Sunday, May 27, 2007

The farm - God's country?

I say God's country tongue and cheek because my Mom's new farm is located near the area in Upstate NY where Joseph Smith supposedly discovered the golden tablets. Anyway, it's a beautiful piece of land where there are rolling hills and images of a bucolic lifestyle that less than 2% of the American population enjoys. I'm glad to be brought up in the Jeffersonian tradition of appreciation for the land, small business, and the virtues they entail.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Liturgy and Life

I should probably explain my previous posts regarding the Orthodox liturgy during Holy Week, and references made toward the Jews. Being born Jewish and reconciling that with my Christian faith has been a challenge for me, to say the least. Also, coming from an academic, post Vatican II Western understanding of Judaism's relationship with Christianity has couloured my view of the subject. It is the understanding of the Orthodox Church that they are the continuation of Israel, and that the Old Testament, Prophets, and everything about the "chosen people" was geared toward their Messiah (Yeshua), and that through him, not just Jews, but the whole world was and can be reconciled to the God of Abraham. Please correct me if I am mistaken, or left something out. The good news in all of this is that God has provided a way for the whole world, Jew and Gentile, to experience salvation. Thanks and Glory be...

After being a nominal Protestant Christian for 10 years, and just celebrating the holidays of Christmas and Easter, I had a spiritual crisis when I was 19. Fortunately God revealed Himself to me in a truly miraculous manner, and I have been blessed, convicted, and humbled ever since. My struggle and search for the truth and journey back to my Creator is not special, as I am connected to humanity, as we are all created in the Imago Dei. Though we each work out our salvation with fear and trembling, the Church is the sailing ship that protects us during the stormy seas of life. I have come so far, yet have so much to learn and experience. What I do know is that the road is long, and any tribulation we face can be transfigured for the glory of God.

My family thinks I talk about religion too much - and they may have a point. But just as in the movie 'Signs' each element of our existence points to a greater overarching purpose - and as it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1 -" For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

Tuesday, May 08, 2007


01-20-09