Colleagues List, April 21st, 2013

Vol VIII No. 28 **** Wayne A. Holst, Editor My E-Mail Address: waholst@telusplanet.net ***** Colleagues List Web Site: http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Web Site: http://tinyurl.com/ctwa95e "Quicklinks" are included with many items. Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection in the body of the blog. ***** Dear Friends: This will be my last mailing of Colleagues List until Sunday, May 11th, and after our return home from seventeen days in Turkey. I hope to share some initial thoughts about that intriguing country when I return. -- I received a number of fine communications from colleagues this week, and include them below for your interest and edification. Special Items this Week: A word of thanks is due to those of you who write me, and who may not write but who read Colleagues List without comment. I have a few final words to share on my health and preparation for the trip to Turkey which begins Tuesday, April 23rd and continues to May 9th. -- Colleague Comments: I encourage you to read what the following colleagues have to say: Douglas John Hall - writes of his 'last' book stating that, at 85, he is ready for a rest! "What Christianity is Not" will be introduced a few weeks from now on Colleagues List. Dan Haugen - retired Lutheran pastor, shares his thoughts from near Prince Albert SK. I have known Dan for forty years. Thanks, friend. Herb O'Driscoll - returns to Calgary from Victoria for a weekend sponsored by The Wisdom Centre which is located here. Welcome to Calgary, Herb! Isabel Gibson - expresses appreciation for a recent column by Ron Rolheiser appearing here. Isabel has contributed much good here herself. -- Colleague Contributions: Ron Rolheiser offers his thoughts on "Stone Jars and Softer Containers" for which we are grateful. http://tinyurl.com/bn9hsad -- Net Notes: "Immortal Diamond" - Catholic spiritual writer Richard Rohr shares his most recent book, and is reviewed this week in Englewood Review of Books. http://tinyurl.com/cnsybaq "Extreme Parenting" - Andrew Solomon does extensive research on families who have children with disabilities (America Magazine) http://tinyurl.com/cfs36mp "Woman's True Beauty" - only four percent of women think they are beautiful (is it because no one tells them they are?) Here is an important article appearing this week in Time Magazine. http://tinyurl.com/cympph9 "Walter Bruggemann on Preaching" - a short video on what this famous American theologian thinks preaching should be about (Youtube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAVBFc2q04M "George Beverly Shea Dies at 104" - sad news came this week about the death of the Canadian who stood beside Billy Graham for many years (Assist News) http://tinyurl.com/chgr5mc "Shea Was a Major Source of Inspiration" - his spirit sustained the Graham team as well as the many who heard him sing (Religious News Service) http://tinyurl.com/cvv97ba "Book Portrays Pope as Moderate Realist" - John L. Allen suggests a book that could help many of us discover the real Francis (National Catholic Reporter) http://ncronline.org/node/50091 "Francis to Open File on "Hitler's Pope" - this announcement will enhance the new pope's image as a "moderate realist" who picks up on an issue that concerns many (National Post) http://tinyurl.com/czj2a7b -- Wisdom of the Week: Provided by Sojourners online offer us the insights of these thoughtful people - Bonaventure, Eugene Cho, Ste Therese of Lisieux, an Aboriginal Activist Sister, and William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army) -- Closing Thought - Rob Bell Bell was the evangelical mega church pastor who began asking important questions that some former associates found difficult... *** My best to you. I'll be back soon. Wayne ***** Our New Fall Programs will be posted here shortly, as they develop over the next months. SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/ Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services - http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html ***** STUDY ARCHIVES An accumulation of thirty-five books studied since 2000 can quickly be found at: http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4 This collection of study resources represents more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at St. David's, plus extra courses too! You are welcome to use our course outlines, class notes and resource pages in your personal and group reflections. ********************* SPECIAL ITEM MY PERSONAL THANKS FOR COLLEAGUES LIKE YOU This week I include comments from four Canadian colleagues. That is a rare number! Normally I receive comments from colleagues around the world, even though I write this weekly letter attempting to be 'international and ecumenical in nature, Canadian in focus.' The wonder of the internet is that its reach is global and the possibilities for building global community - at least electronically - is amazing. I continue to be inspired by the fact that interested people from around the world (I have records of 2,300 'hits' in the past month) who have checked out my site. May the numbers continue to grow! But, that said, I am interested in every reader of Colleagues List, and hope you continue to write me - personally, or for public readership. -- FINAL THOUGHTS BEFORE DEPARTURE FOR TURKEY I was to visit my surgeon this week, six months since the work on the colon abscess that had developed after my cancer operation of almost three years ago. My cancer cure is holding and I have two more years before the medical people call me 'cured.' For that I continue to be grateful. The abscess is receding and my surgeon hopes this will continue until it disappears. He compared his work to bursting a pimple and releasing/disbursing the infection  In the meantime, he is pleased with my regimen of diet and exercise (no medication needed). "I have walked almost 300 kilometers since getting out of hospital last October." I told the doctor. "Now you can turn around and walk back," he replied. I walk several Ks daily rather than taking longer walks periodically. This seems to be the best for me. Marlene makes sure I eat well, and for her constant support I am very grateful too. "You need to remember that you are 70 years old, not 40," he reminded me. "Don't expect to do what you did without thinking, 30 years ago." "You should be the healthiest person on the tour," said my doctor. I am in no competition but it was a compliment. So as I depart for Turkey with a lovely partner - and co-hosts John and Brenda Bailey of Coquitlam, BC I could not be more fortunate. We are off to a good start!! ***** COLLEAGUES COMMENTS DOUGLAS JOUN HALL Montreal, QC April 14th, 2013 Dear Wayne, I must tell you how much I appreciated the thoughtful review of my WAITING FOR GOSPEL. The service you provide for Canadian Christians is remarkable, and it is quite unique. We all thank you!        My last-yes-last book has now been published, again by Wipf and Stock, a splendid publishing house that for several years has served me and other Christian authors very well. The book is called  WHAT CHRISTIANITY IS NOT: AN EXERCISE IN 'NEGATIVE' THEOLOGY. The purpose of 'negative' (or apophatic) theology is, first, to preserve the MYSTERY of ultimate truth by resisting the temptation to attribute ultimacy to the penultimate; and, second, to encourage in believers a spirit of MODESTY, as becomes those who know they do not understand but can only stand under God's living Truth.        The book will be published also by the World Council of Churches publishing house in Geneva.        