Tag: religion
-
advent: the cosmos
Today I read a concept new to me, one which I will ponder – the Cosmic Christ. [I do not subscribe to our cancel culture in which disagreement causes one to lose their social or professional connections. No ability to thoughtfully consider an opinion different from one’s own, and intelligently discuss will lead to destruction…
-
advent: waiting
The word advent derives from the Latin adventus, meaning coming, arrival. For Christians, advent is a time of reflection and expectation. As Christians, we are admonished to live in a state of “non-fulfillment,” believing perfect restoration (personal, family, societal, nature, etc.) is promised to come in the future. Demanding the future we want leads to…
-
liberty
I sure hope none of you were raised in oppressive religious christianity like I was. If you were, may this contribute to your liberation, as it did for me. I share this morning’s reading from Oswald Chambers. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” Galatians 5:1 “Jesus said, ‘Go and…
-
the abyss of love
My grandfather was a pony riding, “hellfire and brimstone” minister, saved after a vision from hell, following extended revelry. My mother raised on this continual scaring, never managed to shake her fear. Even into her 9th decade, she struggled with the love of God. And that is why this morning’s reading touched me, continuing…
-
vantage point
Inescapable troubles abound: relational, personal, health, political, etc. Our viewing perspective makes all the difference in navigating the sludge of life. Taking Jesus as our stable viewing point, we can look out and face the “seismic catastrophes” facing us, knowing: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will…
-
the child in the midst
“As the disciples disputed among themselves who would be the greatest, Jesus answered, “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me” (Mark 9:33-37) “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is…
-
ditches
I ascribe to my father’s philosophy, “Life is a pathway with ditches on either side. Stay out of the ditches.” Grace is the path I am exploring this morning. For some of us raised in a legalistic household, guilt can be a familiar companion; feeling like you don’t measure up and God is disappointed. And…
-
unique world views
“Buddhism should be judged as an abstract philosophy–a system of living,” not dependent on Buddha himself. With his death imminent, followers were entreated to focus on not himself, but his teachings; his way of life was to be disseminated. And, we find in Hinduism “a conglomeration of thinkers and philosophies and gods,” not dependent on…
CJ's World 