A Moment in the Dark

The storm proclaims 

ownership of the night,

as the lights go out.

It’s gone. 

Everything you worked for, 

everything in life;

your kids, your wife,

all gone.

Time spent struggling to create,

to make something of life, 

to provide, 

all is gone.

One-quarter of life wasted trying to make it work, 

refusing to give up the crumpled paper cup

used to bail water from the sinking ship,

only to drown in the dark, alone.

Bushes scratch at the windows. 

The clock tick-tocks last precious seconds.

Tears stream down cheeks, 

your eyes stare at nothing.

Reality is fantasy as you sharpen the blade.

The jeans you wear, a razor strop of memory.

You check the edge, 

Laying it against your wrist.

Flickering candlelight playing on stainless,

Catching a face you hardly know, yet, all too familiar.

Your eyes focus and you recognize the stranger.

“What are you doing?”

“All that’s left. I've reached the bottom. Time to leave.” 

Your lips motionless. The sound in your head. 

You sob. 

A better grip on the handle than sanity, the voice continues.

“Your punishment is misplaced and your wrong is in hand.”

"Shut up!" 

You tire of arguing with yourself. 

Scratching bushes replace the voice.

No more talk.

In seconds it will be done, 

in minutes the emotional pain will cease.

But the voice drowns out the bushes.

“You need to rise above this... like you always have." 

"It's too much. Its always been too much, 

but this time...no...I can't."

The blade bites deeper.

"You've been emptying this well for years. There is no exit here. 

The only way out is the way you came in. 

When you’ve reached the bottom, 

all you have to do is look up.”

You slowly lift your face toward the ceiling. 

You close your eyes, not wanting to see, 

but its there, like a distant sun, in the mind’s eye.

“The light seems so far away.”

“And yet, it’s there, and there is nowhere left to go now, but up. 

At the bottom of the well, at the end of the maze, 

there is still only one opening, 

one way out." 

"Your children need you. 

Your parents need you. 

Your friends need you. 

When did you become the selfish bastard?”

“If I do this, she wins?” 

“More to the point, 

if you do this, 

everyone else loses.”

You go to the floor on your knees, 

dropping the knife to the side, 

throwing your arms around yourself. 

You cry uncontrollably until you begin to laugh. 

As you wipe the tears away you continue to laugh.

as a person gone mad, only not. 

More like a person finding a missing piece in life, 

a key which will open everything that is to come.

You will pass the years as a person touched, 

constantly smiling and laughing, 

singing and whistling annoying tunes, 

touching the lives of others. 

You will bring happiness when some are sad. 

You will learn to smell the flowers, 

to become again; 

A light on a path from the darkness.

What is the alternative to nothing? 

Once you’ve been there, 

lived to rise above it?

Be humble. 

Find your path.

Watch your path.

Take the first step.

Never look back.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

Homosexuality: Is It a choice?

Homosexuality is, most definitely, a choice!

Is it?  That statement rolled off my tongue with a taste of bad vinegar.  Yet, I hear Christians around me saying that it is just that, a choice.  They tell me there is no absolute proof that "gay" could possibly be anything genetic.  They say this as they hold up their Bible, again, brandishing it as if it were a  holier-than-thou shield, as if  to protect them against anything that might tip the religious apple cart.

It is no secret that I take exception to using the Bible as a crutch to excuse folks from the time it would take for some of them to form an original thought.  God gave us the ability to think and to have original thought, I naturally assume we are supposed to exercise it.

I am two paragraphs into this post and realize I have probably been put back on the "damned for all eternity" list, but I'm sure not telling a homosexual that the predisposition they had for feminine mannerisms, or for wanting to be, or act like, the opposite sex at age eight, was a lifestyle choice, obviously brought on by their years of wicked experimentation.  This being the obvious reason for them to endure the taunts of classmates that would finally drive many of them to suicide.  Or, could it be because they just couldn't understand why? They, with years of life's knowledge behind them, just didn't understand, at age eight...or ten...or twelve, or now that they've managed to survive into adulthood, why.  Why they are the way they are.  Why they are different.

Well, neither did "civilized" society.  Now that we think we're close to an understanding of it, close to giving this community some grip on who they are and why they exist, up come the Bibles.

I grew up just in a small coastal town south of San Francisco.  I have been around the gay community my entire life and I've seen the gamut from flaming gay to cross dressers, transsexuals, and quiet, hardworking couples living an "alternate lifestyle."  But nothing breaks my heart more than remembering the young people that were taunted, beaten, and labeled.  The calls of faggot, queer, dike, butch,  and sissy, all still resonate.  They affect me for good reason.  God forgive me, I did my share of the taunting, and I am ashamed for it.  I was brought up better than that.  They endured it all, not because it was a choice, because they had no other choice.  It was who they were, what they were.

