June 2015 - Dialogue - lists.wedgeblade.net

Re: [Dialogue] [Oe List ...] Trends in Theology
by Sherwood Shankland via Dialogue 03 Jun '15

03 Jun '15

I like it … tipping points…aligning our energies with the 100 key tipping points…which if we grasp whole systems are connected in ways that we may not now or ever know. For example: microfinance is now active in every country on the planet; and independently many locations are discovering that in pathways which lead sustainably out of poverty – microfinance is linked to efforts in health and education – so integrated community development efforts are rising, and a tipping point is facilitating partnerships that reflect those linkages. We each have to choose where to act or we will all just watch the daily news and deepen our despair. Actions speak loudly. Go for a tipping point, really. Best regards, Sherwood From: OE [mailto:oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Randy Williams via OE Sent: Friday, March 27, 2015 9:29 AM To: George Holcombe Cc: ICA/OE List Serves; ICA/OE List Serves Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] Trends in Theology George, One of the things you have described is the old perversion of "institutionalism," perhaps somewhat in new clothing. I think part of why this conversation continues to come up from time to time among us is the experience I expect most of us share of our love/hate relationship with the church. Joe's analogy that illuminated that realization for many of us was, "the church is a whore but she's my mother." That still kind of holds it for me. By the way, I always thought that analogy originated with Joe, but I recently found it in the early writings of Dorothy Day, founder of the Catholic workers movement. In her day she was a pretty feisty, salty old sister (not nun) who was later sainted by the church. We need a few more like her today. Randy Sent from my iPad On Mar 27, 2015, at 9:59 AM, George Holcombe via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: There seems to be several streams around the same discussion (I’m guessing). It would be wonderful if we could gather in the collegium room at 3444 and have a go, or have Joe give us a lecture, but I suppose this is as close as it gets in this digital age. As I remember it, we used the word church in RS-1 to describe a dynamic, that part between no longer and not yet where you bump into people laying their life down to create the new future. Our institutional churches have always had a struggle with that as have we all, and both have used the symbols and story surrounding our understanding of that dynamic for all sorts of purposes. Some think we failed (came apart at the center), others think we’ve had some conditional success, but then that happens when we missed the Bonhoeffer paper. I enjoy Borg, Crossan, and the research of late into early Christianity (try getting through Crossan’s The Birth of Christianity), especially Borg’s description of Jesus as a Jewish mystic in the prophetic tradition, pushing the Judaism of his day into the future, refusing the domination of Rome. Our local Presbyterian Seminary professors seem to have some criticisms of Borg, though I don’t understand them at all. Richard Rohr and others have done an impressive job of pulling all this through our daily lives in some creative ways. But all that aside, the suffering (in all its forms) of the world seems to lose its footing in all of this. Religions and adherents (or non adherents) attempting to justify their various perspectives, which leaks over into the political and economic discussions (interesting how their efforts at justification of their position follows much the same lines as religions), put the majority of their efforts into keeping afloat, while pointing to their minimal efforts to address the suffering of the world, as their raison d’être. With a few notable exceptions, most local churches (denominations, etc.) I know anything about spend about 80-90% on themselves and a little for some social/health projects, not unlike Political and other groups. Much of this has been known for awhile and more is coming to surface, which is growing the sense of distrust and disgust with institutions, but does not create an atmosphere for positive change. But amidst all of this the world is suffering. Climate change is having dramatic effects, wealth inequality hardly describes what the poor are experiencing, corporations contribute as much to the destruction of the environment as to wealth creation, wars are endless. Most if not all of us have intimate experience with all of this. The old hope if things get bad enough, good will happen doesn’t seem to be working. It may be that we should shift our conversation from the good or bad old days to what we see are the tipping points and what we’re trying where we are to make the future happen. In this digital age, this may be one new/old way to create the new future. George Holcombe 14900 Yellowleaf Tr. Austin, TX 78728 Mobile 512/252-2756 geowanda1(a)me.com "Whatever the problem, community is the answer. There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about." Margaret Wheatley On Mar 23, 2015, at 7:14 PM, Judi White via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: I do not go to a church. I remember the awe of high ritual. In the scotch Presbyterian and Eppiscopal Cathedral in my upbringing. The praying and preaching were not much. The music held it all. The daily office was a recovery of the awe...every day. RS1 sunk in after I learned to meditate and function in the world of spirit. Before meditation life was a regular series of burnouts.By meditation I dont mean sitting in silence, although I do. I mean living mindfully. Social pioneering and the new church is pure spirit. The Divine and We are One. How to catalyze this experience in the lives of people incommunities is foundational to sustainable changes. Sometimes OE/ICA got it right. Sometimes it doesn't. On Sunday, March 22, 2015, Karenbueno