YouTube
the Jesus - "13" - song I heard connection...click "gets me thinking" then go to the video titled "Jesus Is Savior"
Monday, February 26, 2007
"the children are our future" - at times... a SCARY thought
A while back I had the great misfortune of stumbling upon the movie "13" while flipping through the channels. I caught it from the beginning and could honestly only stand to watch the first 35 minutes or so of it. I was horrified! I had vaguely remembered an Oprah episode commenting on this movie a while back and that's what got me to stop and take note of this movie in the first place.
This story is the classic train wreck that you just can't take your eyes off of. I sat and watched and prayed - actually called out to Jesus to help young girls like this. I was so saddened by the story which seemed to ring very true to me. Having worked in the social services field (prior to motherhood) specifically with troubled teenage girls I saw a lot of behaviors that were depicted in the movie. What really scared me though was how loving yet helpless and inadequate the mother was...she wasn't "an abuser" but she was damaging her daughter so profoundly by her BLINDNESS.
I feel this is at the core of many of the troubles our young people are having today. Parents just don't know HOW to love their kids rightly or in other cases they are just too damn selfish and self-absorbed to make the sacrifices necessary to love their kids rightly. This leaves kids to raise themselves and they're likely gonna do a horrible job of it! Politicians love to say "the children are our future". In fact that's one of those political catch phrases that's been known to make me GAG! But, they never seem to take note of how poorly our children are prepared for their futures. Another college grant or more health care coverage isn't gonna do much for the empty holes left in these young people's hearts and souls!
So, I have been reflecting on this movie - "13" - and praying about it...There's a song I've heard on the radio while driving a number of times...I've always said "hey that song is perfect to explain how Jesus can CHANGE lives!" I'd drive along and sing the words and think about how perfectly this song can illustrate the radical power of Jesus' love for us and how immediately transforming that love is once you TRULY accept it...
OK, what does THAT have to do with the rest of this post? - I stumbled upon another video at YouTube that uses images of Jesus and scenes from the movie "13" all set to that song I just mentioned!!!!! I was floored! Somebody else out there made all the same connections I did and instead of just letting them float around their head they actually put it all together in a video! Perfect! Please watch by clicking on the You Tube post title above... one of these days I'm gonna figure out how to link these kinds of things properly...until then please excuse all my technological inadequacies.
This story is the classic train wreck that you just can't take your eyes off of. I sat and watched and prayed - actually called out to Jesus to help young girls like this. I was so saddened by the story which seemed to ring very true to me. Having worked in the social services field (prior to motherhood) specifically with troubled teenage girls I saw a lot of behaviors that were depicted in the movie. What really scared me though was how loving yet helpless and inadequate the mother was...she wasn't "an abuser" but she was damaging her daughter so profoundly by her BLINDNESS.
I feel this is at the core of many of the troubles our young people are having today. Parents just don't know HOW to love their kids rightly or in other cases they are just too damn selfish and self-absorbed to make the sacrifices necessary to love their kids rightly. This leaves kids to raise themselves and they're likely gonna do a horrible job of it! Politicians love to say "the children are our future". In fact that's one of those political catch phrases that's been known to make me GAG! But, they never seem to take note of how poorly our children are prepared for their futures. Another college grant or more health care coverage isn't gonna do much for the empty holes left in these young people's hearts and souls!
So, I have been reflecting on this movie - "13" - and praying about it...There's a song I've heard on the radio while driving a number of times...I've always said "hey that song is perfect to explain how Jesus can CHANGE lives!" I'd drive along and sing the words and think about how perfectly this song can illustrate the radical power of Jesus' love for us and how immediately transforming that love is once you TRULY accept it...
OK, what does THAT have to do with the rest of this post? - I stumbled upon another video at YouTube that uses images of Jesus and scenes from the movie "13" all set to that song I just mentioned!!!!! I was floored! Somebody else out there made all the same connections I did and instead of just letting them float around their head they actually put it all together in a video! Perfect! Please watch by clicking on the You Tube post title above... one of these days I'm gonna figure out how to link these kinds of things properly...until then please excuse all my technological inadequacies.
No More "Brace-Face" !!!!!!
Today, Morgan got her braces off! She came out with the Doctor and practically ran into the waiting room grinning ear to ear. I couldn't take my eyes off of her or her beautiful smile! WOW! As we walked out to the suburban I kept saying "Morgan look at me - smile" Then I'd shake by head in disbelief and walk another 5 feet and say "Morgan look at me - smile" We celebrated all the way home and all the kids took turns saying "Hey Morgan - smile" What a great day! How blessed I am to have happy healthy children. Thank You God! And another thank you MUST go to her orthodontist as well, of course!