I was saved from myself by a young Asian kid I knew in high school.  He just wanted my friendship.  He was blatantly effeminate, bordering on being flaming gay, although I'm still not sure he really understood.  He was just a kid that wanted to have a friend.  I didn't give him much recognition publicly, but I would walk with him on our way home occasionally.  I think he liked that because my being there would diminish the taunting for a bit.  I don't know what became of him.  I hope he survived it, survived his life if you will.  He wanted, so very much, to belong.

For this post I originally brought together pages of research and articles, excerpts and arguments, all to throw against the raised shields that would condemn me.  Like the irresistible force against the immovable objects.  As all the pages are spread out around me, I have to ask, to what end?  If science turns out to be right, then the Bible is wrong.  However, if the Bible is right, then these are either all sinners, or they are aberrations of nature and an affront to a God that does not make mistakes.  Uh, oh.

Now we're back to my favorite premise, "My God does not make mistakes."  Everything is planned.  Everything is written.  Everything is God's will.  Choice?

Either way, orthodox Christianity will not readily lower their shield, if ever.  They take the Bible as God's word on Earth, and God does not make mistakes, men do.  I fervently believe they are right.

Oh, I'm sorry.  Again I have to ask, who physically wrote the pages of stories and then gathered those pages together into the Bible?

And that, somehow, brings me back to the children.  The innocent children that would be damned for the feeling they cannot explain, or find a friend or family, until recently, willing to help them work through it, regardless of outcome.

For some people it is a matter of choice, no doubt.  there will always be a segment of society trying to be something they are not.  For others, I think science is still working on it, but they're getting closer to answers.  I don't think the answers will be for our benefit as much as for theirs.  The answer for the "why" in their life.

I still firmly believe science doesn't disprove God in as much as it validates the glory and magnificence of God, and it is just our stories that need another bit of re-write.

Of course, this is just my opinion.

Spiritual and Religious Clergy - Titles of Address

I was asked by the Universal Life Church, when I became ordained, if I would like a title of address.  I hadn't thought much about titles until that point.  There certainly was no shortage of titles from their list to choose from, and that voluminous list concerned me. 

Where was the humility?

When I was in the Air Force we had titles.  Titles are necessary for a well run military as it creates a chain of command.  Without that chain of command there would be no structure and soldiers would degrade into a useless rabble.  But, in a religious order?  There are more titles and ranks in religion than you will find in most military structures.

My concern had some pretty well documented biblical support.  So, be patient as I throw several verses of scripture out there for you to chew on.  I'm sure you probably have several non-biblical offerings that will attest to the same point I am trying to make.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."  James 4:10

"And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."  Matthew 23:12

 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed."  James 5:16

 "A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor"  Proverbs 29:23

 "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

 "for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  Romans 3:23

 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."  Philippians 2:3-11

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility..."  Colossians 3:12

And, my new favorite, this one not of the Bible, bringing the rest together in one thought: 

 "Pride must die in you, or nothing in heaven can live in you."  Andrew Murray

So, hopefully, you can see how I might be confused about titles in the context of religious and spiritual orders. 

With my concern firmly planted, what was the most humble address I could take without feeling I placed myself far above my fellows?  Well, what was I hoping to accomplish?  Taking the purpose of this blog The Path, and the Congregation for Religious Tolerance into consideration, I supposed my purpose would be to, hopefully, assist others along their path.  To be a shepherd of sorts, guiding others and gaining knowledge from them for my own path.

Pastor is Latin for shepherd, so this seemed the most logical and humble of the offerings.  I accepted this prefix, not title, for myself with all humility.

I would ask those with loftier "titles" to search within themselves and ask the question, "Why?"  To what end, your title?  What does it say about you to others, or to God?  Does it meet the humble requirements of humility, or is this thing for you?

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."  Matthew 16:23 

A final thought:  The next time you have some self-righteous person try to condemn you for your beliefs instead of offering creative discussion and debate, remember the quote I listed above from Romans 3:13,

"for we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Tolerance: Spiritual or Religious?

My order, in their Guide to Divinity, recognizes 27 "faith systems," including atheism.  27 belief systems that think they are right.  My goodness!  I think they only have symbols for the ones shown above because, to list them all on a bumper sticker, the entire group would be too small to see or would stretch across the entire bumper of the car.  But, there aren't 27 faith systems in the world.

