A common sense of grace: 12-2-08

SAN FRANCISCO -- Because I think it's important to experience and understand faith traditions different from my own, I attended a recent service here at the Vedanta Society of Northern California.

As Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of World Religions explains, "Vedanta is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy and the one that forms the basis of most modern schools of Hinduism."

The minister, Swami Prabuddhananda, a member of the Ramakrishna Order of India, opened with this brief invocational prayer, first in what I took to be Hindi or Urdu, and then in English:

Download Swami-1

(I was sitting near the back of the room in which 70 or so persons had gathered, so the sound is a little muffled, but I think you'll get the idea. For well-recorded audio lectures by this swami, go to the Vedanta Society link I've given you in the first paragraph and click on "Online resources.")

Several things about the Swami's remarks (which filled most of an hour) struck me. One was his language, which reinforced the idea that even though many people consider Hinduism a polytheistic religion, it's really monotheistic, though Hindus believe God can appear in many forms. In an early prayer, for instance, he addressed himself "to thee the one alone who art our sole support."

His subject for the day was "Beyond the Realm of Causality." And he was urging people not to cave into societal pressures for more and more material answers to life's questions. He told the story of a holy man who had a problem with rats. Someone suggested the answer was to acquire a cat. So he did. But then he needed milk to feed the cat, so he bought a cow. Then he needed to feed the cow, so he got land on which he could grow hay. Then he needed to get farm implements. And then he needed bullocks to plow the field. He found all this hard to manage, so he took the suggestion of a friend that he get a wife. And all because he had a few too many rats around.

"The whole universe is like that," Swami Prabuddhananda said. "It is one thing leading to another. Where to stop?" One thing, in other words, causes another, and the idea is to get beyond the realm of causality.

Spiritual disciplines can help, he said. Like prayer and meditation. But in the end they won't get you beyond causality. What will?

His answer was in harmony with the traditional Christian answer: Only the grace of God: "It is a gift of God. It is his grace." Just as you don't create the sun by opening your eyes to see it, he said, so you don't get beyond the entanglements of causality in the world by performing spiritual disciplines. Rather, you open your eyes to see the sun that always was there and you engage in spiritual disciplines to help you recognize God's grace, which, he said, "is unconditional."

As I say, this conclusion was in profound harmony with Christianity. Now, I'm not saying Vedanta and Christianity are all alike and one is equal to the other. Not at all. There are, in fact, profound differences. But I think it's helpful to note areas of common ground so that followers of one can appreciate and live in harmony with followers of the other.

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'UNDER GOD' NECESSARY?

My friend Cathy Lynn Grossman, who covers religion for USA Today, notes on her blog the recent death of a pastor who helped get the words "under God" added to the Pledge of Allegiance. And then she points out that the so-called "Greatest Generation" grew up saying the pledge when it did not contain those words. So, she asks, do we really need them to instill values? Good question.

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P.S.: You can help out the good work of Westport Cooperaive Services by buying a ticket to attend this Saturday evening's live staged reading of "A Christmas Carol" at Westport Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. For details click here.

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AND: Although my next book, They Were Just People: Stories of Rescue in Poland During the Holocaust, won't be out until next year, I invite you to give my first book, A Gift of Meaning, as a holiday gift this year. It contains a collection of columns that I think stand the test of time. To order the book directly from the University of Missouri Press, click here. Missouri Press has the book on sale this fall, but the sales price is not reflected on the page to which I've linked you. So to make sure you get that lower price, you might want to call the order department at 800-828-1894. To order from Amazon, click here.
 

Comments

[Joe Barone]

Again, thanks for the links to places I wouldn't have known of otherwise.

[Will Graham]

Regarding the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Why do you assume that everyone would be willing to plege allegiance to a nation that is NOT under God?

To do so makes the state the highest power, and if it is not "under God" then I will NOT be taking the pledge, any more than I would support an Offcially Athesitic State.

And, of course, neither will KCF, but he is not a citizen anyway, so his position on the pledge is irrelevant.

[KCFreeThinkers.org]

Re: "Under god" in pledge of allegiance.