YouTube
I found this beautiful video of scenes from The Passion of The Christ set to Third Day's "Love Song". I found it to be a great way to reflect on the sacrifice made by my God for me during this Lenten season. I always find it difficult to stick to my sacrifices during Lent. I am very weak in this regard I suppose. I often find myself apologizing to my Jesus for failing Him so often...seeing this video has helped me renew my committment to Him. I want to serve you my dearest Jesus, help me to sacrifice with Love as you did. Please watch - YouTube
Saturday, February 24, 2007
True Friendship
True friendship is rare and is most definitely a gift from God!
Amy and I have been friends since we were toddlers. Her auntie Glor (by blood) is my auntie Glor (by love). (Glor and mom went to h.s. together and are still friends today)
We've had lots of laughs together and quite a few fights too! We've changed radically over the years...our lives have changed radically is maybe better put! There have been the best moments of our lives shared (like our weddings and the births of our children - well mostly my children - my four to her one). There have also been some very dark and sad times too.
We may not talk for a month or see each other in a couple of months, and yet when we finally do talk you just can't shut us up!
My friendship with Amy has all the hallmarks of true friendship. We are totally comfortable with one another without makeup, hair a mess, and pimples a plenty. We can have very important conversations which we do not interrupt by bathroom breaks but instead just continue the conversation in the bathroom without missing a beat! We can have moments of laughter where your face hurts and you can't catch your breath. We tell one another about those ugly truths - the weaknesses in our characters - and don't fear rejection or judgement, just some good advice. We live our lives and aren't "up each other's butts" every moment, and yet this never hurts our relationship or makes us insecure about it. We can complain about our husbands without it turning into a "bash the boys" session, knowing that the listening party always can keep these complaints in perspective and knows that our men are good men to the last. We can argue, disagree, fight tooth and nail over something and when it's over it's OVER! No grudges or hard feelings. We respect each other's differences - and there are many! We have conversations that really matter - "fluff " is discussed, but it's kept to a minimum. I ALWAYS feel BETTER after having spent time with, or having spoken with Amy. This is true friendship. Thank you God for my friend - Amy. Thank you Amy, for being my friend.
**** Note - these pictures are (all except the ones of Amy holdin' Monica and Amy posed with Morgan) from junior high and high school so please don't laugh at us too much!
**** Note - these pictures are (all except the ones of Amy holdin' Monica and Amy posed with Morgan) from junior high and high school so please don't laugh at us too much!
A Day Spent Crying
Today was a day spent crying. No, I'm NOT depressed! But, I did have an opportunity for some quiet alone time. Being a homeschooling mom of 4 there's not much time for quiet reflection to take place. I rarely am without my kids...rarer still am I given over an hour of quiet to do nothing else but reflect on life and love. The best place for me to do this is in the car. Today I had to drive to m&d's to get the kids and that's a little over an hour each way. The kids fall asleep or are otherwise tranquilized by the heater (I sometimes crank it up intentionally to encourage sleepiness) and the vibration of the ride itself.
So, I tuned the radio to the Christian station and started thinking...I thought about Fr. Burns, aunt Bonnie, uncle Mike, uncle Pat, Grandma Maxwell, ........
I thought about all those people who are gone now who I have loved and continue to love even in death. Bishop Sheen said in one of his essays that to love rightly is to love the living like we love the dead. Meaning that how we love the dead gives us a good example of what is required to truly love - love simply for the sake of the beloved. They cannot love us in return or speak to us or give us any satisfaction or comfort at all. But we love them. We do not love their bodies. We do not love their presence. We love their spirits - their essence - their souls! We love them as the person God made them and that is how we should love the living!
So, these people filled my heart. I started to think about all I've gained by knowing them. I spoke to them. I asked them to help me, to pray for me. I thought of aunt Bonnie and the last time I spoke with her. I needed her advice and so I just called her...we talked about life and trying to serve Jesus...how hard it can be at times. She said something I won't share here but I'll say it sure did make me laugh! I felt close to aunt Bonnie for two specific reasons. This was despite the fact that we lived far away from one another and didn't see each other as often as I would have liked. The first is because she seemed very real to me. Aunt Bonnie didn't put on a different mask to suit the occasion. Bonnie was Bonnie was Bonnie - period. I loved that! I respected that and this genuineness made me want to know her and be close to her. The second reason was actually the inverse of the first. I felt she loved me for me. I could be real with her. She seemed to "get" me, where as most people do not. That is so rare in life - another person being genuine with you and also allowing you to be genuine with them. Only in marriage and a handful of other family/friend relationships have i found this kind of unique and completely Christian love. (A scary thought for me is that out of these handful only 2 are under the age of 50)
Grandma Pray for me!
Fr. Burns Pray for me!
So, I tuned the radio to the Christian station and started thinking...I thought about Fr. Burns, aunt Bonnie, uncle Mike, uncle Pat, Grandma Maxwell, ........
I thought about all those people who are gone now who I have loved and continue to love even in death. Bishop Sheen said in one of his essays that to love rightly is to love the living like we love the dead. Meaning that how we love the dead gives us a good example of what is required to truly love - love simply for the sake of the beloved. They cannot love us in return or speak to us or give us any satisfaction or comfort at all. But we love them. We do not love their bodies. We do not love their presence. We love their spirits - their essence - their souls! We love them as the person God made them and that is how we should love the living!
