Of Beams and Other Projectiles

 The Gospel Reading from Sunday speaks of a parable of Jesus concerning people with beams in their eye.  They should not worry about the mote or speck in the eyes of other people.  This is from the Gospel according to Luke chapter 6.  There are a couple of things that I want to note about this passage. 

First, this is not a parable as we usually think of parables.  I think of a parable as being a story which has a lesson for the listener.  When I think of a parable, I think of examples such as the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son, or the wise and foolish virgins or even the parable of the lost coin.  I looked up a definition of a parable.  The first two definition I found are as follows:

A general definition of "parable" is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.

Merriam-Webster gives the following definition for parable: "a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle."

This seems to fit with what I think of as a parable – a story with a moral or spiritual lesson.  It is nice to have your beliefs of understanding confirmed.  However, lets put that aside and see what lesson it may contain for us.    What we have is a series of punch lines – we don’t have the story, but we do have the moral or spiritual lessons, as there are a number of lessons which Jesus gives us in quick succession.  We have the blind leading the blind not leading to good results; the disciple is not above his (or her) master; and finally, the lesson about not worrying about the mote the other person’s eye and ignore the beam in your own eye.  All wise saying which we should all pay attention to. 

I want to explore the last spiritual lesson – the one about the mote and the beam.  First let’s clarify the language.  What is a mote?  It is an old-fashioned word for something tiny – some versions of the bible translate the Greek word as speck.  So, we have a small thing - a speck of dust in your eye.  Well, what about a beam?  We have different types of beams.  We have beams in a house which support it and hold up the structure – when I looked up types of beams on-line a found one list of 14 different types if beams used in construction.  There is also a beam of light like a moon beam.  I found some illustrations of this passage on-line.  They generally had a beam made of wood or other material such as concrete.  In the illustration this was in the eye of the person pictured – not a comfortable image to say the least.

It is hard to imagine that anyone could not be aware of such an immense thing as a beam stuck in their eye.  Of course, if we think of this literally it could be impossible.  So, we need to think of it metaphorically or symbolically.   Doing this the basic message is clear.  Pay attention to the large thing in your eye getting in the way of seeing things clearly and don’t worry about the little speck in your neighbour’s eye.

Let’s consider what is happening here as a case of projection.  Psychologist Carl Jung speaks of projections this way, “Projections change the world into the replica of one’s own unknown face.”  One source notes that projections “occurs when we attribute an element of our personality residing in our unconscious to another individual or group. While it is possible to project both positive and negative characteristics, there is generally a greater tendency to project the latter.” https://www.jungian-confrerie.com/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/8209?opendocument&part=15

In the case of the parable, the person with the beam in their eye, i.e. a large impediment to seeing the world as it is, is projecting that state on someone in their field of vision and seeing them as having that issue or characteristic.  In effect we are seeing the “other” not as they truly are but in a way that reflects something about ourselves.  The writer of the Gospel, Luke wouldn’t have thought in these modern terms, but the lesson is the same.   Be aware that the way you are seeing the other person can say more about yourself than about the other person.

One sign that this is happening is that you have an illogically strong reaction to someone – it might be their behaviour or even their appearance.  Perhaps they have a crazy hairstyle like dreadlocks or perhaps they dress inappropriately for an occasion.  Perhaps it is someone who is loud or bossy or just plain annoying.  Whatever it is just makes you see red and never want to have anything to do with them.

May we all be blessed to know ourselves more fully and to see others as they truly are on our journey.

 

Climate Change is Really Real

 Last week, Lorna and I joined a local group, here in Prince Edward Island, on a tour of a wonderful facility at the neighbouring community of St. Peters.  It is the School of Climate Change and Adaptation of the University of Prince Edward Island.  The group meets regularly at the Fortune Community Centre near our cottage. This was the first time we had joined this group after arriving at our cottage for the summer and it was a great way to get our feet firmly planted in the red soil of P.E.I.

