You might be wondering why I'm choosing to write about Saint Michael Parish again. The reason for doing is is the theme of universalism and inclusiveness that I experienced at Mass and though different, the language of the Mass complimented the practice of Beth Hatfiloh.
First, what are the beatitudes? The beatitudes are Jesus describing how even those seen as cursed are blessed by God and that God will help them find what they were unable to receive in life. They're meant to bring humility for from humility comes love, most people who are described in the beatitudes people did not love:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses land
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after justice: for they have their fill
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justices' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Each beatitude holds a lesson that calls upon our greater self and shows how God's kingdom belongs to these people. The self that in the Abrahamic Traditions that God can help you become, and in general a reminder for the things that our society is obsessed with, such as station, money, being right over being good, and other ills are all addressed in these beatitudes. They remind us of what we can achieve in living awareness of ourselves and others, by God's recognition of them. In the Mass attended I experienced that awareness again both in the sermon and prayer and afterwords in the Chapel.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Visit to Temple Beth Hatfiloh - Olympia, WA - January 28th, 2010
What is the thing that seperates legalistic faiths from the reforms they go through later? Well, for one thing the interpretation behind the words is much greater and more based on the essence (the living of love) rather then the laws (considering many laws that existed years ago expressed in the Torah are clearly unethical - the stoning of prostitutes, of people who cheat on their spouses and people who are homosexual, ect.). These are laws that existed in Leviticus and the laws of Moses and because of this exist in Islam, Christianity and Judaism.
The thing is even if the Book doesn't change, people do. For what's worth I think we have become more aware then we were back then. The types of torture that happen today pale in comparison to what institutions of power did to those without power. The cruelty was creative and public...like the stonings I mentioned from Leviticus. As society evolved more and more cultures got away from that and began practicing a culture of healing rather then punishment. Where you could live if you were a non-believer and not be killed for it, and where all faith traditions were protected. Though there are exceptions and even back then there was the culture of healing and tolerance in some instances. The role of women has also evolved to that of an equal role thankfully, which also involved getting away from what the Holy Books stated on the matter.
What does this have to do with Temple Beth Hatfiloh though? Temple Beth Hatfiloh is a Reform Jewish Synagogue. It's been here when the first Jewish settlers arrived in the 19th century, though where they currently worship is new. Friday I visited them to get the rabbi's contact information and check out the Synagogue.
What I noticed were two themes. Jewish identity with emphasis on music, literature and community, and an all inclusiveness. On the Youth Board there was Scholarship being offered for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender youth. This is a living of the love of God for people and community. It's supporting people regardless of what horrifying things are actually said on the matter in regards and law and living what Rabbi Hillel (A Rabbi who predates Jesus) said in regards to the Torah.
"That what is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole of the Torah; the rest is explanation; now go and learn."
Every religion has this teaching, yet it is the teaching more ignored historically it seems. It's so much easier hurt and disenfranchise other people who are different, yet the essence of what all faiths call on is for us not to do that. Temple Beth Hatfiloh shows that it is living that rule in it's actions.
This made me joyous and I look forward to getting to know the community better, celebrating Shabbat with them, and my interview with the Rabbi that I will be scheduling.
The thing is even if the Book doesn't change, people do. For what's worth I think we have become more aware then we were back then. The types of torture that happen today pale in comparison to what institutions of power did to those without power. The cruelty was creative and public...like the stonings I mentioned from Leviticus. As society evolved more and more cultures got away from that and began practicing a culture of healing rather then punishment. Where you could live if you were a non-believer and not be killed for it, and where all faith traditions were protected. Though there are exceptions and even back then there was the culture of healing and tolerance in some instances. The role of women has also evolved to that of an equal role thankfully, which also involved getting away from what the Holy Books stated on the matter.
What does this have to do with Temple Beth Hatfiloh though? Temple Beth Hatfiloh is a Reform Jewish Synagogue. It's been here when the first Jewish settlers arrived in the 19th century, though where they currently worship is new. Friday I visited them to get the rabbi's contact information and check out the Synagogue.
What I noticed were two themes. Jewish identity with emphasis on music, literature and community, and an all inclusiveness. On the Youth Board there was Scholarship being offered for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender youth. This is a living of the love of God for people and community. It's supporting people regardless of what horrifying things are actually said on the matter in regards and law and living what Rabbi Hillel (A Rabbi who predates Jesus) said in regards to the Torah.
