MARCH 2009
March, 27: 'Cane' a thought-provoking treaty on faith, spirituality
For the past several months, I have been part of a Harlem Renaissance book club.
We have read selections by Langston Hughes and other well-known authors. We also have read works by writers like Nella Larsen, known by few outside serious literature buffs.
Given the time period of the Harlem Renaissance --- the late 1910s to early 1940s, --- common themes arise: identity shaping; the search for meaning; racial violence; and so on.
We recently read "Cane" by Jean Toomer. It's time to acquaint yourself if you're not familiar with "Cane"; it is truly one of the most thought-provoking works of American literature.
Published in 1923, it is a modernist hybrid of poetry and prose. Part story cycle, part sociology lesson, it is too complex and unique to be simply classified as a novel. In it, Toomer introduced readers to the workday longings, inner thoughts and individual struggles of Southern blacks --- a rarity in those days. It was --- and is --- brilliant.
As my friend Jane said, "Cane" is Toomer's way of "taking a literary photograph of what he saw." Few had seen these "photos" before.
Like many writers, Toomer's life was marked by the passionate pursuit of spiritual and philosophical understanding.
This is perhaps evidenced in his educational history. While he came to be identified as a "Negro writer" of the Harlem Renaissance, Toomer was multiracial --- of Dutch, French, American-Indian, African, Welsh, German and Jewish descent.
The Washington, D.C., native attended segregated schools --- both all-white and all-black institutions. This created what would become a life-long struggle to forge a personal identity.
Toomer also attended six colleges from 1914 to 1917, studying everything from agriculture to sociology. During this time, he also studied Eastern philosophies, socialism and communism. He left college without earning a degree and went on to become a school principal in Sparta, Ga.
In Georgia his quest for spiritual and philosophical truths collided with segregation; he began to identify himself as "Negro," perhaps out of necessity. His experiences in Georgia influenced "Cane," which is considered his masterpiece.
In many ways, "Cane" is a collection of pieces about the search for something more. In it, the roles of religion and nature within the black culture --- often at conflict --- are prominent themes. For example, the 14th part, called "Conversion," focuses on the religious conversion from traditional African beliefs to Americanized Christianity.
In addition to the content, there is a spiritual fluidity in the novel's form. On the surface, it seems to be a collection of mostly unrelated pieces. However, a deeper reading shows the writer is sharing related thoughts on universal questions of faith, culture and the interconnectedness of society.
"Cane" was a critical success, if not a financial hit. While being lauded as a great writer of the burgeoning Harlem Renaissance and the post-World War I lost generation, Toomer discovered the teachings of the Armenian mystic and philosopher George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff.
Gurdjieff founded a religious movement, of which Toomer became a member. In writings like "Life is Real," Gurdjieff preached higher consciousness and spiritual self-development --- concepts that resonated with the Toomer.
Toomer's studies of Gurdjieff's teachings would have a major impact on the next decade of his life. After breaking with Gurdjieff in the mid-1940s, Toomer joined the Religious Society of Friends.
He devoted himself to writing based on Quaker principles. Although known primarily for "Cane" --- and perhaps rightfully so --- his body of work remains some of the most thought-provoking treaties on faith and spirituality.
March 20: Prayer can be powerful, but watch what you ask for
Do you pray? What do you pray for?
I'm not asking why you pray, but what you expect. Do you pray or meditate regularly as a way to connect with a higher power or with yourself? Do you take a knee to ask for help for yourself or others? Do you expect an appreciable result or outcome?
According to the Spiritual Science Research Foundation, prayer improves spiritual practice through action, thought and attitude.
There is no disputing prayer is powerful and important. A study by Duke University Medical Center focused on 4,000 senior citizens and noted that even occasional prayer helped people live longer, healthier lives. The adults in this study also were less likely to have high blood pressure if they participated in daily spiritual study and attended weekly worship services.
The bottom line: Those who pray and attend weekly worship will live an average of seven more years, said the Duke study.
While flipping through a back issue of Guideposts magazine, I came across a quote from writer Anne Lamont: "I've seen prayers answered. But often, in my experience, if you get what you pray for, you've really shortchanged yourself."
OK, but what if you're just asking for a blessing for your food? How is that "shortchanging" yourself?
Of course that's probably not what Lamont means. Instead, I believe she refers to the "big things" --- praying for a relationship to be what it once was, kids to remain nearby or some other beneficial outcome to a stressful situation.
