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And now a word from the Rabbi

July 6, 2006 / dougfloyd / 0 Comments

When our news is fixated on doom, death and misery, I thought I might include a few inspiring thoughts from one of the Rabbis that has touched my life, Abraham Joshua Heschel. I encourage you to read him, soak in him. Soon all the latest bits of news may fade as virtually insignificant compared to the deep well life flowing out from him.

In reference to my post on the Inconvenient Truth, I agree with Ryan’s comment that regardless of the accuracy of global warming reports shouldn’t we all take care of the environment. Amen to that. For me, when science is reduced to data, we are in danger of losing the wonder. And it is the wonder that inspires me to care for this stunning, glorious creation. And now a word from the Rabbi…

Awe is the intuition for the dignity of all things, a realization that things not only are what they are but also stand , however remotely, for something supreme.

Awe is the sense for the transcendence, for the reference everywhere to mystery beyond all things. It enables us to perceive in the world intimations of the divine…to sense the ultimate in the common and the simple; to feel in the rush of the passing the stillness of the eternal what we cannot comprehend by analysis, we become aware of in awe.

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In the confinement of our study rooms our knowledge seems to us a pillar of light. But when we stand at the door which opens out to the infinite, we realize that all concepts are but glittering motes that populate a sunbeam.

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We can never sneer at the stars, mock the dawn or scoff at the totality of being. Sublime granduer evokes unhesitating, unflinching awe. Away from the immense, cloistered in our own concepts, we may scorn and revile everything.

But standing between earth and sky, we are silenced by the sight…

…………..

To pray is to regain a sense of mystery that animates all beings, the divine margin in all attainments. Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living. It is all we can offer in return for the mystery by which we live. Who is worthy to be present at the constant unfolding of time? Amidst the meditation of mountains, the humility of flowers–wiser that all alphabets–clouds that die constantly for the sake of His glory, we are hating, hunting, hurting. Suddenly we feel ashamed of our clashes and complaints in the face of the tacit glory in nature. It so embarrassing to live! How strange we are in the world, and how presumptuous our doings! Only one response can maintain us: gratefulness for witnessing the wonder, for the gift of our unearned right to serve, to adore, and to fulfill. It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.

What's a common jo to think?

July 3, 2006 / dougfloyd / 4 Comments

So Al Gore tells me that the earth is in dire straits because of human interference causing the disasters of global warming. Then I keep running across articles like this from scientists who dispute any notion of consensus on the causes and/or reality of global warming. I recycle and try to live green, but I am not a scientist and rely on what the “experts” say. Unfortunately when I listen to the news or read articles everything seems so politicized, I’m not really sure who to believe.

Everyday I’m bombarded with issues from the Iraq war to civil unions to the environment. I read the various positions, but I don’t always know what to think.

George Stephanopoulos tells me that we’re a nation divided and increasing in polarization over these and other issues. But sometimes I wonder how folks are out there like me. We read the headlines, we try to be thoughtful, we wrestle with the issues, but we’re not really sure how to respond on some of these issues. Take the Iraq war for instance. I’ve actually talked to some national security advisers trying to understand, and I still could not say whether I am for or against the war.

One of my friends is writng a book on the problems with the war and our whole approach to the Middle East. He makes some good points. But I’m still unclear.

I usually steer clear of arguing some of these topics because I’m not a “true believer” for either side, and I feel pulled in both directions. I wonder if I’m simply crazy or if there are others who feel the same confusion.

A lonely boy in a lonely world

July 2, 2006 / dougfloyd / 1 Comment

Larry Norman once sang,

I’m a lonely boy in a lonely world
There’s no place left for me

Just as Paul Simon responded to Donne’s essay, For Whom the Bell Tolls by singing,

I am a rock,
I am an island

And of course, Bob Dylan expressed the sense of communal loss by singing,

How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolliing stone?

Well, the press continues to talk about the increasing sense of loneliness in our world. New York Times today returns to the recent study on the growing loneliness in our culture. The Western World and America is continuing along a path of loneliness, isolation, and unrestrained individualism.

I’m not sure articles are enough to respond to the increasing trend. And in a world that loves techniques and methods, I don’t think there is a technique to address this. Although I’m sure publishers are already excited about the possibility of publishing a new slate of books on how to combat loneliness.

The reality is unrestrained individualism cannot help but lead to loneliness and isolation. Short term, self focused relationships cannot stem a growing sense of personal loss. The Internet may open channels for sustaining long term relationships but by and large most of them are short. Most online communities do not have long life spans.

It take time, a long time, to build deep trust. And we live in a world that knows the latest technology, can argue and polarize over politics, but fails to build enduring. Deep trust gives the soul room to risk and love and even sacrifice. But it will cost more than the latest iPod. It will cost time, and ultimately it will cost our lives.

Most people may still fear investing what a deep trusting relationship requires and would prefer some technique that can start working tomorrow. But those who chose to risk it all and let go of today for tomorrow, may discover an intimacy most never even realized was possible.

Thank You!