So, these people filled my heart. I started to think about all I've gained by knowing them. I spoke to them. I asked them to help me, to pray for me. I thought of aunt Bonnie and the last time I spoke with her. I needed her advice and so I just called her...we talked about life and trying to serve Jesus...how hard it can be at times. She said something I won't share here but I'll say it sure did make me laugh! I felt close to aunt Bonnie for two specific reasons. This was despite the fact that we lived far away from one another and didn't see each other as often as I would have liked. The first is because she seemed very real to me. Aunt Bonnie didn't put on a different mask to suit the occasion. Bonnie was Bonnie was Bonnie - period. I loved that! I respected that and this genuineness made me want to know her and be close to her. The second reason was actually the inverse of the first. I felt she loved me for me. I could be real with her. She seemed to "get" me, where as most people do not. That is so rare in life - another person being genuine with you and also allowing you to be genuine with them. Only in marriage and a handful of other family/friend relationships have i found this kind of unique and completely Christian love. (A scary thought for me is that out of these handful only 2 are under the age of 50)
The same holds true for Fr. Burns and grandma Maxwell. They saw me for me. They "got" me. Many of today's tears were shed over the loss of affirmation I found in these people. They seemed to say to me without using words - "I know who you are Kris, and I love you". Sadly, the number of people who "get" me is dwindling. This leaves me feeling lonely and kind of abandoned really. So, today was a day spent crying. The faces and voices of those people whom I love filled my mind as I drove in peace for an hour. I prayed to them. I praised Jesus for them. How much better my life is, I am, for having known them. Through people Jesus has been able to speak to my heart what finally occured to my mind today. HE will always be the one who "gets" me completely. The more I embrace Him, the less I will feel like a sheep without a shepherd.
Aunt Bonnie Pray for me!Grandma Pray for me!
Fr. Burns Pray for me!
He Knows Me
He knows the poetry of my heart
He hears the words I never speak
Thoughts fill my mind that never find pen and paper
He knows the why's that make others wonder
He sees the tears that are hidden, the softness of my heart
He sits beside me and listens to every silent question
When I feel alone and without a companion
Like a sheep without a shepherd
He is there to say I love you - I know who you are.
Thank you Jesus for knowing me and loving me - I am nothing without You!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Re-Thinking Islam again...
Found a great post on the things Islam and Catholicism have in common. I'm trying to be more charitable and open to the goodness that exists within this religion - Islam. I know that there are definite problems within it - the brutality and violence I see done in the name of their God....but I just have to believe that there's another solution to this clash of cultures we are facing today.Boinkie's Blog: The real culture war
Holiness in Homemaking?
Found a great little post on how important it is to recognize the holiness of the simple little things we do every day. I often feel like I'm not doing enough for God. He is so GREAT and I'm so very small. How can doing laundry and cleaning up after the kids possibly be pleasing to Him? It is though....this post helped me to remember that.Boinkie's Blog: The sanctity of the ordinary
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Tell My Abortion Story .Com
If you want some GREAT insight into the destructive nature of abortion on WOMEN go to www.tellmyabortionstory.com right now. These are the stories of young women (one as young as 14), who have experienced abortion first hand. I cried as I read their stories.
We all need to WAKE UP and realize that ABORTION HURTS WOMEN!!!!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Early Morning Smile
I'm a compulsive "throw-er outer".
If there's stuff on the counter or anywhere for that matter that doesn't have a "place to be". Then it's new home becomes the trash. Often this includes the kids artwork and/or letters cards sent to us from friends and family. I even throw out pictures! (Gasp) But I'm not really heartless. Really.
Upon waking this morning I went into the kitchen and got Morgan and Monica some cereal. I started to clear off the counter. There was a bunch of old mail and some cards sent from friends and family...I asked "Hey Morgan do want your Valentines?" she answered "Yes, of course" I pressed "C'mon Morgan you don't need this stuff hangin' around do you? Let's just throw it out" "But Mom, you keep cards from dad. I saw them in your drawer." "Ya, but those are just really special cards. I throw out the rest" "But mom, these are special cards for me." I ask "Why is that?" Here's where I get a BIG morning grin on my face... "These Valentines are the last ones I'm getting while I'm a single number - you know Mom, I'm nine this year, but next Valentine's Day I'll be ten and ten is a double number and nine is only a single number and so I can't throw away my cards from this Valentine's." "OK Morgan, you can keep them"
Friday, February 9, 2007
Sex In God's Plan
This is a post I feel compelled to write. While searching for other Catholic blogs I stumbled upon a fellow Catholic who is also a homosexual. Yet, looking at his blog it seems it's better to describe him as a homosexual who also happens to be Catholic. That being said, Mr. Bayly is a good writer and it is obvious that the Church's position on this matter bothers him a great deal. He feels passionately that things must change and that the Church must see this matter in a different light.