A 2008 survey by Brandeis University notes that 75 percent of respondents said they pray for themselves, family and friends (the remainder who pray did so only for themselves). They offer petitions for things like positive health and good employment opportunities.
This seems harmless enough. But is it effective? Do we limit the scope of what's possible by praying for such things? What we can imagine, in our limited understanding, isn't all that is probable --- or good for us.
As humans, we tend to want to keep things the same. Things are safer that way; we know what to expect. Change of any kind complicates our ordered lives. What we don't realize is that if we recall where we landed after periods of extreme turmoil, we can at least say we survived.
So if you pray for someone who is terminally ill, what do you pray for? Do you pray for a cure, or do you pray the person finds the best possible resolution to the illness?
There is a difference. To pray for a cure --- even if there isn't one --- is limiting. Praying about the illness and perhaps for a peaceful conclusion is full of possibility, perhaps even an "impossible" cure.
The conflict is that while death is inevitable, no one wants to be bereaved. As a result, many of us might be quick to say praying for a cure isn't "shortchanging" ourselves.
However, we don't know that for certain. In some cases, death can mean an end to pain. In others, it just seems senseless; people die young and without any discernable reason.
In the end, the connection is made when we pray for what is needed, not necessarily what we want.
That's tough. The part of me that wants what I want when I want it rails against this. As much as I question, I know it's senseless; I can't control or change what happens. If I could, I would have made quite a mess of things.
March 13: 'Purpose Driven Life' author offers new option
The man whose "purpose-driven" lifestyle manual became the best-selling hardback book in U.S. history recently released a "bundle" of faith-based multimedia resources.
Rick Warren, the best-selling author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and pastor of the California-based Saddleback Church, has introduced Purpose Driven Connection, a quarterly magazine. It offers personal growth tools, resources and experiences and an online social networking community.
"With the collapse of our economy, the tools, resources and experiences we've bundled into the Purpose Driven Connection are arriving at the exact moment when Americans need them most," says Warren. "The hollow hope of materialism has left us disappointed, empty and worried, and the economic collapse created a hunger for a deeper spiritual connection to God and each other."
That said, PDC was in the works long before the current economic crisis, Warren adds. However, he believes the situation creates an urgent need for the information the resource provides.
"God's timing is always perfect," he says.
The first issue of Purpose Driven Connection magazine includes Warren's "40 Days of Love," a DVD with six lessons and an accompanying study guide. Other articles include Warren's interview with President Barack Obama and "25 Bible promises for hard times."
And there's so much more. The information is informative, nondenominational and diverse. My favorite article --- - so far --- is "Are you connected?" which focuses on how small group connections aid in faith formation and development. Among those profiled is a group of young men from a Florida-based youth group and the Bible Thumpers --- motorcyclists who attend their California church on two wheels.
An annual subscription to the magazine costs $29.99. (Group discounts are available for churches and businesses.) The magazine also can be purchased on newsstands for $10 per issue.
A subscription includes a 146-page magazine and a quarterly DVD program presented by Warren. This DVD is included in the magazine, along with discussion guides and personal growth tools, resources and experiences. Other resources included with the subscription are daily e-mail devotions and "life purpose" courses.
In addition, a subscription includes full access to the online social network. This community is a nicely organized place to find inspirational articles, interest groups and information on service and growth opportunities.
There are forums for finding a new church, Christian book clubs, marriage help and other topics. The site also includes video and photo galleries, as well as information on resources and tools.
Debate boards cover topics like Internet matchmaking and God and the auto industry. You can also start your own debates. If you're not into arguing, you can engage in dialogue at the site's discussion boards.
One of the things I most appreciate about the social networking community is the open-mindedness and freedom with which the information is presented. That is, you don't have to agree with all of Warren's ideas and beliefs to share your information.
To get more information on Purpose Driven Connection and the online community, go to www.PurposeDriven.com. If you don't have Internet access, you can call (800) 392-7435.
March 6: Commentator offered much to world through radio
During my junior and senior years of college I commuted from Iowa Falls to the Waterloo area.
The drive takes about an hour one way. After a long day of school and a busy night at work, the drive seemed to stretch into eternity.
During that commute, I developed a fondness for various programs on public radio and AM news radio stations. (I can still hear the late Grant Price admonishing me with an "Oh, Karris" when I'd fill him in on Rush Limbaugh's various opinions.)
