C.W. Hopper said...
"So when we meet as strangers, even when friends look like strangers, it is good to remember that we need each other greatly you and I, more than much of the time we dare to imagine, more than most of the time we dare to admit." [Buechner]
The sad thing that happens when you feel you no longer need God is that you also begin to feel that you no longer need people, or worse, that people no longer need you. Like Tom Hanks’ character in the movie, Castaway, a life of survival - merely trying to stay alive - is not living at all. To be alone, dependant only upon yourself, relying only upon your thoughts, believing you have nothing to contribute, is a painful existence. It was only when Hanks’ character constructed a crude raft, and set sail on the high seas with little hope of success, that he began to live again. It was a huge risk, one that almost certainly would end in death, yet it was worth it for he longed for adventure, and more importantly, knew that adventure is so much sweeter when shared with others. Who is God? God is us … and we are God!
However heretical that may sound, I believe it. God created this world to experience all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that were within God. When we choose to reject God, we reject others. God is not some powerful, bearded figure on a throne that offers love and freedom, yet banishes those who reject his offer to a life of eternal torture. God is Talon and Lisa and Mike and Becky and … me. Even the Bible calls us the body of Christ. Yes, we do need each other you and I (Buechner’s words), but we don’t need the traditional institution of church. In most cases, church is not community, for real community is made of different kids of people, with different attitudes, understandings, and even beliefs. Real community includes tolerance, and there is very little of that found in church. As I look forward to 2009, I am still seeking god/spirituality, but not through some organized religion. I believe what I’m looking for is not that far away, and it’s not in some after-life, and it doesn’t include some spiritual “Door # 3” where you can lose the prize you just won and get an eternity in hell instead. God is in every person, in all of nature, in our conscience and sub-conscious mind – God is all around us – we just have to realize it.
"So when we meet as strangers, even when friends look like strangers, it is good to remember that we need each other greatly you and I, more than much of the time we dare to imagine, more than most of the time we dare to admit." [Buechner]
The sad thing that happens when you feel you no longer need God is that you also begin to feel that you no longer need people, or worse, that people no longer need you. Like Tom Hanks’ character in the movie, Castaway, a life of survival - merely trying to stay alive - is not living at all. To be alone, dependant only upon yourself, relying only upon your thoughts, believing you have nothing to contribute, is a painful existence. It was only when Hanks’ character constructed a crude raft, and set sail on the high seas with little hope of success, that he began to live again. It was a huge risk, one that almost certainly would end in death, yet it was worth it for he longed for adventure, and more importantly, knew that adventure is so much sweeter when shared with others. Who is God? God is us … and we are God!
However heretical that may sound, I believe it. God created this world to experience all the thoughts, feelings and emotions that were within God. When we choose to reject God, we reject others. God is not some powerful, bearded figure on a throne that offers love and freedom, yet banishes those who reject his offer to a life of eternal torture. God is Talon and Lisa and Mike and Becky and … me. Even the Bible calls us the body of Christ. Yes, we do need each other you and I (Buechner’s words), but we don’t need the traditional institution of church. In most cases, church is not community, for real community is made of different kids of people, with different attitudes, understandings, and even beliefs. Real community includes tolerance, and there is very little of that found in church. As I look forward to 2009, I am still seeking god/spirituality, but not through some organized religion. I believe what I’m looking for is not that far away, and it’s not in some after-life, and it doesn’t include some spiritual “Door # 3” where you can lose the prize you just won and get an eternity in hell instead. God is in every person, in all of nature, in our conscience and sub-conscious mind – God is all around us – we just have to realize it.
C.W. said, "God is in every person, in all of nature, in our conscience and sub-conscious mind – God is all around us – we just have to realize it."
ReplyDeleteHeretical or not, it rings true in my heart. "Our Journey", as I coined this blog, is an inward one. And like in Castaway, it involves risk- the risk of rejection, failure, misunderstandings, frustration, pain, and confusion. But one thing I have noticed- it may be a painful existence to just exist, but its easier than setting sail on the high seas. And unfortunately sometimes we prefer the comforts of the routine to the adventures at sea. I say we, because I look back and see myself having done both.
Hi, After reading Ashley's comments, I stand amazed at the truth and wisdom therein. All of our children are creative thinkers, not allowing themselves to stagnate, but instead they grow as they all think outside the box. This challenges me as well as motivates me to do the same. I so much appreciate what everyone has written and will continue to read and enjoy all the comments. I love this blog. And to our old pastor - I think we had the closest thing to authentic "church" that we've ever experienced. Our memories are fond and even though we have all gone our separate ways, I believe there is a reason for it. Mom
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