Having just observed my 85th birthday, I am grateful for the vocation to which I was called sixty-five years ago, and for the extraordinary mentors and companions who have sustained me. Sincerely, Doug. -- DAN HAUGEN, Prince Albert, SK April 14th, 2013 Wayne, I thought I should let you know how much I enjoy exploring the material you provide in your Colleagues List. You do well to produce this on such a regular basis. I appreciate the breadth of resources you present. It would give a wonderful basis for good debate, but I have come to believe that "debate" is quite difficult in the current culture of our time. A seminary professor asked me several years ago why students no longer challenge the professor to enter into any real discussion. I think it was Alan Bloom who suggested that the "virtue" of "tolerance" in the Western World has made it difficult for anyone to enter debate. In this environment he suggested that education becomes rather shallow and ill equipped to deal with reality. I believe it is in the turning and exploring of ideas and issues through discussion and debate that we discover the many sides of issues that do not blur reality but help us understand and see more clearly its wonder and complexity. I think also the simplistic stereo-typing of thought(usually into two camps) has also eliminated debate. It seems it is easier to stereo-type people in orderto avoid having to deal with discussion. The stereo-type is itself used to disqualify anything communicated. With "two sides" it also tends to simply become adversarial and produces even less that is beneficial... and in turn produces more division and alienation that destroys fellowship. These observations are meant to be more descriptive than critical of our time. I guess it suggests also that I have succumbed to despair for meaningful dialogue.But it is so good to at least share in the thoughts and observations of others. I thank you for this wonderful contribution to thoughtthough most of the thought it stimulates in me remains in this small island to which one sometimes feels banished. Such is our time. God is not threatened by our times. Dan Haugen (retired) PS  We bought a small acreage beside a 200 acre naturalpark near Prince Albert. Lots of time for grandchildren, still play hockey (4 times a week) and working on some writing.) Life is good. -- HERB O'DRISCOLL Victoria, BA (Sent by Colleague Wayne Stewart  mwaynestewart@shaw.ca April 9th 2013 Thanks for your Colleagues List mailings, Wayne. Our mutual friend, Herb O'Driscoll, is coming to Calgary for an evening presentation and day long workshop in May. He asked me to send the info to you (and we will appreciate your circulating this to anyone you think would be interested). Hope you can join us. Thanks, Wayne Herb O'Driscoll's Presentations in Calgary Sponsored by The Wisdom Centre Thursday, May 23, 2013 7:30 PM St. Laurence Anglican Church, 5940 Lakeview Drive SW, Calgary “Fashion Me a Church” How do Christians today recover the roots of the faith to discover how it can form their understanding of the contemporary world? How do we build structures for community that will enable and nurture Christian spirituality? == Friday, May 24, 2013 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM St. Laurence Anglican Church “Morning Has Broken - The Re-Enchantment of the Contemporary Christian Quest.” Three presentations by The Rev. Dr. Herb O’Driscoll and a chance for participants to dig into the themes with Herb and with one another. Half a century after four very young men from Liverpool captivated the world with their songs. We are still coming to terms  with the cultural revolution their music heralded. Perhaps the most significant development in Western culture has been the realization that the depths of that revolution are spiritual. Sunday, May 26 10: 00 AM The Rev. Dr. Herb O’Driscoll will preach at the 10 am worship service at St. Laurence Register now at http//:www.wisdomcentre.ca Early-bird registration until May 1 Both Thursday and Friday $60 ($70 after May 1) Thursday only $20 ($25 after May 1) Friday only $50 (no early bird) Bio: Herbert O’Driscoll was educated and ordained in Ireland. He came to Canada in 1954. His last appointment before retiring in 1993 was in Christ Church, Elbow Park in Calgary. Between those two dates he was involved across the Canadian Church in many roles, as parish priest,as Naval Chaplain and as Cathedral Dean. He has beenWarden of the College of the National Cathedral inWashington DC. and a visiting lecturer in St George’s College in Jerusalem. His lecturing continues, having been done widely across the Anglican Communion, in Canada, the United States, Australia, England, Ireland. He is the author of many books, and his hymns are sung across a wide spectrum of Christian traditions. Married to Paula O’Driscoll, they have three daughtersand a son, all married. There are four granddaughters and four grandsons, and one great grandson. The blood is strong! -- ISABEL GIBSON Ottawa, ON. April 14th, 2013 Wayne: Thanks for the link to Rolheiser's article on secularity. I found his closing paragraphs particularly poignant - how we struggle to find something (anything?) that will give us only 'the good'. How we despair at the apparent 'package deal' of amazing personal liberty/ freedom,abortion,pornography, and self- indulgence. "If only we could have the one with out the other(s)!" we cry.  If only we could be something more than human.... Regards, Isabel ***** COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS RON ROLHEISER San Antonio, TX Personal Web Site April 14th, 2013 "Stone Jars and Softer Containers" http://tinyurl.com/bn9hsad ***** NET NOTES IMMORTAL DIAMOND Search for Our True Self New Book by Richard Rohr Englewood Review of Books April 19th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cnsybaq -- EXTREME PARENTING Review of Andrew Solomon Book on Raising Handicapped Children "Far From the Tree" America Magazine April 29th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cfs36mp -- WOMAN'S TRUE BEAUTY Most Women Don't Consider Themselves to be Beautiful Time Magazine Online April 19th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cympph9 -- WALTER BRUGGEMANN ON PREACHING Centrality of the Biblical Text Columbia Theological Seminary Short Youtube Presentation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAVBFc2q04M -- GEORGE BEVERLY SHEA DIES AT 104 Longtime Billy Graham Associate Assist News April 16th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/chgr5mc -- WHAT SHEA MEANT TO GRAHAM'S MINISTRY He Was a Major Source of Inspiration Religious News Service April 17th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/cvv97ba -- BOOK PORTRAYS POPE AS MODERATE REALIST Study Based on His Record in Argentina and His Work in the Roman Curia John L. Allan April 18th, 2013 http://ncronline.org/node/50091 -- FRANCIS TO OPEN FILE ON "HITLER'S POPE" Delicate But Important Issue Needs Airing National Post April 19th, 2013 http://tinyurl.com/czj2a7b ***** WISDOM OF THE WEEK Provided by Sojourners Online: The outcome or the fruit of reading Holy Scripture is by no means negligible: it is the fullness of eternal happiness. These are the books which tell us of eternal life, which were written, not only that we might believe, but also that we might have everlasting life. The purpose of the Scriptures, which come to us from God, is to lead us to the fullness of the truth. In order to achieve this, we must study holy Scripture carefully, and teachit and listen to it in the same way. - Bonaventure -- I can't explain everything but I know this: In both the joys and pains of life, God is with you. God rejoices and mourns with you. You are not alone. - Eugene Cho -- The only way to make rapid progress along the path of divine love is to remain very little and put all our trust in Almighty God. - Saint Therese of Lisieux -- If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us walk together. - An Aboriginal Activist Sister -- Consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and heaven without hell. - William Booth, at end of the 19th century ***** CLOSING THOUGHT Rob Bell, Author of "Love Wins" May you experience this vast, expansive, infinite, indistructable love that has been yours all along. May you discover that this love is as wide as the sky and as small as the cracks in your heart no one else knows about. And may you know, deep in your bones, that love wins. - Concluding chapter (end)