"That what is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole of the Torah; the rest is explanation; now go and learn."
Every religion has this teaching, yet it is the teaching more ignored historically it seems. It's so much easier hurt and disenfranchise other people who are different, yet the essence of what all faiths call on is for us not to do that. Temple Beth Hatfiloh shows that it is living that rule in it's actions.
This made me joyous and I look forward to getting to know the community better, celebrating Shabbat with them, and my interview with the Rabbi that I will be scheduling.
Monday, January 24, 2011
First Christ Episcopal Church - Seattle, WA - January 23rd 2011
Who are the Episcopals? The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the Church of England. Recently there has been a split in the Church though, with the more conservative African branches who reject the acceptance of openly gay men and women and women priests verses the American Church and some of the European Churches who accept them.
The Episcopal Church is what a more liberal version of the Catholic Church would look like. Out of all the Christian sects it's the one I find myself most drawn to for that reason. I see God's love and acceptance lived over dogma and tradition, yet the traditions that add so much mysticism to the experience Catholicism still stay. There is still the liturgy, the Eucharist, baptism, and confirmation to name a few. Now, what was my experience at First Christ Episcopal Church?
My experience was interesting. The day was there a baby was being baptized into the Church. The Church is right across from Mars Hill and while Mars Hill was full of a young energized group and full to the brim, this Church was smaller and had a lot of families and older folks. There was great energy though and the Mother (term for female priest) and Father were good at balancing the message of missionary work and being "Fisher's of Men" (the theme of the service) between the two of them. Because the building was small parts of the service took part at the back or the front of the building. There was an organic feel to it, and the choir was really energized. The baptism itself was the part I had the hardest time understanding though...
I talked to a man afterword who was an ex-evangelical who had come to the Episcopal Church because of how it aligned with what he believed about the Bible and he told me the reason why children are baptized. The reason seems to be that in the older days when an entire family was baptized the children were included as well. I have issue with this still though...how can a child that doesn't even know what sin is, sin? A baby who still needs it's mother for nourishment and can barely speak. The baby could have been no more then 1 or 2 years old and he was already supposed to be a minster of Christ? I guess that's why confirmation exists since that's when the baptism of belief and confession really is. Teenagers are in a better situation to think about what it means to be (enter religion here), babies have no idea, it's out of their experience and language that they know and speak.
I guess in that way it's more for the congregation to support the child in it's development to become more Christlike (which I support), but then it seems baptism is more for traditions sake and serves no real purpose for the child since the meaning of the baptism is beyond it's understanding. I was baptized in the Mormon Church at 8 years old. I still remember it. I know I had no idea of what it meant. I remember saying, "That was fun." After being dunked by my father in the baptismal pool but the meaning of what it means to be baptized I had no comprehension of. I wasn't at the age of true understanding yet. To me it was like swimming, I was dressed in a special white suit and with my family. I knew it meant something to my family, but it meant nothing to me. I did it because it was expected that I would be baptized at that age and I wanted to please my parents.
My experience with baptism articulates why I think it should be at an older age. Events only mean something when we understand the significance behind the events. If not it's ritual for rituals sake and more for the people who do understand, then the one who the event is being done for.
The experience at First Christ Episcopal Church was good I would say overall. If I had chosen to take the Eucharist I could have. In the program it said, "If you have been baptized in any Christian denomination feel free to partake of the Eucharist." (they even had gluten free wafers) I still went up with arms crossed though to recieve a blessing as I usually do at the Catholic Church that I've attended with my girlfriend.
I don't believe in Christ as Lord and Savior. I believe in an all loving, all good, all powerful, all omnipresent God that resides outside and within all things and is the Good and Virtue. But because I'm not a Christian and don't think I could be. I don't feel right partaking in a ritual that is the defining moment of the Eucharistic Christian Faiths. I'm grateful being a guest, an outsider, and a friend.
The Episcopal Church is what a more liberal version of the Catholic Church would look like. Out of all the Christian sects it's the one I find myself most drawn to for that reason. I see God's love and acceptance lived over dogma and tradition, yet the traditions that add so much mysticism to the experience Catholicism still stay. There is still the liturgy, the Eucharist, baptism, and confirmation to name a few. Now, what was my experience at First Christ Episcopal Church?