The school is situated in a new facility which can be seen perched on the hill side above the highway going through St. Peters.  I must admit I was not overly impressed viewing it from the road driving by the last couple of years.  To me it had the appearance of something which had been plunked down on a hillside having a box like appearance.  However, this is definitely a case of not judging a book by its cover or, to use a science (fiction) analogy, like the TARDIS, of Dr. Who fame – there was much more on the inside that appeared on the outside. 

The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs at the masters, and PhD level in Environmental Sciences with impressive facilities including residents for the Masters and PhD students.  They wisely, in my view,  decided not to offer resident facilities for undergraduates probably wanting to maintain a peaceful environment.

The programs include such areas as food security and sustainability, a Climate Smart Lab, a Drone Lab, Coastal Monitoring and Mapping, GIS and Modelling, and Climate Policy.  Here are a couple of examples of what they are doing to give you an idea of the range of activities.  The drones are used to map the entire coastline of P.E.I.  and track the erosion that is occurring because of climate change.  This is caused primarily not by rising sea level but by storm damage with the increasing storm surges due to increased frequency of storms caused by climate change.  We have experienced hurricanes in the last two Septembers on the Island and this year is forecast to have a lot of hurricane activity.  We were advised that some people who own property on the coast try to put up sea walls to stop the erosion with rocks and concrete or other material.  However, this only diverts storm water to the neighbouring coastline and makes the effect worse.  Robert Frost was definitely right when he wrote that good fences make good neighbours – or in this case, no shore-line walls make good neighbours. 

Another great example of what the schools are doing is a fully automated machine developed by the students which can be used to identify specific weeds in a field of potatoes (a very important crop on P.E.I.) and treat it with the right substance limiting the amount of chemicals used.  It can also identify where fertiliser is needed on a field, again limiting the amount used. 

The University of P.E.I. is a small educational facility with about 5,500 students.  However, with this facility they are leading but it shows that size is not an impediment to innovation and excellence.  Climate change is a reality and there will need to be innovative in developing ways to deal with this reality which is exactly what is being done at the school.  Of course this does not let governments, or businesses or each of us off the hook from doing all we can to fight and mitigate the extent of climate change.

We are called to be stewards of the world that God created and declared to be good.  May we be blessed to do that on our journey.

God's Language

Tomorrow, I will be facilitating a dream group in an event sponsored by Dreamwork Canada. If you are interested, you can find more information at https://dreamworkcanada.squarespace.com/.  We will be using a group process of exploring dreams which I was trained in with the Haden Institute.  In this process we consider dreams to be God’s Forgotten Language.

Dreams are a way in which God “speaks” to us.  However, our culture has lost the knowledge that  God is communicating with us through our dreams.  In the case of dreams and in many of the other ways in which God speaks to us, we no longer understand how God is speaking to us or even that God is speaking to us.  God does speak to us in many different ways and in many modes.  In the case of dreams, God uses the language of metaphor and symbols.    By exploring the images in dreams and treating them as metaphors and symbols, we can unpack the message and meaning contained in the dream.

Our culture generally does not appreciate the value that dreams bring to each of us.  We maintain that dream come in the service of health and wholeness of the dreamer and of society.  As a Christian, I have faith that dreams are used by God to help us become the people that God intends us to be.  However, even if you don’t believe this, dreams can still be understood as necessary and beneficial for our health and wholeness and will enable us to live life more fully.

If you would like to explore what dreams can say to you, the best way to begin is to record you dreams by writing them down i.e. keep a dream journal.  That will assist you in remembering your dreams which can be a challenge for many people.  Look at the images in the dream and begin to explore the images by identifying the associations you have with that image.  For instance, if it is a building, what kind of a building is it – a house, a school, a government building.  What is the purpose of the building and what kind of activity might occur in the building.  Look for the ‘aha’ moment when the meaning is revealed in this exploration. 