According to Philip Wilkinson's book Religions, there are only 23 major world faiths.  But he lists 34 "new religious movements" to choose from.  Using my fingers and toes I make that to be 57 movements that think they have found the correct path we all should all be following.  My own library of reference material can't even agree on a number.  So, the obvious question folks like me keep asking is, who is right?

Maybe they all are.  Maybe none of them are.  Is it important?

The running controversy would indicate it is as important as whether you are spiritual or religious, spiritual but not religious, religious but not spiritual, or spiritual and religious.  As usual I hit the net, went fishing, and pulled up some info to share and comment on.  Please feel free to chew on it, develop your own thoughts, and comment back.  Don't be shy.  No one's comment is going to be any more wrong or right than the 57 other groups.

First let's look at definitions.  Random House Dictionary of the English Language, 1967, defines them thus:

Spirituality - "the expression of the sacred." 

Religion - "a set of beliefs and practices related to the issue of what exists beyond the visible world, generally including the idea of the existence of a group of beings, an external principle or a transcendent spiritual entity."

My goodness!  Right off the bat, religion takes a bit more explaining and is a bit more complicated.  Let's go a step deeper.

ReligiousScholar.com says, "Religion is form: tradition, doctrine, rites and rituals.  Spirituality is content: communion with the divine, seeing the holy in all creatures and objects." 

Gee, the choice would see pretty clear for me.

About spirituality, Georgetown University quoted Murray and Zetner (1989) as saying this, "a quality that goes beyond religious affiliation, that strives for inspiration, reverence, awe, meaning and purpose, even in those who do not believe in God."

On religion, Georgetown also quoted Davies, Brenner, Orloff, Sumner, and Worden (2002) as saying it is, "formed within the context of practices and rituals shared by a group to provide a framework for connectedness to God."

Georgetown goes on to state, "Some see religion as the manifestation of one's spirituality, yet a person can be spiritual without being religious.  A person can also be outwardly "religious" in performing certain actions, yet not focus on the underlying principles of spirituality."

This would explain why most people that go to church are just going through the motions.  They think that attending is enough to save them.  This is what happens when we allow others to do the work for us.

It seems that, whereas spirituality allows everyone to participate, even those who do not believe in God, religions require you be part of a group and share their particular framework in order to connect to God.  Spirituality requires you do the work for yourself, and religion does all the work for you.  Really?

As a Catholic I remember having to genuflect, make the sign of the cross, go to confession, do penance for that confession, dress up in my Sunday clothes, go to mass, etc..  A lot of work is involved in going through the motions, but little of it requires me to strive for anything other that to be relieved of the burden of having to endure a Sunday at church. 

I don't remember Jesus mentioning the need for all of that hoopla.  It seems like a lot of ritual thought up over the ages by men in search of control.  The control seems to work.

Consider another definition off the web at www.bibliotecapeyades.net, Religion vs. Spirituality:

"Religion is an institution established by man for various reasons.  Exert control, instill morality, stroke egos, or whatever it does.  Organized, structured religions all but remove god from the equation.  You confess your sins to a clergy member, go to elaborate churches to worship, told what to pray and when to pray it.  All those factors remove you from god."

"Spirituality is born in a person and develops in the person.  It may be kick started by a religion, or it may be kick started by a revelation.  Spirituality extends to all facets of a person's life.  Spirituality is chosen while religion is often times forced.  Spirituality is more important and better than being religious."

"True spirituality is something that is found deep within oneself.  It is your way of loving, accepting and relating to the world and people around you.  It cannot be found in a church or by believing in a certain way."

The one quote that is of particular interest for me was off of www.SpiritualityvsReligion.org:

"Universality (spiritualism) differs from One True Religion in that many followers of religion believe that their path is the only one to salvation.  Though their faith is strong for their religion, they feel that all other religions are wrong.  Converting others to their faith feels necessary.  In spirituality, the belief is that all fanaticism is false and that it is a contradiction of the nature and truth of God, which cannot be shut up in any book, or Koran or Veda or any religion."

So, there we have some definitions to work with.  Now, let's hear a few opinions.

Lillian Daniel wrote in the United Church of Christ online magazine:

"Being privately spiritual but not religious just doesn't interest me.  There is nothing challenging about having deep thoughts all by one's self.  What is interesting is doing this work in community, where other people might call you on stuff, or heaven forbid, disagree with you.  Where life with God gets rich and provocative is when you dig deeply into a tradition that you did not invent all by yourself."

Lillian is of the misguided notion that spiritual people are loners, that we don't do community service, and that we fear conflict.  Lillian, please disagree with me!  Please call me down on something!  This is called creative discussion, interpersonal communication.  We do not fear you, just don't damn us to hell for eternity because we don't see eye to eye with you.  I chose to think for myself and not be led around by a religious clergy I find difficult to even trust my children alone with.