My experience was interesting. The day was there a baby was being baptized into the Church. The Church is right across from Mars Hill and while Mars Hill was full of a young energized group and full to the brim, this Church was smaller and had a lot of families and older folks. There was great energy though and the Mother (term for female priest) and Father were good at balancing the message of missionary work and being "Fisher's of Men" (the theme of the service) between the two of them. Because the building was small parts of the service took part at the back or the front of the building. There was an organic feel to it, and the choir was really energized. The baptism itself was the part I had the hardest time understanding though...
I talked to a man afterword who was an ex-evangelical who had come to the Episcopal Church because of how it aligned with what he believed about the Bible and he told me the reason why children are baptized. The reason seems to be that in the older days when an entire family was baptized the children were included as well. I have issue with this still though...how can a child that doesn't even know what sin is, sin? A baby who still needs it's mother for nourishment and can barely speak. The baby could have been no more then 1 or 2 years old and he was already supposed to be a minster of Christ? I guess that's why confirmation exists since that's when the baptism of belief and confession really is. Teenagers are in a better situation to think about what it means to be (enter religion here), babies have no idea, it's out of their experience and language that they know and speak.
I guess in that way it's more for the congregation to support the child in it's development to become more Christlike (which I support), but then it seems baptism is more for traditions sake and serves no real purpose for the child since the meaning of the baptism is beyond it's understanding. I was baptized in the Mormon Church at 8 years old. I still remember it. I know I had no idea of what it meant. I remember saying, "That was fun." After being dunked by my father in the baptismal pool but the meaning of what it means to be baptized I had no comprehension of. I wasn't at the age of true understanding yet. To me it was like swimming, I was dressed in a special white suit and with my family. I knew it meant something to my family, but it meant nothing to me. I did it because it was expected that I would be baptized at that age and I wanted to please my parents.
My experience with baptism articulates why I think it should be at an older age. Events only mean something when we understand the significance behind the events. If not it's ritual for rituals sake and more for the people who do understand, then the one who the event is being done for.
The experience at First Christ Episcopal Church was good I would say overall. If I had chosen to take the Eucharist I could have. In the program it said, "If you have been baptized in any Christian denomination feel free to partake of the Eucharist." (they even had gluten free wafers) I still went up with arms crossed though to recieve a blessing as I usually do at the Catholic Church that I've attended with my girlfriend.
I don't believe in Christ as Lord and Savior. I believe in an all loving, all good, all powerful, all omnipresent God that resides outside and within all things and is the Good and Virtue. But because I'm not a Christian and don't think I could be. I don't feel right partaking in a ritual that is the defining moment of the Eucharistic Christian Faiths. I'm grateful being a guest, an outsider, and a friend.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Conversation with Jonathan (friend and leader of Evegreen Hillel) January 14th 2011
One of the the greatest reasons for creating this blog is the creation and development of friendships. Out of this I have come to make a new friend and also come to know older friends better. This post is the latter.
The discussion happened when I met up with Jonathan who was doing a fundraiser to raise money for Evergreen Hillel that morning. It was originally for the Undergraduate Thesis but the discussion moved beyond the questions as we talked.
Jonathan is one of my friends from my Freshman year of College but who I didn't really talk to in depth until today. In the discussion I found that both of us saw God similarly and I learned what being Jewish means to him. We talked about connection with God through music, nature and community. We also discussed the Reform movement and about it's more universal approach in preaching the Torah by having services be in both English and Hebrew.
Near the end we got on the inclusiveness and exclusiveness of certain religions. Specifically the more Orthodox faiths in any religion who see other interpretations of the religion as not the true interpretations. It's from this mindset that of "the Other" that so much conflict happens in the first place. God's truth becomes something that breaks people apart and causes people to die for reasons that can sometimes mirror nationalism verses the sacrifice and compassion of a loving, just, universal God who speaks in many contexts and brings out virtue in people no matter their cultural practice or experience of the Divine.
It was rich discussion in which I learned so much. I'm excited to visit Temple Beth Hatfiloh the Reform Synagogue in town later this week.
