Wednesday, April 19, 2006
In Memoriam: Oklahoma City
Today is the 11th anniversary of the worst act of domestic terrorism the United States has ever suffered. Political extremist Tim McVeigh parked a truck loaded full of explosives in front of a Federal building in Oklahoma City and killed some 168 people. It was a tragic day for America, especially since the terrorist was nurtured by the very country he tried to destroy.
Let us never forget the victims of this horrible act, their families or their communities.
Let us never forget the victims of this horrible act, their families or their communities.
Monday, April 17, 2006
A true testimonial: the MC5
Just viewed a documentary about the rock group hailing from Detroit, the MC5. Their music and their image has always been important to me. Though I never got to see them perform as a group, I think I have seen each of the individual members in various groups in the years since their breakup.
It's funny, but I think my musical sensibility has always been pretty much nostalgic. Even as a teenager. There was something magical about the stuff from years before. This movie put me in mind of the times I grew up in, the late Sixties. The hair, the fashions-- it all looked like old family snapshots.
Revolution was in the air. The White House and the FBI were prone to spy on musicians. Cynicism began its ascent, with the assassinations of moderate leaders like King and Kennedy. One of my early memories is watching the light flicker on the eastern horizon as Detroit burned in 1967. But I wasn't really involved. I was only a kid. But from my perspective, the adult world was looking pretty spooky. I didn't have much direct information.
But I did hear music coming from my older siblings' rooms. Of course, there were the international heroes: the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, the Doors. But there were also the home boys: the Stooges, the SRC, Bob Seger and leading the pack, the MC5-- the loudest, the fastest, the tightest and most uncompromising of them all.
It was good, seeing these guys on the screen, doing their thing, and hearing their story. Things I thought were true were debunked, but certain things remained. But the power of the music never faltered. They really did kick out the jams.
It's funny, but I think my musical sensibility has always been pretty much nostalgic. Even as a teenager. There was something magical about the stuff from years before. This movie put me in mind of the times I grew up in, the late Sixties. The hair, the fashions-- it all looked like old family snapshots.
Revolution was in the air. The White House and the FBI were prone to spy on musicians. Cynicism began its ascent, with the assassinations of moderate leaders like King and Kennedy. One of my early memories is watching the light flicker on the eastern horizon as Detroit burned in 1967. But I wasn't really involved. I was only a kid. But from my perspective, the adult world was looking pretty spooky. I didn't have much direct information.
But I did hear music coming from my older siblings' rooms. Of course, there were the international heroes: the Beatles, the Stones, the Who, the Doors. But there were also the home boys: the Stooges, the SRC, Bob Seger and leading the pack, the MC5-- the loudest, the fastest, the tightest and most uncompromising of them all.
It was good, seeing these guys on the screen, doing their thing, and hearing their story. Things I thought were true were debunked, but certain things remained. But the power of the music never faltered. They really did kick out the jams.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
and Jesus said...
My favorite quotes from Jesus are ones where I think He sums up how we should behave:
When asked which of the Commandments is the greatest, he sums them up saying "The first is to love God with all your heart, and the second is to love your neighbor as you love yourself."
There is a long passage where He speaks about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the afflicted-- practical means by which we demonstrate our love for our fellows.
The other is when he saves a woman from execution by stoning: "Whoever is without sin cast the first stone." And when the 'righteous' crowd disperses in shame, He says: "Is there none left to condemn you? Neither do I."
The principles Jesus taught were love and forgiveness, compassion and humility. These are qualities which are simple to understand, yet difficult to practice.
When asked which of the Commandments is the greatest, he sums them up saying "The first is to love God with all your heart, and the second is to love your neighbor as you love yourself."
There is a long passage where He speaks about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, comforting the afflicted-- practical means by which we demonstrate our love for our fellows.
The other is when he saves a woman from execution by stoning: "Whoever is without sin cast the first stone." And when the 'righteous' crowd disperses in shame, He says: "Is there none left to condemn you? Neither do I."
