider it a privilege that is reserved for those who somehow qualify by work, birth, or some other standard  as being entitled to live healthy lives.

I on the other hand, consider it a right, one that every civilized democracy in the world grants to its citizens as a matter of moral rightness. Imagine that the most advanced, most wealthy of all nations turns its back on nearly 50 MILLLION of its own, to gratify the personal wallets of the few who inhabit the health care industry. 

This debate has devolved into a shouting match, egged on by big health care interests who are spreading unconscionable lies and fears to the public. They are inducing those who have more ugly motives of racism and other unsavory desires to use this issue to promote their agendas, most of which have nothing to do with health care at all.

Laying that aside, I have come to recognize that perhaps your age and mental acuity are at this time causing you difficulty in realizing what you are doing. Let me remark on a few things we have witnessed in the last few weeks:

• Are you aware Senator that you have been polluting the discussion with unwarranted fears of death panels that will as you put it “pull the plug on grandma?” You used those words Senator, and you know that they are untrue. There is no such provision in the current bills before Congress. You have admitted as much, yet you do nothing to correct the record. You have misled and continue to mislead Iowans. Further you voted for similar measures regarding end of life issues in the medicare bill of 2003. Have you forgotten this?
• Are you aware Senator that such lies place you in the very strange and abnormal room with the likes of Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann, Steven King (your fellow Iowan), as well as the crazies Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and Rush Limbaugh. Is this the legacy you wish to leave? Seriously, the media is starting to make fun of you Sir.
• Are you aware Senator of what your duties are regarding representing the people of your state? It would seem not. You have publicly stated that you will not likely vote for a “good” bill (your words), one you negotiated, if an insufficient number of fellow Republicans fail to vote for it. Sir, you were not elected to represent the Republicans. How do you justify not voting for a “good” bill just because some politicos in your party take that position?
• Are you aware Senator that there are two general models of representation in this country. In one you do you best to determine the majority feeling in your state and vote accordingly, and in the other you vote as your conscious and intelligence dictate for the best interests of the majority of your constituency. When you admit that you listen to those whose voices are “loudest” you do neither. And you say this while admitting that many of these “loud” voices have issues having nothing to do with health care.
• Are you aware Senator that some weeks ago you invited CEO’s who were receiving unbelievable compensation in the banking industry, to “fall on their swords” and commit suicide? Do you remember this?
• Are you aware Senator that some weeks ago you appeared on the Senate floor with charts and so forth and mumbled, bumbled along about Sir Lancelot and dragons? Even Mr. Nussle who at one time represented a portion of this state had the good graces to put a bag over his head before embarrassing the state in such a manner. What were you thinking?
• Are you aware Senator of what you said the other day? A veteran offered to take his gun and, in the company of other like minded individuals, go to Washington to mount an armed insurrection against a legitimately elected government of the USA. He offered Senator, to commit treason. And you Sir, did NOTHING, said NOTHING. You stood there like a potted plant. Even the less than stellar John McCain knew when someone had gone beyond the pale and stopped them. You Sir acted shamefully. You shamed all of us with your implicit approval of such criminal desires. And for that Sir, you deserve at minimum censure. I hope an investigation is forthcoming.

For all these reasons Sir, and doubtless more, I urge you to reconsider running for re-election. You are unfit for the office on numerous bases, either from lack of understanding of your role as a Senator, or from mental frailty. I Sir, will not just vote against you, but will be actively campaigning for your opponent. I can assure you, I am not alone in this. You’re becoming the talk of the town as it were, and that is not a compliment.

Shame on you Sir. We in Iowa deserve better. Enough is enough.

Senator, this e-mail is appearing on my blog, Afeatheradrift. It will be cross posted at AllVoices, and linked through Twitter and Facebook.

Sherry Peyton

References:

Wikipedia

The Washington Post

MSNBC

Pensito Review

Charles Grassley, Coward, by Paul Krugman

Vote Smart

The Dream Shall Never Die

Oh dear Teddy, dear Teddy. . . .