The Jesuit priest, James Martin, says about being spiritual but not religious, "Religion is hard.  Sometimes it's just too much work.  People don't feel like it.  "I have better things to do with my time."  It's plain old laziness,"   He also states, "spirituality without religion can become a self-centered complacency divorced from the wisdom of community." 

Anything can be corrupted Br. Martin.  I would point out that religion without spirituality can result in multiple crusades to butcher thousands in the name of Christ, and thousands more weeding out the heretics during the Inquisition.  Religion is dangerous even today when following a religious leader can lead to drinking Kool-Aid laced with poison as the leader shortens your path to God without your consent.

Jennifer Walters, dean of religious life at Smith College, says, "Hymn-singing, forms of prayer and worship, teachings about social justice and forgiveness--all these things are valuable elements of religious wisdom.  Piecing it together by yourself can be done, but with great difficulty." 

So, which is it?  There is a contradiction here as Martin feels spirituality is "plain old laziness," yet Walters feels it is "great difficulty."

Well, Jennifer, nothing in life is easy and I would not expect finding a personal relationship with the Almighty to be so either.  God did not make it easy for Jesus, what makes you so special?  Again, I prefer to think for myself and develop my own close relationship with God.  I'm not one to take the easy route by letting others think for me.  I would rather have to face God and say that I was wrong than to say that I was wrong and stupid for following someone else off the cliff. 

The sad part of this whole discussion is that we now have 57 choices  of how we'd like to fail in the eyes of God (58 if you count your own personal relationship with the Almighty).

Isn't it about time religious leaders take responsibility for people leaving their churches in droves to seek a better path to a personal relationship with God?  It is always easier to blame something, or someone, for your own shortcomings as leaders.  Do something novel, don't be a leader, be a shepherd.

For me, I just find it difficult to get behind organized religions with leaders that have lower moral standards than I do.  Rape, homosexuality, sodomy, marital affairs, among religious clergy are common newsprint.  These are the same folks that edited our Bible?  Makes a person with any common sense go, "Hmmm..."

Or, is this just my opinion?

Life Editing & Proofing

 

I was interested in a religious title I had noticed when I registered on the Universal Life Church minister’s website.  At that time I asked the membership what the prefix to one minister's title, NCO, stood for.  For me, as retired military, I knew it probably wasn’t Non-Commissioned Officer, and I was right.  I was informed it stood for New Catholic Order.  This morning I had a moment to look them up on the web.  For those Catholics that haven’t, you may find it interesting especially if you are losing your faith in Catholicism.

I noted, though, they had some proofing and editing issues.  Most sites that aren't in the business of doing business seem to suffer the same failings as my own order.  They seem to drop the ball when it comes time to edit and proofread much of what they print for public consumption.  If your aim is to attract backward country folk, this is probably nothing to worry about.  They probably can't spell and wouldn't notice anyway.  I say this with all love, my true roots being in Mississippi.  But this lack of attention to detail can give the educated person reason for pause.

It could just be me, but I would think if your aim is to offer an alternative to something, you would want to put your best foot forward and try to entice not only the common man, but a learned body of folk that would help drive the movement forward and give it credibility that will assist in making it sustainable.

I have noted this problem in many blogs and sites. My intent is not to critique the NCO or my own order, they are just an example of something we don't do well.  I try to take great care in my blog to check grammar and spelling.  I check it on two different sites, then read it over again to ensure a correctly spelled word is actually the word I intended (a trap many of us fall into thanks to spellcheck).   I probably fail as the others do, but not for want of trying.  It is just wrong when you read something that blatantly screams, “We just didn’t care!”

I think this is also pertinent in our own lives.

When was the last time you proofed and edited your life?  I think I do this every time I tri-fold my underwear and towels, and when I ensure my shirts are all hung facing the same way with the hangers hooked forward over the rod.  I do this as I wash dishes while I cook so the kitchen is clean when the meal is ready, and when I adjust my tie just so to ensure I look my best.

Most would find this anal, and it probably is.  But, isn’t this how we keep our lives in check?

Back in the day, young men that were having problems adjusting to society were given the choice of jail or the military.  Many found military structure to be their savior and continued to serve decorated, lifelong, careers.

There is something to be said for structure, for proofing and editing, for crossing the t’s, and dotting the i’s.  I think it makes us better people in the long run.  I think it bring balance into our lives.

The Gospel of John

The religious order I'm affiliated with, the Universal Life Church Monastery, wrote a piece in their newsletter on an article from The Huffington Post's Political & Religious Controversy segment.  They titled it, "The Shocking "Truth" About the Gospel of John."  