The principles Jesus taught were love and forgiveness, compassion and humility. These are qualities which are simple to understand, yet difficult to practice.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
The Last Temptation of a Superstar
Aside from the New Testament, I have found several works of art to be influential in my understanding of Jesus. They mostly focus on the human aspects, and not the divine. I guess being human myself, that was the best way for me to connect.
Jesus Christ Superstar: It used to be that a certain radio station would play this album in its entirety on Good Friday (radio stations used to be able to do stuff like that). This was the 'brown album' featuring Ian Gillan as Jesus, and not the movie soundtrack or a version by stage actors.
The story of the last few days of His earthly ministry, his Passion and Death, we are invited to meditate on the relationship between Jesus and Judas, with the religious Establishment as the heavies and the Apostles as a clueless chorus. There is little focus on Jesus's teachings (as in Godspell), but instead a dramatic confrontation of the varying motives of the principals.
Maybe it was just the vulnerability of my age, but I think it was also something more, that made this an important thing in my life. After all, I heard a lot of music when I was that age and not all of it stuck. The music was dramatic, the story was well-told, it was a different twist on familiar themes, and it was above all accessible.
The Passover Plot: This book was an attempt to show that a fully human Jesus could have tried to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament by wholly material means by use of clever strategems. In essence, he fakes his death on the Cross, and only appears to rise from the dead on Easter.
What was most significant to me was that this was the first book I read that tried to read the text of the Bible in a new way. Verses are parsed for possible interpretations, outside sources are referenced, and the Miraculous is brought down to the Mundane. I think I liked the idea of trying to find out how much of the story of the Passion could be reduced to materialistic explanations.
The Last Temptation of Christ: A novel by Nikos Kazantzakis about the ministry of Jesus, also focuses strongly on the humanity of Christ, but there is ample room for Mysticism. In this the human part of Jesus's nature feels oppressed by the Divine mission. It is a burden He wants to lay down, but one He cannot escape. He is rather like Jonah in this regard.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the way the author created a whole world for his characters to inhabit that had a life of its own and made sense for both action and spiritual progress. You could feel the heat of the desert, the beauty of the divine, the stink of humanity, the pull of temptation.
****************
Happy Easter everyone!
Jesus Christ Superstar: It used to be that a certain radio station would play this album in its entirety on Good Friday (radio stations used to be able to do stuff like that). This was the 'brown album' featuring Ian Gillan as Jesus, and not the movie soundtrack or a version by stage actors.
The story of the last few days of His earthly ministry, his Passion and Death, we are invited to meditate on the relationship between Jesus and Judas, with the religious Establishment as the heavies and the Apostles as a clueless chorus. There is little focus on Jesus's teachings (as in Godspell), but instead a dramatic confrontation of the varying motives of the principals.
Maybe it was just the vulnerability of my age, but I think it was also something more, that made this an important thing in my life. After all, I heard a lot of music when I was that age and not all of it stuck. The music was dramatic, the story was well-told, it was a different twist on familiar themes, and it was above all accessible.
The Passover Plot: This book was an attempt to show that a fully human Jesus could have tried to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament by wholly material means by use of clever strategems. In essence, he fakes his death on the Cross, and only appears to rise from the dead on Easter.
What was most significant to me was that this was the first book I read that tried to read the text of the Bible in a new way. Verses are parsed for possible interpretations, outside sources are referenced, and the Miraculous is brought down to the Mundane. I think I liked the idea of trying to find out how much of the story of the Passion could be reduced to materialistic explanations.
The Last Temptation of Christ: A novel by Nikos Kazantzakis about the ministry of Jesus, also focuses strongly on the humanity of Christ, but there is ample room for Mysticism. In this the human part of Jesus's nature feels oppressed by the Divine mission. It is a burden He wants to lay down, but one He cannot escape. He is rather like Jonah in this regard.