The discussion happened when I met up with Jonathan who was doing a fundraiser to raise money for Evergreen Hillel that morning. It was originally for the Undergraduate Thesis but the discussion moved beyond the questions as we talked.
Jonathan is one of my friends from my Freshman year of College but who I didn't really talk to in depth until today. In the discussion I found that both of us saw God similarly and I learned what being Jewish means to him. We talked about connection with God through music, nature and community. We also discussed the Reform movement and about it's more universal approach in preaching the Torah by having services be in both English and Hebrew.
Near the end we got on the inclusiveness and exclusiveness of certain religions. Specifically the more Orthodox faiths in any religion who see other interpretations of the religion as not the true interpretations. It's from this mindset that of "the Other" that so much conflict happens in the first place. God's truth becomes something that breaks people apart and causes people to die for reasons that can sometimes mirror nationalism verses the sacrifice and compassion of a loving, just, universal God who speaks in many contexts and brings out virtue in people no matter their cultural practice or experience of the Divine.
It was rich discussion in which I learned so much. I'm excited to visit Temple Beth Hatfiloh the Reform Synagogue in town later this week.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Saint Michael Parish - Olympia, WA - January 9th 2010
Saint Michael Parish is a beautiful Church. I mean this in every sense of the world. I have never been to a Church that held such a diversity of age, cultural backgrounds, and even decorations around the Chapel with a mixture of Christmas decorations still up, an angel on a tapestry and figures varying in size throughout the Church.
I came with my girlfriend and we both came out the service feeling hope and uplifted. The service was about Jesus being baptized byJohn the Baptist and how baptism and being reborn through baptism is a call to action as the Father described it. Now for me this action goes directly against some of the doctrine of the papacy given that I think that Gay Marriage is moral right and that it's unethical that women cannot become priests. I mentioned after to my girlfriend that, "I would probably make a good Episcopal," for some of the reasons I just mentioned.
Regardless of the many issues where the Catholic Church and I differ, the message still stands of the call to virtue and goodness and what baptism means still stands. It means remembrance, it means a swearing or covenant to live anew or renewing a promise already made. This is something any person can do, since all of us changing all the time and life provides opportunities to grow and change. For Judaism it's the covenant God made with the people, for Christianity Jesus is the New Covenant and for Islam God's covenant is revealed through Muhammad. Every one of the major religions be they Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jews or others have that reminder and that call to be better and to live with virtue.
Today in Church I got that reminder through Catholicism and remembering what baptism means...in time I hope I won't need a reminder...that it will always come naturally. But that time is not now and I very blessed to have been reminded that day in the beautiful Saint Michael Parish.
I came with my girlfriend and we both came out the service feeling hope and uplifted. The service was about Jesus being baptized by
Regardless of the many issues where the Catholic Church and I differ, the message still stands of the call to virtue and goodness and what baptism means still stands. It means remembrance, it means a swearing or covenant to live anew or renewing a promise already made. This is something any person can do, since all of us changing all the time and life provides opportunities to grow and change. For Judaism it's the covenant God made with the people, for Christianity Jesus is the New Covenant and for Islam God's covenant is revealed through Muhammad. Every one of the major religions be they Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jews or others have that reminder and that call to be better and to live with virtue.
Today in Church I got that reminder through Catholicism and remembering what baptism means...in time I hope I won't need a reminder...that it will always come naturally. But that time is not now and I very blessed to have been reminded that day in the beautiful Saint Michael Parish.
Children of Abraham Undergraduate Research Thesis
The Children of Abraham Research Thesis. This project is my goal for my final time here at the Evergreen State College. Over break I read tons of books on Interfaith and how to create successful dialogue between people of different backgrounds who are in conflict with one another. This project is an exploration of faith. What a Christian, Muslim or Jew is differs depending on who you are talking too...but there are common beliefs that all share and each claim Abraham as the father of their faith.
Throughout time we have seen individuals within these groups persecute and kill one another in the name of the God who made a covenant with their forefather. History is littered with atrocities committed in the name of God by all these faiths and today it is still done.
In this project I will be interviewing members of the faiths as well as taking surveys of people who I am unable to schedule interviews with. The questions will deal with how each individual sees faith playing a role in their life, what role that faith informs virtue and what Interfaith (respect and dialogue towards members of different faiths) plays a role in their religion.
