A spectacular sunset

Herons

Friday shuffle

1. Windy - The Association
2. Walton: Set Me as a Seal - Trinity Choir
3. Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group
4. Black Sheep - Concordia Choir
5. Strauss: Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche - Berlin Phil
6. Power of Love - Joe Simon
7. Poetry in Motion - Johnny Tillotson
8. Brahms: Gesand der Parzen - Shaw, Atlanta
9. Dobbin's Flowery Veil - Rajaton
10. Magic Moments - Perry Como

The plain meaning of scripture

Some people who use the Bible to judge, criticize, exclude or punish others often appeal to the "plain meaning of scripture". That certainly makes life easier. Nothing like the security of knowing the truth of God to eliminate the need for pesky questions, undeserved compassion or civil justice.

What I don't understand is how anyone can discern the "plain meaning of scripture". All too often they mean what they see in their favorite version of the Bible, usually the KJV. I have great difficulty with the concept of the Bible being the actual literal "Word of God". Which version? Which translation?

Islam demands that the Quran be read in the original language in order to really understand what is being taught. That makes sense to me even if the religion itself doesn't sit comfortably at all.

Where are the Bible's source documents? Has every person who is said to have written, translated, edited, copied, financed or made decisions about what is included in the Bible been directly inspired by God? Without this knowledge, how can anyone say what the "plain meaning of scripture" is?

People who demand adherence to their prejudices as supported by their preferred version of the Bible don't get much respect from me. Their ignorance may make their lives easier but it often hurts others. The Bible didn't exist when Jesus taught. Would Jesus approve of all that book has been used for?

Friday cat blogging

Poor Tim has had no peace for months. Jellico follows her everywhere. Here she sits while he waits in the driveway and Dudie watches the drama.

I snapped this out the kitchen window which is above the sink. PuddyTat is usually waiting for me in the annex or below on a large pillow. Dude stood up when I opened the window.

Tommie.

Politics

The Democrats' Convention is always entertaining, much more so than the Republicans' gathering. Of course Obama can't possibly deliver even a small percentage of what he promises. Anyone who thinks he can is living in lala land. Nevertheless it is fun to listen to the hopefulness that has been lacking in the US for the last 8 years.

I'm sick of the nastiness of politics. I've been turning off the sound and sometimes the TV when political ads and news are on. I've saved quite a bit of electricity lately.

Assistance needed!

Anybody know where I can get one of these? It is a little wallet with a separate pocket for each denomination of euro. Thanks.

A nugget from our favorite GAFCON

"Real family members don’t boast about how they’ll be walking out any day now. Especially not ones who’ve been called into the family by God.

I’m Father Christian and I teach the Bible."

Our favorite Troll tells it like it is. Well, at least at Stop it. Now. Good on him to remind some that we can't choose our relatives (tho Sylvia may disagree) and we need to choose to remain family despite our differences.

Guess what I feed the birds

St Agnes in St Mary's

On the road at sunrise to attend St Agnes Episcopal Church in St Mary's, PA. Only 2 hours and 30 minutes away. Plus almost 45 minutes getting lost in the town.

After directions from several people which I wasn't able to follow for some reason, a nice walker offered to lead me there with her car. I was a little late but I got there.

The priest is a friend who used to sing in our choir. It was nice to see her, hear her preach (she's good), receive the eucharist and chat with her.

Of course I would recommend the parish to anyone in the (somewhat remote) area who is looking for a friendly church family.

Bobby and Cammy at 5 weeks

Wasn't home yesterday and haven't seen the cats today so here are my favorite pups.

Friday shuffle

1. On the street Where You Live - Vic Damone
2. Mozart: Requiem, Hostias - Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
3. Sooner or Later - The Grass Roots
4. Foggy Mountain Chimes - Here Today
5. Tic-Tac Polka
6. Walton: Missa Brevis, I. Kyrie - Trinity Choir
7. Britten: A Boy Was Born: Theme - The Sixteen
8. Holiday in Poland Polka
9. Windy - The Association
10. Come Softly to Me - Fleetwoods

Five questions from Fr T

On his blog Father T. listens to the world, Terry Martin invites answers to 5 questions. Go read the post and especially the comments. They are very interesting.

Here are mine.

1. How do you feel about the term "born again"?
Negative. IMNSHO the Bible isn't about saving me. It is about living together successfully in community. If we loved each other, there would be no judgment or hell to worry about or be saved from. But there would be no need for church either. hmmmm. So far the religions in the tradition of Abraham have been remarkably unsuccessful.

