Good news
On this Saturday, the day before Christians celebrate a new vision of the world as symbolized in their faith in the resurrection, we humans continue to divide each other into those who are deserving and those who are not deserving.
Often the central message of Christianity is referred to as the good news. To some this means that those who profess faith in Jesus as “the risen savior” can be assured of an eternal home in heaven. To some this means that regardless of who we are, what we have done in the past, how much money we have, who we love or any negative labels which have been assigned by individuals or groups, the central message of Jesus is that all are worthwhile and deserving of love. Pope Francis symbolized this inclusiveness by washing the feet of the Hindus, Muslims and Christians while reminding himself and them that even though they have different cultures and religions they are brothers (even though he used the word brother, I know he was including both the eight males and four females whose feet he washed).
This week has seen yet more so-called terrorist bombings including the one in Brussels which killed 30 people and injuring more than 300, more alleged potential bombings in Paris, and a bombing in a soccer stadium South of Bagdad which received relatively little attention.
Although it only 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, I have heard negative comments about blacks, Muslims, and youths who steal by individuals who seemed to be extoling the power of guns and punishment. As is often the case, I cannot think of any positive way of offering a different opinion.
Who speaks for the Muslims, the youths, the poor, those who are in jail, the prostitutes, or the others who are assigned to the fringes of society? Who speaks for the 24-year-old young man in North Dakota who was “discovered” working as an Easter Bunny at a mall after being labeled a sex offender for indecent exposure? Who speaks for the homeless?
I am pleased to read that there is a Pride Parade and related events in the Ybor City section of Tampa today. I am pleased that some heath care clinics serving the poor will include mental health care. I am pleased to read of a teenager being lauded and awarded for her effort to fight pediatric brain cancer. I was excited when listening to some Ted Talks about innovative approaches to enrich our lives of endeavor. I am encouraged when I listen to this week’s edition of People’s Pharmacy addressing the issues of the high cost of medication.
It seems that as we humans observe various traditions which celebrate new life and new beginnings we will continue to struggle with the question of who is deserving of not only the luxuries which enrich the lives of many but of the basics. In fact we will struggle with the same questions which theologians, philosophers, religious and spiritual leaders have been asking since some of we humans moved beyond the historical point when all of our effort was devoted to getting enough food and fuel for the day. We may attempt to limit this discussion to who we determined or worthy of being called human beings. (Again this morning I read an editorial by a Muslim leader, Huma Munir, who suggested in talking about terrorists who call themselves Muslims, “Instead of kindness, they have shown a ruthless spirit that longs to murder people in cold blood. Far from being Muslim, these people don’t even deserve to be called human beings.” (Tampa Tribune, March, 26, 2016, p. 26 “terrorist have rejected Islam” by Huma Munir). While I applaud his effort to distance the Muslim beliefs from those who kill in the name of Allah, I think that there is a lot of historical evidence to remind us of the negative consequences of labeling some of us as non-human.
The biggest danger is not challenging each other to think more reflectively about this question of who is deserving. It seems very easy for we humans to – this human at least – just go along with what is most comfortable. Often giving our silent assent to the assumptions that some are deserving and some are not is the easiest path. It is difficult, at best, to find a loving, respectful way to challenge each other to consider the possibility that all of us are deserving. Of course, this would require that we also question the idea of free will - the idea our brain synapses fire in such a way to formulate what some consider to be logical thoughts independent of history, food, chemicals and other influences.
If I am going to posit that all are deserving of love, respect and the basics of food, shelter, spiritual richness, education and a safe environment, then I have to include those with whom I disagree - those who do not think all who are deserving – those who think some of us are deserving of punishing and even death. This is the core problem with positing this theory. In the Christian religion this is the challenge of those of us who think that Jesus does offer unconditional love to all of us. In the Muslim religion this means that one has to allow for the possibility that love and peace are central.
I have baked a huge ring of what is sometimes called Easter bread. It is a braided ring of bread which contains colored hard boiled eggs. Tomorrow I will take that bread as well as some other homemade rolls to a dinner with friends. Others will also bring food to share. We will feed each other, which for me, will signify a renewed commitment to find ways to invite all I meet to partake of this substance. In the Christian church this is the symbolism of communion – Jesus inviting all of us to share in the supper which has been lovingly prepared. Even though some religious institutions have excluded some in the invitation, my understanding is that all are welcome because all are worthy.
