September, 1995                        Volume VI, Number 9

              

Our conversations and reflections on Saturday the 26th were centered around the topic of our human tendency to absolutize our way to God and then judge others by it. This problem was well stated in the paper by Paschal Baute in our last issue. After reviewing the paper to give us a starting point, we went on to discuss the problem. As one might expect there were divergent points of view.

Some of us approached the topic by noticing that the problem occurs when we get confused between our preceptions about God and the reality of God. This leads, unfortunately to numerous and sad examples of what people do "in the Name of God". It also led us to think about free speech and boundaries. For one finds tolerance much easier when those with whom one is exercising patience are not legislating laws forcing us to behave against our own conscience. It is often hard to isolate one's reaction to the militancy of a group, from the issues when they become a matter of political debate or social policy.

Some of us were reminded of relationships we have had with those who had extremely bad cases of this temptation. Consider the example of one's neighbors who are members of a Church with a strong evangelical imperative. To them it matters little that you are a practicing Christian, for you are not yet a member of the true path and must be converted. This could be a challenge to one's equanimity, but one that was met by seeing the good in this family and the good that was opperative in their church and just not being bothered by the rest. This left plenty of opportunity for good will and relationship.

We also reflected on how we dealt with this problem within ourselves. Some of us wondered what the positive side of such a temptation might be. Being a disciple or a devotee is primarily about being surrendered to a particular teaching. Good teachers often want a student to get caught up in their view. There is value in the emotional enthusiasm one experiences when first entering a particular faith or path. How you share this enthusiasm with friends often determines whether they are delighted or consider that you have gone `over the edge' into fanaticism. So, one is challenged with how to communicate; perhaps it is better to remain within conversations rather than yield to the flow of emotion and begin to preach. We also spoke about how life is more of a search or a journey opening us to more understanding of `Truth', than it is a stationary and unchanging recitation of one dogmatic absolute. This means we found discernment and growth to be necessary for faith. Closure may be at times a needed limitation, but the nature of the divine is infinite.

While self-examination can be uncomfortable it can also be very profitable. So after a wonderful potluck lunch, we journaled and then shared with each other on the following questions. You might wish to use them for self-reflection.

1. How has the temptation of 'righteousness', either my own or that of others, been an obstacle for me?

2. What is the most likely area or circumstance in which I will become 'righteous' at the present?

3. How do I move beyond this temptation?

                                                             A.S.

Our September retreat will be held at Knobs Haven on the week end of September 15th, 16th and 17th. Our theme will relate our spiritual journey to the seasons and their interior meanings. We will look to the symbols in the environment to understand our inward process through private journaling and meditative reflection. We will begin to open our hearts, both to each other in discussion, to Holy Presence in prayer, and to the natural world as we walk in the beauty of the Loretto campus.

If you have not yet done so, please pre-register by sending your intentions to Barbara Ballard, 2961 Rio Rita Ave., Louisville, KY 40220; phone 502-458-6022. Include $5 of the registration fee (non-refundable); the due date is September the 7th.