Colleagues List, April 14th, 2013

Vol. VIII No. 27

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Web Site:
http://tinyurl.com/cj4esyy


"Quicklinks" are included with many items.
Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection
in the body of the blog.

*****

Dear Friends:

As my teaching term ends at the university
and the church I am turning my energies to
final preparation for our 26-member tour
of Turkey.

Marlene and I look forward to co-hosting
this tour with Brenda and John Bailey of
Coquitlam, BC. As in the past, Rostad Tours
of Calgary is serving as our travel company.

I hope you will enjoy, and perhaps benefit,
from the following two reflections. They
represent considerable work, stretching
back more than a year:

"Turkey and the Early Christian Church"
Anticipating Our Tour of an Ancient Land
April 23rd - May 9th, 2013 (and)

"Personal Goals for the Turkey Tour"
Five Principles to Help Guide our Experience

--

Colleague Contributions this week are from:

Martin Marty (Chicago)-  who contributes his
perspectives on "Seminaries and the Future"
(see also the Alban Institute article below
in Net Notes.) http://tinyurl.com/c8kcnx4

Ron Rolheiser (San Antonio) - who writes on a
big theme of his "Struggling With Secularity"
http://tinyurl.com/dxycey6

--

Net Notes:

"Exit the Tigress" - Margaret Thatcher died
this week and I include two perspectives
from the UK (The Tablet and The Guardian)
http://tinyurl.com/bsenrv9
http://tinyurl.com/d7wjx8x

"Does Jesus Really Love Me?" - here is an
interesting book, just coming out, and
written by a gay man who traveled the US
to interview people from a wide range of
churches on their views of GBLT today
(New York Times Review of Books)
http://tinyurl.com/cceglbp

"A Look Inside the Seminary" - a second
article this week (after Marty above) on
what is happening in seminaries today.
This is a US perspective (Alban Weekly)
http://tinyurl.com/crhgt46

"When God is Your Therapist" - some months
ago I introduced the book "When God Talks
Back" - a study of conservative Christianity
by T.M. Luhrmann. The focus of this article
is on seeing the Divine as a relationship,
not an explanation which I find most helpful
(New York Times) http://tinyurl.com/cfz85d8

"Seventh Day Adventists at 150" - this
modern denomination emerged out of American
apocalypic experience and I am grateful for
colleagues from this tradition. A Happy
Anniversary to you! (Religious News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/d6fuwuh

"Community Building on an Urban Scale" -
L'Arche Canada and colleague Beth Porter
of Richmond Hill, ON interviews Calgary
mayor Naheed Nenshi (A Human Future)
http://tinyurl.com/d5qx9yp

"Ingram Reflects on Storms of His Career" -
Michael Ingham steps down as Anglican
bishop of New Westminster BC this summer.
I include his comments and my review of
a book that featured him and three others
(Anglican Journal and AJ Archives)
http://tinyurl.com/c3wcx7d
http://tinyurl.com/cuwda86

"Mormon Leader Warns of Liberal Legislation"
- as the US moves toward normalizing gay
marriage, an LDS church leader speaks out
(Huffington Post Canada)
http://tinyurl.com/brkh3xy

"Bishop Views Korean Threats as Desperation"
- a South Korean Catholic Bishop expresses
concern over the rantings and threats of the
North Korean leader (Catholic News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/d9wakbo

Hard Questions Raised Re Francis in Argentina
- respected journalist, John L. Allen, traveled
to Argentina and Chile in search of the history
of the current pope, Francis I
(National Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/c3ua2h5

--

Wisdom of the Week:

This week, thanks to Sojourners online,
we hear from -

Julian of Norwich, Henri J.M. Nouwen,
Clarence Jordan, Walter Brueggemann and
Oscar Romero

--

On this Day:

Provided from the archives of the
New York Times:

Pablo Picasso Dies in France at 91
http://tinyurl.com/3paj9gg

Dodgers Secure Jackie Robinson from Montreal
http://tinyurl.com/3mmgw

--

Closing Thought: Karen Armstrong

I quote from her book -

"Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life"

I used her book this winter as a study
for the Faith and Spirituality Centre
at the University of Calgary

http://tinyurl.com/ckdxetn

--

We've had a return of winter snow in
Calgary. I hope it won't last too long!
It makes the songbirds happy and adds
needed moisture to the soil.

Wayne

******

Our New Fall Programs will be posted here
shortly, as they develop over the next months.

SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS

Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca 
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/

Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html 

*****

STUDY ARCHIVES

An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4

This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!

You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.

*********************

SPECIAL ITEMS

TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Anticipating Our Tour of an Ancient Land

The key themes of our tour are:

Ancient and Classic
Early Christianity
Islamic and Interfaith Culture
Natural Beauty

ANCIENT AND CLASSIC

We are visiting a land that has known human
settlement for more than six thousand years
and we will encounter evidence of many layers
of this amazing fact.

