Sunday, November 30, 2003
Revolution
It's time for a revolution. However, I'm not talking about a revolution waged with guns. We can see how effective that is in Iraq. Regime change accomplished by force only leads to more conflict. The revolution I'm talking about is a revolution of human consciousness. Perhaps it could be better described as an evolutionary leap. We are operating from an old, old paradigm. We are living in a new world with new potentials. We need to become new persons--self realized, self aware, conscious, enlightened, operating from our spiritual center in concert with the ground of all being, source of all life and love.
We need to make changes in ourselves. We need to raise our children differently and educate them differently so that they can embrace new values that will allow peace, justice and the integrity of creation to thrive. Until we become new persons, we will not experience peace, security, happiness, harmony and so many other desired outcomes. As each of us becomes new persons, the world will change and become new. As we listen to the news and look at what is going on around us we can see that the old paradigm isn't working. Doesn't it make sense to try something new?
I have been involved in this process my whole life. I live life as art and I am still in process. It's not easy. It's not popular. But it's the most important thing we can do. I have had helpful guides along the way, and I offer myself as a guide to others who wish to follow this path. I invite you to join me on the journey of a lifetime.
Peace,
Steve
It's time for a revolution. However, I'm not talking about a revolution waged with guns. We can see how effective that is in Iraq. Regime change accomplished by force only leads to more conflict. The revolution I'm talking about is a revolution of human consciousness. Perhaps it could be better described as an evolutionary leap. We are operating from an old, old paradigm. We are living in a new world with new potentials. We need to become new persons--self realized, self aware, conscious, enlightened, operating from our spiritual center in concert with the ground of all being, source of all life and love.
We need to make changes in ourselves. We need to raise our children differently and educate them differently so that they can embrace new values that will allow peace, justice and the integrity of creation to thrive. Until we become new persons, we will not experience peace, security, happiness, harmony and so many other desired outcomes. As each of us becomes new persons, the world will change and become new. As we listen to the news and look at what is going on around us we can see that the old paradigm isn't working. Doesn't it make sense to try something new?
I have been involved in this process my whole life. I live life as art and I am still in process. It's not easy. It's not popular. But it's the most important thing we can do. I have had helpful guides along the way, and I offer myself as a guide to others who wish to follow this path. I invite you to join me on the journey of a lifetime.
Peace,
Steve
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Education
My son is living in Missoula, MT with his girlfriend. They moved there after he got back from spending seven months in Egypt with the Army National Guard which prevented him from going back to college last year. Now they have to wait until next summer to back to school so that they can establish residency and be able to afford tuition. Remember, they promote the Guard as a means of financing your college education.
My nephew is a H.S. senior who ranks second in his class. He is considering a couple of out of state private colleges which would cost $30,000/year for tuition, room and board. If he can't get a good scholarship, he'll have to go to a local state university on Long Island which will cost about $18,000.
I keep hearing on the news about the sky rocketing cost of higher education and the cut backs at universities due to budget short falls. Yet we have all the money we want for the military where we out spend the next twenty countries in military spending.
While in Italy, I spent time with my wife's cousin who recently completed her education as a medical doctor. I asked her if she had accumulated a large debt for her education. She said no. The state paid most of her expenses. Her sister is going to college to be a park ranger and hopes to work in Africa. Their father is a factory worker and they live on a small farm that he runs to grow produce and meat for the family. Their standard of living is quite good. Free education and opportunity for advancement is available.
What is wrong with this picture? Why is higher education such a burden for Americans? Why don't we have universal health care? When will we catch up with other developed nations? Why don't most folks even know they are behind? Wake up people!
Solidarity,
Steve
My son is living in Missoula, MT with his girlfriend. They moved there after he got back from spending seven months in Egypt with the Army National Guard which prevented him from going back to college last year. Now they have to wait until next summer to back to school so that they can establish residency and be able to afford tuition. Remember, they promote the Guard as a means of financing your college education.
My nephew is a H.S. senior who ranks second in his class. He is considering a couple of out of state private colleges which would cost $30,000/year for tuition, room and board. If he can't get a good scholarship, he'll have to go to a local state university on Long Island which will cost about $18,000.
I keep hearing on the news about the sky rocketing cost of higher education and the cut backs at universities due to budget short falls. Yet we have all the money we want for the military where we out spend the next twenty countries in military spending.