What I enjoyed the most about this book was the way the author created a whole world for his characters to inhabit that had a life of its own and made sense for both action and spiritual progress. You could feel the heat of the desert, the beauty of the divine, the stink of humanity, the pull of temptation.
****************
Happy Easter everyone!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
What about Greenpeace or ELF?
A thoughtful reader (Jim) had this to add to my rant about domestic terror:
"That ELF group are a bunch of left-wing terrorists! They're highly destructive. Greenpeace also actively engage in violent acts."
Well, what about these guys? Aren't they good examples of Left-wing terror?
"The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is the collective name for anonymous and autonomous cells that, according to the, now defunct, Earth Liberation Front Press Office (ELFPO), "uses direct action in the form of economic sabotage to stop the exploitation and destruction of the natural environment." Cells have been active in the United States, Canada, Greece, and the United Kingdom where the movement was founded. ELF sympathizers say that it is an eco-defense group dedicated to taking the profit motive out of environmental destruction by targeting and causing economic damage to businesses through the use of direct action. The ELF has committed more than 1,200 acts of vandalism and arson in the U.S., causing more than $200 million in damage."
"The ELF was classified as the top domestic domestic terror threat by the FBI in March 2001. However, supporters and sympathizers of the group usually object to being called terrorists because no human has been injured by any action claimed by the ELF. The ELF's guidelines require that individuals or groups acting on its behalf "take all necessary precautions against harming any animal - human and nonhuman." "
So they are destructive, but do no harm to either animals or humans. Seems to show rather admirable restraint, don't you agree? There is also a fascinating discussion of whether the ELF should be defined as a 'terrorist' organization.
Wikipedia had this to say about Greenpeace:
"Greenpeace is an international environmental organization founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1971. Greenpeace is known for its use of nonviolent direct action campaigns to stop atmospheric and underground nuclear testing as well as bring an end to high seas whaling. In later years, the focus of the organisation turned to other environmental issues, including bottom trawling, global warming and genetic engineering. "
I could find nothing about their ever having killed or injured anyone. Nor do they target anyone for assassination. There was an enlightening discussion of 'eco-terrorism' charges, though.
If these are examples of Left-wing terror, they've got to get their act together, because they've never harmed anyone. Tim Mcveigh probably killed more Americans in one day than all the so-called Leftists ever did.
Jim went on to say:
"I think the reason that people choose violence is that it's effective. The old adage that violence doesn't solve anything just isn't true. It's not the best solution, or a solution that I would ever encourage, but it is effective at accomplishing a goal."
I can find myself agreeing with these sentiments. Violence is not always the best solution, nor should it be the first response to the challenges we face. It is anti-democratic, and thus anti-American. It is the path of the school-yard bully and the career criminal, not one America should travel.
"That ELF group are a bunch of left-wing terrorists! They're highly destructive. Greenpeace also actively engage in violent acts."
Well, what about these guys? Aren't they good examples of Left-wing terror?
"The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is the collective name for anonymous and autonomous cells that, according to the, now defunct, Earth Liberation Front Press Office (ELFPO), "uses direct action in the form of economic sabotage to stop the exploitation and destruction of the natural environment." Cells have been active in the United States, Canada, Greece, and the United Kingdom where the movement was founded. ELF sympathizers say that it is an eco-defense group dedicated to taking the profit motive out of environmental destruction by targeting and causing economic damage to businesses through the use of direct action. The ELF has committed more than 1,200 acts of vandalism and arson in the U.S., causing more than $200 million in damage."
"The ELF was classified as the top domestic domestic terror threat by the FBI in March 2001. However, supporters and sympathizers of the group usually object to being called terrorists because no human has been injured by any action claimed by the ELF. The ELF's guidelines require that individuals or groups acting on its behalf "take all necessary precautions against harming any animal - human and nonhuman." "
So they are destructive, but do no harm to either animals or humans. Seems to show rather admirable restraint, don't you agree? There is also a fascinating discussion of whether the ELF should be defined as a 'terrorist' organization.