via OE < <mailto:oe@lists.wedgeblade.net> oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: Thank you, Dharma! I continue to attend my local United Methodist Church. I find there people who are wanting to serve others, who relate to the Christian symbols, and who give of their time, talent, and finances to the work of the Christian church. I may not agree with all of the theology I hear, but I know that this is an agency that is doing good work in the world. I am also active in the broader work of the United Methodist Women, who give generously for leadership training of women, and for mission projects around the world, for health care, feeding programs, child care, etc. I sometimes even hear sermons with great authenticity! :-) <https://s.aolcdn.com/cdn.webmail.aol.com/resources/core/images/smile.png> Karen Bueno -----Original Message----- From: Dharmalingam Vinasithamby via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> To: Marilyn Crocker <marilyncrocker(a)juno.com>; 'Mary Kurian D'Souza' <marykdsouza(a)gmail.com>; oe <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> Sent: Sun, Mar 22, 2015 9:05 am Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] [Dialogue] Trends in Theology Dear all, What a great opportunity it is to be able to talk about issues lie this with a community spread around the globe. My take on these issues - the only reason to go to church, temple, mosque etc is to be in dialogue with the symbol systems of the world that help us make sense of living. Dialogue goes both ways so we either get something from that experience or we give it new meaning. This is one avenue for social change. Of course, it is possible that the meaning building dynamic has move onto to other institutions. In which case, that's where we too would want to be. Although a life of service has an impact on those around us, symbols have their own unique role. When these are not rejuvenated, society develops monstrosities like ISIS, religious fanatics from the various faiths of the world etc. So the question for me is - what are the symbols in our life and how do we let our love for life speak through them. Dharma On Sunday, March 22, 2015 6:02 AM, Marilyn Crocker via OE <oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: Hi Dear Mary, I’m intrigued by your comment that “For Cyprian and myself RS1 was not as profound as the methods of participation etc. that were transmitted to us through the order/ICA.” For me our “methods of participation” were all about the life dynamics undergirding RSI, but couched in secular terms describing “the way life is” (TWLI) as we used to say – or limits, possibility, freedom, corporate resolve/action – or the consult method of baseline situation, vision, contradictions, proposals, tactics and implementaries. My sense of that alignment of TWLI and our methods allowed me to keep serving in villages, local communities, schools, businesses, often at great personal cost. I experienced deep and profound spiritual interpersonal connections in these interactions that allowed me to say, “I am being my personal mission or calling.” Now at 72, in retirement and needing to be a 24/7 caregiver for my 87 year old husband who has progressive cognitive impairment, I still depend upon the fundamental understandings RSI gifted to me: All is Good, the Past is Approved, All that I Am is Received, and the Future is Open – filled with radical Possibility. I respect your perspective and your hope to awaken in your children depth and mystery. My experience is that although Christian liturgy and mindfulness practices help some, the raw living a life of selfless care is the best entry point. With love and respect, Marilyn From: OE [mailto:oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net] On Behalf Of Mary Kurian D'Souza via OE Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 10:43 PM To: Rod Rippel Cc: Colleague Dialogue; oe(a)lists.wedgeblade.net Subject: Re: [Oe List ...] [Dialogue] Trends in Theology Rod, Thank you for raising this question. I have noticed that the recent celebrations of completed lives of our colleagues from the order used less of the rituals and more of poetry. I myself do not go to Church and am suffocated by sermons etc. that are not authentic. Spirituality has become more alive. Am searching for a way to deepen this experience and to communicate to my children the depth and mystery that open up in life through practices such as through meditation and in being mindful. For Cyprian and myself RS1 was not as profound as the methods of participation etc. that were transmitted to us through the order/ICA With respect, Mary On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 11:17 PM, Rod Rippel via Dialogue < dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net> wrote: Almost to a person colleagues of the Spirit Movement and the Order never referred to God or used the word 'God' very much when talking about their lives or life decisions. Instead they simply said, "I had RS-1 in...." or they would ask, "When was your RS-1?" God-talk had already moved beyond theism to Event and poetry, and personal myth. What was your experience? Rod R _______________________________________________ Dialogue mailing list Dialogue(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/dialogue-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net -- Judi White <http://circlefireflydance.blogspot.com/> http://circlefireflydance.blogspot.com http://porchtimechats.blogspot.com <http://porchtimechats.blogspot.com/> _______________________________________________ OE mailing list <mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net> OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net <http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net> http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net _______________________________________________ OE mailing list OE(a)lists.wedgeblade.net http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net