The article centered around a book by John Shelby Spong, a retired bishop of the Anglican Church in America, "The Fourth Gospel:  Tales of a Jewish Mystic."  He states in the book, "Not one of the signs (miracles) recorded in this book was, in all probability, something that actually happened, this means that Jesus never changed water into wine, fed a multitude with five loaves and two fish or raised Lazarus from the dead."

Basically he feels the Fourth Gospel was not written by John, but by at least three others over a period of 30 years.  The Universal Life Church poses the obvious question that is critical to this issue.  If John Zebadee did not write the Gospel of John, who did?  Who put the words into Jesus mouth?

This is yet another example of my issues with the Bible.  This does not detract from the purpose of the message, but it does detract from the credibility of the story.  We must understand that the Bible is a book of lessons based, in large part, on allegory. An allegory is a literary device in which characters or events represent or symbolize ideas and concepts.  The characters or events are not necessarily real.  They are intended to drive home a message.  Religiously speaking, a very important message.

Lies?  In our Bible?  Yet, we still do this in modern times.  Consider the fable, the bed time story, the fairy tale, the Internet (you certainly cannot believe everything you read on it).  Little of it is based on fact, however, the lessons to be learned are none the less valid.  Not understanding this concept of allegory would certainly effect our belief system.  We need to look past the "fairy tale" and latch onto the message.  The core message is the basis of most of our religions.

As the ULC noted in their newsletter:

"However, Spong argues, his findings do not render Christian theology obsolete by invalidating the doctrines of grace and atonement through the death and resurrection of an avatar.  Christianity's purpose, he says, is about humans becoming divine through  mystical oneness with God, not divine becoming human to be worshiped as a blood sacrifice for human sin."

Well said. 

The Path: Audience and Comments (updated)

“We are all children of the same universe.”

This is something we should all try hard to remember.  At times I also tend to forget this.  As I have been reminded time and again, some of us are just “God’s special children.”  There are times when I feel surrounded by these special children as I try to keep the weeds out of my garden and a good mix of colorful flowers in abundance.

I look at the audience my this blog and am reminded of how large my universe here on Earth is.  The blog has been active for almost a year now and there have been over 7400 page views worldwide.  Russia makes up the second largest audience next to the U.S., followed by Germany, South Korea, and the Ukraine.  Also having tripped their way upon the site are the U.A.E, Australia, Brazil, Japan, Spain, France, the Czech Republic and many others.

My problem here is that I have received few comments on the site.  I get e-mails, but few post comments on the articles.  The e-mails are positive as to what is being posted so I can only assume those that read them are just finding nothing to say.  This can be taken two ways:  No news is good news, or, if you have nothing good to say don’t say anything.

Maybe this is all because I have tried not to be controversial, or preachy, or trying to sway belief from one philosophy to another.  I believe one should follow their own path in their faith and I hope this blog can help clear that path of rocks and brush to make the path clearer and the journey a bit easier.

The comments are a selfish desire on my part, as I hoped to learn something from the readers that may assist me on my own path.  Alas, like most knowledge, this may be hard earned and long waited for.

Be at peace my friends, and thank you all for your continued support!

Remembering Childhood Curiosity

“I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Do you remember the innocence of youth?  How about your childhood curiosity?  Mine was insatiable and, at times, was worrisome to mom.  I still find myself doing stupid stuff, purely for the sake of discovery, in order to satisfy my adult curiosity.  How many of us, and be honest, still stumble blindly into situations brought on by curiosity?  How many of those situations go south on us, go a little wry at times?  Do you feel a bit sheepish afterward, considering your age?  More importantly, have you learned to laugh at yourself about it?  You are not alone.

I'm now in my sixties and still laugh at myself, constantly, for doing stupid stuff.  Now that I count myself among the senior citizens, I've found many of them don't like it when others know they do stupid things.  They believe it detracts from what people to think of them, especially as they become, what their mothers would say are, "old enough to know better."  For instance, wearing a suit to a wedding and having another guest point out the price tag is still hanging off it.  Forgetting where your reading glasses are, and finding them on your head.  Going into a room to look for something and forgetting why you went there, or touching really hot stuff right out of the oven.  I know people over eighty that really don't find the humor when people see them do these.  Really, at 80, this is what you consider important in your life?  I don't think so.  If you can't laugh at yourself, at 80, what was the point of living?  These are the humorous anecdotes of life which give us stuff to laugh about with friends and family.