Also part of the project is up-keeping the blog. I'll be visiting all the Abrahamic faiths largely, but I will also be visiting other religions as well. So I'll continue to post my faith visits. What discussions I post in here will not be in relationship to the survey questions and will be specifically for the blog. Since the survey is a questionnaire and interview, not a discussion.
This is my final quarter at the Evergreen State College and my goal with this project is to build bridges of understanding and respect between the faiths I'm studying and the people whose stories are told. I am hoping to further Interfaith dialogue, peace and understanding with the completed project. May peace be with you and God bless you all.
Throughout time we have seen individuals within these groups persecute and kill one another in the name of the God who made a covenant with their forefather. History is littered with atrocities committed in the name of God by all these faiths and today it is still done.
In this project I will be interviewing members of the faiths as well as taking surveys of people who I am unable to schedule interviews with. The questions will deal with how each individual sees faith playing a role in their life, what role that faith informs virtue and what Interfaith (respect and dialogue towards members of different faiths) plays a role in their religion.
Also part of the project is up-keeping the blog. I'll be visiting all the Abrahamic faiths largely, but I will also be visiting other religions as well. So I'll continue to post my faith visits. What discussions I post in here will not be in relationship to the survey questions and will be specifically for the blog. Since the survey is a questionnaire and interview, not a discussion.
This is my final quarter at the Evergreen State College and my goal with this project is to build bridges of understanding and respect between the faiths I'm studying and the people whose stories are told. I am hoping to further Interfaith dialogue, peace and understanding with the completed project. May peace be with you and God bless you all.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Eastshore Unitarian Church - Bellevue, WA - January 2nd 2010
Eastshore Unitarian Church. I have so many memories in this place. It was here that my the Interfaith (Youth Exploring Spirituality - Unitarian) Organization was made and where I had my first community in Washington. I had my Coming of Age here and traveled to Romania where I made so many friends and have many mentors in the Church. This Church taught me so much. But I didn't sign the book, and don't think I could ever call myself a member. There is so much I agree with in regards to the philosophy and ideals of the Church.
The Church affirms:
Love is the doctrine of this church.
The quest for truth is its sacrament,
And service is its prayer.
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
To serve humanity in fellowship,
Thus do we covenant
These are ideals I support.
It took an invitation though, to return and visit the Church. My friend who also used be Mormon like me came with her Mom and it was great catching up with her about college. The sermon was about accountability and how Unitarian Universalism values played into accountability. The reading was a letter that Garrison Kealer had written as character in his radio show in which a man holds himself accountable to his wife for how he wasn't aware of his daughter and his jealousy towards her friend who she had dated at one point. It fit with my theme of virtue being outside a belief in God.
Now, the reason I never joined the Church and don't feel I could. Politics. Even if your Church functions as a Democracy, corruption and jealousy still happen. Hell, we see this in the debate between Republicans and Democrats. There will always be fear and resistance to new ideas and change. Interfaith in Eastshore Unitarian Church was that change. My Mom who founded the Interfaith movement in the Church was isolated by leaders in the Church who saw the movement and the youth visiting different faiths as threatening, as well as Mom's charisma. Even a liberal church can be as close minded in regards to change as a conservative church. It's in those moments that values get forsaken. When a people feel threatened they commit evil...we see this in the Middle East and in conflicts all over the world. It's in times like this that we are given the chance to stand by the values that make us who we are and define us. To stand up for virtue. No leaders in the Church did that, and I never signed the books because of it. This was when I became fully disenfranchised with organized religion. The same essential problems I saw with all the big faiths in their most conservative, traditionalist expressions was expressed in the Eastshore Unitarian Church. The after affects of the Interfaith Movement among the youth died when my Mom left and none of the youth who I went to youth group and YES-U with attend the Church anymore.
I think the Unitarian Universalism Church is a great church for anyone believes in virtue and it's in the Unitarian Universalist faith where Agnostics, Theists, Deists, Atheists and more work side by side for improving the world. The thing to remember though is it's just as open to corruption as any other organization and that like any religion...your experience is what you make of it. I wouldn't trade any of my memories or friendships from the Church, and I will visit it again the future...but I cannot join. Whether you're religious or not, please remember to live with virtue.
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