July 1, 2006 / dougfloyd / 1 Comment

Jeremy’s wondering the appropriate way to respond to a thank you. Thanks for the blog Jer.

Superman: Christ or Anti-Christ?

June 29, 2006 / dougfloyd / 12 Comments

I’ve been looking forward to the new Superman movie because I love the mythic power of comic book movies. As I’ve scanned the various reviews, I’ve noted multiple writers suggesting a link between this new Superman and Jesus Christ. MSNBC calls Superman the “inspiring story of a savior.” NY Times suggests that Superman has come to save mankind from its sins. And in one sense, superheros do reveal some savior characteristics.

But as much as I want to see the film, it is hard for me to see Superman as Christ. I was actually joking to someone yesterday that Superman is just like Jesus except that Superman is strong and Jesus is weak. The mystery and offense of Jesus is the cross. He comes in weakness. He is mocked, rejected and eventually killed. Yes he does demonstrate feats of strength through miracles but his miracles are clearly not the focus of his ministry. The cross is the defining event of his life. Von Balthasar says that Jesus falls so low that all future human falling and failing is falling into him.

In his weakness, we find one who can cover our weakness and failures. And despite our bravado, most realize our frailty and falleness. I hope.

As I was thinking about this, I found an interesting perspective from Acton Institute. Jordan Bailor writes:

Superman, the secular savior-figure, manifests the superlative qualities that the world worships: power, strength, immortality. Jesus Christ embodies mercy, weakness, and suffering. But as Paul also writes, “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”

I think is interesting that the film is titled “Superman Returns.” Sort of like the return of Christ. And this makes me think of how someitimes Christians like to emphasize Jesus Christ returning in POWER. Sometimes I wonder if we are embarassed of the weakly Jesus and can’t wait to serve a Jesus that busts a few heads.

I guess the message of the cross offends just about everyone.

The darkness within

June 28, 2006 / dougfloyd / 0 Comments

Looks like the next Spiderman wrestles with the darkness within his own soul. This could be interesting. I sure wish those engaged in political dialogue in this country would have more awareness of their own personal weakness. Maybe the self-righteuos finger-point from left to right and from right to left would slow down. Maybe not.

Would that we all might learn the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian:

Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see mine own failings and not to condemn my brother. For Thou are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen

More Customer made Stuff

June 27, 2006 / dougfloyd / 0 Comments

Springwise highlights a co-creative venture between customers and Vodafone Netherlends. Customers create content in the form of videos via their cameraphone and then submit. If their videos are downloaded off the website, they get 10% of the revenue. Now that’s real co-creation and I salute!

Personal Space Being Invaded?

June 27, 2006 / dougfloyd / 0 Comments

If you have a big body bubble, why not make it tangible? Iconoculture reports on a new life dress for women by Anna Maria Cornelia. I guess you could sit in there and IM all your close friends.

And while I’m noting anti-relational trends, Iconoculture offers a succinct quote from a recent CNET article.

For many reasons, people bond with robots in a way they don’t bond with their lawn mowers, televisions or regular vacuum cleaners. At some point, this could help solve the looming health care problem caused by an enormous generation of aging people. Not only could robots make sure they take their medicine and watch for early warning signs of distress, but they could also provide a companion for lonely people and extend their independence.

While that certainly sounds convenient, I don’t think it sounds personal. The origins of the word “person” are fuzzy and may have several strands, but it was once a legal term for property owners (men) in the Roman empire.

When trying to articulate the doctrine of the Trinity, the Greek Church Fathers gradually came to link person with being to suggest that “God was being in communion.” In other words, the doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) suggests being cannot being reduced to a substance or essence that precedes relationship.

Humans, as images of God, are persons in the sense that we are fundamentally relational with other humans. While dogs, cats and even robots may give us warm fuzzies they cannot enter into the messiness of a fully reciprocal relationship.

And in one sense that is what relationship is about: messiness, conflict, forgiveness, betrayal, redemption, and sometimes separation. Our capacity to wound one another corresponds with our capacity to enter into genuine loving relationships that cannot be duplicated with any other force, object or creature.

Sure caring for elderly can be difficult and messy and overwhelming. That’s part of what human life is all about. I guarantee it is not about sitting on the couch watching American Idol every night.

Friendships

June 25, 2006 / dougfloyd / 0 Comments

The story I cited yesterday seems to be taking legs. I’ve noticed several others folks writing and talking about social isolation and absence of friendships. Dr. Helen offers some interesting thoughts and questions what “friendless” means in terms of our behavior.

This is and has been a passion of mine for the last fifteen years. It part of why I’ve chosen to function bi-vocationally. Trying to learn how to pattern and live in a way that encourages the possiblity of lifelong intimate friendships drives much of what of I do.

I hope more will come of this article and more people will think deeply of their own friendships or lack thereof. Maybe some will rediscover ancient writings on friendships by folks like Cicero, Augustine and Aelred of Rievaulx. And maybe some will actually devote themselves to building lifelong loving relationships.

Pilgrim Notes