​Sunday Musings – March 31, 2024
 
For Christians today is celebrated as Easter, the resurrection of Jesus, following his death on the cross and his burial.  In some parts of the world, it is also spring, a time when there are many reminders of the miracle of rebirth.  Trees which appeared dead are filled with sap and new leaves.  Grass, flowers, and other vegetation appear from apparent dead places.  Everywhere one looks there is resurrection. In nature we can easily see that death and resurrection are an ongoing process and not a one-time event.  Yet, in our religious services today, we might be tempted to view the crucifixion and the resurrection as one times events.  Many will recite a creed which proclaims that He arose and now sits on the right hand of God. 
 
In Matthew 25, beginning with verse 35, Jesus is reported to have said: “For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me drink.  When I had no place to stay you invited me in.  When I was poorly clothed, you covered me.  When I was sick, you tenderly cared for me, and when I was in prison you visited me. Then the godly will answer him. ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and thirsty and give you food and something to drink?  When did we see you with no place to stay and invite you in? When did you see you poorly clothed and cover you? When did we see you sick and tenderly care for you, or in prison and visit you. And the King will answer them, ‘Don’t you know? When you cared for one of the least of these, my little ones, my true brothers, and sisters, you demonstrated love for me.”
 
If we take these and other alleged teachings of Jesus seriously, we cannot claim to have taken Jesus off the cross, washed, wrapped, and buried him.   If we did not remove him from the cross, washed, wrapped, and buried him there was no resurrection. 
 
Today in the United States we jail the mentally ill and treat them as criminals. We see the homeless as a nuisance who at best we assign space for a homeless camp while warning them to be good or we will rescind the permit.  We criminalize parents who are too sick to care for their children.   We expect private groups to care for the least of these.  We withhold childcare and in other ways refuse to treat childcare as a sacred community responsivity.  We act as if terrorist arise out of vacuums. We take no responsivity for the consequences of mistreating others.  We judge the spec in the eye of our brother or sister while leaving the log in our own eye.  We create economic systems which assure that 1% have most of the resources.  We create laws to deny the reality of racism. sexism, gender disparity, the transexual, and those who love someone of the same gender while in private live out the reality of those we deny. 
 
If we are leaving the least of us on the cross and if Jesus says that we cannot separate treatment of Him and the least of these then there can be no bathing, wrapping and burial.   Without a burial there can be no resurrection.
 
The cross, burial and resurrection is a daily process.  Easter is not today if it is not every day for everyone.
 
This is the challenge which Jesus offers.  This is opportunity which Jesus offers.   It is not performed in our Sunday best.  It is not often accompanied by beautiful music, rich robes, or silver chalices.  It often requires hard, dirty, unattractive work which invites all of us to gently lower the cross, remove the nails, tenderly wash the naked wounds, bury the corpse, and witness the resurrection. 
 
Written March 31, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday Musings - March 24, 2024
 
Religious leaders, throughout the ages, have had a difficult time coming to terms with the fact that we humans are sexual beings 365 days of the year.  Of course, some of us have a stronger sex drive than others and a few seem to have no sex drive or interest at all.  Even many autistic individuals bond and have an intimate relationship with another human.   Clearly, we humans are designed to enjoy intimacy including sex.  Some of us will also assume the role of a biological parent via sexual intercourse or via one of the amazing procedures which have been created to facilitate the creation.
 
We in the United States seem to have a love/hate relationship with sex. This is also true in other cultures and countries, but we may have perfected the art of duplicity when it comes to sex.  Many of our neighbors do all they can to ensure the illusion that sex is only between two married people of opposite genders for procreation only. They also attempt to endure that all accept the illusion that “God creates male and females only.” even though physicians and some parents are aware that a significant number of individuals are born with characteristic and organs of both genders.  They do not approve of the concept or reality of non-binary or transgender individuals. 
 
Many of those who are publicly uncomfortable with sex for pleasure also proclaim God intended gender and gender roles be clearly assigned.   Thus, some male “religious” individuals and groups forbid women to be religious leaders or have equal opportunity and respect in any area of life.  
 
The alleged superior beings - males - also may decide what garments women must wear, whether they can drive, attend school, or otherwise have access to tools of independence.   If they are “allowed” some equal rights, they are paid less which is another tool to keep them “in their place”.    
 
Often, these very same religious leaders who make the rules and promote a story about what God allows are often the very same men who uses women and men as sexual objects and to serve their needs and desires in other areas of their life.
 
Many Christian religious leaders conceptualize Jesus as basically a God who was never “spoiled” with sex. Any suggestion that Jesus had sex with females or males is labeled sinful or worse.   
 
In these United States while labeling most sexual activity as sinful, many Christians are comfortable using sex to sell a wide variety of products from cars to clothes.   
 
