Divine Violence, Part 3 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the words of him who sent me while it … Continue reading Divine Violence, Part 3
Category: Life Notes
Divine Violence, Part 2
Divine Violence, Part 2 For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come… Mark 7:21a Last week I reflected on how we can read the violent sections of the Bible in a metaphorical way that helps us reconcile a loving God with a sometimes violent text. This method of biblical interpretation … Continue reading Divine Violence, Part 2
Divine Violence, Part 1
Divine Violence, Part 1 Let burning coals fall on them! Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise! Psalm 140:10 There are a number of methods to interpret what we read in the Bible and other sacred texts. One common method, although it is relatively recent in Christian history, is the literal interpretation. … Continue reading Divine Violence, Part 1
A Beautiful Soul, Part 3
A Beautiful Soul, Part 3 I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. John 15:15 The last two weeks I have shared my … Continue reading A Beautiful Soul, Part 3
A Beautiful Soul, Part 2
A Beautiful Soul, Part 2 Then Jesus said, “Father forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 Last week, I began a series of reflections about the pure essence within each of us – our beautiful soul. I quoted lyrics from Don McLean’s song, Vincent, that reflect how there is … Continue reading A Beautiful Soul, Part 2
A Beautiful Soul, Part 1
A Beautiful Soul, Part 1 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, that I know very well. Psalm 139:14 In 1970, singer/songwriter Don McLean wrote what would become the mega-hit song, Vincent. Millions of people, myself included, were obsessed with this poetic story set to music about the … Continue reading A Beautiful Soul, Part 1
Bits and Bytes
Bits and Bytes Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way. Proverbs 19:2 I took a computer programming class in college in the 1970’s,. The lone computer at the university was the size of a small house with a fraction of the computing power of our mobile phones … Continue reading Bits and Bytes
A Den of Thieves
A Den of Thieves Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer; but … Continue reading A Den of Thieves
Dealing With Dharma
Dealing With Dharma In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other, so that mortals may not find out anything that will come after them. Ecclesiastes 7:14 The literal meaning of the Sanskrit word, dharma (dar’-mah), is “the law.” It … Continue reading Dealing With Dharma
The Second Arrow
The Second Arrow A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise dispenses knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Proverbs 15:1-2 All human beings possess a secret wisdom-power. It is not secret because it is hidden but because it is so seldom used. … Continue reading The Second Arrow
