*****
GLOBAL AND ECUMENICAL IN SCOPE
CANADIAN IN PERSPECTIVE
Wayne A. Holst, Editor
My E-Mail Address:
waholst@telus.net
Colleagues List Web Site:
http://colleagueslist.blogspot.com
***
Dear Colleagues:
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Thanks for sharing this letter with others.
If you have friends who would like to
receive Colleagues List notices, just send
me their email addresses.
Your recommendation is all I would need
to include them.
--
My Special Item this week is a book notice
about the latest in colleague Brian Arthur
Brown's unique series of inter-faith scriptural
studies, entitled:
FOUR TESTAMENTS - Sacred Scriptures of
Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism and
Hinduism.
Four years ago, he produced:
THREE TESTAMENTS - Torah, Gospel, Quran.
I include my comments on his latest book,
plus links to his previous efforts (see below).
Brian continues to open the frontiers of
scripture study across the faith traditions
for people in our multi-faith, contemporary
world. Thanks for sharing this, Brian.
Readers, I hope you like it.
--
Colleague Contributions - are provided
by six friends who share some of their
recent work with all of us.
Thanks to you too.
Net Notes - connect us to ten items
appearing on the web this week that
I thought might interest you.
Wisdom of the Week - is shared by six
who provide us with a meaningful
spiritual legacy.
On This Day - presents an account of
Abraham Lincoln's lasting achievement -
the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 -
written at the time it was issued over
150 years ago.
I have provided lots to think about.
Thanks for reading Colleagues List!
Wayne
*****
SPECIAL ITEM
Book Notice -
FOUR TESTAMENTS
Sacred Scriptures of Taoism,
Confucianism, Buddhism and Hinduism
Edited by Brian Arthur Brown.
Rowan & Littlefield, Lanham, MD
$72.00/CAD Hardcover and
$65.00/CAD Kindle Edition
471 pages. July 2016.
ISBN #9781442265776.
Publisher's Promo:
Four Testaments brings together four
foundational texts from world religions -
the Tao Te Ching, Dhammapada, Analects
of Confucius, and Bhagavad Git - inviting
readers to experience them in full, to
explore possible points of connection
and divergence, and to better understand
people who practice these traditions.
Following Brian Arthur Brown’s award-
winning Three Testaments: Torah, Gospel,
Quran, this volume of Four Testaments
features essays by esteemed scholars to
introduce readers to each tradition and
text, as well as commentary on unexpected
ways the ancient Zoroastrian tradition might
connect Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism,
and Hinduism, as well as the Abrahamic
faiths. Four Testaments aims to foster
deeper religious understanding in our
interconnected and contentious
--
Editor's Website:
http://brianarthurbrown.com/
About the Editor:
http://brianarthurbrown.com/meet/resume/
From the Foreword by Francis X. Clooney, SJ
http://brianarthurbrown.com/four/foreword/
--
Christian Century Review Summary:
In a companion volume to Three Testaments:
Torah, Gospel, and Quran, Canadian pastor
Brian Arthur Brown presents the sacred
scriptures of four Eastern faith traditions
alongside critical essays about the texts.
Accessible to non-scholars, Brown’s underlying
narrative posits an ancient meeting between
the textual traditions of East and West in the
Zoroastrian faith. The primary value of this book
for many readers, however, will be in the words
of the scriptures themselves.
Locating scriptures of diverse traditions on
adjacent pages is not without risk - but it is
valuable for those who seek to be illuminated
by the texts and moved to fruitful dialogue.
--
Rev. Joy Abdul-Mohan,
St. Andrew’s Theological College,
Trinidad & Tobago writes -
"Four Testaments is certainly invaluable both
worldwide and in the Global South. People may
be more open to inter-faith and inter-religious
dialogue—a lived reality—than is sometimes
realized. Four Testaments showcases this
dialogue at its best."
See other comments under "Reviews"
http://tinyurl.com/h5jkl7z
--
My Thoughts:
My Thoughts:
Over the years, I have introduced two books
by colleague Brian Arthur Brown, a United Church
of Canada minister living in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
They are: "Noah's Other Son" and "Three
Testaments" (each promoting Jewish, Christian
and Islamic dialogue and comparative text studies).
http://cep.anglican.ca/tag/brian-arthur-brown/
Brown's goal is the local encounter of people from
the major world religions through a reading together
of their sacred texts. He is deeply committed to
exposing these spiritual resources to non-specialists.
He wants to take the benefits of scholarly interfaith
dialogue out of the academy and into a fruitful
exchange where people live and relate together
as neighbours and friends.
This is one step beyond the goal of his earlier books
which encouraged Christians, Jews and Muslims (the
three great religions of Jerusalem) to study their
sacred texts together in a spirit of mutual respect.