I chose to read part III of his essay titled The Many Forms of Courage. I found myself speaking out loud to the computer screen, and so, that lead me to write down a few thoughts of my own. I'd rather not have to address this issue, but it seems that it truly has become a tough one in today's world and in today's Church. I am no authority that's for sure. But, I do have a great love for JP II's Theology of the Body and for human life as God made it, male and female, and the great revelations that can be discovered in that plan. These are my thoughts in response to his.
He begins: "So what about the Book of Genesis and the 'design' supposedly laid out by God through its story of Adam and Eve - a 'design' vigorously defended and promulgated by movements such as Courage and by theological undertakings such as Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body? All such leave me to wonder: are we to subscribe to...the Genesis account of human creation as being literally and historically true?"
We are not required to believe they are literally true but must acknowledge that they point to a larger and far more significant spiritual meaning assigned to our human sexuality and our natures as male and female. Because the Genesis account is the inspired Word of God we must believe that there is a deeper spiritual meaning behind our biology. God could have chosen any path for us, any means for procreation, any behavior to bring forth love and communion between people. But, He chose this way. This is made clear from the Genesis account. If He created other purposes and ways of loving and communion and life-giving between human beings other than male /female, why are they so obviously absent from this powerful Original account of Creation? Why is there not any mention of another way?
He continues...'Based on science's current understanding of the origins and stability of sexual orientation, God made Adam, Eve, and Steve; and until we have a theology that can deal with that complexity the Church is neither healthy nor living in reality."
Of course there were other men on earth. There were other women as well. I do not reject science and its findings about the biological origins of mankind. But I do reject the notion that simply because there could be other males along with God's beloved first-man, Adam, that this means that Adam was free to embrace "Steve" as his God-made partner.
Mr. Bayly states "In light of such an insight, I'm intrigued when people like Alice Von Hildebrand declare that 'God did intend to create human beings of two different sexes. He clearly had His own divine plan in mind, and we ought to discover reverently what this plan is'...I'm intrigued because I'm left wondering: what are the sources being used to support such a theological claim and such an assumption about 'the Creator's Design'?...And what of those who don't fit this 'design'?"
The sources for "such a claim" are our very bodies themselves. They speak to us. If we would look upon our bodies and read them, listen to what their shape and size and parts are telling us about their purpose and meaning, it would be clear that these claims are supported and reinforced by our God-given flesh and bones themselves! As for those who feel they "don't fit" this Design, they do! You are made a man or a woman because of how God chose to design our bodies, not by how we choose to use them. If a man acts like a dog is he no longer a man? Our sexual behavior is an extension of our masculine or feminine identities, not the foundation of our identities.
"...Pope John Paul II's interpretation of Genesis in his Theology of the Body is just that, an interpretation...it needs to be measured against a number of things - scripture and tradition, of course, but also reason and human experience...Yet in the case of the latter, the pope's interpretation (obviously shared by Von Hildebrand and others) fails to acknowledge or reflect the fullness of human sexual experience."
The failings of JP II to address "the fullness of human sexual experience" depends upon your definition of that. More variety (for lack of a better word) within human sexual experience does not equal a more "full" experience. Human sexual experience has many variations that people universally find deplorable. I'll refrain from mentioning them here as not to offend. But we all know of some deviants' thirst for hurtful and damaging sexual experiences that any decent person would rightly reject as not part of a "fullness of human sexual experience".
I agree and do not doubt that as Mr. Bayly says "...GLBT people...can and do experience sexual relationships marked by...love." But he goes on to ask "Shouldn't such experiences be considered as sources in any theological discussion on human sexuality? And if not, why not?"
My response to those questions is that they should be considered as sources in any theological discussion of suffering and sacrifice but not on human sexuality. Why not? Because these relationships/experiences are lacking two essential components which go to the very heart of the mystery that God poured into human sexuality. One, they lack complementarity, and two, they lack the potential for fruitfulness. Complementarity and fruitfulness go hand in hand. Our bodies have been so lovingly designed as to not only fit together perfectly in a physical way but that our feminine and masculine natures fit together on a psychic and spiritual level as well. This is at the same time reinforced by the awesome power of the creation of new life. What greater testament could God give to man and woman that they have been destined since Creation to be for one another, two halves of a whole, than to give them a part, a role in creation themselves?!
We must be very careful not to mistake emotions which rise up in us, due to a sexual experience, as evidence of the authenticity of the relationship. They fool the mind by way of the heart which in turn darkens the soul and disables its ability to discern truth any longer. A good example of a sexual experience "marked by love" is one that is quite common today. Many people share in the "human sexual experience" of serial monogamy. They "love" each person. They are not intentionally trying to hurt the other or to hurt themselves. But hurt always happens. I think Mr. Bayly would agree with that. Should this be the kind of "reality of human experience" we use as a guiding principle when trying to discern God's plan for us, our sexuality, and our most important human relationships?