There are many books which can help you on this journey into the world of dreams.  Many sources are available on the internet but as with all information of the internet, be careful not to be led down rabbit holes.  A good place to start is the Dreamwork Canada web site which has resources listed and information on upcoming events where you can gain experience with working with dreams.

I will close with the prayer we use when working with dreams in our group process.

Holy Dream Maker, Creator of All,
Be with us as we open our hearts and minds 
to the divine wisdom in our dreams.
We thank you and honour You.
As you guide us in the way to health and wholeness,
may we be open to the blessings of your message.

May you be blessed to know the meaning of your dreams on your journey.

 

A New Religion in Canada According to ChatGPT (5)

Last week, I interrupted my exploration of a new religion in Canada proposed by AI software ChatGPT.  I reflected on my experience of serving on a jury.  Today I will return to the new religion and try to sum up the essence of it and see how it matches the analysis of American theologian Harvey Cox in his book, The Future of Faith. 

The following is an excerpt of the summary of the new religion proposed by ChatGPT:

In summary, a hypothetical new religion in Canada would likely embody characteristics such as inclusivity, environmental consciousness, social justice advocacy, interfaith dialogue, personal growth, and adaptability. By reflecting the values and aspirations of Canadian society, such a religion could serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and community for its adherents, contributing to the rich tapestry of religious diversity in the country.

Overall, worship in this new religion would be a dynamic and inclusive experience, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary sensibilities, and offering individuals opportunities for spiritual growth, community connection, and service to the greater good.

In this new religion, the concepts of sin and forgiveness would be reframed within a framework of compassion, personal responsibility, and restorative justice, emphasizing the inherent dignity and potential for growth within every individual. Through practices of self-reflection, forgiveness, and reconciliation, adherents would strive to cultivate greater harmony within themselves, their relationships, and the world around them.

The divine being worshipped in this new religion would be characterized by love, compassion, wisdom, creativity, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all existence. Adherents would find solace, inspiration, and guidance in their relationship with the divine, fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging in their lives.

In The Future of Faith, Harvey Cox identifies three ages of Christianity: the Age of Faith, the Age of Belief, and the Age of the Spirit.  Summarizing briefly, the Age of Faith began with Jesus and his disciples and continued for a relatively short period including those who had direct or indirect experience of Jesus Christ.  In this period, to be a Chirstian meant, “to live in his Spirit, embrace his hope, and follow him in the work he began.”

The Age of Belief began a few decades after the birth of Christianity when the church began to become organized and develop structures and the leadership, both formal and informal, took charge of those structures.  In addition, as with most organizations, the purpose and procedures began to be formalized.  The core of this stage lasted fifteen hundred years with many of the structures and dogmas still in place today. 

The Age of the Spirit began to appear earlier than you might expect.  According to Cox, the birth pangs can be traced to the twelfth century in the Chirstian era.  Although some might identify the age of the Spirit beginning with Pentecost.  However, this age is now taking quite a firm hold of Christianity often beyond the formal structure of the Church and into a society which is increasingly secularized at least in the western world. 

Cox characterizes the Age of the Spirit first as a protest against the religious structures and forms in organized religion.  Second, to attempt to recognize and celebrate “the awe and wonder before the intricacy of nature.”  Finally, it acknowledges and celebrates the “the increasingly porous borders between different traditions, and like the early Christian movement, it looks more to the future than to the past.”  

It is possible to see that Cox’s analysis of the current age is compatible with much of the new religion proposed by ChatGPT.  It is less structured and more informal than the organized church today.  Above all, it is inclusive and accepting of different ways of identifying the Divine and experiences of that source of life.  I will leave it there for now and invite you to consider these propositions in light of your experience and perhaps desire to find different ways to make connections with that source on your journey.

I will close with a prayer of confession proposed by ChatGPT for this new religion.