Museums will display the story of ancient Hittite
peoples. Ruined cities like Troy and Canakkale
will offer reminders of Homer's "Iliad" and the
Temple of Artemis (known less precisely as
the Temple of Diana.)

To recognize the early cultural foundations
of biblical material with which we are familiar
and a lot of the history since that time helps
us to recognize there is much more to the
area we are visiting that what we may have
imagined.

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

Jewish devotees from many parts of Asia
Minor (modern Turkey) were present on the
day of Pentecost (recorded in the book of
Acts.) They took their experiences home
with them.

Paul made three missionary journeys through
territory we are visiting. He would usually
begin at the local synagogue where people had
probably heard of Jesus before he arrived.

The Book of Revelation, written by John of
Patmos, was written to the "Seven Churches
of Asia" - Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum,
Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicia.
We will be visiting most of these locations,
even though we will mainly encounter ruins.

Of special interest is Ephesus, which is
important because both Paul and John of
Patmos were related to this city.

If we want to better understand the Jewish
roots of Christianity and the movement to
make Christian faith appealing to Gentiles,
foundational stories are to be found here.

ISLAMIC AND INTERFAITH CULTURE

We will be exposed to Muslim religion from
the day we arrive in Istanbul. Visits to
Hagia Sophia and the Blus Mosque in that
city will expose us to both the cultural
and interfaith traditions of Islamic Turkey.

When we visit the region of Cappadocia we
will discover ancient Jewish and Christian
communities, now largely replaced by those
who follow Mohammad as their major prophet.

In Koyna, we encounter the life and work of
the great Sufi master Rumi - probably the
most famous advocate of Islamic mysticism.
Rumi is a teacher for all faiths and the
Dervish orders we encounter in Koyna will
help us probe more deeply into why Rumi
is so important in the history of religion.

NATURAL BEAUTY

The glories of the natural world will be
encountered everywhere.

The "Cotton Castle" of Pamukkale  will expose
us to white travertine terraces (calcium
carbonate shelves,) pools and stalactites
which hug the ridge above town like a white
scar - created by the area's rich mineral
water which cools as it cascades over cliff
edges and deposits its calcium.

The Mediterranean Coast around Anatalya
is renowned for its beauty and we will
spend time enjoying the beaches there.

We complete our time in this lovely land
with a sobering visit to the Gallipoli
Memorial, a sad reminder of a place where
thousands of soldiers died during World
War I - "the war to end all wars."

Turkey has human, natural and historical
beauty. We hope to enjoy and make the most
of all three!

**

PERSONAL GOALS FOR THE TURKEY TOUR
Five Principles to Help Guide Our Experience

As part of our preparation for this trip, I have
developed five personal goals which may help to
guide our experience. These goals are open-ended.
Fellow-travelers may wish to build on them..

ONE

To do everything possible to make this a most
memorable experience for all participants.

Those on tour have already invested much of
themselves in preparation. We want to do all
that is humanly possible to assure everyone an
unforgettable travel experience which can be
looked back upon with much satisfaction.

TWO

To make the best use of the time, spiritual/
physical energy and financial outlay that
we will be investing in this pilgrimage.

Participants have known from the beginning
that this will be a 'busy' adventure and we
will be visiting many special sites and also
covering significant territory.  That said,
we want people to feel that they have been
able to concentrate on good things. We hope
people will be inspired to 'go deeper' and to
'experience more' on this, and future travels.

THREE

To help everyone connect with the universal,
spiritual meanings of the places visited.

Some will find direct connections because of
classical. Christian and interfaith associations.
Others may find a lot of this totally new. All
can come into contact with meanings they
might not have otherwise thought possible.
We are visiting particular settings, but these
places hold timeless and universal value -
no matter what one's experience might be.

FOUR

To encourage and enable everyone to have fun!

While there are serious aspects to this trip
there is also an opportunity for those involved
to get to know and enjoy each other's company
in special and unusual ways. Some on this trip
know each other personally, but there is also an
opportunity to make new and possibly lifelong
friends. Travel on a bus can be disconcerting.
It can also be very satisfying. Much benefit
can be derived from individual contributions
to our "Turkey Tour" - before, during and
following the trip itself.

FIVE

To invest in the idea that ongoing spiritual
travel can be a most meaningful and satisfying
growth experience for everyone.

Building on what we learn this time, it should
be possible to offer other tours to other regions
- and to many other 'spiritual locations' –
around the world. Christians need to learn about
their history because it can enrich their faith.
They can also learn from people of other or no
faith. The world is full of places where we
can gain a rich exposure to ever-expanding
cultural experiences. In our rapidly changing
globe, to become more aware of human diversity
and similarity is no longer a luxury. It is
becoming a necessity.

---

Written to begin a reflection process -
Wayne Holst, April 5th, 2013

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago, IL

"Seminaries and the Future"

http://tinyurl.com/c8kcnx4

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio, TX

"Struggling With Secularity"

http://tinyurl.com/dxycey6

*****

NET NOTES

EXIT THE TIGRESS
Margaret Thatcher Remembered

The Tablet (UK)
April 13th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bsenrv9

"Influential But Divisive"
The Guardian, UK
April 8th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d7wjx8x

--

DOES JESUS REALLY LOVE ME?
A Study of Gayness and Religion

New York Times Book Review
April 14th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/cceglbp

--

A LOOK INSIDE THE SEMINARY
An American Perspective --

Alban Weekly from the Alban Institute
April 14th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/crhgt46

--

WHEN GOD IS YOUR THERAPIST
The Divine as Relationship,
Not Explanation

The New York Times
April 14th, 2013

By the Author of
"When God Talks Back"

http://tinyurl.com/cfz85d8

--

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS AT 150
Still Praying for Apocalypse

Religious News Service
April 10th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d6fuwuh

--

COMMUNITY BUILDING ON AN URBAN SCALE
Interview with Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi
"A Human Feature" - L'Arche Canada
Written by Colleague Beth Porter.

