Tag Archives: covenant
Jesus’ Social Program
Community Jesus’ Social Program Thursday, May 7, 2020 Jesus’ experience of divine kinship, which Beatrice Bruteau described yesterday, naturally led to the creation of equitable community. His community was very different than the larger society in which he lived—and the individualistic, largely unfettered capitalist society in which we live today. In fact, Jesus’ community looks… Continue Reading Jesus’ Social Program
Primordial Light
Islam Primordial Light Wednesday, September 26, 2018 What is this precious love and laughter Budding in our hearts? It is the glorious sound Of a soul waking up! —Hafiz (c. 1320–1389) [1] Sufism is the mystical arm of Islam. Mainline Islam, like most organized religions, largely emphasizes practical expressions and behaviors, whereas Sufism developed and… Continue Reading Primordial Light
A Gracious God
Judaism A Gracious God Monday, August 27, 2018 For most of human history God was not viewed as having a likeable, much less lovable, character. That’s why every “theophany” in the Bible (an event where God manifests in visible reality) begins with the same words. Whenever an angel or God breaks into human life, the… Continue Reading A Gracious God
Every Being Is of God’s Making
The Natural World: Week 1 Every Being Is of God’s Making Wednesday, March 7, 2018 If you would learn more, ask the cattle, Seek information from the birds of the air. The creeping things of earth will give you lessons, And the fishes of the sea will tell you all. There is not a single… Continue Reading Every Being Is of God’s Making
Blessed Are the Merciful
Sermon on the Mount: Week 2 Blessed Are the Merciful Sunday, February 4, 2018 Blessed are the merciful: they shall have mercy shown them. —Matthew 5:7 I believe with all my heart that mercy and forgiveness are the whole Gospel. The Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) says we’ll have knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sin… Continue Reading Blessed Are the Merciful
God Is Merciful and Gracious
Jesus of Nazareth: Week 2 God Is Merciful and Gracious Monday, January 22, 2018 Most people naturally feel that God must be pleased and placated. The isolated ego cannot imagine infinite and gratuitous love. Until we receive the Gospel on a cellular level, the little mind processes reality in some form of “tit for tat.”… Continue Reading God Is Merciful and Gracious
Forgiving Reality for Being What It Is
Forgiveness Forgiving Reality for Being What It Is Wednesday, August 30, 2017 The story of Noah and the flood is filled with insight. (Although I do not really believe God killed all the people on the earth and saved only one family!) God tells Noah to bring into the ark all the opposites: the wild… Continue Reading Forgiving Reality for Being What It Is
Sin: Symptom of Separation: Weekly Summary
Sin: Symptom of Separation Summary: Sunday, August 20-Friday, August 25, 2017 The great illusion that we must all overcome is that of separateness. Religion’s primary task is to communicate union, to reconnect people to their original identity “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). (Sunday) It is not that if I am moral, then I… Continue Reading Sin: Symptom of Separation: Weekly Summary
Covenant Love
Law and Grace Covenant Love Friday, May 26, 2017 YHWH, YHWH, a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and abounding in faithfulness. For the thousandth generation, YHWH maintains his kindness, forgiving all our faults, transgressions, and sins. —Exodus 34:6-7 In this marvelous early affirmation, we have, in the words of… Continue Reading Covenant Love
Implanted Desire
Law and Grace Implanted Desire Thursday, May 25, 2017 We first see the idea of grace in the Hebrew Scriptures through the concept of election or chosenness. This is eventually called “covenant love” because it finally becomes a mutual giving and receiving. This love is always initiated from YHWH’s side toward the people of Israel,… Continue Reading Implanted Desire