First off, pledging allegiance/swearing/taking an oath is against the man made god's law - it is in the New Testament and it is CLEAR AS HELL. So, what are Americans doing taking oath? Why aren't ministers at the puplit taking about it and not calling on their parishioners just to "affirm" at legal proceedings for example instead of "So, help me god?" -

Matthew 5:34
But I say unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven for it is God's throne; nor by the earth for it is his footstool.

James 5:12
But above all things, brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Second, "under god was added in 1954 after the Sputnik was launched and McCarthiism was at its hight.

It is also clear that America was not founded as a Christian nation - see this link with direct quotes from American founding fathers - http://www.kcfreethinkers.org/notbasedonchristianity.htm

[KCFreeThinkers.org]

Also, why do you actually need to take any oath at all - even in legal proceedings? You don't have to even affirm. If you don't want to take an oath "so help you god" or not or even affirm that you will be telling the truth, the judge will inform you that there are penalties under the law if you lie/mislead/conceal pertinent informaton and as long as you acknowledge that the proceedings will go just fine and no issue with the pledge or affirmation will take place.

It' is what you'd call "bird's eye view" of taking an oath.

You don't even have to speak out the oath yourself at enlisting in the military or becoming a law enforcement officer - you can just be there and not even move your lips. To the best of my knowledge you don't even need to raise your hand or put it on your heart as this is nothing but a formality and "symbolism". By sheer presence in the proceedings you be default "affirm" your agreement with the essense of the pledge, you don't have to actually be 100% meaning the pledge.

E.g. "enemies foreign & domestic" in the military, law enforcement or naturalization ceremony is nothing but a "relative" terminology. You basically agree to follow the orders of the superior commander and NOT DETERMINING YOURSELF WHO THE ENEMY IS - your neighbor or not. With your neighbor/stranger you have a court decide these issues unless there is an immediate threat to your or your family or someone esles's safety. With military/law enforcement you are completely out of control unless you become a "maverick" and drive your own rules and regs - i.e. create your own reality.

[Will Graham]

KCF's opinions regarding "Americans" are of little value; besides not being a citizen his knowledge of the Constitution and American History is quite obviously limited.

He does not even understand the first amendment; if does not require that Christians keep their opinions to themselves.

[KCFreeThinkers.org]

Re: "Under God" in pledge of allegiance.

There is a federal lawsuit I think in DC or CA about "under god" in the pledge. So, this will be interesting to see how "human construct" against another human construct (man made/man inspired god's word) "no pledges of any kind" will pan out. Should be interesting to watch.

"Under god" in the pledge also renewed our interest in the experiment we are thinking about conducting next year. "Under god" in pledge of allegiance will be one of the postcard mailers that we will have to the target area involved in experiment.

At KCFreeThinkers.org we have been searching for small towns across America under 200-300 people and with one church. We have identified several and will be embarking on a mailing campaign to that town to see how long will it take to have a meaningful impact on the population of that town when it comes to their religiousity. A demographic study of the target town will be done through availalbe public census records that will show the numbers of religous people according to the most recent census. Then a concerted effort of mailed postcards spaced out 10-14 days wiht secular messages will take place for 8 consequitive mailings. After that the mailings will go out once a month as a regular follow up. Marketing studies show that in order for a message to be effective and create awareness of it it requries 8 exposures wihtin 10-14 days period of time and then just occasional reenforcement. We anticiipate that the number of religous people in that area questioning their religion will go up and we'll be hearing about this in the media.

Perhpas, there will be people in the Anytown, USA who will join in efforts of removing "Under god" from the pledge after their mind about god will have been changed by the next year out?

[j in mission]

Great post Bill! I have always been fascinated by different viewpoints whether within Christianity or outside of it. When I took my Philosophy class at KCKCC (years ago) I was surprised that it was on various religious beliefs rather than on what I thought it would cover. I was required to do a presentation on any group of my choice and chose Quakerism (a group that refuses to take oaths) and found their history, and George Fox, fascinating. I think that was when I began to really try to read good writing on the subject of religion. I am currently finishing “The Death of Adam” by Marilynne Robinson. I need a dictionary to read it (her vocabulary is way over my head) but it is very insightful. I am going to attempt to read John Calvin’s writings; wish me luck! As to your post, sounds like you heard some good preaching and I LOVE good preaching. It was simple and basic and totally relevant. Thanks for passing it along.