While in Italy, I spent time with my wife's cousin who recently completed her education as a medical doctor. I asked her if she had accumulated a large debt for her education. She said no. The state paid most of her expenses. Her sister is going to college to be a park ranger and hopes to work in Africa. Their father is a factory worker and they live on a small farm that he runs to grow produce and meat for the family. Their standard of living is quite good. Free education and opportunity for advancement is available.
What is wrong with this picture? Why is higher education such a burden for Americans? Why don't we have universal health care? When will we catch up with other developed nations? Why don't most folks even know they are behind? Wake up people!
Solidarity,
Steve
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving! Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for. Someone said that happiness isn't getting what you want, but wanting what you have. That's how I feel. My wife, family, friends, home, vocation, etc. are what I have and what I want. I am truly blessed. I have lived an extraordinary life and continue to do so. My main desire is to increase my level of service to others so that they may also find happiness in this life and the next. Material and spiritual happiness go hand in hand. Why settle for one without the other? Have a great day and a great life.
Love and peace,
Steve
Happy Thanksgiving! Yes, I have a lot to be thankful for. Someone said that happiness isn't getting what you want, but wanting what you have. That's how I feel. My wife, family, friends, home, vocation, etc. are what I have and what I want. I am truly blessed. I have lived an extraordinary life and continue to do so. My main desire is to increase my level of service to others so that they may also find happiness in this life and the next. Material and spiritual happiness go hand in hand. Why settle for one without the other? Have a great day and a great life.
Love and peace,
Steve
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Take charge of your life
In his final album, "Brainwashed", George Harrison has a line, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." So many people live their lives like that. They're brainwashed and just react to external stimuli which is constantly fed to them. They don't know who they are and have not made a conscious choice about how to live their life.
I work with my clients to help them understand who they are and where they want to go. To make conscious choices which reflect their true self interests. For most of us, enlightened self interest is not how we usually operate. It is necessary to peel off the layers of conditioning and get in touch with our inner spiritual nature, to acknowledge our true self and learn to love our self. Then we can learn to act in ways that are fulfilling on a deeply personal level. We can do what it takes to meet our needs and spread our love to all persons.
Don't go through life wandering aimlessly without focus or clear purpose. Take charge of your life and live it the way you want. Life can be all that you dream of and more. I'm here to help you. You don't have to go it alone.
Peace and love,
Steve
In his final album, "Brainwashed", George Harrison has a line, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." So many people live their lives like that. They're brainwashed and just react to external stimuli which is constantly fed to them. They don't know who they are and have not made a conscious choice about how to live their life.
I work with my clients to help them understand who they are and where they want to go. To make conscious choices which reflect their true self interests. For most of us, enlightened self interest is not how we usually operate. It is necessary to peel off the layers of conditioning and get in touch with our inner spiritual nature, to acknowledge our true self and learn to love our self. Then we can learn to act in ways that are fulfilling on a deeply personal level. We can do what it takes to meet our needs and spread our love to all persons.
Don't go through life wandering aimlessly without focus or clear purpose. Take charge of your life and live it the way you want. Life can be all that you dream of and more. I'm here to help you. You don't have to go it alone.
Peace and love,
Steve
Sunday, November 23, 2003
The cost of war
A week ago, I was sitting in the living room of a farm house in Crespano, Italy with some of my wife's relatives. The TV was on and they were showing the bodies of the 17 Italian soldiers/police killed in Iraq being returned to Rome. It was a somber event. I felt the need to tell our hosts that we did not support Bush or his war. This opened a very interesting discussion for the rest of the day as we discussed our similar views on war, globalization, the environment, economics, etc.. We were happy to find out that these were not only distant blood relatives but also kindred spirits.
The killing of these 17 was the largest number of Italian war casualties since WWII. How fortunate they are to have learned to live in such peace while we have lost so many of our young men and women to war. The TV gave a great amount of coverage to the dead, the mourning relatives, the funeral and those who were injured in the attack. What a contrast to the lack of coverage in this country of our dead and wounded in this senseless war. We want to deny the price in human lives, suffering, grief and misery that this misadventure is costing us so as not to erode public support.
We like to call those killed or wounded in Iraq heroes. It seems to me heroes are those who are exceptional, showing distinguished valor or fortitude, taking an admirable part in a remarkable action, not those who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and are blown up by a roadside bomb, shot from ambush, etc.. I think these are senseless victims of a senseless war. How many more will have to die to prove that they did not die in vain and that this war is not the fools errand that it is? I have great respect for the members of our armed services and my son is one of them. I hate to see them misused by a corrupt regime whose leader did his best to avoid military service of any meaning. Let's be honest now.