Those radio programs presented me with content I agreed with and things I didn't. It all taught me invaluable lessons, not the least of which was that it's important to see all sides of a story.
So while there were days I dreaded that drive, I always looked forward to the great Jim Bohanan, National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" and even Rush (sorry, Grant).
Among my favorites was news commentator Paul Harvey, who died late last week at age 90. An undisputed pioneer of talk radio, he also was a familiar voice to at least three generations of listeners across the country.
Harvey held a national audience since 1951 and began his popular "The Rest of the Story" feature in 1976. He also wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column.
A voracious, opinionated newsman, he gave his opinions openly and invited feedback. Because of his honesty and openness, he gained a following among people of varying beliefs.
I don't believe you had to agree with him to like him. His love for a good story told well came through in the telling. Passion and vigor like his have always been in short supply. Perhaps he truly is the last of the great ones --- "the invisibles' man," as the Kansas City Star called him.
As we remember his career, I believe he'd also want fans to recall his strong moral beliefs. A devoted Seventh-day Adventist and military veteran, the Tulsa, Okla., native often encouraged in listeners a love of God and country.
He discussed his spiritual and moral beliefs in commentary about his support of the death penalty. He also lamented the moral decay of the United States and admonished lenient parents --- - leniency in general. However, the often mentioned "Angel," (his wife, Lynne,) influenced his beliefs about abortion (he was pro-choice) and support of a national Equal Rights Amendment for women.
Harvey also demonstrated his spiritual convictions in his willingness to admit when he'd made a mistake.
For example, friends and listeners convinced him to reconsider his stance on the Islamic faith after he had made disparaging on-air comments against Islam in 2003.
WorldNetDaily reported that Harvey implied a correlation between Islam and violence in a 2003 broadcast, essentially saying it propels adherents toward armed aggression. After receiving letters from Muslim friends and listeners of varying faiths, Harvey issued a statement that terrorists do not represent Islam, calling it "a religion of peace."
Likewise, the World War II veteran was an early supporter of Sen. Joseph McCarthy but changed his stance when he realized many innocent people were being hurt.
According to news accounts following his death, he also was supporter of the Vietnam War.
Yet he changed his mind after educating himself about the U.S. military strategy in Vietnam. As a result, he famously told President Richard Nixon in an on-air interview, "I love you, Mr. President, but you're wrong." Although a large number of conservative listeners complained about this new stance on Vietnam, Harvey remained resolute.
My favorite Harvey commentary concerned whether or not our pets join us in heaven. Going against some traditional Christian beliefs, Harvey, a pet owner and longtime Humane Society of the United States advocate, said he firmly believed it wouldn't be heaven without his beloved friends.
FEBRUARY 2009
Feb. 27: Knitting can make a difference during Lent
What a bunch of funny folks you are.
After the Feb. 20 "On Faith" about focusing on the meaning behind Lent rather than on giving things up, I received a flurry of humorous e-mails.
Many wrote to say tell me what they were giving up for Lent, noting that they were ignoring my advice. A friend even wrote to tell me he would give up "moderation and Catholic-induced guilt." Hilarious.
To be somewhat serious, though, I do believe the point of Lent is introspection, faith reflection and renewal. It isn't necessarily deprivation.
A few years ago, I began to notice the danger of becoming too focused on the deprivation and how "annoying" it could be. That is, the focus shouldn't shift from the self-study and renewal to frustration with Lent "making" you give up caffeine. If it does, the meaning is lost.
After reading a beautiful new book this week, I realized that instead of giving something up, you could, perhaps, take on a new, related project. For example, maybe it's time to dig out those knitting needles or crochet hooks and put them to good use making prayer shawls or newborn caps?
The book I'm referring to, "Knitting the Threads of Time: Casting Back to the Heart of Our Craft" by Nora Murphy, explores the craft and impact of knitting.
"Impact?!" you might say. Yes, impact. Many of us have been touched by a knitted gift. For example, when I was a little girl, my mother knitted me a scarf, which I still have. It remains the prettiest, coziest, pinkest scarf I have ever seen, and I wore it proudly.
I received another keepsake as a shower gift for my daughter: a knitted pink jumper made by my friend Catherine. I also enjoy making knitted and crocheted gifts for others and hope someday to improve my skills.
Murphy has her own knitting story to tell. During one cold Minnesota winter, she struggled through knitting a sweater for her son, eventually triumphing. In "Knitting," she also weaves in the stories of Hmong, American Indian, Mexican, African and Irish women who reveal the living legacy handcrafted textiles play in our cultures.