I would be amiss if I did not remind the reader that pornography of all varieties is the most profitable business in the world.
 
As Christians continue their celebration of Lent and their preparation for the miracle of the resurrection of the teacher Jesus, it is time to unveil the hypocrisy of our sexual attitudes. It is time to unveil the fact that our sexual teachings have their basis in the need to ensure the patriarchal status quo of the power structure; the status quo economically, religiously, culturally, and emotionally.  
 
Mary carried a baby, gave birth in a stable and along with Joseph raised a child who was probably an “old soul”  with many talents and wisdom gained over many generations.  We have all met children who were obviously old souls.  Jesus taught at an early age and was clearly aware of social injustice, the nature of healing and “miracles”.  If stories are to be believed he refused to differentiate between ways we hurt and abuse each other.  For the same reason he could suggest we forgive our enemies; even those who were responsible for convicting him and nailing him alive to the cross.  
 
Mary does not need to have an immaculate conception and Jesus does not have to be celibate as “the God” for us to celebrate them as the role models/teachers they were.   Celibacy does not equal sainthood.  Sexual enjoyment does not preclude sainthood.  Treating all peoples as sacred regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, intelligence as we measure it, cultural background, race, color, or size does equal sainthood.   We can enjoy each other sexually and otherwise without abusing each other or making one group superior.
 
Whether our religious background or current framework is Christian, Muslim, Jewish. Buddhist, or a host of other options the miracle is not a self-centered power structure but the very fact of how all pieces or parts of the universes create a whole. It is time we are honest about the fact our public attitudes and rules about gender and sexuality have nothing to do with sex or gender and everything to do with power structures and justification of the same.
 
Honesty opens the door to freedom to be the best of who we say we want to be. In this season of Lent  and Ramadan let us embrace the miracle of who we are as humans.
 
Written March 24, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 
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Sunday Musings - March 17, 2024


Happy St. Patrick’s Day.  The myth/story is Saint Patrick - originally from Whales - was brought to Ireland as a slave, escaped, and later returned   He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.  (history.com)


As is true for many myths this one has evolved to be adopted as a secular holiday in the United States and is a boom to retailers.  Drinking green beer and the wearing of the green has become traditional for the Irish and pseudo-Irish on this day.  Sadly, frequently many use this as an excuse to over imbibe    


Obviously, there is nothing immoral with co-opting a holiday for secular purposes.   Goodness knows many need a break from a routine which is often filled with hard labor and poor wages.  


All life stories, including that of Saint Patrick, as they get retold take on a life of their own, often having little resemblance to the original story.   Thus, a myth is born out of a mixture of one cup of historical fact and many cups of various ingredients added by each person who retells the story.


When myths, however, become the purview of religious institutions they are imbued with religious dogma, rules, and “TRUTH” leaving little tolerance for questioning or debate unless it is in the hallowed and private halls of theologians and exalted leaders who claim to have access to the one true God.   Merriam Webster defines dogma as “a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith, or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church.”  Only the leaders of that religious institution can alter or add to the dogma of the institution.  Thus, the Pope of the Roman Catholic church recently announced that same sex coupes could be blessed, but only opposite sex couples could be married. 


Once a behavior is encased in dogma, no amount of scientific information or common sense can change what is ethical or moral.  Thus, recently a certain Protestant church leadership reaffirmed that only males can be ministers.  A friend of mine who is an ordained minister in a mainline Protestant denomination recently shared with me that their bishop when asked to consider the hearts of the lay people said, “I don’t do feelings.”    A few days ago, I was accosted by a person campaigning to be a local city council member. She proclaimed that “God made males and females”. She was inferring that a current transsexual council member who is also running for major should have no agency in the city government.   A judge in deciding that embryos are protected life forms cited Christian dogma.  In the current war in the Middle East some members of both sides claim the moral authority of their God.


In this season of Lent and Ramadan both of which promote forgiveness, self-reflection, and a renewed devotion to the God of their understanding embrace dogmas which claims exclusive access to the one true God and thus, the right to dictate what is moral and immoral.


My friend who, along with others, suggested that they consider what is in the hearts of the lay people often implies or asserts it is our hearts which will guide us towards moral/ethical behavior.  Her recipe for moral behavior seems to be a combination of ingredients; unconditional love, common sense, science, and openness to the “I am.” definition of God found in the Old Testament of the Christian faith.  This God of her understanding is in all places and no place; has no name and all names; is present in every part of life and is more than any part.  This God is not fearful of the heart; of science, or other attempts to describe the “I am”.  