1932-2009

In 1963, I wept in confusion,

In 1968, I sobbed in pain,

In 2009, I wipe the tears away and defiantly declare: The hope shall live on!

***

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Treating My Head

It’s always been ironic to me that we place procreation as such a sacrosanct right. The offices of psychologists and psychiatrists tends to belay the fact that most of us are raised by people qualified for the task.

Still, since most of us manage to live out our lives without killing, torturing, or otherwise seriously violated others, I’ve never placed much truck in blaming my woes on the abysmal abilities of my parents.

I have spoken before that I suffer from mild depression, mostly SAD, which as you might expect, occurs mostly in the winter time. I at one point took anti-depressants for something less than a year, but found weaning myself off them more painful than the underlying disorder, so I self manage. Mostly this works pretty well, and I am not symptomatic for months at a time.

I guess it was symptomatic  that a few days ago I wrote a piece on “shoulds.” I obviously missed the signal that this should have alerted me that the cloud was returning. And as usual, new insights arise which I have not yet processed but you might find helpful or not. You may have suggestions or not.

Either way, I’m writing it out as my therapy.

I don’t think I’m unusual in having “rituals.” Rituals to start my day, rituals to end my day. Most people do. I tend to go a bit further and have “cleaning days” and so forth. Shopping is a morning thing, laundry is done on certain days. I don’t get apoplectic if I find it necessary to do laundry on an off day, but I like the schedule. I like to reward my “tasks” with rewards, such as a quiet cup of coffee, reading a book, meditating, cooking a favorite recipe, sitting down to read blogs and so forth. As I said, for the most part this works.

Until it doesn’t. This summer has been a bust here in Iowa. The garden hasn’t produced well due to too much rain and too cool temperatures. Thus a number of plans we had have fallen aside. The Contrarian has had a plethora of VA appointments which have resulted in success on one problem and the rest of the testing has brought relief since all were negative. Now I find myself contemplating the fall and winter and yet I don’t recall having much in the way of summer.

The ironic part, is that the very thing that gives me the impetus to do all the shoulds in my life, the schedule, now looms as the enemy. I see the days as endless sameness. It’s Tuesday, the toilets call. It’s Friday and the laundry beckons. I am engaged in an endless round of tasks that never resolve themselves but merely ebb and flow from “need to do” to “done for now.”

Life becomes an endless treadmill of sameness. I’m not sure how to break the cycle or if I should. The endless routine seems  in the end to build to a crescendo that spills over the top and threatens to flood my life. Yet, I’m afraid if I end the routine, my basic laziness will paralyze any effort at all. Church activities which are not so much within my control, meaning I can’t set the schedule, may be what keeps me reasonable on an even keel.

And I don’t mean it to sound dramatic. It is not. No one, other than the Contrarian would notice any difference. And frankly, he hadn’t noticed any change. I just know that I began to feel these moments of utter “who cares” that would flit through my mind. I could and am able to shake it off and continue, but they are coming by more often and that’s a warning to adjust things again.

It’s just that life seems a little grayer than it should be. The news is a downer, the Internet stories are a downer, the weather is a downer. Are you gloomy yet? Anyone who has depression understands, it seems that you must struggle to make yourself do the things that you used to do with either dispassionate ease or with delight. Everything gets harder. The luster dims on all that normally brings joy.

Mostly I guess I’m reaching out to ask what coping mechanisms work for you. I know a not insignificant number of our blogging community suffers from various depressive like states, and we humans are incredibly creative in finding ways that solve our problems. I guess I’m creating a virtual self-help clearing house here.

So I’d like to hear your tips for pushing away the blues. I guess that I’m discovering that with depression, you can’t just create a world that solves the problem. It’s a fluid illness and requires adaptation over time. The routine that worked yesterday is the demon that makes my world look monochromatic today. It’s a good thing to know, and I’m glad that I have realized that.

Now I need to look at new solutions to old problems. Perhaps we, in our struggles, manage to reach out and help each other. I like to think we do.