He continues later saying "...Now, theologians are assuming that the other direction of inquiry is important as well: What does our sexual experience reveal about God?..." this is after he notes that historically theologians have approached matters pertaining to human sexuality from a God, Scripture, Church down direction verses a human experience pointing up type approach. Mr. Bayly sees much more possibility for progress, in the area of the Church's positions on human sexuality, using this newer, more bottom-up type theology.
Like any other human experience, the Mystery of God can only be glimpsed proportionally to how much that human experience honors His Divine Plan. Example: A classic human experience is that of suffering. There is much that suffering can reveal to us about God. But this is only possible in as much as the sufferer - suffers well. One's human experience of suffering can be an ugly, self-absorbed, state leading one to reject others and hurt those around him. Does this human experience lead him to a greater understanding of God? No. But, if he suffers like Christ, like the Church defines good, redemptive suffering, then he gains, through this human experience, a glimpse into the Mystery of God. Likewise, human sexual experience cannot generally be considered a viable path from which we enter into a greater knowledge of God, unless that experience is one which is true to the Divine Plan.
His essay continues and then he makes this point. "When we acknowledge the significance of human experience in discerning foundational truths about human life and relationships, the role of the laity comes into much clearer focus." He goes on to argue that the opinions of the laity are a valid argument for a greater willingness on the part of the Church to accept homosexuality as an acceptable form of love/sexual relationship. A common theme of his argument is of personal experience shaping theological thought. The phrase "personal experience" is used often and I feel he leans on it heavily.
But, how can human experience shape "foundational truths"? The very words "foundational" and "truths" connotes "from the beginning" and "The Truth" - which is Jesus Himself! How can we attempt as creatures of the Creator to give such power and authority to our own human experiences? Is that not bold and very pride-filled on our part? This is especially true when we consider that we are dealing with personal experiences that are gained while in a state of fallen nature. We are NOT the men and women God wanted us to be. We are working within the framework of natures which still suffer the effects of original sin. This puts all our human experiences at a great disadvantage then, when trying to use them as basis for theological truths. This is exactly why we need to first look to God, Scripture, and His Church for what defines authentic humanity. We are easily fooled by our own desires. We try to create God in our image because often it can be very painful for us to conform ourselves to His image instead.
He goes on to describe another author's reflections at length. Her name is Donna Schaper. He quotes her as saying "the radical nature of the risen christ: He is more like a friend, more like the gardener, more like a woman. He is not big but little, not strong but weak, not above us but one of us. ..."
Her mistake lies in her separation of these qualities. The Mystery of the Incarnation is that Jesus became God made Man. This means as scripture clearly tells us that He is very easily the alpha and the omega, He is big and allowed Himself to be little, He is strong and allowed Himself to be weak, He is above us and one of us. It's not an either/or thing. More importantly, what is to be gained by bringing Jesus "down to our level" like this? Why is this type of belittling of Jesus' awesome omnipotent power, necessary for us to feel close to Him? The very purpose of His coming to earth was to lift us up to Him. He wants us, and His death on the cross allows us, the possibility to rise up to His level. We need not bring Him down. We are destined by The Creator Himself to come up and be "perfect like my Father in heaven is perfect".
Mr. Bayly ends his essay with a touching article excerpt written by his friend Chad. It seems a very genuine description of a man who has suffered much and yet longs to be close to his Savior Jesus Christ. My hope is that Jesus will continue to touch his heart and lead Him to his ultimate destiny - heaven. That is what we all are called to pursue. I have only the best of intentions for writing my responses to Mr. Bayly's points. I do not seek to judge him personally. I do hope to make clear that a rejection of homosexuality as disordered is a proper response to this "human experience".
Clearly, many in modern society today see this as a non issue anymore. With the wide acceptance of artificial contraception, the sexual act has become defined as an urge or instinct to be managed. Modern science has gone beyond the scientific when it presumes that its knowledge can erase man's soul and therefore his God-given identity as well. We must remember that science provides knowledge not Truth. Scientists argue we are merely highly intelligent, highly evolved animals. Sex is merely an instinct or urge which we can choose to respond to in a variety of ways to satisfy. This type of argument supports the thesis of homosexuality as just another type of human love/sexual expression, no better and no worse than heterosexuality.
But those who admit that there is a God, and that we are made in His image, and have a soul and an ultimate destiny to become perfect as to attain heaven, cannot argue from science's premise then. Taking God's creation seriously we must really look at ourselves and our bodies, and see the mystical meaning God has inscribed in them. There in lies the answer to the question the author asked early on in his article: "...should the design dictate the reality of human experience, or should the diverse reality of human experience inform our understanding of the design? God thinks very highly of the human body. God found it a worthy place to live, hiding Himself within his mother's womb. He elevated the human body to its highest dignity by taking it on Himself. We should think MORE of it, not less. It it not a tool to be used to satisfy the demands of human experience. It is a powerful witness to The Truth. Let us listen to it then and the Truth will set us Free.
