Happy Thanksgiving, a few days early!

Well, tear up my nametag and call me a heretic. Things I Wonder About

Fortunately, I am not a pastor or a theologian, so I can offer any crazy idea that pops into my head and not get in trouble.  In fact, I can even get ordained through the internet and start my own church. But it’s easier just to blog.  So here are some random thoughts. 

Gambling: The newest fundraising trend around here is Coach Bag Bingo.  For about thirty-five dollars you get the chance to win an expensive handbag and a night out.  It would be a great fundraiser for the church.  However, the Bishop doesn’t approve of gambling.  I believe this is because gambling is leaving things to chance, and for a Christian chance does not exist, since God controls everything.  (Crazy theological idea: if God has control of everyone’s life, then it may be your destiny to hit the lottery or win a Coach bag.)

Reincarnation:  I really like the idea of reincarnation.  Maybe in my next life I can use some of the things I learned (usually the hard way) in this one.  (Crazy theological idea:  Could the “many mansions” of John 14 be our different incarnations?)

Jesus and Martha:  I remember in Sunday School, Martha was offered as a bad example.  She was too concerned with getting dinner ready for a houseful of people and should have been listening to Jesus.  To call someone a Martha was not a compliment.  As I got older and had my own house and had to feed everyone, though, I sympathized with Martha. And when she asks her sister Mary to help her, not only does she not get any assistance, but Jesus tells her that she needs to get her priorities straight.  (Luke 10:38-42)  Maybe he should have offered to help.  How about a miracle here? How hard would that be for someone who could raise the dead?  Maybe Martha should have said, “Fine,” plopped herself down at his feet and let the gang see what happens when everyone sits around talking, even if they are listening to Jesus.

In John 11, Jesus gets on Martha’s case again.  When Martha points out that her brother Lazarus has been dead for four days, and smells, Jesus says, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

“Sorry.  I guess I missed that when I was in the kitchen.”

(Crazy movie buff idea:  Jesus and Martha remind me of those old Spencer Tracey/Katharine Hepburn movies, where they fight all the time but are really attracted to each other.  But Jesus died before anything came of it.  Or did he?  Yes, he probably did.  Some things are too crazy even for me.  And he was too busy after the Resurrection anyway.)

 

Atheist Churches: An Oxymoron or the Social Oranization of the Future?

Atheists are starting their own churches!  They are singing songs, listening to inspiring talks, volunteering to help others, meeting people, and, it seems, having a good time.  The “Sunday Assembly” movement, started in England by two comedians, Sanderson Jones and Pippa Evans, has come to the United States, with Assemblies being held in Los Angeles, San Diego, Nashville, New York, and other cities.

Well, I’m glad they’re doing worthwhile things, but I wonder why they feel they have to have a church to do them.

What needs are these churches filling?

The members may say they want to be with likeminded individuals in their struggle to evolve into the best people they can be.  But why do they need an organized group to do that?

Is there some inner need in everyone to be part of a group?  One of the great things about being a Christian is the opportunity to be part of a Christian community.  And though Episcopal services may seem subdued, there is great joy.  And if liturgy isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other great churches to choose from.

It seems that atheists feel left out.  Christians wear crosses, Jews wear stars of David, atheists wear necklaces with charms that say “Godfree.”  Christians put “Jesus fish” on their cars; atheists have a cute animal that looks a bit like a hedgehog that says “evolve.” 

I wonder when it’s going to occur to them that they are doing these things in the name of refusing and denial.  What are they going do when their relationship with the person they met at Sunday Assembly breaks up?  What are they going to do when the problems that come with anything that is organized crop up?  At least organized religion has faith to fall back on when the boiler breaks down or the organist and choir director are feuding. 

The people flocking to Sunday Assemblies have discovered that they need community.  Perhaps as they develop their services, they will discover their need for ritual.  Perhaps in their discussions, they will start to wonder if there isn’t something beyond this world and humans and start to think, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were?”

Maybe this makes me a candidate for Annoying Believer of the Week or Person Who Gives Christians a Bad Name.  To any atheists reading this:  I’m just offering some ideas.  Enjoy them.  

A Pre-Christmas Thought

From The Liberal Page

Totally Woodstock

Do we still gotta revolution?

Proceeding

Last week I had one of those “procedures” done where they stick a camera down your throat to see what is going on in your digestive tract.  As I was lying on the table waiting for things to get underway, I couldn’t help but wonder (as Carrie Bradshaw used to say) about a few things.

 Where did I put the instructions about my funeral?  My husband knows I want an Episcopal service with the Eucharist, but he doesn’t know my favorite hymns and scriptures. 

Is there food in heaven?

What’s wrong with me?  People don’t die during these things.  Does everyone have these thoughts when they are about to be operated or proceeded on?

Will I feel well enough to make a cake for the flea market on Friday and go to the Diocese Convention on Saturday?

Will they give me the pictures and if they do, should I hang them in the kitchen or the bathroom?

I was also very pleased that this could make a good post.

The next thing I knew, I was awake and it was over.

Yes, I did make the cake and go to the Convention and no, they did not give me any pictures.