Peace,
Steve
A week ago, I was sitting in the living room of a farm house in Crespano, Italy with some of my wife's relatives. The TV was on and they were showing the bodies of the 17 Italian soldiers/police killed in Iraq being returned to Rome. It was a somber event. I felt the need to tell our hosts that we did not support Bush or his war. This opened a very interesting discussion for the rest of the day as we discussed our similar views on war, globalization, the environment, economics, etc.. We were happy to find out that these were not only distant blood relatives but also kindred spirits.
The killing of these 17 was the largest number of Italian war casualties since WWII. How fortunate they are to have learned to live in such peace while we have lost so many of our young men and women to war. The TV gave a great amount of coverage to the dead, the mourning relatives, the funeral and those who were injured in the attack. What a contrast to the lack of coverage in this country of our dead and wounded in this senseless war. We want to deny the price in human lives, suffering, grief and misery that this misadventure is costing us so as not to erode public support.
We like to call those killed or wounded in Iraq heroes. It seems to me heroes are those who are exceptional, showing distinguished valor or fortitude, taking an admirable part in a remarkable action, not those who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and are blown up by a roadside bomb, shot from ambush, etc.. I think these are senseless victims of a senseless war. How many more will have to die to prove that they did not die in vain and that this war is not the fools errand that it is? I have great respect for the members of our armed services and my son is one of them. I hate to see them misused by a corrupt regime whose leader did his best to avoid military service of any meaning. Let's be honest now.
Peace,
Steve
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Impressions of Italy
Italy, wow! What a trip. We spent ten days in the Venice area of Northern Italy. I'll probably have a number of things to say about my impressions in the next days. For one thing, it is so nice to see old, old buildings still being used and renovated so that there are beautiful downtown areas with ancient buildings housing chic, modern shops and restaurants. There are vital, bustling downtowns that have been going on for hundreds or even thousands of years. Yet one of the first places we visited because it was close to our hotel is a shopping mall on the edge of Verona and near it is a UCI cinema that shows American movies dubbed in Italian.
I must admit, I found it refreshing that the Italians are much more relaxed in their attitudes about sex and alcohol than what exists here in conservative, Calvinistic West Michigan. There have been protests about the posters at Victoria's Secret at a local mall. In Italy, such posters abound as well as the presence of nudity in TV commercials. Here, there are cities that prohibit the sale of alcohol, and in the cities that sell it there are many restrictions. There, alcohol is sold most everywhere at a low price, often in "bars" that also sell coffee and snacks which we would more consider to be coffee houses. I am a spiritual person, but I also embrace sensual pleasures. I don't think there has to be a dualism between the two. In fact, I believe repression and denial of sensual pleasure is unhealthy. God gave us sex, food, alcohol and so many other things to enjoy. Of course, I do believe in moderation and responsibility. Yet each person needs to decide what is best for them and those they are involved with and not let some holier than thou, life denying religion or government dictate what is acceptable.
I think travel and cultural exchanges are valuable. The more we can come to understand different people and know there is more than one way to live the richer our lives are.
Peace,
Steve
Italy, wow! What a trip. We spent ten days in the Venice area of Northern Italy. I'll probably have a number of things to say about my impressions in the next days. For one thing, it is so nice to see old, old buildings still being used and renovated so that there are beautiful downtown areas with ancient buildings housing chic, modern shops and restaurants. There are vital, bustling downtowns that have been going on for hundreds or even thousands of years. Yet one of the first places we visited because it was close to our hotel is a shopping mall on the edge of Verona and near it is a UCI cinema that shows American movies dubbed in Italian.
I must admit, I found it refreshing that the Italians are much more relaxed in their attitudes about sex and alcohol than what exists here in conservative, Calvinistic West Michigan. There have been protests about the posters at Victoria's Secret at a local mall. In Italy, such posters abound as well as the presence of nudity in TV commercials. Here, there are cities that prohibit the sale of alcohol, and in the cities that sell it there are many restrictions. There, alcohol is sold most everywhere at a low price, often in "bars" that also sell coffee and snacks which we would more consider to be coffee houses. I am a spiritual person, but I also embrace sensual pleasures. I don't think there has to be a dualism between the two. In fact, I believe repression and denial of sensual pleasure is unhealthy. God gave us sex, food, alcohol and so many other things to enjoy. Of course, I do believe in moderation and responsibility. Yet each person needs to decide what is best for them and those they are involved with and not let some holier than thou, life denying religion or government dictate what is acceptable.