Mr. Bayly's article can be found in full at his blog. For some of you there may be artwork posted there that will offend you or bother you at some level - so a "heads up" on that. Here is his page http://thewildreed.blogspot.com/2007/01/many-forms-of-courage-part-iii.html
I chose to read part III of his essay titled The Many Forms of Courage. I found myself speaking out loud to the computer screen, and so, that lead me to write down a few thoughts of my own. I'd rather not have to address this issue, but it seems that it truly has become a tough one in today's world and in today's Church. I am no authority that's for sure. But, I do have a great love for JP II's Theology of the Body and for human life as God made it, male and female, and the great revelations that can be discovered in that plan. These are my thoughts in response to his.
He begins: "So what about the Book of Genesis and the 'design' supposedly laid out by God through its story of Adam and Eve - a 'design' vigorously defended and promulgated by movements such as Courage and by theological undertakings such as Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body? All such leave me to wonder: are we to subscribe to...the Genesis account of human creation as being literally and historically true?"
We are not required to believe they are literally true but must acknowledge that they point to a larger and far more significant spiritual meaning assigned to our human sexuality and our natures as male and female. Because the Genesis account is the inspired Word of God we must believe that there is a deeper spiritual meaning behind our biology. God could have chosen any path for us, any means for procreation, any behavior to bring forth love and communion between people. But, He chose this way. This is made clear from the Genesis account. If He created other purposes and ways of loving and communion and life-giving between human beings other than male /female, why are they so obviously absent from this powerful Original account of Creation? Why is there not any mention of another way?
He continues...'Based on science's current understanding of the origins and stability of sexual orientation, God made Adam, Eve, and Steve; and until we have a theology that can deal with that complexity the Church is neither healthy nor living in reality."
Of course there were other men on earth. There were other women as well. I do not reject science and its findings about the biological origins of mankind. But I do reject the notion that simply because there could be other males along with God's beloved first-man, Adam, that this means that Adam was free to embrace "Steve" as his God-made partner.
Mr. Bayly states "In light of such an insight, I'm intrigued when people like Alice Von Hildebrand declare that 'God did intend to create human beings of two different sexes. He clearly had His own divine plan in mind, and we ought to discover reverently what this plan is'...I'm intrigued because I'm left wondering: what are the sources being used to support such a theological claim and such an assumption about 'the Creator's Design'?...And what of those who don't fit this 'design'?"
The sources for "such a claim" are our very bodies themselves. They speak to us. If we would look upon our bodies and read them, listen to what their shape and size and parts are telling us about their purpose and meaning, it would be clear that these claims are supported and reinforced by our God-given flesh and bones themselves! As for those who feel they "don't fit" this Design, they do! You are made a man or a woman because of how God chose to design our bodies, not by how we choose to use them. If a man acts like a dog is he no longer a man? Our sexual behavior is an extension of our masculine or feminine identities, not the foundation of our identities.
"...Pope John Paul II's interpretation of Genesis in his Theology of the Body is just that, an interpretation...it needs to be measured against a number of things - scripture and tradition, of course, but also reason and human experience...Yet in the case of the latter, the pope's interpretation (obviously shared by Von Hildebrand and others) fails to acknowledge or reflect the fullness of human sexual experience."
The failings of JP II to address "the fullness of human sexual experience" depends upon your definition of that. More variety (for lack of a better word) within human sexual experience does not equal a more "full" experience. Human sexual experience has many variations that people universally find deplorable. I'll refrain from mentioning them here as not to offend. But we all know of some deviants' thirst for hurtful and damaging sexual experiences that any decent person would rightly reject as not part of a "fullness of human sexual experience".
I agree and do not doubt that as Mr. Bayly says "...GLBT people...can and do experience sexual relationships marked by...love." But he goes on to ask "Shouldn't such experiences be considered as sources in any theological discussion on human sexuality? And if not, why not?"
My response to those questions is that they should be considered as sources in any theological discussion of suffering and sacrifice but not on human sexuality. Why not? Because these relationships/experiences are lacking two essential components which go to the very heart of the mystery that God poured into human sexuality. One, they lack complementarity, and two, they lack the potential for fruitfulness. Complementarity and fruitfulness go hand in hand. Our bodies have been so lovingly designed as to not only fit together perfectly in a physical way but that our feminine and masculine natures fit together on a psychic and spiritual level as well. This is at the same time reinforced by the awesome power of the creation of new life. What greater testament could God give to man and woman that they have been destined since Creation to be for one another, two halves of a whole, than to give them a part, a role in creation themselves?!
We must be very careful not to mistake emotions which rise up in us, due to a sexual experience, as evidence of the authenticity of the relationship. They fool the mind by way of the heart which in turn darkens the soul and disables its ability to discern truth any longer. A good example of a sexual experience "marked by love" is one that is quite common today. Many people share in the "human sexual experience" of serial monogamy. They "love" each person. They are not intentionally trying to hurt the other or to hurt themselves. But hurt always happens. I think Mr. Bayly would agree with that. Should this be the kind of "reality of human experience" we use as a guiding principle when trying to discern God's plan for us, our sexuality, and our most important human relationships?