But, these are the silly things we do in life unintentionally and, therefore, they're a bit different than the silly things we do for the sake of curiosity.  Now, to be clear, I am not talking about trying a different pizza, or taking up skiing, or wearing a thong, although a thong on an old fat guy might just make the list for some (I just can't imagine myself in a thong...oh, great!  That picture will be in my head for a while).  I'm talking about going into a dark cave, alone, at night, just to see what's in it, or staying in a haunted house and getting the crap scared out of you by some noise on the stairs that you know, deep down, is probably just the house settling, or picking up an octopus just to see how slimy it is, or eating a french-fried scorpion or a toasted grub worm.

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and trying new things, because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

– Walt Disney

Anyway, in the picture, above, there are two children I photographed at the waterfront.  What are they looking at?  A jellyfish?  A crab?  Maybe some rotting dead critter that's washed up?  Which one of the boys is going to dare the other to touch it?  Or, maybe risk a beating by conning younger brother into picking it up and dropping it next to sister, or worse, next to mom?  Most of the time, we paid for this experience with a good scolding.  At one time or another curiosity overtakes all of us.  It is human nature.  Besides, the scolding helped you remember the experience, so you could laugh at it again, you know, as a senior citizen. 

Curiosity doesn't have to mean being stupid, though.  Think in the context of "scratch & sniff."  Most of us can't pass up the opportunity to try a "scratch and sniff."  There are those who of us who tend to lose our sense of curiosity when we lose our sense of wonder.  We fall into the party line that states being an adult has no place for daydreaming, trying new things not normally part of our wheelhouse, or doing something others may view as stupid.  I disagree.  Even doing the stupid is proof of life.  Doing the stupid is proof of a sense of wonder, curiosity, and perhaps a childhood not lost.  Being stupid, on the other hand, can be proof that curiosity taught you nothing.

So, next time you're in the mood for something sweet, try a Jelly Belly.  And go for the gusto, do it with a friend.  Try the "Vomit" flavor.  You probably won't like it, but try laughing at yourself for being dumb enough to try it, or for being able to con your friend into being dumb enough to try it.  Sometimes our friends and family need to be guided back onto the path of curiosity, as well.

“The future belongs to the curious.The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it, and turn it inside out.”

– Anonymous

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider another viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 23 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with a world renowned Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, to wage his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.

The Sabbath is Saturday

My critique of the Christian church continues.

 

No where in the Bible does it say change the Sabbath from the seventh day, Saturday, to Sunday.  Yet another example of Christian councils and Emperor Constantine placing themselves above God because, of course, they are God's voice on Earth.  So were James Warren Jones, David Koresh, Warren Jeffs.  According to Lord Acton, "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."  I have to wonder if there isn't a predilection to corruption amongst the religious.  Corruption so perverse as to include, or cause, insanity.

 

And, we find ourselves back to the Sabbath.  Taken as a whole this is just another example of rewriting God's word to fit an agenda which has been lost to us over the course of time.  The same agenda that drove which writings would be included in the Bible, cathedrals to be built while the poor starved, some priests to live a life of luxury, and the Pope to own a city housing treasures beyond value. 

 

The poor still starve, by the way.

 

I have an idea.  Let's move the Sabbath back to Saturday.  As a matter of fact, let's stop screwing with history and move all celebrations back to the days they were intended and not change them to make it better for ourselves, to fit an agenda.

 

The Pope can sell off Vatican City as a tourist attraction, which is all it has become, use the proceeds to solve world hunger, live in the back of an adobe mission and ride a burro.  Now, wouldn't that bring everyone back into the Christian faith?  And don't think the Catholics have a corner on corruption.  Have you seen how much the evangelicals pull in?  Just look at the Crystal Cathedral.  But the Kool-Aid drinkers just keep doling out the cash as they try to buy their way into heaven not realizing that they pay for the leader's lifestyle more than a meal for the needy.  Ask them why they don't  do what Christ would have wanted by giving up the worldly goods and following in His footsteps?

 

Makes me wonder.

Asiana Crash

Any loss of life is a tragedy, loss of young life is so very much more.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the two young Chinese girls lost in the San Francisco crash.  We join the teachers and fellow students at the summer camp in Los Angeles as they morn and try to move forward through this.

任何喪失生命是一個悲劇，年輕的生命的損失是非常多的。我們的思想和祈禱走出去在舊金山崩潰丟失了兩個年輕的中國女孩的家人和朋友。我們同在洛杉磯夏令營的老師和同學，因為他們哀悼掉落，並期待通過此次嘗試移動。

任何丧失生命是一个悲剧，年轻的生命的损失是非常多的。我们的思想和祈祷走出去在旧金山崩溃丢失了两个年轻的中国女孩的家人和朋友。我们同在洛杉矶夏令营的老师和同学，因为他们哀悼掉落，并期待通过此次尝试移动。

Tolerance: The World Pledge?