I think travel and cultural exchanges are valuable. The more we can come to understand different people and know there is more than one way to live the richer our lives are.
Peace,
Steve
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Traveling
Tomorrow, my wife and I are going to Italy. We will visit the area around Venice and Verona. We will meet some of her relatives on her mother's side. We will relax and enjoy ourselves, eat good food, see beautiful sights. We will return November 21st, and I will resume blogging at that time if you do not hear from me while I am away. I will also be available to respond to the needs of my clients after the 21st. I hope I may be of service to you then.
I am taking a book with me, Total Freedom: The Essential Krishnamurti. Lately, I am most attracted to writers like Krishnamurti and Osho who reject organized religion and rigid belief systems in favor of personal freedom and self realization of one's own unique identity in relationship to the Ground of Being. I have been through various religious systems and have reaped benefits by doing so. Yet I also find all systems to be lacking. I am not comfortable applying any label to myself. I am just fully me.
My task is to continue journeying the path of life and helping travelers I meet along the way find freedom from the conditioning and brainwashing of life so that they may also realize their true selves and enjoy the journey to the fullest. May you be blest in all that you do.
Peace,
Steve
Tomorrow, my wife and I are going to Italy. We will visit the area around Venice and Verona. We will meet some of her relatives on her mother's side. We will relax and enjoy ourselves, eat good food, see beautiful sights. We will return November 21st, and I will resume blogging at that time if you do not hear from me while I am away. I will also be available to respond to the needs of my clients after the 21st. I hope I may be of service to you then.
I am taking a book with me, Total Freedom: The Essential Krishnamurti. Lately, I am most attracted to writers like Krishnamurti and Osho who reject organized religion and rigid belief systems in favor of personal freedom and self realization of one's own unique identity in relationship to the Ground of Being. I have been through various religious systems and have reaped benefits by doing so. Yet I also find all systems to be lacking. I am not comfortable applying any label to myself. I am just fully me.
My task is to continue journeying the path of life and helping travelers I meet along the way find freedom from the conditioning and brainwashing of life so that they may also realize their true selves and enjoy the journey to the fullest. May you be blest in all that you do.
Peace,
Steve
Saturday, November 08, 2003
Clean-up time
Started the fall ritual of putting away the deck furniture, cutting off dead plants and raking leaves today. Getting the yard ready for winter while the weather is still nice. It's around 32 degrees out there, but the sun is shining and the crisp air feels good. I prefer working outside in cooler weather, and even now, I feel hot and sweaty. The four seasons kind of call for such activities and they have a certain pleasant rhythm to them.
Life is kind of like that too. Putting away or getting rid of things we don't use any more, cleaning out the dead and decaying areas of our life, making room for fresh new growth. If we don't do maintenance and up-keep on our house it becomes a mess. If we don't do maintenance and up-keep on our lives, they also become a mess.
Working in the yard with my wife makes the work easier as we share it. Working with a life coach also makes the work easier when you have someone to share it with. A coach can also help you see areas that need work and provide helpful techniques for getting the work done efficiently.
Peace,
Steve
Started the fall ritual of putting away the deck furniture, cutting off dead plants and raking leaves today. Getting the yard ready for winter while the weather is still nice. It's around 32 degrees out there, but the sun is shining and the crisp air feels good. I prefer working outside in cooler weather, and even now, I feel hot and sweaty. The four seasons kind of call for such activities and they have a certain pleasant rhythm to them.
Life is kind of like that too. Putting away or getting rid of things we don't use any more, cleaning out the dead and decaying areas of our life, making room for fresh new growth. If we don't do maintenance and up-keep on our house it becomes a mess. If we don't do maintenance and up-keep on our lives, they also become a mess.
Working in the yard with my wife makes the work easier as we share it. Working with a life coach also makes the work easier when you have someone to share it with. A coach can also help you see areas that need work and provide helpful techniques for getting the work done efficiently.
Peace,
Steve
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Resist oppression!
Life is what we make of it. Unfortunately, some persons are making much more of it than others. An excellent article Bill Moyers Interviews Union Theological Seminary's Joseph Hough makes good points about this. An interesting point that wasn't really clear to me before reading this is that the Republicans are deliberately trying to bankrupt the government so that it can't do anything in the future. This will leave the monied elites in charge.