[j in mission]

Oh yes, thanks for the link to the information about the reading of the Christmas Carol at Westport Presbyterian. I hadn’t heard about it and it would be great to hear one of my favorite stories performed like this and help a wonderful cause at the same time! I hope they have a great turnout! I will do my best to attend!

[KCFreeThinkers.org]

Atheist Talking to God...

I met god the other day.

I know what you’re thinking. How the hell did you know it was god?

Well, I’ll explain as we go along, but basically he convinced me by having all, and I do mean ALL, the answers. Every question I flung at him he batted back with a plausible and satisfactory answer. In the end, it was easier to accept that he was god than otherwise.

Which is odd, because I’m still an atheist and we even agree on that!

FOR FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE - http://www.fullmoon.nu/articles/art.php?id=tal

[memberofKCFreeThinkers.org]

Personally I have never understood observing and honoring pledges or symbols. Your not patriotic or a citizen unless you believe in god, put your hand over your heart and say mumble jumble, and hold to rules for a piece of cloth which you can be held accountable by fines and jailed for? I find most people silly.
I love my county, but some people want to be so intolerant, it upsets me. A lot of my people were here way before whites came here. These people also had silly rituals. I suppose it’s just the nature of most human’s. Not me. I live in the natural world. I contribute just fine without these rituals. I work, have a family, pay my taxes, obey laws, and eat and sleep like all other ritual seekers. These things don’t make you a good person. I can’t imagine what an intelligent Alien from space would think of this. Silly? I think.
I am a proud citizen that doesn’t like people sneaking around and slipping their views, and religious views, into a secular country and then mass together to inflict their new laws on everyone else! Sure Xs should have their opinions, everybody should have this right, but it shouldn’t be mob rules to take away our civil liberties. Should god be in the pledge? No. We don’t even need the pledge. You mean to tell me you can’t be good for the sake of goodness? Cole

[Will Graham]

I caustion anyone about clicking any links KCF provides, if you are concerned about your computer.

[Will Graham]

Tell me Cole, when your buddy Iggy tells Christians they have to SHUT UP and keep their beliefs to themselves, do you think that is tolerant?

Well, I don't expect you to answer, or call, or email, but remember this: The Constitution protects the rights of believers too.

Check out the first amendment. And if you try to silence believers, based on your lack of understanding of the Consitution, you WILL GET SUED.

[memberofKCFreeThinkers.org]

This is a recent press release to ask for help for the sake of goodness. Cole

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY, BUT NOT FOR ALL.

Kansas City's coalition of local Atheist, Agnostic and Humanists Groups and Meetups "KCFreeThinkers.org" have announced their new community outreach "Adopt a Family for the Holidays" and "Food Drive" programs.
KCFreeThinkers.org are also asking religious organizations and individuals to team up with them for this great cause.

"After a few hours on Craig's List we had 25 families e-mail us for help", one member of KCFreeThinkers, Iggy, remarked. "The stories are heart wrenching. We had to remove the ad so we could concentrate on how to best help as many people as we could.

"We then reached out to a few churches and discovered that their own food pantries were running low or already empty," another member of KCFreeThinkers.org , Cole Morgan said. "With the economy the way it is, it may be tougher to help this year. We have also offered to help churches sort, package, and deliver their existing commitments to adoptive families."

Money and offers of food and personal hygiene donations are coming in, but it is not enough. "It doesn't take much to put a smile on their faces," Iggy concluded. "Any amount will help. 1-100 dollars, a few cans of food, or a case of food. Whatever you can afford."

Efforts of KCFreeThinkers.org caught attention of other secular groups from Philadelphia. "They have asked us to keep them updated on our efforts and will profile us in their newsletters and online," Cole Morgan added.

If you would like to help with money, food donations or your time please, visit www.KCFreeThinkers.org , e-mail info@KCFreeThinkers.org or call 913-961-3291

[KCFreeThinkers.org]

Cole, religous "crazies" would cry wolf about pledge of allegiance, in god we trust on money, war on X-mas, secularism/atheism taking over schools, colleges and government and society. But if there is no currency in circulation in the future as most transactions are already now electronic by credit/debit cards and checks without "In God We Trust" this will just go away as an issue. It will slowly transfer into a secular perception, just like Christmas is today - surely, there is absolutely no connection of Jesus birth in spring (per Bible) and giving of gifts unless you stretch it to the point that magis brought gifts to him. In reality, those who are do a bit of digging it is clear that Winter Solstice is the original pagan holiday adopted by Christians to give comfort and welcome pagans into Christianity. Just like they have turned pagan spirits holiday into All Sain't/ Hollows Day/Eve= Halloween.