Spring, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d5qx9yp

--

INGHAM REFLECTS ON STORMS OF HIS CAREER
Bishop of New Westminster to Retire

Anglican Journal
April 11th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/c3wcx7d

Backgrounder -

"Sing A New Song"
Book on Four BC Bishops
Including Ingham

A Review by Wayne Holst
in Anglican Journal (2006)

http://tinyurl.com/cuwda86

--

MORMON LEADER WARNS RE LIBERAL LEGISLATION
Expresses Concern Over Same Sex Marriage

Huffington Post Canada
April 9th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/brkh3xy

--

BISHOP VIEWS KOREAN THREATS AS DESPERATION
Korean Catholic Leader Concerned

Catholic News Service
April 11th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d9wakbo

--

HARD QUESTIONS RAISED RE FRANCIS IN ARGENTINA
Record of the Current Pope is Clearer Now

National Catholic Reporter
April 12th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/c3ua2h5

--

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online -

I have often wondered why, through the
great prescient wisdom of God, the beginning
of sin was not prevented. For then it seemed
to me that would have been well. ... But
Jesus answered me with these words and said:
Sin is necessary, but all will be well,
and all will be well, and every kind of
thing will be well.

- Julian of Norwich

--

Our faithfulness will depend on our
willingness to go where there is brokenness,
loneliness, and human need. If the church
has a future it is a future with the poor
in whatever form.

- Henri J.M. Nouwen

--

The resurrection of Jesus was simply God's
unwillingness to take our 'no' for an answer.
He raised Jesus, not as an invitation to us to
come to heaven when we die, but as a declaration
that he himself has now established permanent,
eternal residence here on earth. He is standing
beside us, strengthening us in this life. The
good news of the resurrection of Jesus is not
that we shall die and go home to be with him,
but that he has risen and comes home with us,
bringing all his hungry, naked, thirsty, sick
prisoner brothers with him.

- Clarence Jordan

--

Clearly, if 'no other god' has any real power and,
therefore, any real, substantive existence, it is
grossly inappropriate that Israel should invest
such an object with ultimacy. The [Hebrew] word...
however, need not be rendered 'idol.' It is more
properly rendered 'image,' a visible representation
of Yahweh. The temptation, then, is not the creation
of a rival that detracts from Yahweh, but an attempt
to locate and thereby domesticate Yahweh in a visible,
controlled object. This latter reading, which is the
more probable, is also more subtle. It does not fear
a rival but a distortion of Yahweh's free character
by an attempt to locate Yahweh and so diminish
something of Yahweh's terrible freedom.

- Walter Brueggemann

--

I do not tire of telling everyone, especially young
people who long for their people's liberation, that
I admire their social and political sensitivity,
but it saddens me when they waste it by going on
ways that are false. Let us, too, all take notice
that the great leader of our liberation is the Lord's
Anointed One, who comes to announce good news to the
poor, to give freedom to the captives, to give news
of the missing, to give joy to so many homes in
mourning, so that society may be renewed as in the
sabbatical years of Israel.

- Archbishop Oscar Romero


*****

ON THIS DAY

From the Archivss
of the New York Times

For Period April 7th - 13th:

PABLO PICASSO DIES IN FRANCE AT 91
Painter Famous for Groundbreaking Art
http://tinyurl.com/3paj9gg

--

DODGERS SECURE JACKIE ROBINSON FROM MONTREAL
First Black Major League Player
http://tinyurl.com/3mmgw

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Karen Armstrong

"The attempt to become a compassionate
human being is a lifelong project. It
is not achieved in an hour or a day -
or even in twelve steps. It will last
until our dying hour. Nearly every day
we will fail (but) we must pick ourselves
up and start again...

Compassion is possible, and... even in
our conflicted world some people have
achieved heroic levels of empathy,
forgiveness, and "concern for everybody."

... if we persevere, we can be a force
for good in the world.

- from "The Last Word" of the book
  "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life"

http://tinyurl.com/d27jap3

(end)

Colleagues List, April 7th, 2013

Vol. VIII No. 26

*****

Wayne A. Holst, Editor

My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telusplanet.net

*****

Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com

Canadian Anglicans Google Groups Web Site:
http://tinyurl.com/cugcaqd

"Quicklinks" are included with many items.
Otherwise, scroll down to find your selection
in the body of the blog.

*****

Dear Friends:

I have a special book to introduce to you
this week. It is a colleague's autobiography
that is written in a creative way

"Making Anew My Home" is by Mathew Zachariah,
professor emeritus in the faculty of Education
at the University of Calgary. We have known
each other for twenty years and I remember
when we first met on campus.

Mathew and Soro Zachariah hail from Kerala
State, India but they have lived more of
their lives as Canadians than they lived
in their home country.

I hope you will enjoy my notice of this
unique study in cross-cultural identity.

http://tinyurl.com/ljmdh8s

--

Colleague Comment:

This week I received a surprise email from
a person I had not communicated with in
more than forty years. Harold Sitahal is
a minister of the Presbyterian Church of
Trinidad and Grenada and a mutual friend
was responsible for connecting us. That
was a special treat I want to share with
you.

Doug Shantz - wrote to graciously correct
me on how I interpreted the place of German
Pietism in German church history in last's
week's notice of his book. Thanks Doug.

--

Colleague Communications:

This week we hear from Martin Marty,
"April Fools," Jim Taylor, "How You Can't
Get to Heaven," and Ron Rolheiser "Lucky
Sevens." These are three of our regular
columnists and our thanks to you.

http://tinyurl.com/dxpgfyh
http://tinyurl.com/cvoxzjf
http://tinyurl.com/bsf37xn

--

Net Notes:

"Americans Love the Bible" - while most
American homes contain an average of about
five Bibles each, few of them seem to be used
(Religious News Service)
http://tinyurl.com/d3oh43n

"What's Happening in North Korea?" - what
is behind all the fearful bluster that
leaves even the Chinese frustrated?
(New York Times video report)
http://tinyurl.com/d2kogby

"Being Gay at Falwell's University" -
here is a school where sexual issues
are rather clear cut, and the resulting
affect on one student is shared below
(Atlantic Online)
http://tinyurl.com/d4xbram

"Sex Attacks Affect Indian Tourism" -
we have followed this story for many
months and it still causes headlines
(Uca News) http://tinyurl.com/bur6f6o