And as the publisher notes, "Each stitch, each knitter and each project are heirs to an ancient pantheon of fiber artists revered around the globe for deeply entwined with primordial regenerative powers of healing and fertility."
"Knitting" is part memoir, part call to action. If you're a lapsed knitter, your fingers might just ache for want of a project. Those who already knit may find themselves craving new people to give their deeply spiritual work.
Perhaps instead of worrying about giving something up and the "pain of it," we knitters can think and create and reflect on something that will ultimately help us learn a bit about our personal faith journeys.
"Each stitch matters," writes Murphy. "Beginnings are bliss. Think up a new project. Step into a creative world of possibility. This is not the world of rules and structure, like dinner on the table every night by six and, 'No, you may not be excused until you finish your peas, Evan.' In this world of possibility, you make up your own rules and create a new structure."
Feb. 20: Lent a time for more than giving up something
"What are you giving up for Lent?"
It's a simple enough question, but I must admit it bugs me. It isn't that I scoff at the practice of self-denial, and I understand its validity. However, I sometimes worry it overshadows the purpose of observing Lent.
Lent begins Wednesday and is about more than simply giving up drinking soda or eating meat on Fridays. This 40-day period before Easter in the Christian calendar (Sundays are excluded) is observed by some Christians as a time for prayer, penance, fasting and self-denial.
The reason some Christians observe Lent is to commemorate Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. According to the Book of Matthew, Jesus went by himself into the wilderness shortly after his baptism. He spent this time fasting and praying, in an effort to discern his calling.
It was, according to Matthew, a time of great inner struggle, because the devil tried to tempt Jesus to forego his calling --- - death on the cross --- - by offering power, riches and other glories. Jesus resisted.
Today, observers of Lent do so in an attempt to spark their own personal religious discernment. Although it is often associated with the "what are you giving up?" question, Lent is intended to lead Christians to reflect on the power of the Easter story and what it means in their personal lives. As a result, Lent also can be a time of liberating self-examination.
To focus, it can be helpful to begin a new practice during Lent, such as daily, personal devotional study. Devoting a set period of time to the process of contemplative self-study can help the practitioner release unnecessary baggage and become more focused on enjoying life and setting and achieving goals.
The book "365 Prescriptions for the Soul: Daily Words for healing Body, Mind and Spirit," is a good text if you haven't practiced daily devotion in the past.
Written by retired medical doctor Bernie Siegel, it includes numbered "prescriptions" for daily reflection and action.
For example, Siegel offers "Prescription 34," which urges readers to "Release the Past."
"Many of us use our painful pasts as a good excuse for accomplishing nothing," he writes. "The pain can act as a dam that blocks the flow of your life or a painful burn that scars your existence."
As the title suggests, Siegel's book offers a year's worth of devotions. The first is a good starting point for Lenten reflection. Titled "Soulutions," it notes the difference between a "solution," which he says is based on intellect, and a "soulution," which takes into account things like feelings and dreams.
Subsequent devotions contain a "Soulution of the Day," with topics ranging from friendship to slaying our "dragons."
There are also many devotional texts focused specifically on Lent. An "older" one I enjoy is Henri Nouwen's "Show Me the Way: Readings for Each Day of Lent," which was published in 1994.
In it, he writes from the perspective of a Lenten pilgrim, progressing from solemnity to joy.
I also like the daily devotions in "Upper Room: Disciplines 2009" because the book reminds us that "inside yourself, you know you shouldn't be running all the time." Author Cynthia Kirk arranged the book into daily devotions, weekly meditational themes and prayer reflections.
You also can search online for devotions that suit your needs. The Episcopal Church, Presbyterian Church (USA) and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship joined to offer www.d365.org. This site includes daily guided reflection where you can progress through "pause," "listen," "think" and "pray" to "go."
JANUARY 2009
Jan. 30: Names are more than just a moniker
“What’s in a name?”
With that now famous question, Shakespeare’s Juliet begs her beloved Romeo to believe names to be silly, meaningless labels that can be easily discarded.
It’s safe to say she was somewhat hasty in that assertion.
There is much meaning in your name. It tells the world certain things about you. It is where — and who — you come from. And the fact that you love it, hate it or are indifferent about it is also significant.