I was wondering if there was a "Pledge to Humanity," so I looked it up online and found there is a "World Pledge."  The site gave permission to copy and distribute so I have added it at left. 

 

I omitted the United Nations flag which was attached to the bottom.  I saw no reason why they should be making this about an organization, especially an organization that has proven itself to be totally dysfunctional.  If the folks touting this pledge want everyone to get behind it, I recommend dropping the UN like a hot potato and choosing one of the many other international bodies that actually accomplish something without all the politics. 

 

I like this pledge.  It is short and to the point.  The only change I would make is the redundant "and one World," replacing it with "and tolerance."  Actually the whole pledge should be read, 

"I pledge allegiance to humanity and to the world that gives us life, one people, united in diversity, tolerance and peace, with freedom and dignity for all."

I also question why they felt the need to capitalize humanity, world and people, so I made them lower case.

 

All in all it is a pledge with a sentiment I think we can all get behind, well, maybe not the terrorist heretics.  This goes well beyond their ability to understand and get behind  Maybe if when you finished reading it, it would explode.  As for the rest of us, I'd like to see something like this at the Olympics. 

 

Now there is a venue that can get the ball rolling!

A "God Fearing" Military

“Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinburg? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago, and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. That Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.”
Colonel Jessep, A Few Good Men, 1992

 

As much as Jessep was wrong, in this fiction, of ordering the Code Red, this statement he makes to Kaffee should give us pause.  I think about all the people that scream 9/11 was an “inside job,” the people that have spit on the soldiers of this nation since Vietnam, and that Homeland Security is just a modern day “Gestapo.”  I’m sure the list goes on.  These are the same people that would march dutifully into the Nazi “showers” to be cleansed, right?

I have real money that says they’re the first to grab a weapon and wonder how the hell we were invaded.  Then they’ll be screaming, “Where was the army?”  Because, the truth of the above statement, which I have highlighted in blue, is that we, all of us, don’t talk about it at parties.  We DO want them on that wall.  We do NEED them on that wall!

Isn’t this why we, as Americans, for better or worse, were saddled with being the police force for the world?  Or, wait, its fine when the Syrians are being butchered but, heaven forbid it should happen here?

Consider the next highlight, in blue, above.  As retired military, I have always thought every able bodied man and woman should, mandatorily, “pick up a weapon, and stand a post.”  Where Jessep and I differ is that I don’t give a rats butt if the people we’re protecting say they thank you, just don’t spit on us for doing what your elected officials ordered us to do.  If you’re a coward, I respect that.  Hold your head up high and proclaim, “I’m a coward!”  We exist to protect those that are incapable of protecting themselves, even cowards.  I DO give a damn what you think you are entitled to.  You just don’t give a damn about protecting your entitlement!

“God, country, corps, and family,” this is the axiom the military man lives by.  God; without our Creator the other three would not exist.  Country; without our country there would be no need of a military to protect the freedoms it provides.  Corps; without a strong, robust, military you might as well expect the next dictator to plant their flag in your front yard and invite you over for a hot cleansing shower.  By the way, kudos to the Egyptian military for stepping in today, I hope they do right by the people.  And last, certainly not least is family; their existence, security, and freedom are at the grace of the other three.

This is not solely an American philosophy.  I think if you were to ask most soldiers they would agree it is a worldwide military axiom.

Unlike Jessep, I do give a damn what you think you are entitled to, I have to.  It was the way I was raised.  It was why I did what I did for over 20 years.  It changed my life in as many bad, as good ways. There are many things we did that I am not particularly proud of, and it embarrasses me when I see any soldier act in a manner unbecoming.  I would not change a minute of the years I spent in service to my country…in service to all of her people, and to the security of my world and all the people in it.  Sometimes we had to do things that were in the best interest.

And you would say, “But, shouldn’t we all be told so we can have a say?”  Sure!  Consider this statement in the context of, oh… Syria…

This was the point of the movie, the point that Jessep missed.  We exist to protect those that deny us; those that need protecting; those that cannot protect themselves.  My God!  Did we learn nothing with the Holocaust?

Just don’t spit on us for it.      

The Congregation for Religious Tolerance

Note:  This post was updated due to the obvious interest in the content, and posted again for further comment.  Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.  Thank you!

I contemplated the Congregation for Religious Tolerance as I was writing, what was to become, my first post to this blog, "My View: Religious Tolerance." I felt my reasons were sound then, feedback tells me my reasons are still sound.  I've had no comments, but e-mails and conversations have been positive.

This is a work in progress.  I welcome any, and all, comments. 

