[minsocal]

October, on Apr 9 2008, 07:28 PM, said:

That is part of it... but many kids simply aren't parented. I have kids who go to bed at 11, 12, 1, 2 a.m. I tell them I'm in bed at 9! I'm an adult they latest they should be going to bed is 9! Know how hard it is to teach a kid who hasn't had enough sleep? Yikes! Falling asleep, grouchy, easily irritated... Then of course there is the kids who haven't been read to, barely talked to... I could go on.

I'm concerned about kids not getting the right kind of stimulation. To me, video games and the like cannot replace reading and the imagination it demands. The poet Robert Bly has written some elegant commentary on this.

[October's Autumn]

minsocal, on Apr 9 2008, 09:47 PM, said:

I'm concerned about kids not getting the right kind of stimulation. To me, video games and the like cannot replace reading and the imagination it demands. The poet Robert Bly has written some elegant commentary on this.

That would be another good example. Having televisions as babysitters, spending money on video games instead of books, misplaced priorities -- more important to look cute than to eat properly, go to a musuem...

[minsocal]

My understanding of LT is pretty weak. But I have heard that another element of LT has to do with preserving "the best" of mixed cultural values. In other words, this is why Rev. Wright's church also seeks to preserve the best aspects of the African culture and blend it with the best aspects of American culture. I could be very wrong about this. Could anybody let me know if I am on the right track?

[TheGreatWhiteBuffalo]

minsocal, on Apr 10 2008, 04:06 PM, said:

My understanding of LT is pretty weak. But I have heard that another element of LT has to do with preserving "the best" of mixed cultural values. In other words, this is why Rev. Wright's church also seeks to preserve the best aspects of the African culture and blend it with the best aspects of American culture. I could be very wrong about this. Could anybody let me know if I am on the right track?

Hi Minsocal,

I would think that we are beyond the issue of African and American culture as we all are part of a global community and we need to stop the tribal division.

There is a need for a change in how we think some of these issues out. We have to pin the historical events to the current of the conversation, ie. What caused the Rev. Wright to give such a sermon etc. ??? Why would an organization claim to hold fast to historical dogma?

I saw you did a thesis on Satan and the creation of Evil in early religions, it is funny how the obvious is so unique, in that only a few get it. Did you want to give or write more about your conclusion? I know my answer to the need to remove antiquated beliefs and why...

I'm interested in what others will have to add and to see which track we are on...

[minsocal]

TheGreatWhiteBuffalo, on Apr 10 2008, 03:37 PM, said:

Hi Minsocal,

I would think that we are beyond the issue of African and American culture as we all are part of a global community and we need to stop the tribal division.

There is a need for a change in how we think some of these issues out. We have to pin the historical events to the current of the conversation, ie. What caused the Rev. Wright to give such a sermon etc. ??? Why would an organization claim to hold fast to historical dogma?

The idea is that where there is value in tradtion, it should be preserved. What no longer works can be discarded. As we form a "global" community, we have to start somewhere.

As to Trinity UCC and Rev. Wriight, I can assure there is little "dogma" involved. This is a rather Progressive Church (see prior posts).

[minsocal]

grampawombat, on Mar 30 2008, 05:13 PM, said:

Approach the Bible with a “hermeneutic of suspicion.” This means that how we read the Bible depends on our own background and biases. Therefore we always have to be aware of the possibility of “spin” when we, or others, are interpreting it.

This leads to the “hermeneutic circle.” It goes something like this: 1) we read a passage from the Bible, having already engaged in a specific action. 2) Based on our own perspective (see above) we interpret what we have read. 3) Based on that interpretation we engage in some new action with regard to other people. 4) Based on that experience we return to the Bible with fresh insights.

This partially answers a question I raised concerning Process Theology in a different discussion. This has happened to me. When I first read some of the teachings of Jesus, I sort of said "huh?", I don't agree. Later, I went back to those same teachings and went "ahhh", got it! The focus is on what you find at a particular time, not fixed "dogma".

[grampawombat]

And our life experiences affect how we understand Jesus and his teachings and ministry.

[minsocal]

grampawombat, on Apr 11 2008, 08:27 PM, said:

And our life experiences affect how we understand Jesus and his teachings and ministry.

Yes, and thank you for providing the concept.

[TheGreatWhiteBuffalo]

So I read this and immediately started thinking of the passage in the Bible where Jesus was talking about giving to Ceasar what is Ceasar's... I wonder why? How is our economy globally? Hmmm?

I remember a time not to long ago here in America we were all doing pretty good, striving to get ahead and in control of our resources, today it seems that our resources are controlling us...

The ministry of Jesus was not in support of the organized religion and the dogma of that day, and so today we see the repeat of history all over again.

What is of our economy that is of GOD? What of our leader and the blessings of his leadership? Are we better or worse off?

I see trouble in our future and the storm is growing...

The is a cure and that requires change...

[TheGreatWhiteBuffalo]

There is a cure and that cure requires change... Sorry couldn't edit...