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Celebrating our journeys with Bill and Marianna Bailey
by Lynda Cock via Dialogue 03 Jun '15

03 Jun '15

https://mountainx.com/blogwire/marianna-and-bill-bailey-charls-bolno-and-peg gy-kirkpatrick-named-asheville-living-treasures/ News article from Asheville, NC. We celebrate their family as mission from God to history. With care, Lynda and John Cock Tomorrow my grandparents Bill and Marianna Bailey will be honored as "Living Treasures" of Asheville.They have been married 66 years and have done a lot of good for this community. Proud and excited to be here with them. #thenandnow <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/thenandnow?source=feed_text&story_id=30813 05356023> #livingtreasures <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/livingtreasures?source=feed_text&story_id= 3081305356023> #asheville <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/asheville?source=feed_text&story_id=308130 5356023> #billandmarianna <https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/billandmarianna?source=feed_text&story_id= 3081305356023> from FB by grandson Billy Berger-Bailey) <https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3081305396024&set=p.3081305396024& type=1> Like <https://www.facebook.com/search/str/Bill%20and%20Marianna%20Bailey/keywords _top#> · Comment <https://www.facebook.com/search/str/Bill%20and%20Marianna%20Bailey/keywords _top#> · Share <https://www.facebook.com/search/str/Bill%20and%20Marianna%20Bailey/keywords _top#> · 6091 <https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3081305396024&set=p.3081305396024&t ype=1&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22O%22%7D>

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Fwd: Inside Passages—Conversations Around the Fire
by Nancy Lanphear via Dialogue 01 Jun '15