There is even a field of study devoted to names, called onomastics or onomatology, which calls on linguistics, history, anthropology, psychology, sociology, philology and other fields to dissect the conferring of names. It’s almost as complicated as, well, naming a child. Almost.
Earlier this week, a California woman gave birth to eight babies. Little is known about the mother and children, by her wise request. At press time, the babies had not yet been named, and doctors had dubbed them A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, in correspondence with their birth order.
It’s tough naming one child; I can’t imagine naming eight. Perhaps on the surface it seems an easy task. After all, prospective parents usually have a list they pare down to their top choice. But there are often good reasons we didn’t choose the other names.
Sure, it may seem the parents of eight newborns have bigger things to worry about besides a crew whom doctors have dubbed a “feisty bunch,” according to the Los Angeles Times. For example, the mom plans to breast-feed.
Still, for each of these children, their first names will be one thing they won’t have to share. As they grow up, it will have a lot to do with how others see them as individuals.
Quite often, parents pick names for their children that tell part of the family’s story, such as selecting names that honor beloved relatives. And sometimes parents choose names that honor their religious beliefs.
Unconsciously or not, U.S. parents are apt to select biblically based monikers for their little ones. According to the Social Security Administration, Jacob, Michael, Joshua, Ethan and Daniel rank in the top five nationally for the most popular boys’ names.
Jacob, which has topped the SSA list for several years, has Judeo-Christian roots and means “to follow or succeed” according “The Complete Book of Baby Names” by Lesley Bolton.
Michael means “like God,” while Joshua, another long-time favorite means, “God is my salvation.”
And if you don’t recognize Ethan as religious, note that it is Hebrew and means “strong” or “firm.”
The most popular girls’ names are Emily, Isabella, Emma, Ava and Madison. In addition, Sophia, Olivia, Abigail, Hannah and Elizabeth round out the top 10.
While it’s unlikely parents are calling on Emily’s religious roots — it’s Teutonic — it means “industrious,” a highly valued trait in many faiths. Isabella has Hebrew roots and means “My God is a vow.”
If you believe Madison to be a flash-in-the-pan product of pop culture, take note: Madison is actually of Teutonic origin as well and means “Son of Matthew.”
Meanwhile, Sophia has Greek roots and religious significance and means “wisdom.” The same goes for Olivia, also a Greek name; it means “olive tree.”
Abigail, Hannah and Elizabeth are all well-known biblical names of Hebrew origin. The first means “my father’s joy,” while the second means “grace of God.” Elizabeth, a perennially popular name, means “consecrated to God.”
To check out your own name or read more about popular names, go to www.biblical-baby-names.com or www.babycenter.com/baby-names.
Jan. 23: Global Fund for Children’s ‘Faith’ highlights similarities
When discussing various religious beliefs and practices, we tend to focus on what's different. But what do Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs and Muslims have in common?
More than we might realize. For example, these religions and many more place great importance on prayer. This and other worship practices are highlighted in "Faith," a new book for children.
"Faith," produced by The Global Fund for Children, will debut in February and offers a way to celebrate varied global worship practices.
The book offers a glimpse of how different people from around the world pray, sing, cleanse, study, celebrate and make pilgrimages as a way to express their religious devotion. And the book does it in a way that makes it easy for children to understand.
"In our world, there are many faiths," the book begins, showing a range of children from different faiths, from a young Rastafarian in South Africa to a Chinese Daoist. "We celebrate our faith in many ways."
The text is accompanied by gorgeous full-color photos showing children from different cultures and religious traditions. These images highlight common threads that unite people in their faiths.
"Faith" is thematically organized to give additional information on common expressions of faith and contains a glossary that describes particular religions and elements of faith illustrated in the book.
The book is also a fundraiser for children across the globe; part of the proceeds from "Faith" will support community-based organizations through GFC.
The organization was established to "advance the dignity of children and youth around the world" by providing small grants to innovative, community-based organizations that work with the world's most vulnerable children and youth.
It made its first grants in 1997, using royalties from its children's book-publishing venture. At that time, GFC awarded $3,000 in grants. By the 2005-06 fiscal year, the organization reports its grant-making capacity had grown to $2 million.
Its books include a range of titles for everyone from young children to educators. The topics include children, animals, families and global issues, all with an aim to foster unity and empower children.
GFC has offered more than 2,000 grants totaling in excess of $12.6 million. The grants went to nearly 350 community-based organizations in 69 countries, and benefited more than 1 million children.