"Our Solar System - Stephen Hawking" -
here is an excellent, colorful video
that describes the birth of the universe
(Youtube) http://tinyurl.com/d4yplxn

"Two Colour Photos from the Guardian" -
some excellent pictures are offered
for you post-Easter enjoyment
(The Guardian, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/c8xhngb
http://tinyurl.com/blfw4bp

"Carey Claims UK Christians Persecuted" -
the former conservative Archbishop of
Canterbury "Lord" Carey, issues his views,
along with others in Great Britain,
on the religious situation he observes
(The Tablet, UK)
http://tinyurl.com/cmwalrr

"Montreal Church Takes a Novel Approach" -
an evangelical congregation in downtown
Montreal takes an interesting approach
to the inter-faith community around it
(Christianweek.online)
http://tinyurl.com/d9l4h4j

"Irish Skeptical About Prospects for Change"
- after a long stretch of difficult relations
with the Vatican, the Irish people seem to
be taking a jaundiced approach to current
papal developments (National Catholic Reporter)
http://tinyurl.com/d4qvxcy

"Five Reasons to Believe Jesus Rose from Dead"
- a professor from Liberty University in
Virginia wrote this article for readers of
the Washington Post last weekend.
http://tinyurl.com/cqq3nn6

"Bangladesh - Crackdown on Atheists Intensifies"
- it would appear that some countries take
as negative a view of atheists as they do of
Christians (Uca News)
http://tinyurl.com/cdy8q8j

--

Wisdom of the Week:

Provided by Sojourners online, we learn from -
Jürgen Moltmann, Flannery O'Connor, Maya Angelou,
Emmanuel Katongole and Garrison Keillor.

--

On this Day:

From the archives of the New York Times
and covering March 31st to April 6th:

Martin Luther King Slain in Memphis
http://tinyurl.com/3zl4yc7

US Approves Marshall Plan for Europe
http://tinyurl.com/bt7tdxu

Peary and Hensen Reach the North Pole
http://tinyurl.com/73ed4mr

--

Closing Thought: Isabel Gibson

Our colleague completes a series of
twelve short reflections that were first
published on her blog site immediately
after Christmas. Thanks for your very
stimulating reflections, Isabel!

"The Gift of Doubt" - is her theme.
http://tinyurl.com/covufbs

Her blog:
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/

--

Post Easter is usually a slower time
for those who were heavily involved in
church activity over the last 6-7 weeks.

I wish you a good rest!

Our group of 26 spiritual travelers
departs for 17 days in Turkey within
about two weeks!

Marlene and I are happy to be part of
the co-host team with the Baileys of
Coquitlam, BC on this exciting venture!

Wayne

******

Wayne's Study Programs:

ST. DAVID'S AND UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES
As the Season Draws to a Close:

St. David's and ACTS Ministry -

Our Spiritual Travelers Tour for 2013
TURKEY AND THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

THIS TOUR HAS 26 MEMBERS AND WILL
DEPART APRIL 23rd, 2013 (17 days)

Our major tour themes are: Classic Greek and Roman,
Early Christian, Muslim-Christian and the beautiful
scenery of the Mediterranean coast of SW Turkey.

*Enjoy Istanbul (Constantinople) - long a link
between East and West.

*Classical cities like Troy will be visited and
intriguing ancient sites will be revealed.

*Pilgrims from many of the regions we will visit
were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost - people
from "Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia" -
(Acts 2.)

*Saint Paul founded churches in many of the centers
of central and western Turkey and we will spend
quality time in places like Ephesus.

*We will come to know cities mentioned in the
Book of Revelation (chapters 1-3) by Jobn.
Cities like Pergamon, Thyatira, Philadelphia,
Sardis and Smyrna

---

The tour book will include reflection pages
with the itinerary as well as answers to many
traveller's questions.

Your tour hosts:

Marlene and Wayne Holst
waholst@telusplanet.net (or)
marleneaholst@gmail.com 
403-286-7416

*****

OUR REMAINING SPRING 2013 STUDY PROGRAMS

AT ST.DAVID'S UNITED CHURCH

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

"Wisdom in the Books of Song of Solomon
 and Ecclesiastes"

Thursday, January 17th - April 11th, 2013

THIS SERIES HAS TWO MORE SESSIONS!!.

All welcome. No cost.

*****

THIS COURSE IS CONCLUDING!!

Faith and Spirituality Centre Winter Study
Sponsored by the Christian chaplains of
the University of Calgary

TWELVE STEPS TO A COMPASSIONATE LIFE
A Study of Karen Armstrong's latest book.

Fridays - March 1st - April 12th
12 noon - 1:00 PM

Six Weeks - Native Centre Board Room,
McEwan Student Centre, University of Calgary.

12 noon to 1:00 PM: Cost of the book: $15.

*****

SPECIAL ST. DAVID'S LINKS

Contact us at: asdm@sduc.ca (or) admin@sduc.ca 
St. David's Web Address - http://sduc.ca/

Listen to audio recordings of Sunday services -
http://sduc.ca/St_Davids_United_Church/Audio.html 

*****

STUDY ARCHIVES

An accumulation of thirty-five books studied
since 2000 can quickly be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/6oxmyj4

This collection of study resources represents
more than a decade of Monday Night Studies at
St. David's, plus extra courses too!

You are welcome to use our course outlines,
class notes and resource pages in your personal
and group reflections.

*********************

SPECIAL ITEM

Book Notice -

MAKING ANEW MY HOME
A Memoir, by Mathew Zachariah
Friesen Press, Victoria, BC
226 pages. March, 2013.
Hardcover, Softcover, E-Book
$23.CAD, $14.CAD, Kindle $2.94CAD
ISBN #9781460212585

Publisher's Promo:
http://tinyurl.com/ljmdh8s

Mathew Zachariah (BA, BEd, MS in Educ, Ph.D)
was in the first wave of highly qualified
professionals (doctors, engineers, professors,
teachers) who came to Canada in the 1960s and
became Canadian citizens. This book ­— in part
family memoir, autobiography, poetry, reflections
on national and cultural history as well as
religious faiths and traditions — asks three
questions: How did Calgary in Canada become
his place in the universe? How has Canadian
attitudes and behaviors helped him become a
global citizen? What has he done in his life
as a teacher and professor in his adopted
country?