He continues later saying "...Now, theologians are assuming that the other direction of inquiry is important as well: What does our sexual experience reveal about God?..." this is after he notes that historically theologians have approached matters pertaining to human sexuality from a God, Scripture, Church down direction verses a human experience pointing up type approach. Mr. Bayly sees much more possibility for progress, in the area of the Church's positions on human sexuality, using this newer, more bottom-up type theology.
Like any other human experience, the Mystery of God can only be glimpsed proportionally to how much that human experience honors His Divine Plan. Example: A classic human experience is that of suffering. There is much that suffering can reveal to us about God. But this is only possible in as much as the sufferer - suffers well. One's human experience of suffering can be an ugly, self-absorbed, state leading one to reject others and hurt those around him. Does this human experience lead him to a greater understanding of God? No. But, if he suffers like Christ, like the Church defines good, redemptive suffering, then he gains, through this human experience, a glimpse into the Mystery of God. Likewise, human sexual experience cannot generally be considered a viable path from which we enter into a greater knowledge of God, unless that experience is one which is true to the Divine Plan.
His essay continues and then he makes this point. "When we acknowledge the significance of human experience in discerning foundational truths about human life and relationships, the role of the laity comes into much clearer focus." He goes on to argue that the opinions of the laity are a valid argument for a greater willingness on the part of the Church to accept homosexuality as an acceptable form of love/sexual relationship. A common theme of his argument is of personal experience shaping theological thought. The phrase "personal experience" is used often and I feel he leans on it heavily.
But, how can human experience shape "foundational truths"? The very words "foundational" and "truths" connotes "from the beginning" and "The Truth" - which is Jesus Himself! How can we attempt as creatures of the Creator to give such power and authority to our own human experiences? Is that not bold and very pride-filled on our part? This is especially true when we consider that we are dealing with personal experiences that are gained while in a state of fallen nature. We are NOT the men and women God wanted us to be. We are working within the framework of natures which still suffer the effects of original sin. This puts all our human experiences at a great disadvantage then, when trying to use them as basis for theological truths. This is exactly why we need to first look to God, Scripture, and His Church for what defines authentic humanity. We are easily fooled by our own desires. We try to create God in our image because often it can be very painful for us to conform ourselves to His image instead.
He goes on to describe another author's reflections at length. Her name is Donna Schaper. He quotes her as saying "the radical nature of the risen christ: He is more like a friend, more like the gardener, more like a woman. He is not big but little, not strong but weak, not above us but one of us. ..."
Her mistake lies in her separation of these qualities. The Mystery of the Incarnation is that Jesus became God made Man. This means as scripture clearly tells us that He is very easily the alpha and the omega, He is big and allowed Himself to be little, He is strong and allowed Himself to be weak, He is above us and one of us. It's not an either/or thing. More importantly, what is to be gained by bringing Jesus "down to our level" like this? Why is this type of belittling of Jesus' awesome omnipotent power, necessary for us to feel close to Him? The very purpose of His coming to earth was to lift us up to Him. He wants us, and His death on the cross allows us, the possibility to rise up to His level. We need not bring Him down. We are destined by The Creator Himself to come up and be "perfect like my Father in heaven is perfect".
Mr. Bayly ends his essay with a touching article excerpt written by his friend Chad. It seems a very genuine description of a man who has suffered much and yet longs to be close to his Savior Jesus Christ. My hope is that Jesus will continue to touch his heart and lead Him to his ultimate destiny - heaven. That is what we all are called to pursue. I have only the best of intentions for writing my responses to Mr. Bayly's points. I do not seek to judge him personally. I do hope to make clear that a rejection of homosexuality as disordered is a proper response to this "human experience".
Clearly, many in modern society today see this as a non issue anymore. With the wide acceptance of artificial contraception, the sexual act has become defined as an urge or instinct to be managed. Modern science has gone beyond the scientific when it presumes that its knowledge can erase man's soul and therefore his God-given identity as well. We must remember that science provides knowledge not Truth. Scientists argue we are merely highly intelligent, highly evolved animals. Sex is merely an instinct or urge which we can choose to respond to in a variety of ways to satisfy. This type of argument supports the thesis of homosexuality as just another type of human love/sexual expression, no better and no worse than heterosexuality.
But those who admit that there is a God, and that we are made in His image, and have a soul and an ultimate destiny to become perfect as to attain heaven, cannot argue from science's premise then. Taking God's creation seriously we must really look at ourselves and our bodies, and see the mystical meaning God has inscribed in them. There in lies the answer to the question the author asked early on in his article: "...should the design dictate the reality of human experience, or should the diverse reality of human experience inform our understanding of the design? God thinks very highly of the human body. God found it a worthy place to live, hiding Himself within his mother's womb. He elevated the human body to its highest dignity by taking it on Himself. We should think MORE of it, not less. It it not a tool to be used to satisfy the demands of human experience. It is a powerful witness to The Truth. Let us listen to it then and the Truth will set us Free.