"Faith" was co-authored by Maya Ajmera, GFC founder and president, Magda Nakassis, formerly of GFC Books, and Cynthia Pon, director of GFC Books.
To date, Ajmera has co-authored 16 books for the organization, including GFC's first, "Children from Australia to Zimbabwe." The book went on to receive the Early Childhood News Directors' Choice Award, Learning Magazine's Teachers' Choice Award and the Read America! Collection Award.
Nakassis developed "Global Babies," a popular book for small children that has won numerous awards and distinctions. She is now an editorial assistant in the publishing office at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Pon, a lover of literature, spirituality and social justice, is particularly interested in helping children understand interfaith and intercultural contexts. She's also the co-author of "Children in the U.S.A." and was on the editorial staff of Teaching Tolerance, a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
"Faith" will be available at www.globalfundforchildren.org in February and at most major booksellers.
Jan. 16: Obama alone will not bring end to injustice in America
We have put too much emphasis on what a black president will "mean."
For example, I recently heard a white American missionary repeatedly refer to the election of Barack Obama as the United States' "Mandela moment."
Obama is more --- and less --- than that. Yes, he is, to paraphrase the poet Maya Angelou, "the hope and the dream of the slave." And Obama is perhaps a way to begin fulfilling the famous dream of Martin Luther King Jr.
But Obama is one person. Like his white predecessors, he alone will not create positive change in this country; we all will. It's foolish to pin the hopes and dreams of the nation on the whiz kid from Illinois.
As we make preparations to commemorate King's birthday and install Obama as president, I wonder if we are up to the challenge.
There is more justice and equality in the United States than when King shared his dream in 1963. However, has that change, while significant, led us to believe things are as good as they will get?
Don't we still tell those who struggle against injustice to wait?
In April 1963, King denounced waiting in his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail": "I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to 'order' than to justice; who prefers a negative peace, which is the absence of tension, to a positive peace, which is the presence of justice; who says, 'I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action'; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another (man's) freedom; ? and who constantly advises the Negro (to) wait for a more convenient season."
King wrote the letter while in jail for 11 days after being arrested for civil disobedience. He addressed it to eight Alabama Christian and Jewish clergymen who had published a statement in the Birmingham News the day of his arrest.
The clergymen didn't name King in their letter; instead they criticized "outsiders" who created unnecessary, unwarranted and unwelcome civil unrest.
"We recognize the natural impatience of people who feel that their hopes are slow in being realized," the clergymen wrote. "But we are convinced that these demonstrations are unwise and untimely. We agree rather with local Negro leadership, which has called for honest and open negotiation in our area."
According to King's letter and the Martin Luther King Jr. Education Research Institute, black leaders wanted King and his Southern Christian Leadership Conference in Birmingham. King was arrested shortly after SCLC's campaign began.
King's was an open letter, too, first published in the Christian Century, then several other places, including his 1964 book, "Why We Can't Wait."
Invoking memories of other religious figures who practiced civil disobedience, King defended his right to push for change.
"We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was 'legal' and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was 'illegal,'" King wrote in the jailhouse letter. "It was 'illegal' to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitler's Germany. Even so, I am sure that, had I lived in Germany at that time, I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers. If today I lived in a Communist country were certain principles dear to the Christian faith are suppressed, I would openly advocate disobeying that country's anti-religious laws."
Jan. 9: 'Anonymous' group not playing fairly with others
I received an interesting, if puzzling, news release the other day.
The brief missive came from a group that calls itself "Anonymous" and left me with more questions than information. I read it and followed up by visiting the various Web sites it listed. Many charges were leveled against the Church of Scientology, but because they were made by "Anonymous," I found myself verifying everything. (You can't go incognito and accuse someone of negligent homicide, folks.)
Anonymous got its start a year ago. At that time, the group posted a video of Tom Cruise on the Internet in which he talked about Scientology. If you recall the brouhaha from that time, you'll remember it wasn't Cruise's finest hour.
The Church of Scientology successfully organized to have the video "removed from circulation," Anonymous notes, sparking an "Internet uprising."
According to the Church of Scientology, it took root in 1950 when science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard wrote "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health." Hubbard began studying the mind and how it works in 1923, traveling extensively to explore various cultures and conduct scientific experiments.
The basis of Dianetics is "what the soul is doing to the body through the mind." Hubbard hypothesized that Dianetics methodology could help individuals alleviate unwanted emotions, "irrational fears" and what he called psychosomatic illnesses (such as arthritis, asthma, ulcers and migraine headaches). Scientology was born, and Hubbard called it an "applied religious philosophy."