Divine Presence, source of mercy and compassion, we come before you with contrite hearts, acknowledging our imperfections and shortcomings. For the times we have strayed from the path of love and integrity, and have caused harm to ourselves, others, or the Earth, we humbly seek your forgiveness. Grant us the courage to confront our failings with honesty and humility, and the wisdom to learn and grow from our mistakes. With hearts open to transformation, we ask for your grace to cleanse and renew us, restoring us to wholeness and guiding us towards reconciliation and redemption. Amen. 

To Be or Not To Be (on a Jury)

I am interrupting my exploration of the New Religion proposed by ChatGPT – that AI phenomenon – to reflect on my experience servicing on a jury.  I was summoned to be in a jury pool at the beginning of last week.  Dutifully i.e. not having any valid excuse not to and trekked to the Courthouse in London Ontario.  I was fortunate to be selected to serve on the jury of twelve people and two alternates in a criminal case involving a sexual assault. 

To be honest, I was somewhat ambivalent about the prospect of being selected for jury duty – I didn’t have information at that point on the nature of the trial.  I would be a bit disruptive of my life, but not seriously as I am semi-retired – as I decided that I would declare as my status if asked.  Old clergy don’t retire – they just fade away (it seems I am fading more these days).  I would have to reschedule a number of appointments but nothing major.  Also, having jury duty is a great excuse for getting out of things you are ambivalent about.  As we prospective jurors were advised, if you are able to be excused from serving that means that someone else would have to serve in your place.

Reflecting on the experience, I must say that it was truly valuable, and I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity.  There is much that I could say about the experience, but I would like to focus on a few things.  It turned out the jury was both diverse and not diverse.  We had a wide range of ages – I estimated I was the oldest at 75 and the youngest was going to celebrate his twentieth birthday imminently.  The jury was comprised of six men and six women – two alternate jurors were both women, but they were dismissed before evidence was given, which I found out was the usual practice.  However, the accused was a black man and there was only one black person on the jury.  As the judge noted after the trial ended, that was a reflection on the reality of London and probably would have been different in Toronto. 

The jury received a primer on trial law which was very informative and helpful.  We were informed, among other things, that we had to judge the guilt or innocence of the accused strictly on the evidence and not on such things as opening and closing statements.  We were also advised and required to swear that we would put aside – to the best of our ability – any conscious biases we had as well as make every effort to identify and put aside any unconscious biases that we become aware of in the course of the trial and jury deliberations.  As it turned out we did not have to deliberate as a plea bargain was reached after four days and we were dismissed without having to render a verdict.  I am sure that doing so would have been a most interesting process and a very worthwhile experience as well.

Given my interest in the part that the unconscious plays in the life of people, I was most interested in the direction that we should make every effort to identify and put aside any conscious and unconscious biases.  I was very pleased to see the emphasis placed on this by the judge – who I was very impressed with throughout the trial.  However, I am also aware that to actually be able to identify and deal with the part the unconscious plays in our motive and actions is a very challenging thing.  I don’t know how this could be handled in a better way in the judicial process than it was.  For instance, I can’t see the jurors engaging in dream analysis during the trial process or practicing active imagination.   Most people are unaware of the role that unconscious energy plays in their waking lives.  It would be interesting to do a study on dreams of jurors both during and after the experience of service on a jury.

That is about all I want to explore - at least this time.   May you be blessed to have a positive encounter with the legal system on your journey.

A New Religion in Canada According to ChatGPT (4)

 A while ago I delved into the wonderful world of artificial intelligence in my blog with the post, AI, and the Preacher (November 7, 2023).  I have been pondering the possibilities of AI.  The thought came that it would be very interesting to explore a new religion today in Canada, what would it be like if someone was to set out to create one.  I decided that I would pose that question to my friend ChatGPT, the AI phenomenon that has taken the world by storm recently.    I asked ChatGPT a series of questions about such a new religion and would like to share the responses over the next few editions of my blog.  Beyond exploring this, I am interested to see how this new religion proposed by ChatGPT compares with the Anglican Church of Canada.