With the book Four Testaments, Brown is attempting
to extend the earlier dialogue further, and to include
persons and communities of the four great Eastern
faith traditions.
What I believe he is trying to do, at this period
of first encounter for many, is to "expose" people
to the texts, not study them academically.
He introduces them with the aid of specialists
who know the documentation to such a degree that
they can share it in a natural, non-threatening way.
So again, these are not studies in comparative religion
but in exposure to the texts of the various traditions.
--
Some years ago as a church minister in Toronto,
Brown sponsored his first Jewish-Christian studies
(later expanded to Muslims) in a local congregation.
Now, he expands this.
The book currently under consideration focuses
our attention to the sacred scriptures of Taoism,
Confucianism, Buddhism and Hinduism. To engage
us, Brown encourages the Zoroastrian tradition
as an entry point to the others. This presents us
with a variety of scripture and spiritual traditions
that pre-date and have influenced all the great
faiths of both Jerusalem and the East.
In a true sense editor Brown editor has now
established the foundation for inter-faith dialogue
using text studies and involving all the major
faith traditions in the world today, based on
inherited written texts.
(Ultimately, primal, aboriginal traditions are
not included, as they are word, not text-based;
even though they have influenced all the others.
To be truly and spiritually inclusive, ways need
also to be found to include these ancient
traditions as well.)
We are now entering a kind of study that is truly
global in scope and covering human history from
the time of its origins. This is far older, in some
ways at least, than what we previous experienced
in the Judeo-Christian plus Islamic traditions.
I consider this a significant accomplishment.
The implications of it will not be realized for
a long time, but a start is being made in
finding a truly global spirituality, based on
written texts.
The task now before us is to encourage these
studies to take place in our local places of
worship, cultural/community centres and
schools. The promise of this is realistic in
Canadian society because of our tolerance,
and we need to start creating models from
what is already taking place across this land.
Thanks and congratulations Brian, for investing
your life in such a worthy undertaking.
____
Buy this book from Amazon.ca:
http://tinyurl.com/hz3g8ol
Buy the book from Kobo e-Books:
http://tinyurl.com/zg4sp6a
Rowan & Littlefield (Hardcover)
http://tinyurl.com/h5jkl7z
***
COLLEAGUE CONTRIBUTIONS
Doug Koop,
Winnipeg, MB
Faith Today,
September/October 2016
"Don't Turn Away From Suffering -
What we Learn from People in Distress"
http://tinyurl.com/jxwg78p
--
Mathew Zachariah,
Calgary, AB
St. Andrew's Anglican Website
Calgary, Alberta
August Message:
"A Reflection on Racism and the Church"
Calgary, Alberta
August Message:
"A Reflection on Racism and the Church"
--
Mark Whittall
Ottawa, ON.
Blog Site
September 17th, 2016
"Managers of Injustice"
http://tinyurl.com/h9n37uz
--
John Stackhouse Jr.,
Moncton, NBMark Whittall
Ottawa, ON.
Blog Site
September 17th, 2016
"Managers of Injustice"
http://tinyurl.com/h9n37uz
--
John Stackhouse Jr.,
Sightings,
September 22nd, 2016
"Can American Civil Religion
Tolerate Dissent?
http://tinyurl.com/j9v8zyl
--
Martin Marty,
Chicago, IL
Sightings,
September 19th, 2016
"Getting Religion"
--
Ron Rolheiser,
San Antonio, TX
Personal Web Log
September 19th, 2016
"Indulgences Revisited"
http://tinyurl.com/zjokuk8
***
NET NOTES
GRETTA VOSPER UPDATE
Removal Process Continues
as well as Growing Support
Toronto Star
September 22nd, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/hgfuora
"Disagreeing in Love"
A Letter of Caution and Inclusivity
from the United Church Moderator"
United Church of Canada Website
September 23rd, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/h33o5z5
--
It is Part of Creation
Christian Week
September 15th, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/j9jufkr
--
HOW DID WE GET EVERYWHERE?
Study Posits Single Human Source
Emanating Out of Africa
New York Times,
September 21st, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/gu7jff5
--
UCC SEEKS UNITED-HINDU RELATIONS
Encourages Deeper East-West Dialogue
United Church of Canada Website
September 20th, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/hu5zqte
--
WHY DO MOST PEOPLE LEAVE RELIGION?
