Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary: “1. Archaic. Concord; reconciliation. 2. Satisfactory reparation for an offense or injury.” From the Books of Exodus through Numbers, the term appears repeatedly, referring to the ritual vicarious sacrifice of animals by the priests, offered as reparation to God for the sins of the nation as a whole and for individual Israelites. Be the completion of these rituals, sinners felt that they had been forgiven and were once more “at one” with God. It is critical to note that these rituals were based on the expectation that the vicarious sacrifice would restore ..read more

Recently I accompanied my wife, who is Catholic, on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There, up a steep and rocky hill, was a statue of Mary at the site of an apparition of hers many years ago. Our group, among countless other pilgrims, was to climb to that spot which, for Catholics, is a place of great holiness. From decades of being trampled by millions of feet, the path was bare of any vegetation or soil. There was no place to step except on limestone, from rocks a foot or two in size down to 1 inch shards and gravel. The priest who led our group chose to make the climb ba ..read more

In the parable of the sower, the seed that falls on good soil brings forth a yield of 30, 60, sometimes 100 fold! Surely we want to bear such bountiful fruit for the Lord. But what is good soil? Good worldly soil has plenty of Nitrogen, Iron, Magnesium, and many other elements, in a soft medium with a good supply of moisture. Just so, good spiritual soil in our hearts must have its proper composition. God drops His still dews of quietness upon our hearts to soften them – to make them humbly open and welcoming to the Seed – and to cause that Seed to germinate there. Then the Seed will put out ..read more

In our biweekly Quaker Q&A session last evening, the question was raised, “What is Conservative Friends’ view on evil?” What about “systemic” violence, climate change, and the like? A deep sharing of wisdom followed. In the material world, there are hurricanes, floods, wildfires – things that we call harmful. There are beautiful rainbows, bountiful fields and forests, balmy days and refreshing nights – things that we can call beneficial. But these things are not morally good or evil. The knowledge of good and evil is a human heritage. To follow the good and avoid evil is morality, the com ..read more

In a recent correspondence with a Friend in Germany, I have been reminded of a fundamental difference in attitude toward religion, especially Christianity, in European culture compared to American culture. In Europe, for centuries, the collusion, even the familial connection, between those in ecclesiastical authority and autocratic monarchs or dictators, has led to suspicion of Christianity and evangelism as instruments of repression. Our history, in these United States, is the joy of being able to fully and publicly profess and live our Christianity having escaped from any coercion or restra ..read more

What living things get pleasure from intentionally harming themselves?   None – except humans.   It is folly that, despite knowing their dangers, we eat the things that we shouldn’t, that we abuse drugs and alcohol, that we wear shoes that are stylish by hurt our feet.  It is insane that we entertain thoughts and act out on impulses that our consciences forbid, that are evil, that will alienate us from God.  Why?  It makes no sense! Satan, that crafty serpent, insinuates his wiles into our minds and foments a rebellious nature which asserts its independence ..read more

For some time, when I have been beset by those temptations that are a thorn in my flesh, I have thought of the message to Paul in his trials, “My  grace is sufficient for thee.”   Usually, holding this thought is sufficient, and the cloud is lifted.   Today, the demons were particularly annoying, insistent.  Then Lo!   I saw before me Peter in the boat and Jesus calling him.   In loving, trusting, innocent response to that call, Peter stepped out and walked on the water.  Just so, Jesus calls me to step out in love, trust, and innocence a ..read more

To live together is a self-centered choice.  To marry is a self-sacrificing choice.   Which to you think is part of the work of salvatoin? The post On Shacking Up appeared first on Seekers' Haven Worship Group ..read more

4th Query: Believing our bodies to be the temple of God, are we concerned to attain a high level of physical and mental health? To this end are our lives examples of temperance in all things? Do we avoid and discourage the use and handling of intoxicants, tobacco, and improper use of drugs? I exercise regularly and generally eat nutritiously. I avoid and discourage the use and handling of intoxicants, tobacco, and improper use of drugs except that, since my wife is not a Friend and does not feel called to avoid all use of alcohol, I sometimes inadvertently handle her wine bottles or glasses ..read more

What is science?      To discover the creative power and majesty of God and to be humble in His presence. The post Science appeared first on Seekers' Haven Worship Group ..read more