01 Jun '15

Dear Randy and Sherwood, I am sending this article/blog entry in response to you messages about ways of caring for the world and for ourselves. I found it helpful and provocative, thought it might bring some responses. Be well, Nancy ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Nancy Lanphear <nancy(a)songaia.com> Date: Mon, May 25, 2015 at 3:31 PM Subject: Fwd: Inside Passages—Conversations Around the Fire To: Jim Clarke <jimfortheearth(a)earthlink.net> ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Marilyn Hanna-Myrick <marilyn(a)songaia.com> Date: Wed, May 20, 2015 at 10:15 AM Subject: Fwd: Inside Passages—Conversations Around the Fire To: Nancy Cell <nancy(a)songaia.com>, Patricia Newkirk <patricia(a)songaia.com>, "jean(a)songaia.com" <jean(a)songaia.com>, Helen Gabel <helen(a)newearthsong.com>, Phil Notermann <phil.notermann(a)gmail.com> Once again Kurt Hoetling has wise words about a situation. Marilyn ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: <noreply+feedproxy(a)google.com> Date: Wed, May 20, 2015 at 9:12 AM Subject: Inside Passages—Conversations Around the Fire To: marilyn(a)songaia.com Inside Passages—Conversations Around the Fire <http://insidepassages.com> ------------------------------ Saying “S-Hell No!” as a Buddhist peacemaker <http://insidepassages.com/2015/05/19/saying-s-hell-no-as-a-buddhist-peacema…> Posted: 19 May 2015 12:53 PM PDT [image: IMG_2542] <http://insidepassages.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_2542.jpg> Puget Sound tribal canoes leading the way to the 307 foot high Shell oil rig in Seattle’s Duwamish waterway. Our flotilla of several hundred kayaks was appropriately led into the Duwamish River waterway – Chief Seattle’s home ground – by five native canoes representing Puget Sound First Nations people. On Saturday, May 16th, I joined a flotilla of several hundred “kayaktivists” to say “S-Hell No!” to Seattle’s back room decision to provide home port facilities to Shell Oil’s fleet of Arctic oil rigs. Shell’s first rig – the “Polar Pioneer” – arrived on Seattle waterfront on Thursday. It’s progress down Admiralty Inlet past my home on Whidbey Island, under tow of several large tugs, had the feel of Mordor itself arriving in our midst. [image: IMG_2529] <http://insidepassages.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_2529.jpg> A huge raft of kayaks hoisting the banner “Climate Justice Now” with Seattle’s skyline in the background It is difficult to describe the scale or the audacity of this venture by Shell to profit from the destruction of the Arctic ice cap – a catastrophe that is itself the direct result of our runaway addiction to fossil fuels. In his guest editorial in the Seattle Times last week, titled *Shell and high water: the climate battle of Seattle <http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/shell-and-high-water-the-climate-battle…>, *KC Golden <http://climatesolutions.org/staff/kc-golden> of Climate Solutions put it this way. “If you had to pick a logo for the campaign to wreak climate havoc, you could hardly do better than Shell’s Arctic drilling rig, the “Polar Pioneer.” Climate denial has reached its fullest expression when the melting of the Arctic ice cap is greeted as a signal to drill for more oil where the ice used to be.” [image: IMG_2523] <http://insidepassages.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_2523.jpg>As a city, Seattle has staked its identity on leading the nation in its quest toward carbon neutrality <http://www.seattle.gov/environment/climate-change/climate-action-plan>, and Shell’s deal with the Port of Seattle has generated a storm of moral outrage here. As Golden put it in his editorial, “Shell has stirred up a hornet’s nest. Their lease to establish a “home port” in Seattle was negotiated under a “verbal nondisclosure agreement,” which allowed Shell’s hired guns to campaign aggressively for approval, while opponents were kept in the dark. Citizens are incensed, and the mayor and City Council are trying to assert the overwhelming opposition of the community they represent. Even Port of Seattle commissioners who approved the lease profess to oppose Arctic drilling.” [image: IMG_2580] <http://insidepassages.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_2580.jpg> Kurt (on the left) at the base of Shell’s Polar Pioneer oil rig My experience on the water last Saturday brought home to me more viscerally the truth in these words. Gazing up at the towering monstrosity of the Polar Pioneer from my tiny perch on the water in a kayak, I was able to connect more directly to the towering hubris that is behind it. I felt much less alone in my sense of moral violation. I was both appalled by what I was seeing, and uplifted by being part of this spontaneous outpouring of resistance. Yet as a practicing Buddhist, my motivation for being there was more complex than simply outrage. I cannot know whether my presence there, or this creative expression of moral concern by so many, will actually make a difference. I cannot know whether Shell’s audacious plan to continue profiting from the climate chaos it has been instrumental in creating will pay off, even in Seattle. I don’t know if our technological hubris will once again win the day. Zen teacher Bernie Glassman has three tenets for his Order of Zen Peacemakers. They include, 1) Not knowing, 2) Bearing witness, and 3) Compassionate action. I was there primarily to bear witness. My Buddhist practice tells me that these are wise precepts, and I do my best to live in this spirit. I have a commitment to show up without attachment to outcome. I do my best to show up without fixed ideas about who is to “right” and who is to “blame”. My experience tells me that we are in this fix for reasons that are far more complex than anyone can fully understand, and that no one is exclusively to blame. It tells me that compassion is more powerful than anger and outrage as a motivation for action – and ultimately more effective. This is often hard to explain to other activists. [image: IMG_2581] <http://insidepassages.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_2581.jpg>I hope we win this historic battle with Shell and the Port of Seattle. I hope this marks an important moment of turning away from the economics of self-destruction that has us all in its grip. I am fully with KC Golden in his hope that Seattle chooses not to “service drilling operations that recklessly stoke the climate crisis and mock our community’s values.” I passionately agree with Seattle’s Mayor Ed Murray that, “It’s time to turn the page. Things like oil trains and coal trains and oil-drilling rigs are the past. It’s time to focus on the economy of the future.” In support of that vision, I will continue to show up. But I refuse to do so in a spirit that breeds animosity and discord in my own heart, and spreads that dischord to others. It’s not easy, in these times, to keep compassion at the center of our efforts to show up. The losses are so great. The heartbreak so palpable. The anger and outrage so alluring. The delusions of grandeur so infuriatingly dominant in our culture of endless growth and consumption. Holding to a compassionate center in relation to our climate debacle is one of the most challenging things I have ever tried to do. But bearing witness in a spirit of of compassionate action – actually keeping my heart open, when I am able to pull it off, has consistently left me feeling more powerful, rather than less so. It has shown itself to be the most effective strategy for opening new doors of possibility and of connection. And, frankly, it just feels better, and is more fun. <http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/insidepassages/iaVJ?a=9135jRrmQ_c:-uxiz2U3Z…> <http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/insidepassages/iaVJ?a=9135jRrmQ_c:-uxiz2U3Z…> You are subscribed to email updates from To stop receiving these emails, you may <http://insidepassages.com>unsubscribe now <https://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailunsubscribe?k=gdApr0sT22QNWFvXHKoQGk…> . Email delivery powered by Google Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States

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