Arguing with Christians about X-mas is like saying that you can take "Sun" out of "Sunday". After all your temple is your body and not the church. Crhisians need to start understanding it's not about symbols/idols (many of them have an idol of Jesus hanging around their neck and also in their churches) but about practicing what they are preached and then some.

See you tomorrow at IHOP for breakfast in Olathe? Send me an e-mail.

[Dolores Lear]

I do not think 'under God' should be in the Pledge of Allegiance, which came into being in the 1890s, with 'under God' added in the 1940s.

Why do we need a Pledge? Why not Swear the Truth by our Word?
The USA was founded by Christians and Atheists, and they did not want a Government Religion like Europe.

But with a Christian Majority, it was worked into Government anyway. Look at the Capital today with a Christmas tree, and one in the White House.

What Religion Rites does Government acknowledge for Other Citizens? It is time to go back to the founding of our Government without any religious preference.

The Constitution was set up to let All Citizens practice their Religion or No Religion Equally, but not have a State Religion Unofficially.

Back in my childhood, born in 1922, the Jewish Children in my schools participated in Christian Religious Holidays. I guess other religious children did to, but then we did not have as many major religions.

This has changed some in schools today, but still not in the Government in Washington and State Governments.

Pledging Allegiance to a Government, Makes Government Allegiance more important than Religions. We see this in going to War for Governments, when God said not to Kill. Who do we Obey? God or Man?

Jesus said give unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is Gods.
Jesus also said turn the other cheek. What does this mean to believers? Pledge Allegiance to Government?

If all the God worshipers around the Planet, followed their Gods rule of Be Caretakers of Life, Thou Shalt Not Kill, and Equality with our Brothers/Sisters of Life, our Planet would not be Dying, and we would not have our Planet covered with Nuclear Bombs, the Abomination of Desolation.

[Will Graham]

Cole, on the nbcactionnews.com site KCF had promised up to 6,000 dollars in donations for an appearance by a couple of local theists.

But when they tried to take him up on it, he kept changing the goal posts and backed out.

Now you say a "any amount will help" even a hundred dollars or some cans of food.

So why isn't KCF donating that 6000 dollars to YOUR project?

Only two possibilities: he either didn't have it in the first place, or never intended to pay.

So, quit acting like atheists and BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!!

You want a donation? Call 816-517-1428 and you can have one.

But you have to call.

Oh, and Cole, thanks for identifying IGGY in your post.

I knew it was him.

[Dolores Lear]

This week's Daily promise, 12/2/08: God has great rewards for those who remain faithful Hope in your eternal inheritance
"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. Ephesians 1:18-19 NLT"

Me: What is this power for us who believe him? Allegiance to Government or to God and Peace?

Is Allegiance to God and Peace for Life After Death in Heaven, but not on Earth?

What does God's Peace for Humans, mean to Religious Citizens of Killing Governments?

Why not a Pledge of Allegiance to Peace on Earth instead of to War?

Your Religious Rich and Glorious Eternal Physical Life Inheritance, is for the Living Humans, not the Dead.

[Lance]

Will, do you really have that much of a persecution complex that instead of addressing many of the topics you'd rather focus on calling KCF a non-American as if it has some bearing on the conversation? Get over it man. I'm an atheist. I donate time and money every year. You can spout your religion all you want. No one is saying you can't. Maybe you should see a shrink for this issue you have. ;)

[memberofKCFreeThinkers.org]

Delores, I think that you mean well. I can’t agree entirely. But that is a start. Too, bad, others don’t think this way. Some day, perhaps. Peace. For the Sake of Goodness. Cole

[memberofKCFreeThinkers.org]

Delores, I like you. WE don’t agree entirely, but we have hope. Life is what it is. Natural, Maybe, for now, we can meet half way. Peace. For the Sake of Goodness. Cole

[memberofKCFreeThinkers.org]

I agree with everything Lance said and double it. Way to go Lance!
Peace For the Sake of Goodness Cole