One of the worst parts of this is that they're doing it under the guise and with the support of the Christian right. Now, it's important to understand that Christianity as well as the other Abrahamic religions, i.e. Judaism and Islam, support the rights of the poor and a more equal distribution of wealth so that everyone has the necessities of life. Therefore, this is a moral, ethical, religious, economic and political issue. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer and the gap is getting ever wider as the middle class is further gutted.
When are we going to say enough! When will we gather the strength and courage to rise up in nonviolent civil disobedience against the powers of oppression who are ruining our economy and the peace of the world in their diabolical quest for power?
Solidarity,
Steve
Life is what we make of it. Unfortunately, some persons are making much more of it than others. An excellent article Bill Moyers Interviews Union Theological Seminary's Joseph Hough makes good points about this. An interesting point that wasn't really clear to me before reading this is that the Republicans are deliberately trying to bankrupt the government so that it can't do anything in the future. This will leave the monied elites in charge.
One of the worst parts of this is that they're doing it under the guise and with the support of the Christian right. Now, it's important to understand that Christianity as well as the other Abrahamic religions, i.e. Judaism and Islam, support the rights of the poor and a more equal distribution of wealth so that everyone has the necessities of life. Therefore, this is a moral, ethical, religious, economic and political issue. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer and the gap is getting ever wider as the middle class is further gutted.
When are we going to say enough! When will we gather the strength and courage to rise up in nonviolent civil disobedience against the powers of oppression who are ruining our economy and the peace of the world in their diabolical quest for power?
Solidarity,
Steve
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
What to call myself?
I had lunch today with a friend of mine who is a Reformed Church in America clergy. He told me if his denomination knew what he was saying he would have to face a heresy trial. I am glad I am ordained in the United Church of Christ where we are free to believe according to our own conscience. There is no creed or dogma. That can be both a help and a hindrance.
We discussed how it is very possible that there was no historical person that we know as Jesus Christ. We know little or nothing about him since most of what we read in the New Testament is based on Old Testament writings and Greek, Egyptian and other hero myths.
We also discussed orthodox and gnostic Christian beliefs and how I can't fully agree with either. To add to the confusion, I also have a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Sufi and other beliefs. Therefore, it's hard for me to know what to call or label myself. Eclectic is perhaps the best term. Yet, I am a unique person with unique beliefs that are not so much beliefs as conclusions reached after a lifetime of seeking, study, practice and self realization. Perhaps I am in the devotional, mystical, wisdom tradition. Perhaps I am a Zen Christian. I am. I am myself as fully and totally as I can be at this moment. I am constantly growing, evolving, changing. I am an instrument of God, a vehicle for God to work through. I am pure spirit soul. I am embodied. I am. May you be also.
ShalOm,
Steve
I had lunch today with a friend of mine who is a Reformed Church in America clergy. He told me if his denomination knew what he was saying he would have to face a heresy trial. I am glad I am ordained in the United Church of Christ where we are free to believe according to our own conscience. There is no creed or dogma. That can be both a help and a hindrance.
We discussed how it is very possible that there was no historical person that we know as Jesus Christ. We know little or nothing about him since most of what we read in the New Testament is based on Old Testament writings and Greek, Egyptian and other hero myths.
We also discussed orthodox and gnostic Christian beliefs and how I can't fully agree with either. To add to the confusion, I also have a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Sufi and other beliefs. Therefore, it's hard for me to know what to call or label myself. Eclectic is perhaps the best term. Yet, I am a unique person with unique beliefs that are not so much beliefs as conclusions reached after a lifetime of seeking, study, practice and self realization. Perhaps I am in the devotional, mystical, wisdom tradition. Perhaps I am a Zen Christian. I am. I am myself as fully and totally as I can be at this moment. I am constantly growing, evolving, changing. I am an instrument of God, a vehicle for God to work through. I am pure spirit soul. I am embodied. I am. May you be also.
ShalOm,
Steve
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Father and son
This says it all...
In his memoirs, "A World Transformed," written more than five years ago, George Bush, Sr. wrote the following to explain why he didn't go after Saddam Hussein at the end of the Gulf War.