Over the first two editions, I have explored the characteristics of this religion.  Last week I explored what worship would look like.  Today I will wrap up this investigation with the characteristics of the entity that would be worshipped by the followers of this religion and attempt to summarize my assessment of what is being proposed.  Here is ChatGPT’s response to the question, “Would this religion have a divine being that is worshipped. If so, what would its characteristics be:

In this new religion emerging in Canada, the concept of a divine being would likely be approached in diverse and inclusive ways, reflecting the pluralistic and open-minded nature of the spiritual landscape. While some adherents may choose to worship a traditional deity or deities from established religious traditions, others may gravitate towards a more abstract or pantheistic understanding of the divine. Here are some possible characteristics of the divine being worshipped in this religion:

1.      Immanence and Transcendence: The divine being might be understood as both immanent within the world and transcendent beyond it, encompassing the entirety of existence while also permeating every aspect of creation. This understanding allows for a deep sense of connection and reverence for the sacredness inherent in all life forms and natural phenomena.

2.      Unconditional Love and Compassion: At the heart of the divine being's nature would be an expression of unconditional love and compassion, embracing all beings with acceptance and understanding. This love transcends human notions of judgment or punishment, offering solace, healing, and guidance to all who seek it.

3.      Wisdom and Guidance: The divine being would embody wisdom and insight, serving as a source of guidance and inspiration for seekers on the spiritual path. Adherents would turn to the divine for clarity, discernment, and support in navigating life's challenges and dilemmas.

4.      Creativity and Beauty: The divine being's creative energy would be celebrated in the wondrous diversity and beauty of the natural world. Adherents would find inspiration in the unfolding of the cosmos, recognizing the divine presence in the intricate patterns of the universe and the awe-inspiring majesty of creation.

5.      Unity in Diversity: Embracing the diversity of religious beliefs and cultural expressions, the divine being would be perceived as encompassing all manifestations of the sacred, transcending narrow definitions or exclusivist claims. Adherents would honor the multiplicity of paths to the divine, recognizing that each individual's journey is unique and valid.

6.      Justice and Harmony: The divine being would embody principles of justice, equity, and harmony, calling upon adherents to work towards the establishment of a just and compassionate society. Adherents would be inspired to advocate for social justice, alleviate suffering, and promote peace and reconciliation in the world.

Overall, the divine being worshipped in this new religion would be characterized by love, compassion, wisdom, creativity, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all existence. Adherents would find solace, inspiration, and guidance in their relationship with the divine, fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging in their lives.

We have the object of worship which is all inclusive and attempts to be all things to all people.  The Christian Religion, which includes the Anglican part of Christianity, worships a God which is both immanent and transcendent as manifest in the Trinitarian God of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The aspects summarized above; love, compassion, wisdom, creativity, and a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all existence – are, in general, compatible with the Christian God as worshipped in the Anglican Church.  However, there is no concept of sin and redemption which is at the core of the Christian faith.  Without this, there is no way in which imperfect human beings, who by their nature fall into sin, can be redeemed, and offered the possibility of new and better life.

Next time, I will complete my exploration of this new religion and I will reflect on this new religion, in the context of what American Theologian, Harvey Cox, posits as the “Age of the Spirit” which he proposes is the future of religion. 

Blessings to all. 

A New Religion in Canada According to ChatGPT (3)

 A while ago I delved into the wonderful world of artificial intelligence in my blog with the post, AI, and the Preacher (November 7, 2023).  I have been pondering the possibilities of AI.  The thought came that it would be very interesting to explore a new religion today in Canada, what would it be like if someone was to set out to create one.  I decided that I would pose that question to my friend ChatGPT, the AI phenomenon that has taken the world by storm recently.    I asked ChatGPT a series of questions about such a new religion and would like to share the responses over the next few editions of my blog.  Beyond exploring this, I am interested to see how this new religion proposed by ChatGPT compares with the Anglican Church of Canada.