Wikipedia had this to say about Greenpeace:
"Greenpeace is an international environmental organization founded in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1971. Greenpeace is known for its use of nonviolent direct action campaigns to stop atmospheric and underground nuclear testing as well as bring an end to high seas whaling. In later years, the focus of the organisation turned to other environmental issues, including bottom trawling, global warming and genetic engineering. "
I could find nothing about their ever having killed or injured anyone. Nor do they target anyone for assassination. There was an enlightening discussion of 'eco-terrorism' charges, though.
If these are examples of Left-wing terror, they've got to get their act together, because they've never harmed anyone. Tim Mcveigh probably killed more Americans in one day than all the so-called Leftists ever did.
Jim went on to say:
"I think the reason that people choose violence is that it's effective. The old adage that violence doesn't solve anything just isn't true. It's not the best solution, or a solution that I would ever encourage, but it is effective at accomplishing a goal."
I can find myself agreeing with these sentiments. Violence is not always the best solution, nor should it be the first response to the challenges we face. It is anti-democratic, and thus anti-American. It is the path of the school-yard bully and the career criminal, not one America should travel.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
What a wonderful Wednesday
The sun is out, and people in the park are playing softball. Summer is coming, and I'm looking forward to some mellow days.
Standing up to the Man
I saw a program on television last night about the fellow in China who single-handedly stopped a column of tanks simply with his moral power. The man has been an inspiration for all kinds of people who face oppression, and I am also moved by the beauty and the bravery of this act.
Let us hope that when that moment of decision comes, we have the strength to do what's right.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
the American Neighborhood
Imagine John Q Public, your average American, living in a house on a street. The neighbor on his left is kind of a crank, given to lecturing our protagonist on what he's doing right and wrong. Always telling him what he should have done, how he could do better. Naturally, that sort of thing gets on your nerves, and Mr Public doesn't like what he's hearing from the left.
One morning, our hero wakes up to find that someone's spray-painted filthy slogans all over his house. The family dog's been poisoned. His kids get harassed at school. An anonymous caller has been spreading slanders about him all over the neighborhood. The next thing he knows a molotov cocktail comes crashing through the living room window. Gunfire starts pouring into the house.
But it's not the crazy guy on his left who's resonsible. It's the guy on his right. It turns out he's just as nutty as his other neighbor, he just expresses it in a different way. He collects guns and builds bombs for a hobby. One more thing: he thinks he is God's instrument to punish and destroy all he finds fault in.
It's something to think about when someone starts talking about how the Left 'hates' America. Maybe sometimes the criticism from the Left is a little over-the-top. But at least you can be pretty sure they're not adding your name to a hit list, as the Right is prone to do-- and to act on it, as they also have a long history of doing.
After all, how many left-wing anti-government militias do you know about? Where's the Left's version of the Ku Klux Klan? Have any doctors been targeted for assassination because they refused to work in a family-planning clinic? Where are all the gangs sporting communist flags assaulting couples that look too straight? Where are the pro-integration lynch mobs?
Right-wing terror has been a fact of life in these United States for a long time. It's so common, we hardly think about how shocking it really is that these people feel safe carrying on these hideous anti-American activities year in and year-out.
It is disgusting that the right-wing media feels it's all in fun to talk about killing judges, shooting immigrants, rounding up all those who disagree with them for disposal. There are some of their listeners who then go out and act on these hateful fantasies.
As we draw closer to the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, it would be well for all Americans to meditate on the victims of right wing terror in America.
One morning, our hero wakes up to find that someone's spray-painted filthy slogans all over his house. The family dog's been poisoned. His kids get harassed at school. An anonymous caller has been spreading slanders about him all over the neighborhood. The next thing he knows a molotov cocktail comes crashing through the living room window. Gunfire starts pouring into the house.
But it's not the crazy guy on his left who's resonsible. It's the guy on his right. It turns out he's just as nutty as his other neighbor, he just expresses it in a different way. He collects guns and builds bombs for a hobby. One more thing: he thinks he is God's instrument to punish and destroy all he finds fault in.