"Trying to eliminate Saddam...would have incurred incalculable human and political costs. Apprehending him was probably impossible.... We would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq.... There was no viable "exit strategy" we could see, violating another of our principles. Furthermore, we had been self-consciously trying to set a pattern for handling aggression in the post-Cold War world. Going in and occupying Iraq, thus unilaterally exceeding the United Nations' mandate, would have destroyed the precedent of international response to aggression that we hoped to establish. Now Had we gone the invasion route, the United States could conceivably still be
an occupying power in a bitterly hostile land."
If only his son could read.
This says it all...
In his memoirs, "A World Transformed," written more than five years ago, George Bush, Sr. wrote the following to explain why he didn't go after Saddam Hussein at the end of the Gulf War.
"Trying to eliminate Saddam...would have incurred incalculable human and political costs. Apprehending him was probably impossible.... We would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq.... There was no viable "exit strategy" we could see, violating another of our principles. Furthermore, we had been self-consciously trying to set a pattern for handling aggression in the post-Cold War world. Going in and occupying Iraq, thus unilaterally exceeding the United Nations' mandate, would have destroyed the precedent of international response to aggression that we hoped to establish. Now Had we gone the invasion route, the United States could conceivably still be
an occupying power in a bitterly hostile land."
If only his son could read.
Monday, November 03, 2003
Standing together
I applaud the Episcopal Church for consecrating Bishop Gene Robinson in the face of threats of schisms within and without. We do not live in the first century but rather the twenty-first century. We cannot allow first century social mores to guide us today as if they were some infallible dictate written in stone by God directly to apply forever in all places. The Bible was written by men with their limited understandings for the audiences they were addressing in their day. These writings may serve as a good guide or inspiration for us today, but they must be interpreted and applied to our present situation in a reasonable manner. God may have inspired the writers of the Bible, but God can still inspire us today as we interpret them and do our own writing. God is not dead or silent but works through those who are open to the Spirit.
Just as the Bible has been used to oppress women (and still is in some circles) it is also used to oppress gays. When will we realize that God is a God of love and all are God's beloved including all creation. No one has a total lock on God and can say their understanding is the only correct understanding. God is far more than we can ever imagine or realize. Let's get a little humility and stop trying to impose our views on others but rather engage in constructive dialogue in a spirit of love and grace.
When Matthew Shepherd was brutally killed for being gay, I decided to become more of an activist for gay rights. Today, we are seeing a conservative backlash as gay rights are advanced. Those who are forward looking, progressives need to take a stand or any progress will be turned back. Saturday I joined the Coalition for a Fair Michigan which is forming to stop efforts in Michigan, both in the Legislature and within many conservative faith communities to amend the State constitution to deny equal rights to gay and lesbian families by banning marriage and all forms of legal recognition of those families such as domestic partner benefits and civil unions. I encourage you to get involved also if you live in Michigan or else find a group in your area that does similar work.
In solidarity,
Steve
I applaud the Episcopal Church for consecrating Bishop Gene Robinson in the face of threats of schisms within and without. We do not live in the first century but rather the twenty-first century. We cannot allow first century social mores to guide us today as if they were some infallible dictate written in stone by God directly to apply forever in all places. The Bible was written by men with their limited understandings for the audiences they were addressing in their day. These writings may serve as a good guide or inspiration for us today, but they must be interpreted and applied to our present situation in a reasonable manner. God may have inspired the writers of the Bible, but God can still inspire us today as we interpret them and do our own writing. God is not dead or silent but works through those who are open to the Spirit.
Just as the Bible has been used to oppress women (and still is in some circles) it is also used to oppress gays. When will we realize that God is a God of love and all are God's beloved including all creation. No one has a total lock on God and can say their understanding is the only correct understanding. God is far more than we can ever imagine or realize. Let's get a little humility and stop trying to impose our views on others but rather engage in constructive dialogue in a spirit of love and grace.
When Matthew Shepherd was brutally killed for being gay, I decided to become more of an activist for gay rights. Today, we are seeing a conservative backlash as gay rights are advanced. Those who are forward looking, progressives need to take a stand or any progress will be turned back. Saturday I joined the Coalition for a Fair Michigan which is forming to stop efforts in Michigan, both in the Legislature and within many conservative faith communities to amend the State constitution to deny equal rights to gay and lesbian families by banning marriage and all forms of legal recognition of those families such as domestic partner benefits and civil unions. I encourage you to get involved also if you live in Michigan or else find a group in your area that does similar work.
In solidarity,
Steve
