intersections

Moltmann on the Mystical Experience of the Sabbath

"I discovered something else as well: Teresa [of Avila]'s interior castle and Thomas Merton's mountain and many other descriptions of mystical journeys use the number seven: on the seventh level the soul finds its way to God, and it is in the seventh chamber of the soul that the mystical marriage takes place. This is nothing other than Israel's teaching about the Sabbath. The person who keeps the Sabbath, and who on the Sabbath experiences the union of the Shekinah with the Eternal One, is already at the place which the Christian mystics strive to attain through meditation and contemplation" (Moltmann, A Broad Place, 214).

American Civil Religion and the Theology of Hope

"I have always been interested in American 'civil religion', as Robert Bellah called the political philosophy of the USA in 1967. With its messianic overtones, the public theology of the United States is typically modern and a secular product of the millenarian branch of the Christian hope. But because this messianic certainty of a better future always goes hand in hand with an apocalyptic dualism in the final struggle between God and Satan, Christ and Antichrist, good and evil, these religious politics are by no means merely a blessing. 'God bless America' is often heard on the lips of American presidents. But whether God blesses America will become apparent when it emerges whether America is a blessing for the peoples of the world, or their burden and curse; for one is blessed only in order to be a blessing oneself" (Moltmann, A Broad Place, 144).

American Civil Religion and the Theology of Hope

"I have always been interested in American 'civil religion', as Robert Bellah called the political philosophy of the USA in 1967. With its messianic overtones, the public theology of the United States is typically modern and a secular product of the millenarian branch of the Christian hope. But because this messianic certainty of a better future always goes hand in hand with an apocalyptic dualism in the final struggle between God and Satan, Christ and Antichrist, good and evil, these religious politics are by no means merely a blessing. 'God bless America' is often heard on the lips of American presidents. But whether God blesses America will become apparent when it emerges whether America is a blessing for the peoples of the world, or their burden and curse; for one is blessed only in order to be a blessing oneself" (Moltmann, A Broad Place, 144).

Video: Prayer Rally for Healthcare Reform

This is a video of our health care rally, held on Tuesday, August 11, in Hollywood. Congresswoman Diane Watson and Congressman Xavier Becerra were in attendance and spoke eloquently and powerfully of their support for comprehensive reform that would put health care within reach for our families.

This rally was led by LA Voice clergy, Father Mike Mandala, Father Jaime Edwards-Acton, Rev. Liz Munoz, Rabbi Sharon Brous, Rev. Byron Smith, Sr. and myself.

LA Voice on the cover of the LA Times

Prayer Rally for Health Care Reform tomorrow!

Tomorrow I have the privilege to speak at a prayer rally in Hollywood in support of health care reform. This event is being put on by LA Voice and our 25 member congregations. I and a few other clergy will pray and speak to the issue from a moral/faith perspective.

Members of our congregations will tell their personal health care stories and then two of our elected officials will speak: Congressman Xavier Becerra and Congresswoman Diane Watson. Ms. Watson represents the area when I live and where the Hollywood Adventist Church is located.

If you live in the area and are available at 10:00 am, please come to:

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
6657 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

If you want to learn more about PICO's work on behalf of health care reform visit: www.coverallfamilies.org

Also check out this short piece at NPR's news blog.

Doubting Thomas

I'm sorry I haven't written much. There are many potential excuses, most of which are not suitable to write about. The main reason is that I haven't had much to say. Perhaps you can relate. But allow me to break my silence and share something personal that perhaps will connect with your journey as well.

A few weeks ago I was driving back to Los Angeles from the Central Valley where I had just attended my 20th High School reunion. I was listening to Nickle Creek on my iPod. On came this song, "Doubting Thomas". I've heard this song dozens of times without paying attention, but it really struck me this time and I've been thinking about sharing here for a while. Here's a video of the song (not an official music video). Lyrics are after the jump.

The lyric that has given voice to my prayers recently is this:

Can I be used to help others find truth
When I'm scared I'll find proof that it's a lie
Can I be led down a trail dropping bread crumbs
That prove I'm not ready to die

I'm a doubting Thomas
I'll take your promise
Though I know nothin's safe
Oh me of little faith

I guess that's where I'm at. "I'll take your promise / though I know nothin's safe. Oh me of little faith." I think it's enough. In fact, this is faith, right? Faith, in some sense is defined by doubt. Without doubt there is no faith. And so much of our doubt is wrapped up in fear. The calm realization that nothing is safe, that we are incurable vulnerable, is a bitter-sweet realization that can set us free for reach out in faith.