It's something to think about when someone starts talking about how the Left 'hates' America. Maybe sometimes the criticism from the Left is a little over-the-top. But at least you can be pretty sure they're not adding your name to a hit list, as the Right is prone to do-- and to act on it, as they also have a long history of doing.
After all, how many left-wing anti-government militias do you know about? Where's the Left's version of the Ku Klux Klan? Have any doctors been targeted for assassination because they refused to work in a family-planning clinic? Where are all the gangs sporting communist flags assaulting couples that look too straight? Where are the pro-integration lynch mobs?
Right-wing terror has been a fact of life in these United States for a long time. It's so common, we hardly think about how shocking it really is that these people feel safe carrying on these hideous anti-American activities year in and year-out.
It is disgusting that the right-wing media feels it's all in fun to talk about killing judges, shooting immigrants, rounding up all those who disagree with them for disposal. There are some of their listeners who then go out and act on these hateful fantasies.
As we draw closer to the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, it would be well for all Americans to meditate on the victims of right wing terror in America.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Right-winger invited to local school
It seems the local university is to play host to right-wing author Dan Flynn, who is touting his latest tome "Why the Left Hates America". I think I'll go down and check it out.
While his message may be unwelcome, I don't think he should be censored or shouted down. This type needs to be confronted with all the facts which they are either ignorant of or willfully ignore.
After all, who poses the greater threat to Americans? Leftists who might give them a stern lecture on the difference between right and wrong? Or someone who's willing to shoot first and crow about it later?
Right-wing terror has long been a fact of life in America, and it's about time we took notice of it. The Ku Klux Klan ran rampant through whole regions of the country for decades, with a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and murder.
While his message may be unwelcome, I don't think he should be censored or shouted down. This type needs to be confronted with all the facts which they are either ignorant of or willfully ignore.
After all, who poses the greater threat to Americans? Leftists who might give them a stern lecture on the difference between right and wrong? Or someone who's willing to shoot first and crow about it later?
Right-wing terror has long been a fact of life in America, and it's about time we took notice of it. The Ku Klux Klan ran rampant through whole regions of the country for decades, with a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and murder.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Portrait of the artist
Since I don't have a camera, I thought I'd put in some kind of image...
Judas, Libby and 43 Down
Three stories this week which seem to be related:
Documents newly revealed support possibility that Judas Iscariot of Bible fame may have acted 'under orders' in his betrayal of Jesus to the authorities. This brings up the question as to whether it really is a betrayal if you were asked or told to do it.
'Scooter' Libby may not be the only high-level leaker in the White House. As you recall, he has been indicted in the 'outing' of an agent of the CIA, thus undermining the national security of the United States. His boss Dick Cheney may have had a role, as well as his boss President George W Bush. So that brings us back to the question: is it treason if the President orders it?
The New York Times crossword seems to have included what some have complained as being a 'dirty word'. But the answer to 43 Down may be a reference to our 43rd President. After all, it's difficult to think of the current resident of the White House without some choice words coming to mind.
Documents newly revealed support possibility that Judas Iscariot of Bible fame may have acted 'under orders' in his betrayal of Jesus to the authorities. This brings up the question as to whether it really is a betrayal if you were asked or told to do it.
'Scooter' Libby may not be the only high-level leaker in the White House. As you recall, he has been indicted in the 'outing' of an agent of the CIA, thus undermining the national security of the United States. His boss Dick Cheney may have had a role, as well as his boss President George W Bush. So that brings us back to the question: is it treason if the President orders it?
The New York Times crossword seems to have included what some have complained as being a 'dirty word'. But the answer to 43 Down may be a reference to our 43rd President. After all, it's difficult to think of the current resident of the White House without some choice words coming to mind.
Everybody need a hobby.
I just went out yesterday morning to visit all the garage sales in the local paper. I tried to arrange them in a logical order to make for the least driving. There weren't that many-- I don't know if it's too early in the season or what. There were even a couple of 'huge' fundraisers advertised.