Mr. Bayly's article can be found in full at his blog. For some of you there may be artwork posted there that will offend you or bother you at some level - so a "heads up" on that. Here is his page http://thewildreed.blogspot.com/2007/01/many-forms-of-courage-part-iii.html
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Contrasts
This mother looks joyful despite the poverty she lives in. This magazine says 15 steps to a happier life - do you think humility or self-denial or giving to the poor are in that list?
SELF - yes yes we must always be thinking of our SELF... never mind others it's YOU that matters most...
Buy Buy Buy Shop Shop Shop never can pas up a sale you know - that's a sacrilige
Family life in a spoiled America - no dad's but lots of "stuff" A nice comfy bed for poochie to sleep on
No bed for these two little ones to sleep on. They are street children. Yet, notice how big brother lets the little one lay his head upon his arm as a pillow. He has nothing to give but he gives himself.
Poochie's got a nice little pad while these boys have a box.
No box - just hard stone.
No box - just hard stone.
WOW - the American IDEAL!!! "A boy and a girl and we're done" That's what dreams are made of - a coordinating set, boy and girl, and just enough expendable income to take plenty of nice vacations and such. Got to get away from all that stress you know.
These little ones must learn very early to fend for themselves.
Shopaholics shop til they drop for that "perfect pair of shoes" while this 8 year old girld "shops" for anything of value in a garbage dump all day.
To the left here the baby pictured with the green knee pads on is an ad. The ad is for those knee pads. They ACTUALLY sell knee pads to parents concerned about the wear and tear all that crawling will do to baby's knees! In contrast, this baby is a toddler who lives at a dump. The photographer who took the pic stated that many of the children there are naked and that they are always putting things in their mouth from the dump that most people wouldn't even consider touching. They suffer from many mouth sores and skin infections. Don't think his mom is too concerned with knee pads eh?
The titles speak for themselves.
Americans spend $21 Billion dollars a year on toys. Fewer than 4% of the world's children are American, but American kids consume more than 40% of the world's toys. 80% of toys in the USA are made in China's (communists) Pearl River Delta.
Here a short excerpt rom an abc news report titled:
A dog's Life Is Looking Better and Better
Why Americans Spend Big Bucks on Their Pets
By Ned Potter
The W Hotel near Times Square offers a special room service menu, monogrammed beds, bath robes and a masseuse, and has a psychologist on call if the need arises.
That's not just for you. It's for your dog, if you bring one along. ...
Numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest that Gabby's first class treatment is part of a growing phenomenon in America. In the last ten years, the percentage of households with pets has remained relatively stable, but the amount of money people spend on their pets has doubled. Last year it was more than $34 Billion. That is more than Americans spend on sporting goods,candy,jewelry,toys or shoes. ...
"Dogs are the new children, as far as we're concerned," said John Ryan who last year began publishing The New York Dog Magazine.
read the entire article here http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/print?id=601799
Also, Americans spend an average of $5.6 Billion on Super Bowl related items every year. Gotta have the right snacks and a big screen tv you know, or the Super Bowl just wouldn't be the same. 16 million teenagers in the U.S. have their very own cell phone. $1 Billion dollars a year is spent on weight loss programs. Americans spend $6.5 Billion dollars on manicures/pedicures annually. In a Srapbooking In America survey the organization found that American scapbookers spent an average of $2.5 Billion on supplies in 2006.
Now, I know that many people will get VERY defensive after reading these stats. They'll say "hey I love my pet and there's nothing wrong with that" or "there's nothing wrong with having a wholesome hobby like scrapbooking" .... This is true. There is NOT anything wrong with the money spent on these "extras" by itself. Americans are hardworking people generally and they deserve to relax as they see fit from time to time. The immorality of these expenses comes from the fact that many of us do NOT give to the poor as much as we could give. It is very true that Americans are the most financially generous people on earth. we give more money to the poor and needy worldwide than any other country. Most of this giving is done with private donations and non-government run charities. This is a Good Thing!! But we could be doing SO MUCH MORE! We do over indulge in a lot of nonsense it seems. Don't we?
Lent is right around the corner. We must really reflect on the suffering all around us in the world. That's why these images are so important. We need to see how horrible our brothers and sisters lives' are and in stark contrast how arrogant and self-indulgent our own lives have become here in the U.S. We need to change this. We need to give to Catholic relief Services or The Christian foundation for Children and Aging. These are two great organizations which Tim and I have been involved with now for years. They do great things for the poor worldwide. Secondly, we need to rethink our priorities. Does little Janie really need a hundreth Polly Pocket? Does little Johnie really need a tenth pair of shoes? Hasn't God been so very good to us? How do we repay Him for His tremendous goodness and generousity? I try to remember His words..."If you did it to the least of my brothers you did it to me"
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