When Will We Learn?

[kerrygoddess]

When Will We Learn?
15 May 2005



Ah, the culture wars, we can’t seem to escape them these days. From books to film, the differences between the views of the liberals and the views of the conservatives are being compared and examined.

The spiritual master, J. Krishnamurti (The Book of Life) wrote two decades ago, words that echo loudly today: “As you yourself are aware, the greed for power is almost inexhaustible in a so-called spiritual organization; this greed is covered over by all kinds of sweet and official-sounding words, but the canker of avariciousness, pride, and antagonism is nourished and shared. From this grow conflict, intolerance, sectarianism, and other ugly manifestations.”

In his column today in the N.Y. Times, Nicholas Kristof, takes a look at a new book by John Shelby Spong, a former Episcopal bishop. No doubt this book will touch off further ire from the right-wing fundamentalists, who are at the very heart of that J. Krishnamurti called the “greed for power” in “so-called spiritual” organizations.

John Shelby Spong, the former bishop, tosses a hand grenade into the cultural wars with "The Sins of Scripture," which examines why the Bible - for all its message of love and charity - has often been used through history to oppose democracy and women's rights, to justify slavery and even mass murder.

It's a provocative question, and Bishop Spong approaches it with gusto. His mission, he says, is "to force the Christian Church to face its own terrifying history that so often has been justified by quotations from 'the Scriptures.' "

This book is long overdue, because one of the biggest mistakes liberals have made has been to forfeit battles in which faith plays a crucial role. Religion has always been a central current of American life, and it is becoming more important in politics because of the new Great Awakening unfolding across the United States.

Liberals can and should confront Bible-thumping preachers on their own terms, for the scriptural emphasis on justice and compassion gives the left plenty of ammunition. After all, the Bible depicts Jesus as healing lepers, not slashing Medicaid.

Saturday’s L.A. Times offered an editorial about Ridley Scott’s latest film, Kingdom of Heaven. Although I have not seen it yet, my teenage daughter gave it a rave review and pointed out much of what the L.A. Times has to say about the film’s “parallel” to “current world affairs.”

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=898

[funflower]

1. Why is Spong no longer a bishop? Did he retire?

His books are very succinct in their explanations of liberal interpretation of the Bible. He used to be an (excellent) regular on Bill Maher's show.

[MADem]

3. Is he still at Harvard?

http://www.harpercollins.com.au/title.cfm?ISBN=0732266939&Author=0000677

[funflower]

6. He's at Harvard? Cool!

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[kerrygoddess]

5. Yes he is

I had the pleasure of studying A Course in Miracles a few years ago with someone who was both a student of Krishnamurti and a friend.

Krishnamurti as one the great spiritual masters of our times offers a timeless look at God, religion and spirituality.

[sandnsea]

4. Very important piece

"force the Christian Church to face its own terrifying history that so often has been justified by quotations from 'the Scriptures."

One of the most important things we have to do in this country, face the horrors of US conquests in the name of Christianity.

I guess I'll just keep posting this:


We weren't lost and
We didn't need any book
Then the great spirit
Met the great lie
Indians are jesus
Hanging from the cross
Hanging from the cross

In the name of their savior
Forcing on us
The trinity of the chain
Guilt sin and blame
The trinity of the chain
Guilt sin and blame
Hanging from the cross
Hanging from the cross

John Trudell