By many accounts, Hubbard and his followers earned a reputation for being intolerant "nonbelievers." Anonymous grew out of frustration with Scientology's largely successful attempts to silence its efforts to protest some of the religion's practices. Anonymous' efforts became the "Project Chanology" movement, an Internet collective that works to distribute anti-Scientology information through online social networking.
Describing itself as a "loosely affiliated group of dedicated people from all walks of life connected by the common goal of exposing the corrupt and abusive practices of organized Scientology," Anonymous works in 100 cities in 22 countries and stages nonviolent, Internet-based protests against Scientology. (Get more information on the Des Moines group at iowanon.board4u.biz.) Anonymous' next monthly protests will take place Saturday and Jan. 17.
What's the problem with Scientology? It certainly is not the only faith group to discourage bad press vigorously. Anonymous charges that former Scientologists complain of "horrific mental and financial abuses committed by the Scientology organisation [sic] against its parishioners."
In addition, Anonymous says the Church of Scientology has carried out "numerous" human rights violations. Among the examples the group gives is the death of Lisa McPherson, whose family sued the Church of Scientology for wrongful death. (She died in 1995. The church was indicted in 1998, but the charges were dismissed in 2000. Read about the case at www.lisamcpherson.org.)
Members of Anonymous wear masks. They say it's to protect their identities; they believe openly challenging Scientology can put an individual at risk for social, political and financial harm. "This is a cult that has a well-earned reputation for harassing critics and openly critical ex-Scientologists at their homes and workplaces. Taking measure to protect your privacy and anonymity when confronted by an aggressively litigious cult is a matter of common sense."
I understand protecting yourself, and I understand trying to learn the truth and make sure everyone hears it.
I also believe a person --- or a group of people --- has a right to know his or her accusers. Is it fair to attack someone --- even a multinational faith organization --- anonymously? Is there really no other way?
Jan. 2: 'On Faith' column marks 10-year anniversary
Today's column marks the 10th anniversary of the first "On Faith."
That first column, published Jan. 1, 1999, started a dialogue between you and me. In developing "On Faith," my editor told me to write a community religion column that would publicize local events and programs and offer insights on area, regional, national and international trends in faith and spirituality. As a result, "On Faith" has evolved into a space to share information and launch discussion.
I've considered it a supreme privilege to write "On Faith" these past 10 years. It still amazes me that The Courier sustains a local faith columnist; so few newspapers do. In my travels, I have found this to be a popular, if overlooked, topic. To be certain, we're a community, nation and world interested in matters of faith, but the media seldom goes beneath the surface. The Courier has been willing to dig deeper, even if it sometimes proves controversial.
Your response to "On Faith" is at least anecdotal evidence of the popularity of topics of faith, values and spirituality. Over the years, you have kept in touch, kept me informed and even kept me in line (sort of).
It has been quite a journey. Together we have pondered and debated. Over the years, I have been grateful for your ideas, respect and patience.
So while I have filed columns on an array of "big" stories, from local reaction to Pope John Paul II's visit to St. Louis to writing on travels to the Holy Land, opportunities to get to know your stories have been the most memorable. The most interesting stories have been shared with some variation of the following preamble: "I doubt this will interest you, but ?"
Of course, 10 years brings changes, great and small. But unlike others who consider milestone anniversaries and the New Year a time to focus all the remarkable changes that have transpired, I have reflected on the steady influence you have been in my time with you. People have moved on, some addresses have changed and the like, but we remain a deeply involved community of people interested in issues of faith.
Likewise, the Cedar Valley remains a community rich with diverse, engaged and involved faith communities and individuals. We have explored what that truly means --- that "Christian" isn't a blanket term and that to be a person of faith and/or spirituality doesn't necessarily require such a label.
One of the joys I have in writing this column is that you write, call and approach me when you have occasion to do so, sharing ideas, offering advice and alerting me to potential stories. Your input has made writing "On Faith" a collaboration I have been happy to shepherd.
For my part, I remain committed to the original intent of this column --- writing about you, your events and topics that interest you. Please continue to share; I don't believe in "small" stories. If it's important to you, it's important.
Send me an e-mail at onfaith@karrisgolden.com or write me in care of The Courier with any news or events you'd like announced. Happy anniversary!
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