The last two weeks I considered my first query I posed to Chat GPT, “I would like a 500-word essay on the characteristics of what a new religion in Canada would look like.”  Today I will consider the second question I posed to ChatGPT, “what would worship be like in such a religion?”  Here is the response from my buddy Chat:

In a new religion emerging in Canada, worship practices would likely reflect the diverse cultural influences and spiritual needs of its adherents. Here's a glimpse into what worship might entail:

1. Inclusive Rituals: Worship ceremonies would be designed to be inclusive and welcoming to people from all walks of life. They would incorporate elements from various cultural traditions, allowing individuals to connect with the divine in ways that resonate with their personal backgrounds and beliefs.
2. Nature-Centric Observances: Given Canada's breathtaking natural landscapes and growing environmental consciousness, worship in this new religion might often take place outdoors, in natural settings such as forests, mountains, or riversides. Rituals could involve honoring the Earth, expressing gratitude for its abundance, and seeking harmony with the natural world.
3. Mindfulness and Meditation: Worship sessions could include practices like meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises aimed at fostering inner peace, spiritual awareness, and connection with the divine. These practices would encourage individuals to quiet their minds, listen to their inner voices, and cultivate a sense of presence and reverence.
4. Community Engagement: Worship in this new religion would emphasize community engagement and collective participation. Adherents would come together to pray, sing hymns or chants, share stories, and engage in rituals that reinforce their sense of belonging and interconnectedness. Community service projects and charitable activities might also be integral parts of worship, reflecting the religion's commitment to social justice and compassion.
5. Interfaith Dialogue: Worship gatherings could provide opportunities for interfaith dialogue and collaboration, where members of different religious traditions come together to share their perspectives, learn from one another, and find common ground. These dialogues would promote understanding, respect, and cooperation among diverse religious communities, fostering a spirit of unity and harmony.
6. Sacred Text Study: Worship sessions might involve the study and contemplation of sacred texts or spiritual teachings from various traditions, drawing insights and inspiration from their wisdom. Adherents would engage in reflective discussions, explore the relevance of these teachings to their lives, and seek guidance for navigating ethical dilemmas and life's challenges.
7. Creative Expression: Worship could also involve creative forms of expression such as art, music, dance, or storytelling. These forms of creative expression would serve as vehicles for connecting with the divine, expressing one's deepest emotions and aspirations, and celebrating the beauty and mystery of existence.

Overall, worship in this new religion would be a dynamic and inclusive experience, blending ancient wisdom with contemporary sensibilities, and offering individuals opportunities for spiritual growth, community connection, and service to the greater good.

My overall impression of this new religion is that it tries to be all things to all people.  Perhaps by doing this it becomes nothing much to anyone in particular.  I think that the intention of being inclusive, accepting, and welcoming could be very positive.  The focus on the natural world would be embraced by many in this time of global warming and ecological challenges and is basically the call for stewardship of the world that God created.  The striving for inclusion of other religious tradition could be positive as there is value in many of those traditions.  However, where would be the basis of judging whether or not those traditions contained the true path that people can follow in their lives. 

The Anglican Church within the Christian religion has the foundation of the Ten Commandment and the teaching of the Great Commandment to love one another as Jesus loves us.  There needs to be a foundational teaching of such a religion, but it is not self-evident from the response.  The lack of such a foundational belief would be a serious failing of such a religion.  You can also consider how sacred texts would be handled if they conflict with others.  There are, of course, things within the Christian holy scripture that seem to conflict with each other which has been a challenge for many Christians for the last two thousand years plus.  The opportunity for spiritual growth is very much in concert with the Anglican faith but again, how do we judge if that spiritual growth is on a path that can be judged as being true without a firm foundation to build upon.    

I will leave it at that for this edition as I have gone on longer than usual.  There is, of course, more that can be explored on our journey with ChatGPT’s version of a New Religion in Canada.