My experience is that every 4-year-old knows what makes sense and does not make sense.  They know that violence is “stupid”; that humans of all colors, cultures, and genders are equally valuable.   They know that resources should be shared and do so naturally unless they have already been taught not to share.  They do not know one gender is better but are curious about all body parts.  Often, they know what it is to be attracted to the same or opposite gender, people of colors or no color.   They know if someone is not able to be safe.


It seems to me that as we join hands with our Irish neighbors in welcoming the teachings of Jesus - teachings which he knew and taught at a very young age in the synagogue; as we join hands with our Muslim neighbors for prayer and reflection; as we join hands with Christians as they prepare for resurrection as a constant process; as we embrace the historical pilgrimage of our Jewish neighbors to explore what it might mean to model the best of who we humans can be, we need to open our hearts, our ears and our minds to the simplicity of the 4 year old who resides in all of us.


Written March 17, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org

Sunday Musings - March 3, 2024
 
We confess that we have hurt ourselves, each other, and mother earth by what we have done and what we have left undone.  We have erred and strayed from caring for each other as if we are lost sheep.  We are heartily sorry for these our missteps and do resolve to invite all to the table.
 
We have begun the month of March.  For Christians the season of Lent continues - a time of confession, forgiveness, and gratitude.  For Muslims March 6 begins the month-long celebration of Ramadan.  Ramadan commemorates and celebrates the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.  It is a time of fasting; a time to renew faith, seek forgiveness and to focus on what is most important in life. It is also a time to be more aware of those who are poor or suffering in other ways.   
 
It is fascinating to me that all major religions talk about and purport to believe in forgiveness and the sacredness of life.  Yet, all religious people find ways to justify behaving in a way which is hurtful to others. Of course, war such as we are witnessing in at least 20 places in the world, is the most obvious example of hurting others.  Yet, all of us, if we have a basic understanding of spirituality or science, know that all our behavior has a positive or negative affect on others.   In many Christian’s churches congregants on their holy day will confess that they have “sinned” by what they have done and what they have undone.  Yet many of those same individuals – all of us - will find ways of justifying behavior which directly and indirection excludes or otherwise hurts others.
 
Many states in the United States have enacted or are considering legislation which allows parents and adults to opt out of required vaccination on religious grounds.  Yet, epidemiologists have again confirmed that cases of illness such as measles are increasing in the United States because of lack of vaccinations.  We know that a majority of those hospitalized for covid are the unvaccinated.  
 
It is true that during covid vaccinations for some were difficult because of restrictions in medical facilities and for other reasons. It is sadly also true that many refused and continue to refuse to wear masks when doing so would protect self and others. Many also refuse to get covid vaccines because of subscribing to conspiracy theories.   There are a small group who for medical reasons are unable to be safely vaccinated.
 
Companies whose owner’s profit by billions of dollars will attempt to prevent unionization of employees or otherwise prevent guarantee of decent wages and working conditions.   Some of us continue to patronize these companies because it is convenient to use their services.  These same billionaires owners will be lauded as valued philanthropists.
 
The question for all of us who claim to aspire to be moral persons is: “Do we believe we can exclude some from the invitation to the table and expect to be seen as moral persons?”  The irony or paradox is that if one overtly or covertly injures any part of the universe one injures the whole including oneself.  While it is true that we humans take food from the earth and some of us eat the meat of other animals, our ancestors knew we must only do so with gratitude and with an awareness that all is to be shared now and in the future. Thus, one does not use all the resources leaving none for the future.   One does not just use some parts and leave others.
 
As so-called Christians, Muslims, Jews, Unitarians, and all those who claim to honor the sacredness of all we must strive to walk the talk; strive to keep it as simple as “all” could mean all.   If Christians, for example, are going to claim that Jesus died for all; that Jesus invited all to the table, then the exclusionary language must be discarded. This includes the language which suggests one must be a “believer”; one must call the God of one’s understanding by a certain name; one must be among the deserving to be among the chosen.  We humans find it difficult to be inclusive even if claim to invite people of all religious traditions or no religious traditions.  We can easily create an environment which has invisible glass walls.  
 
In some places there are those who are attempting to create community without any religious base or dogma; a space which simply recognizes what science proves; we thrive or flourish only in community.  Many are experimenting with regular secular gatherings which retain some of the structure of churches without the exclusionary baggage.   Some are experimenting with bars which serve no alcoholic or other mind-altering substances; places to gather - to honor community.   Some say their church is the theater or other places where the creative gather to share their talents and visions.  Some tailgate and attend sporting events with more enthusiasm than even the African American Church attendees, although sadly alcohol is often a core ingredient of these gatherings.
 
We confess that we have hurt ourselves, each other, and mother earth by what we have done and what we have left undone.  We have erred and strayed from caring for each other as if we are lost sheep.  We are heartily sorry for these our missteps and do resolve to invite all to the table.
 
Written March 3, 2024
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
 
 
 
 
 
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