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.