Now there wasn't anything particular that I needed. Years ago I might have bought anything that caught my fancy. But I have learned that I can't afford that. So I had to be more choosey. My target was music and musical instruments. But I was prepared to buy anything that was too good to pass up, but it would have to be very good.
So I visited the McMansions, I visited the trailer parks. Way out into the sticks, and right at the heart of downtown. Estate sales, yard sales, one-a-year fundraisers. Lonely people in carports, multi-family events. People moving across town, out of the country, or just trying to clear out some of the clutter.
The highest-priced item was probably the house that was for sale (though I didn't find out how much - I assumed it was out of my range). The highest price I saw was $10,000 for a sports car. There were lots of freebies, though. Boxes of stuff for 25 cents [why is there no 'cents' sign on my keyboard?]. Make an offer! Half off!
One thing I saw that I had to pass up was a beautiful oak dresser for $150. That was more than I was willing to spend, but it was nice. I just didn't have the combination of need and ability to spare the money. Another thing was a glass-topped patio table for $5.00, which I could easily afford but didn't need either- even with the free chairs thrown in.
I didn't see any musical instruments, except for a toy keyboard. So I didn't have any real temptation on that front. I was half-hoping to see a nice guitar, but perhaps the early-birds got 'em. My suspicion is that guitars aren't that common anymore. People are more likely to listen to music than make it.
On the music front I did see a few records, CDs, 8-tracks and tapes. I generally avoid tapes and 8-tracks. The medium just seems too flimsy for me to care much about. I suppose I am cutting myself off from some potentially good stuff, but I'm not too worried about that. Like the videos and audio cassettes people record at home, I am suspicious of CDs that people burn. I don't have much confidence in them. So I hardly look at them.
I am constantly suprised by the records I find at garage sales. Lots of So-and-so and His OrchestraPlay the Motion-picture Themes of 1959, or Sing Along with Mitch. One memorable collection included a lot of 'ethnic' music from the fifties and sixties with titles like A Trip To Mexico or Swiss Yodeler Jamboree. It's hard for me to imagine anyone listening to that stuff.
So what did I end up buying? A horrible little porcelain reproduction of Da Vinci's Last Supper and a 25 cent album (no cover) of a smooth jazz album from the sixties that had a couple of tracks on it I wanted for my collection. The Last Supper I almost passed up, but I kept thinking about it as I was walking back to my car. I knew I'd regret not buying it. So I walked back and got it. It's just a dollar.
When I finally have my garage sale, people will find all the really cool stuff there. A truly weird collection of kitschy junk and far-out records. No-one will be able to walk away empty-handed. People will have to buy.
Now there wasn't anything particular that I needed. Years ago I might have bought anything that caught my fancy. But I have learned that I can't afford that. So I had to be more choosey. My target was music and musical instruments. But I was prepared to buy anything that was too good to pass up, but it would have to be very good.
So I visited the McMansions, I visited the trailer parks. Way out into the sticks, and right at the heart of downtown. Estate sales, yard sales, one-a-year fundraisers. Lonely people in carports, multi-family events. People moving across town, out of the country, or just trying to clear out some of the clutter.
The highest-priced item was probably the house that was for sale (though I didn't find out how much - I assumed it was out of my range). The highest price I saw was $10,000 for a sports car. There were lots of freebies, though. Boxes of stuff for 25 cents [why is there no 'cents' sign on my keyboard?]. Make an offer! Half off!
One thing I saw that I had to pass up was a beautiful oak dresser for $150. That was more than I was willing to spend, but it was nice. I just didn't have the combination of need and ability to spare the money. Another thing was a glass-topped patio table for $5.00, which I could easily afford but didn't need either- even with the free chairs thrown in.
I didn't see any musical instruments, except for a toy keyboard. So I didn't have any real temptation on that front. I was half-hoping to see a nice guitar, but perhaps the early-birds got 'em. My suspicion is that guitars aren't that common anymore. People are more likely to listen to music than make it.