They Just Stop Believing (US Study)
Religion News Service
September 22nd, 2016
--
CAMPOLO REJECTS
EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN LABEL
He Gives Five Reasons
Christian Post,
September 20th, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/h8e8y9z
--
CAMPOLO REJECTS
EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN LABEL
He Gives Five Reasons
Christian Post,
September 20th, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/h8e8y9z
--
ANCIENT BURNT HEBREW SCROLL
DECIPHERED - Israeli and American
Scholars Solve Old Mystery Using
State-of-the-Art Technology
Jerusalem Post (Israeli Perspective)
September 22nd, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/z28j7rq
New York Times (American Perspective)
September 22nd, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/j62jg85
--
FRANCIS' WORDS TO U.S. CONGRESS
PROVING TRUE - A Year Ago, He Warned
Against Hate-based Politics; Urged Support
for Moral Leaders and Grassroots Initiatives
Religion News Service
September 21st, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/z7kpk6b
--
CARTER URGES BAPTIST FAITH LEADERS
TO COMBAT RACISM - Former President
Continues to Focus on Key Issues
The Washington Post
September 19th, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/zdknbvn
--
JEHOVAH'S WITNESS SHUNNING CASE
SHINES LIGHT ON RARE PRACTICE
Colleague Irving Hexham Comments
CBC.ca Calgary
September 16th, 2016
http://tinyurl.com/zynwh97
***
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
From websites of Sojourners and the Bruderhof:
Our deeds determine us,
as much as we determine our deeds.
- George Eliot
--
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
- Emily Dickinson
--
It is not our differences that divide us.
It is our inability to recognize, accept,
and celebrate those differences.
- Audre Lorde
--
Sometimes the very walls of our churches
separate us from God and each other. In
our various naves and sanctuaries we are
safely separated from those outside, from
other denominations, other religions,
separated from the poor, the ugly, the dying...
The house of God is not a safe place. It is
across where time and eternity meet, and
where we are – or should be – challenged to
live more vulnerably, more interdependently.
- Madeleine L’Engle
--
We must overturn so many idols, the idol
of self first of all, so that we can be humble,
and only from our humility can learn to be
redeemers, can learn to work together in the
way the world really needs.
Liberation that raises a cry against others
is no true liberation. Liberation that means
revolutions of hate and violence and takes
the lives of others or abases the dignity of
others cannot be true liberty. True liberty
does violence to self and, like Christ, who
disregarded that he was sovereign, becomes
a slave to serve others.
- Oscar Romero
***
ON THIS DAY
From the archives of the New York Times:
"President Lincoln Issues
Emancipation Proclamation"
http://tinyurl.com/5x2fp2
***
CLOSING THOUGHT - Peace Pilgrim
Religion is to be used as a stepping stone
to God, but it must never be used as a
tower to hold one aloft from others.
We are all cells in the body of humanity.
When anyone attempts to isolate another,
they only isolate themselves more.
(end)
*****
For Those Interested -
Beginning Our Program Planning Season -
Autumn 2016 Adult Spiritual Development
ACTS Ministry at St. David's United Church,
Calgary
FALL 2016 MONDAY NIGHT STUDY
This series starts in September
Theme: "Rediscovering the Bible for Today"
Book: "Reclaiming the Bible
for a Non-Religious World"
by Bishop John Spong
http://tinyurl.com/jfanqdp
A ten-week introduction to the entire Bible
with help to engage it meaningfully, today.Ten Monday evenings, 7-9PM
In the St. David's TM Room
September 19th - November 28th, 2016
Excluding Monday of Thanksgiving Weekend
Books and Registration/Hospitality - $60.00
Books only - $20.00
Total book sets made available for sale: 40.
BOOKS SOLD OUT, but more to come if needed.
Now beginning eighteen years
of Monday Night Studies
Our thirty-seventh series of
(usually) ten week sessions!
Course design:
http://rtb.stdavidscalgary.net/
Check our complete archives
for all 48 book studies since 2000:
http://tinyurl.com/q3bw6dh
***
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Theme: "Mark - the Earliest Gospel"
Ten sessions 10-11 AM
Gathering at 9:30 AM
In the St. David's TM Room
September 22nd - November 24th.
No charge.
Study resources -
"The DK Complete Bible Handbook"
Edited by John Bowker
http://tinyurl.com/odxlv7q
"Reclaiming the Bible for a Non-Religious World"
by Bishop John Spong
http://tinyurl.com/jfanqdp
by Bishop John Spong
http://tinyurl.com/jfanqdp
(reserve copies available in our church library)
***
NEW SEASON,
NEW ST.DAVID'S SPIRITUAL TRAVEL PROJECT
The Planning Cycle for a 2017 Tour Continues.
The Travel Destination has been researched with
Rostad Tours of Calgary.
We have selected South Africa as our location!
We plan a seventeen-day trip that combines a
focus on faith, culture, and nature, and it will
happen the second half of October next year.
Follow these notices for weekly updates.
*****
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