2. Has anyone ever tried to save you?
Probably but I turn them off by asking what I'm being saved from, for, to, etc. The conversation always deteriorates after that. I don't believe in a man-created God with human prejudices and desires. Many can't deal with that.

By the way, I had a dozen wonderful conversations with two young Mormon missionaries awhile back. I don't exactly put that in the context of "save" but I guess it was in their sense.

3. Is there a difference between spirituality and religion?
Religion was created by men trying to explain the world around them. In that pursuit it certainly has spent a lot of money and killed lots of people over the centuries. It seems to have deteriorated to a mechanism for control and fundraising in many circles.
I dislike the term spirituality because it is often used in a derogatory sense. My rural neighbors would think lala stuff like crystals or nastiness like cults. I have no suitable replacement.
How a person thinks about their relationship to others, the earth and the afterlife can be radically different from what they consider their religion. I don't find many people "spiritual" regarding their religion or lack of it. I suspect many accept what their church tells them or reject what churches try to tell them without giving the matter much thought beyond the basics. It is too unsettling, even threatening and it takes a lot of work to find one's own way. What some religions try to impose is even scarier to me.

4. Which spiritual person do you most admire?
Desmond Tutu, Jimmie Carter, Dalai Lama, Gene Robinson, Carol Gallagher, Louie Crew, Susan Russell, Elizabeth Kaeton, Lee Allison Crawford, Terry Martin, Mark Harris, MadPriest and many other bloggers plus some folks I actually see fairly regularly. I'm a bit too into present reality to think much about the past. And I tend to not single people out as being "better" or "most". I admired Dad too but he's gone to the other side and has to witness some of the fun parts of my life invisible but present.

5. What would you say to Christians if they would listen?
What part of love God, love your neighbor as yourself, leave judgment to God, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, etc. don't you understand?

Contemplating changes

If I were to transfer my church membership from my home Lutheran church to an Episcopal parish, I'd have to change my blog author name from PseudoPiskie to something else. I'd no longer be a pseudo Episcopalian. I'd be a real one.
Suggestions?

Notice to the Episcopal dioceses of NWPA and WV

Pittsburgh Bishop Bob Duncan has issued a letter regarding the requested moratorium on border crossings in the Anglican Communion. He believes that TEC's support of the equality of all people in God's church forces those who judge some unacceptable to separate themselves from the parent church. You can read the letter at The Lead or Telling Secrets.

Perhaps it is time to do some border crossing and support Pittsburgh parishes who do not wish to follow Duncan into oblivion? I seem to remember PB Katharine suggesting something like linking with parishes in Pittsburgh. When do we start?

Hope it is contagious like some consider LGBT cooties

Today the following from ABC News:
"The California Supreme Court today ruled unanimously that doctors cannot cite their religious beliefs as grounds to deny gay and lesbian patients medical care."

Christianity that promotes exclusion of anyone inspires unhelpful behavior from people who have no sense of responsibility. Christians need to read the Gospels for themselves, not rely on a preacher to interpret for them. What part of love God, love your neighbor as yourself, leave judgment to God, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc. do the exclusionists not understand? Where did Jesus mention the sin of two people loving each other and pledging life long loyalty?

The California Supreme Court is defying the prejudice and money of the religious anti-LGBTs and upholding constitutional law. If only Pennsylvania and the Feds would do likewise!

A friendly parish

The Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross seems to be a compatible parish that I would enjoy being part of on a regular basis. The real disadvantage is distance. An hour and twenty minutes - 70 miles - each way and the gas required to drive it make it a bit expensive. sigh.

Friendly people. Good preaching. I've never seen evidence of anyone in the North East, PA (and yes, that is the name of the town) area reading my blog but I recommend the parish to anyone seeking a church home.

Three weeks

Another gathering of the OCICBW clan?

Check out Allie's photo page and, hopefully eventually, OCICBINY. It is pretty short notice but why not? I'll be flying out of Newark the afternoon of Saturday, September 13. Perhaps we can just gather somewhere in the neighborhood for supper or lunch? I can get to NJ any time after 3 or so on Friday - it's a 7 1/2 hour drive if all goes well and Fridays are a bit iffy.

Four weeks and strolling

Looks to me like their little topknots are developing.