 

There are no members in the Congregation, and this will be an odd concept for many.  I'd like you to follow the blog, but do not be a follower.  Be critical, but with an open mind. Mentor, but do not be a teacher.  Share, but gently guide the lost onto their own path.  Smooth the surface and remove the obstacles blocking their way. 

 

I believe that God helps those that help themselves.  You cannot put someone on their path, but you can help them define it.  The rest is in their hands.

 

So, why "Congregation," and not "Church," for Religious Tolerance? I feel the meaning of "church" has been corrupted from the meaning Jesus originally gave to it (He mentions the word only twice in His teachings I believe), and even though religious scholars say they understand it does not refer to a building, well... where is your church located?

And, as for standing behind a pulpit?  I'd rather sit and talk.  Well, ...maybe an occasional soap box.  I think Matthew states it best:

"But do not be called Teacher (Rabbi); for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Messiah. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8-12)

Now, I don't quote the Bible often. I have issues with the Good Book, and I will go into that on another post.

 

At this moment I am keeping the Congregation simple with three easy paragraphs:

Mission Statement:

The Congregation for Religious Tolerance promotes the idea of religious and spiritual tolerance through education, understanding, fairness and compassion, conversation and debate, while allowing everyone to peacefully follow their own spiritual beliefs without oppression or discrimination.

Philosophy:

1.   Tolerance may not necessarily extend beyond religious beliefs to include some religious  actions -- particularly those that harm or harass others. 

2.   Religious tolerance is a fundamental right in a democracy.

3.   It is incumbent upon all of us, at the end of the day, to protect those that cannot protect themselves and to stand up for the peaceful rights of others.

Quotes:

"Tolerance is the posture and cordial effort to understand another's beliefs, practices, and habits without, necessarily, sharing or accepting them."

~Joshua Liebman, social critic

"The more people come together, the more borders will be opened and people and opinions get together, the more un-renounceable tolerance will be a fundamental part of our social life. Without tolerance there is no religious liberty, no freedom of conscience and no freedom of thought."

~Dr. Thomas Klestil, President, Federal Republic of Austria

 "Those who see the variety and not the unity wander on from death to death." ~Upanishads

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

It seems fitting, as the celebration of our freedom approaches, that we reflect on these few cherished sentences.  It seems fitting, with all that is going on in the world today, that we share these meaningful words with the world.

These words were not meant just for the people of the United States of America, they were meant for all freedom loving peoples of the world, people of all faiths.  They were meant as a warning to those leaders and dictators that forget to respect the people they govern.

It would seem our own leaders here in this country need to take a moment to reflect as well.  Recent activities within our own leadership have been less than endearing to the rest of the world, and embarrassing to us as a nation.  It would seem as if, once again they have forgotten whom they work for, whom they represent.

We, all of us on this planet, should be doing what we have always done, protecting those that cannot protect themselves.

May the Creator bless this world, and those of all faiths that worship in search of peace and humanity amongst the inhabitants.  May God help those poor souls struggling, and dying, in their own pursuit of happiness against their own inept governments. 

Scream these cherished words to the heavens and tell your leaders to take heed, that  you are never too big to fail, and tyrants always do, in the end. 

Oh My Goodness! (updated post from 7/1/13)

Yep, It's me.  Learning to smile.  Don't stare.

“If you're reading this...

Congratulations, you're alive. If that's not something to smile about, then I don't know what is.”

-- Chad Sugg

What the heck happened? 

 

With all modesty, let's be honest, I was a heartbreaker in junior high!  The old guy below me is another matter.  I went to Mexico and lost 40 pounds right off the bat, but under that hat is the thinning hair of a man approaching sixty.  We're halfway up a mountain to a shrine in Manzanillo.  I swear the trail was steeper than 45 degrees more than half the time.  The old guy's still got game, though.  Not even winded and helping the ladies I'm with over some rough spots. 

 

So, again I ask, what the heck happened?

 

Proof of life.  That's what I tell women that are vain about a scar that runs from here to there.  It's just proof of life.  So are the wrinkles and the crow's feet, the thinning hair, the love handles.  Get over it!  It happens to all of us.  If not now...blink.  There it is!

 

I've said it in past blogs, and I repeat it now.  You are what you are, even if it's the product of that last cherry pie.  If it bothers you go outside and exercise...breathe, and let someone else eat the cherry pie.  Get off your butt! 

 

The most important thing in life though... is to smile!  I've said this before, as well.  Notice the one similarity in the two photos?  I loved to smile back then, and I still love to smile now!

 

Enjoy life!  And, love yourself. 

 

If you are the last person alive on this planet, who would you want to be with?  A man approaching seventy?  Oh, crap!

 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com