On the music front I did see a few records, CDs, 8-tracks and tapes. I generally avoid tapes and 8-tracks. The medium just seems too flimsy for me to care much about. I suppose I am cutting myself off from some potentially good stuff, but I'm not too worried about that. Like the videos and audio cassettes people record at home, I am suspicious of CDs that people burn. I don't have much confidence in them. So I hardly look at them.
I am constantly suprised by the records I find at garage sales. Lots of So-and-so and His OrchestraPlay the Motion-picture Themes of 1959, or Sing Along with Mitch. One memorable collection included a lot of 'ethnic' music from the fifties and sixties with titles like A Trip To Mexico or Swiss Yodeler Jamboree. It's hard for me to imagine anyone listening to that stuff.
So what did I end up buying? A horrible little porcelain reproduction of Da Vinci's Last Supper and a 25 cent album (no cover) of a smooth jazz album from the sixties that had a couple of tracks on it I wanted for my collection. The Last Supper I almost passed up, but I kept thinking about it as I was walking back to my car. I knew I'd regret not buying it. So I walked back and got it. It's just a dollar.
When I finally have my garage sale, people will find all the really cool stuff there. A truly weird collection of kitschy junk and far-out records. No-one will be able to walk away empty-handed. People will have to buy.
Friday, April 07, 2006
How about the new Book of Judas?
Something new in the world of theology: Judas might not have been such a bad guy after all. This from recently revealed manuscripts studied under the aegis of National Geographic.
"A 1,700-year-old papyrus manuscript recasts Judas, the man who, according to the Bible, betrayed Jesus Christ, as a loyal friend who was just following orders.
"According to the experts who have restored, translated and authenticated the manuscript, the so-called lost gospel of Judas says that Jesus asked his close friend Judas Iscariot to turn him over to the Romans because he wanted to escape the prison of his earthly body. The 26 pages -- 13 sheets of papyrus with writing on both front and back -- depict Judas as a Christian hero, not a villain."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060407.JUDAS07/TPStory/
How the various Christian Bibles were compiled and modified has always been fascinating- at once political and philosophical. Here we have evidence of early Christian belief, and I have to wonder whether it will have any effect at all on how Christians today believe. People often talk about how their Faith is the original, but no doubt there will be ways to get around mere facts to preserve what's more important.
"A 1,700-year-old papyrus manuscript recasts Judas, the man who, according to the Bible, betrayed Jesus Christ, as a loyal friend who was just following orders.
"According to the experts who have restored, translated and authenticated the manuscript, the so-called lost gospel of Judas says that Jesus asked his close friend Judas Iscariot to turn him over to the Romans because he wanted to escape the prison of his earthly body. The 26 pages -- 13 sheets of papyrus with writing on both front and back -- depict Judas as a Christian hero, not a villain."
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060407.JUDAS07/TPStory/
How the various Christian Bibles were compiled and modified has always been fascinating- at once political and philosophical. Here we have evidence of early Christian belief, and I have to wonder whether it will have any effect at all on how Christians today believe. People often talk about how their Faith is the original, but no doubt there will be ways to get around mere facts to preserve what's more important.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
There's a first time for everything...
Well, I finally broke down and decided to join the bloggers. Not that I ever really wear pajamas (except when I'm a guest in someone else's home). But I thought it was time to jump in and see what the water is like.
I'm not even sure which direction this is likely to go (if any). Maybe it'll have to find its own. But probably the most important thing is not to force it-- if I can at least indicate whatever occurs to me as interesting or important then I will have really communicated something. I'm not laying down an agenda. This is not a manifesto.
I'm not even sure which direction this is likely to go (if any). Maybe it'll have to find its own. But probably the most important thing is not to force it-- if I can at least indicate whatever occurs to me as interesting or important then I will have really communicated something. I'm not laying down an agenda. This is not a manifesto.