Written March 26, 2016
On this Saturday, the day before Christians celebrate a new vision of the world as symbolized in their faith in the resurrection, we humans continue to divide each other into those who are deserving and those who are not deserving.
Often the central message of Christianity is referred to as the good news. To some this means that those who profess faith in Jesus as “the risen savior” can be assured of an eternal home in heaven. To some this means that regardless of who we are, what we have done in the past, how much money we have, who we love or any negative labels which have been assigned by individuals or groups, the central message of Jesus is that all are worthwhile and deserving of love. Pope Francis symbolized this inclusiveness by washing the feet of the Hindus, Muslims and Christians while reminding himself and them that even though they have different cultures and religions they are brothers (even though he used the word brother, I know he was including both the eight males and four females whose feet he washed).
This week has seen yet more so-called terrorist bombings including the one in Brussels which killed 30 people and injuring more than 300, more alleged potential bombings in Paris, and a bombing in a soccer stadium South of Bagdad which received relatively little attention.
Although it only 9:00 a.m. on a Saturday morning, I have heard negative comments about blacks, Muslims, and youths who steal by individuals who seemed to be extoling the power of guns and punishment. As is often the case, I cannot think of any positive way of offering a different opinion.
Who speaks for the Muslims, the youths, the poor, those who are in jail, the prostitutes, or the others who are assigned to the fringes of society? Who speaks for the 24-year-old young man in North Dakota who was “discovered” working as an Easter Bunny at a mall after being labeled a sex offender for indecent exposure? Who speaks for the homeless?
I am pleased to read that there is a Pride Parade and related events in the Ybor City section of Tampa today. I am pleased that some heath care clinics serving the poor will include mental health care. I am pleased to read of a teenager being lauded and awarded for her effort to fight pediatric brain cancer. I was excited when listening to some Ted Talks about innovative approaches to enrich our lives of endeavor. I am encouraged when I listen to this week’s edition of People’s Pharmacy addressing the issues of the high cost of medication.
It seems that as we humans observe various traditions which celebrate new life and new beginnings we will continue to struggle with the question of who is deserving of not only the luxuries which enrich the lives of many but of the basics. In fact we will struggle with the same questions which theologians, philosophers, religious and spiritual leaders have been asking since some of we humans moved beyond the historical point when all of our effort was devoted to getting enough food and fuel for the day. We may attempt to limit this discussion to who we determined or worthy of being called human beings. (Again this morning I read an editorial by a Muslim leader, Huma Munir, who suggested in talking about terrorists who call themselves Muslims, “Instead of kindness, they have shown a ruthless spirit that longs to murder people in cold blood. Far from being Muslim, these people don’t even deserve to be called human beings.” (Tampa Tribune, March, 26, 2016, p. 26 “terrorist have rejected Islam” by Huma Munir). While I applaud his effort to distance the Muslim beliefs from those who kill in the name of Allah, I think that there is a lot of historical evidence to remind us of the negative consequences of labeling some of us as non-human.
The biggest danger is not challenging each other to think more reflectively about this question of who is deserving. It seems very easy for we humans to – this human at least – just go along with what is most comfortable. Often giving our silent assent to the assumptions that some are deserving and some are not is the easiest path. It is difficult, at best, to find a loving, respectful way to challenge each other to consider the possibility that all of us are deserving. Of course, this would require that we also question the idea of free will - the idea our brain synapses fire in such a way to formulate what some consider to be logical thoughts independent of history, food, chemicals and other influences.
If I am going to posit that all are deserving of love, respect and the basics of food, shelter, spiritual richness, education and a safe environment, then I have to include those with whom I disagree - those who do not think all who are deserving – those who think some of us are deserving of punishing and even death. This is the core problem with positing this theory. In the Christian religion this is the challenge of those of us who think that Jesus does offer unconditional love to all of us. In the Muslim religion this means that one has to allow for the possibility that love and peace are central.
I have baked a huge ring of what is sometimes called Easter bread. It is a braided ring of bread which contains colored hard boiled eggs. Tomorrow I will take that bread as well as some other homemade rolls to a dinner with friends. Others will also bring food to share. We will feed each other, which for me, will signify a renewed commitment to find ways to invite all I meet to partake of this substance. In the Christian church this is the symbolism of communion – Jesus inviting all of us to share in the supper which has been lovingly prepared. Even though some religious institutions have excluded some in the invitation, my understanding is that all are welcome because all are worthy.
Written March 26, 2016
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