- Quoting the little kid at the Flagstaff star.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Are Muslims and Lutherans the Same?
What's in a creed?
The following is a comparison of 3 creeds which I used to create my New Creed. It compares the Lutheran and Catholic Creed and for good measure the 6 Suni Articles of Belief. Check it out to see the similarities and the relatively minor differences.
Click it to expand it!
The following is a comparison of 3 creeds which I used to create my New Creed. It compares the Lutheran and Catholic Creed and for good measure the 6 Suni Articles of Belief. Check it out to see the similarities and the relatively minor differences.
Click it to expand it!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
A Creed for the New Age.. or .. Nicea was 1500 years ago!
What do you believe in?
People sometimes ask this question and I'm not sure how to answer. First, my reaction is "Hey that's my business, not yours!" and move onto to something else. Another reaction is that "It's complicated." and I assume they don;'t have enough interest, time or patience to hear me out. Sometimes it's just a matter of I think they just won't get it or they will think that my opinion is bull and I will feel unfairly judged by them.
Is this all just a cop-out? Do I really know what I think? Do I not answer these questions because I don't know the answer and I don't want to struggle for the answer with an audience? Right now I am leaning toward cop-out. When I open my journal and ask myself what do I believe I draw a blank. Is it I don't know or I don't know how to say it. I do know what I believe as I often exercise the ability to judge others =there must be some basis for that. There also are lots of things I disagree with when read or heard - that means I at least have an opinion.
How to answer the question, "What do you believe in?"
My new strategy was to start with things that make me uncomfortable. I need to identify that uncomfortable moment and respond by questioning why I'm itchy.
The Apostle's Creed came to mind. I have bit my tongue whenever it is recited when I have gone to church. It is a statement of belief which millions of people say every week. I started with the Lutheran Creed then went to the Catholic version I grew up with. I also ran through the pillars of Islam out of curiosity. In my read the Lutheran and Catholic versions are nearly identical, although I'm sure a scholar would find many differences, and there is some clear similarities with the pillars of Islam. I find I don't believe the majority of what is said in this creed.
The product of this review is a New Creed. What I chose to do was perform a line by line review of the creed and substitute what I feel I can support for the words of the New Creed.
Is this a comprehensive statement of belief? No, but its a start and with this I've started to learn how to talk about my beliefs more clearly.
Here is my New Creed followed by the text of the Lutheran creed.
The Lutheran Church – Apostles Creed
What do you believe?
People sometimes ask this question and I'm not sure how to answer. First, my reaction is "Hey that's my business, not yours!" and move onto to something else. Another reaction is that "It's complicated." and I assume they don;'t have enough interest, time or patience to hear me out. Sometimes it's just a matter of I think they just won't get it or they will think that my opinion is bull and I will feel unfairly judged by them.
Is this all just a cop-out? Do I really know what I think? Do I not answer these questions because I don't know the answer and I don't want to struggle for the answer with an audience? Right now I am leaning toward cop-out. When I open my journal and ask myself what do I believe I draw a blank. Is it I don't know or I don't know how to say it. I do know what I believe as I often exercise the ability to judge others =there must be some basis for that. There also are lots of things I disagree with when read or heard - that means I at least have an opinion.
How to answer the question, "What do you believe in?"
My new strategy was to start with things that make me uncomfortable. I need to identify that uncomfortable moment and respond by questioning why I'm itchy.
The Apostle's Creed came to mind. I have bit my tongue whenever it is recited when I have gone to church. It is a statement of belief which millions of people say every week. I started with the Lutheran Creed then went to the Catholic version I grew up with. I also ran through the pillars of Islam out of curiosity. In my read the Lutheran and Catholic versions are nearly identical, although I'm sure a scholar would find many differences, and there is some clear similarities with the pillars of Islam. I find I don't believe the majority of what is said in this creed.
The product of this review is a New Creed. What I chose to do was perform a line by line review of the creed and substitute what I feel I can support for the words of the New Creed.
Is this a comprehensive statement of belief? No, but its a start and with this I've started to learn how to talk about my beliefs more clearly.
Here is my New Creed followed by the text of the Lutheran creed.
A New Creed
Modeled after the Apostles Creed
11-3-10
I believe there are forces beyond my understanding
which govern how nature operates.
These forces cannot be denied.
Everyone has the ability to comprehend these forces.
Everything carries this understanding in some way as it's an innate gift.
There are those who seem to better comprehend these forces,
appreciate how they permeate the universe, and
how we can work within them.
People such as Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, and Ghandi are examples.
They began just like you, and
you can be like them.
People like them are all around you.
These are people who seek ,
they seek undeniable truths.
These people live normal, joyful, caring, but
sometimes difficult lives.
They are often misunderstood as
their striving for truth may be a challenge to others.
Others who are afraid of or deny their desire for truth.
Seeking truth can be as traumatic as it may
challenge the very foundations of your beliefs.
Perseverance and
commitment to your truth
will reward you in life and
in your relationship to the world.
People can share in these rewards,
through community, trust, honesty, and love.
We all make mistakes so
be considerate and forgiving of others actions.
The time after death is a mystery.
Your time on earth is remembered for your actions and
how you treated others.
How do you want to be remembered?
The Lutheran Church – Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
What do you believe?
Monday, January 11, 2010
John Ain't bad
Ten Good things about me
1. People like being around me.
2. I'm a good dad and husband.
3. My bosses think I'm a good worker.
4. I had good discipline when I set my mind too it.
5. I'm well read.
6. I have lots of interesting ideas.
7. I can find solutions in difficult circumstances.
8. I am good at explaining my point.
9. I can empathize with others.
10. I take good care of my health.
1. People like being around me.
2. I'm a good dad and husband.
3. My bosses think I'm a good worker.
4. I had good discipline when I set my mind too it.
5. I'm well read.
6. I have lots of interesting ideas.
7. I can find solutions in difficult circumstances.
8. I am good at explaining my point.
9. I can empathize with others.
10. I take good care of my health.
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