In Mathew’s life, there were arduous hills to
climb, soothing valleys to rest in, stretches
of plains to walk warily and wearily in. Yet,
he also had many achievements. He describes
them with anecdotes, humorous incidents, recall
of sad events and separations, literary allusions,
reasoned opinions, descriptions of colorful
characters and places. Readers should find in
the pages of this book resonances of the
struggles and triumphs in their own lives ­—
whether they are native-born or immigrants ­—
while reconstituting their identities subtly
or obviously in the face of multifarious
pressures.

The book should be of specific interest
to scholars and students in multicultural,
intercultural and identity studies. The
thematic organization of the book is evident
in a few of the chapter titles: Names, Naming
and Me, Arranged and Personal Choice Marriages,
My Christian Faith, The British Empire’s
Influence, Branching Out in America, Flowering
in Canada. This work reveals a unique and
original approach to writing an autobiography
that readers will relish.

Author's Bio:

Dr. Mathew Zachariah was born in India in 1935.
He spent part of his childhood in Miri, Borneo
where his father was an accountant with an oil
company. He returned to India with his mother
and younger brother in 1941 when a Japanese
invasion of Borneo was imminent. In Borneo, his
father suffered much during the war years and
died in 1946 after his return to India. In 1942,
Mathew was informally adopted by his maternal
relatives and raised as their son. In the early
1960s he came to the U.S. as a Fulbright scholar
for advanced post-secondary studies, and in 1966
accepted a position as assistant professor with
the Faculty of Education at the University of
Calgary (U of C). He became an associate professor
in 1969 and full professor in 1973. Dr. Zachariah
 was the first Canadian to receive the Honorary
Fellow designation from the Comparative and
International Education Society (CIES) based in
the US. This honor recognizes his contribution
to the development of comparative and international
education, as well as the impact he has had on various
academic and professional organizations. He is also
the author or co-author of many academic works.

--

Author's Words:

I am like my father and mother and millions of people
who were born and moved to several other places in the
twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

The two most important themes that run through my
narrative are: What is my core identity after so many
changes? What is my national and cultural identity?
That is, where do I truly belong?

This book articulates and addresses such questions
for one individual who was born in India and grew
up in Miri, Borneo the first six years of his life;
and moved around a number of times, principally in
three countries: India, the United States and Canada.

This book has been long in the writing... a letter
from my father while still in Borneo... taught me
the value of leaving behind a documentary testament
to one's life... my story is presented in terms of
certain large themes. The overarching theme is how,
like millions of people who move from country to
country, I have had to adapt and reinvent myself
in significant ways several times.

This book is addressed to readers primarily outside
India although I hope readers of Kerala and India
origin will find resonances here... much of what
follows is based on my memory and records in my
files that have jogged my memory...

Despite my failings, I hope this memoir is
instructive and entertaining.

- from the Preface

--

Epilogue:

Before enlightenment
Chopping wood
Carrying water
After enlightenment
Chopping wood
Carrying water

- Zen Proverb (stone carving found
in the Arboretum of the University
of Guelph, 07 June 2007)

--

My Thoughts:

Of all the books for which I have
provided notices or reviews over the
years, (and there are at least eight
hundred of them) this book is the one
I have known the best.

The reason for this is that I was
given the opportunity by its author
to edit it, and I read every word
and phrase, every sentence and
paragraph, as well as every chapter
to view it in terms of specific
ideas and ideas set within the
larger whole of the presentation.

I identified with many experiences
the author presented, even though
he was born and raised on the other
side of the globe. The reason I
frequently identified, I suspect,
is that we share many traits of
character and we were both raised in
places where British colonialism was
still quite influential.

The author was Indian and I, Canadian,
but we shared the experiences of
moving around the world, especially
in our earlier years. We gained much
from this international experience
that we have been able to put to good
use during the course of our most
productive years and our varying careers.

'Identity' is a big factor in the lives
of people. and it is particularly true
of those who have invested their lives
in various locales. Both of us regret
certain aspects of our earlier lives
and relationships, and both of us know
the value of a good marriage and family.

--

The promo on the back cover of the book
suggests that is should be of particular
interest to scholars and students in
multicultural, intercultural and identity
studies. I would suggest that this volume
should interest many others. For example -
we live in a world where Bollywood movies
have become about as popular as those
produced in Hollywood. Here is the story
of a person who began to forge links
between two very different parts of the
world before the era of current movies.
As I walk the campus of my university,
I cannot tell if the two young women
behind me, speaking with animation,
were born in India or Canada. They are
part of a global culture that might
see them ski in the Rockies one season,
and visit with family at the Taj Mahal
during the next season.

Mathew came to America, then permanently
to Canada, a half century ago. At that
time, the intercultural challenges were
much more significant. But it is because
of people like Mathew and his wife Soro
that what were once huge barriers have
become intriguing challenges.

The chapters of the book follow a kind
of personal development cycle, rather
than a chronological narrative. For
example the author begins with a chapter
on "Names, Naming and Me," and he builds
an interesting theme around the fact that
his name is spelled with one "t", not two.
A most interesting chapter compares
arranged and personal choice marriages,
and in a special way, the author can
speak with authority about both forms.

Mathew is very forthright about his
Christian faith. It is worth noting
that even though he was born in India,
the tradition of Christianity from
which he emerged is much more ancient
than the Protestantism I have inherited.
He writes of the British Empire's influence
and both of us can attest to a kind of
love/hate relationship with that. He
was Indian and I was of Irish and German
Canadian extraction.

"Branching Out in America" and "Flowering
in Canada" reflect experiences both of us
share in our own particular ways.

Both of us are proud of our accomplishments
but both of us are only too aware of our
foibles and the fact that any good we
may offer the world has come as a result
of great friends and a family that just
seemed to be there for us when we needed
it most.

Perhaps from this 'overly personal'
kind of book notice, you the reader
might gather that I share a great
deal of respect for the author, and
you would be right.

I think this book will strike a chord
in your heart too, if you were to decide
to read it.

