thesoulpurposedotorg

I remember being told to be offended at the term Xmas in church as a child. We all thought the X was meant to X Christ out of Christmas. It was much later in life when I learned that the X was the first letter in the Greek alliteration of Jesus Christ. I think it was the Jesus people movement era when I wore a necklace in the shape of a fish with ἰχθύς written on it that I learned the X actually stood for Christ and was originally a sign of respect and holiness.

With the popularization of certain forms of Christianity, we who call ourselves Christians are often incredibly ignorant of what the term means. Add to that, many of the best-selling Christian authors and preachers do not have a seminary education. I have had great respect for Rick Warren for example until I heard him interviewed on Larry King Live. A caller asked if God was male and Rick answered: “Of course he is! The Bible refers to God as “he” and that’s good enough for me!” Such ignorance from a leader of the popular version of Christianity is frightening to me because people will believe him thinking he is an authority.

And so we are told to: 1) be very upset about business owners not saying “Merry Christmas” on their signs and 2) to think such a thing is an attack on our Christian values. To that I say Bah Hum Bug Read the article. What used to upset us as Christians was the commercialization of Christmas – it still bothers me. I am thrilled to see fewer Christmas decorations and thrilled to not have someone say “Merry Christmas” to me because I purchased something at their store. And I don’t want some political pundit telling me what should upset me as a Christian.

I think my parents had it right this year: They gave to the Salvation Army the amount they would have spent on Christmas gifts for all of us. We all thought the people without homes needed the money more than we needed gifts. Now that is what Christmas is really about if you ask me.

I’m taking off for a few days of traveling. Peace to all.

“The intuitive gift is a sacred gift and the rational mind it’s faithful servant.” Albert Einstein

Over the last several decades, I’ve watched with interest the various manifestations of New Age practices. I remember the first time I was introduced to the use of the pendulum to discern energy flow or to answer “yes” and “no” questions. I found it quite amazing but remained skeptical. I know many people who use Tarot cards and have palm readings, energy readings, and chakra readings. I’ve always been quite skeptical, in part because the teachings of my youth taught that such things were an abomination to God. I’m not so sure about that. When someone is sincerely seeking to know and communicate with the eternal, I believe God’s mercy and grace is greater than what we know or perceive. I also am quite sure that such things cannot be relied upon and can be the source of much confusion.
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Please note a option on the left side of your computer screen. If you would like to receive these entries by email every day rather than having to surf the web to find me, put your e-mail address in the box!

I have watched Jim Wallis, one of founders of Sojourners since I first met him and his fellow seminarians in 1972. Wow – that date makes me feel old. As I see how he has lived his life in total commitment to the demands of Jesus Christ, I am humbled. If I were the Pope, not only would hell freeze over but Jim Wallis would be the first one to be named a Saint. Which would make him laugh I am sure.

Anyway, I encourage all to subsribe to their on-line magazine. Today’s article about the Advent in Iraq is well worth the time.

Perhaps the most famous passage from Plato’s writings is the Allegory of the Cave. In it, we are asked to imagine ourselves in a cave somehow fettered so that we can only look at the back of the cave. Behind us is a fire that keeps us warm. Between the fire and ourselves is an endless parade of life which we can only see as shadow plays on the back wall of the cave. Finally, we are to imagine what it would be like to be unfettered and able to leave the cave in order to see life as it truly is.

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The Advent season is an annual reminder that God comes to us before we come to God, the one not dependent upon the other. We don’t need to “invoke” God’s presence – God comes to us.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life– the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life.. I John 1:1-2

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