What do you think of this? What would you add? Subtract? Do you track with this? With something else?
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Hey, Jealousy
Why do her kids always seem so well-behaved? Why do they get to go on such great vacations? Why does he get so much credit when I work just as hard? Why don’t I have such a great house…? Why didn’t my great play make the softball game recap? Jealousy begins when the attention moves from “here” to “there”.
Our Best Life Now
Focusing on how we can better ourselves is a popular industry these days. Best selling books often focus on self-improvement, on self-image, on increasing wealth. There is even a niche within Christianity called the “prosperity Gospel” or the “health and wealth movement.” If you do X, God will bless you with Y. A simple formula. Enticing, even. I wonder, then, if Joel Osteen is almost on to something. No really. Hear me out.
The Bible as Many, the Bible as One
In a recent conversation about the Bible, I referred to it as “a collection of texts known as the Bible.” Someone responded: “In the collection known as the Bible?? I'm sorry, my friend, but you have gone off the deep end...” This response was a bit of a surprise. The fact that the Bible is comprised of various books by various authors is common knowledge to anyone who has taken a single religion class in high school or college, or to anyone who has actually opened a Bible. As a young child, I was required to memorize “the books of the Bible.”
STATION: Water
Take a cup, fill it with water. Imagine the cleansing that water brings, the life it provides. Take a tablet from the dish. Feel its edges, its texture. See it as a representation of all that has you worried and anxious.
Relevant no matter your belief system, great read all around
Let me preface this review with the fact that I am by no means a Christian, nor a non-believer. A skeptic at heart, I came into the book and the concept of Pub Theology warily. I had never heard of Pub Theology or even met Bryan, but the book found me by chance. That being said, it was a delightful read. He's wise beyond his years and brings us a message of love, understanding, and openness. Do not let the word 'theology' turn you off - it's relevant life-enriching information no matter your belief system. Whether you come into this as a veteran on the subject or as a fresh mind, you'll find value. Worst-case scenario it's a fun read on an interesting subject and a wonderful refresher. Best-case, you're going to start seeing things differently and come away with some very useful information. I was invited to and attended a Pub Theology event while in midst of the book. If you have the opportunity to visit one, do not miss the chance.
I would add a commitment to Jesuslike peacemaking–practicing nonviolence, addressing injustices with nonviolent resistance, and working for reconciliation.
I agree, Josh! Thanks for adding that in.
The Dali Lama said, “If science demonstrated Buddism is wrong, then Buddism needs to change.”
I think Christianity needs to consider the truth of this statement and re-think some of it’s theology. Process Theism is one example of a theology that is in line with science.
What is progressive Christianity?
Of course, I had to Google “progressive Christianity” and I found this: “Seek community that is inclusive of ALL people.” This goes along with affirmation of human diversity. Does this include reaching out to help human diversity (community) or does it only speak about acceptance?