--

Buy the Book:

Friesen (hard and softcover editions):
http://tinyurl.com/cswgblv

Amazon Hard and softcover editions):
http://tinyurl.com/d9y9gng

Amazon.ca Kindle Edition:
http://tinyurl.com/cy8z5kn

*****

COLLEAGUE COMMENT

HAROLD SITAHAL
Trinidad, WI

April 5th, 2013

Hello Wayne,

It was good to receive news about you from
a mutual acquaintance, Mr.Sammy. I see you
are part of a  Faith & Spirituality programme
(at the University of Calgary) How is that
doing?  I recently obtained a Kindle copy
of Barbara Rossing's book *The Rapture Exposed.*
Very good reading. I intend to do a review for
our church magazine, *The Trinidad Presbyterian*.
You may remember Dr. Dale Bisnauth of Guyana.
He passed away yesterday.

All the best to you and family,

Harold

--

DOUG SHANTZ
Calgary, AB.

March 31st, 2013

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for including the notice of my book on
German Pietism. There is a little confusion here,
however.

Pietism is post-Reformation: 17th and 18th centuries.
There is no such thing as late-medieval German Pietism.
Pietism is early modern Protestantism, contemporary with
the early Enlightenment and early modern science.

Just to clarify. Thanks.

Doug

--

Editor's Response:

I guess I was confusing Pietism with late-medieval
mysticism which influenced reformers like Luther.

Thanks for the clarification.

Wayne

*****

COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS

MARTIN MARTY
Chicago. IL

Sightings
April 1st, 2013

"April Fools"

http://tinyurl.com/dxpgfyh

--

JIM TAYLOR
Okanagan, BC

Personal Web Log
April 4th, 2013

"How You Can't Get to Heaven"

http://tinyurl.com/cvoxzjf

--

RON ROLHEISER
San Antonio TX

Personal Website

"Lucky Sevens"

http://tinyurl.com/bsf37xn

*****

NET NOTES

AMERICANS LOVE THE BIBLE
But They Don't Read It Much

Religious News Service
April 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d3oh43n

--

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN NORTH KOREA?
Bluster or Something to Fear?

New York Times News Video
April 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d2kogby

--

BEING GAY AT FALWELL'S UNIVERSITY
This is Not Your Typical School

Atlantic Online
April 5th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d4xbram

--

SEX ATTACKS AFFECT INDIAN TOURISM
Twenty-Five Percent Drop
Thirty-Five Percent for Women

Uca News
April 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/bur6f6o

--

OUR SOLAR SYSTEM - STEPHEN HAWKING
Youtube Video Tells Birth Story of
"The Place We Call Home"

http://tinyurl.com/d4yplxn

--

TWO COLOR PHOTOS FROM THE GUARDIAN
Easter Sights Caught by the Camera

SUNRISE SERVICE IN US
People Silhouetted Against Dawn Sky
http://tinyurl.com/c8xhngb

GRASSHOPPER LEAVES OLD SELF BEHIND
Walks Away from Old Skin
http://tinyurl.com/blfw4bp

Pictures from The Guardian, UK
April, 2013

--

CAREY CLAIMS UK CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED
Once Dominant Faith Now a Minority

The  Tablet, UK - An Editorial
April 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/cmwalrr

--

MONTREAL CHURCH TAKES NOVEL APPROACH
Unusual Downtown Evangelical Congregation

Christian Week.org
March 27th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d9l4h4j

--

IRISH SKEPTICAL ABOUT PROSPECTS FOR CHANGE
Reformers See Little Vatican Stance Change

National Catholic Reporter
April 4th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/d4qvxcy

--

FIVE REASONS TO BELIEVE JESUS ROSE FROM DEAD
Conservative Christian Take on Resurrection

Washington Post
March 31st, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/cqq3nn6

--

BANGLADESH - CRACKDOWN ON ATHEISTS INTENSIFIES

Uca News
March 27th, 2013

http://tinyurl.com/cdy8q8j

*****

WISDOM OF THE WEEK

Provided by Sojourners Online -

God weeps with us so that we
may one day laugh with [God].

- Jürgen Moltmann

--

A story is a way to say something that
can’t be said any other way, and it
takes every word in the story to say
what the meaning is.

- Flannery O'Connor

--

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps
hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls
to arrive at its destination full of hope.

- Maya Angelou

--

Mary represents the 'rebel consciousness'
that is essential to Jesus' gospel. Wherever
the gospel is preached, we must remember that
its good news will make you crazy. Jesus will
put you at odds with the economic and political
systems of our world. This gospel will force you
to act, interrupting the world as it is in ways
that make even pious people indignant.

- Emmanuel Katongole

--

Some people think it is difficult to be
a Christian and to laugh, but I think it's
the other way around. God writes a lot of
comedy, it's just that he has so many bad
actors.

- Garrison Keillor

*****

ON THIS DAY

From the Archivss
of the New York Times

For Period April 1st-6th:

MARTIN LUTHER KING SLAIN IN MEMPHIS
http://tinyurl.com/3zl4yc7

US APPROVES MARSHALL PLAN FOR EUROPE
http://tinyurl.com/bt7tdxu

PEARY AND HENSEN REACH NORTH POLE
http://tinyurl.com/73ed4mr

*****

CLOSING THOUGHT - Isabel Gibson

The Gift of Doubt

"Doubt is not an agreeable condition,
but certainty is a deplorable one."
Voltaire

Balancing the gift of faith is the gift
of doubt. Questioning what we read, see,
and hear.  Challenging authority.

Thinking for ourselves.  Tiring for the
doubter, perhaps; tiresome for others,
almost certainly!  Yet if we never doubt,
we bestow faith where it is not warranted:
in apocalyptic predictions, in figures with
only charisma to recommend them, in wacky
religions and diets, in sappy internet
stories.  In this season, maybe Santa Claus
offers us a clue on how to hold faith and
doubt in creative tension: believing in the
principle of giving without measure, and yet
not believing that there is an archetype who
personifies the principle.

http://tinyurl.com/covufbs

Check out Isabel's Blog "Traditional Iconoclast"
http://www.traditionaliconoclast.com/

(end)