Sermon

 

 

 

 

I was not raised in religion and contrary to many people, my older family members became less interested in religion as they aged.  We certainly considered ourselves Jewish, and I still do now.  I think the label would be “secular Jew” if I wanted to use a label—which I don’t.  I don’t like labels at all including agnostic or atheist.  I have attended services at a synagogue and visit churches for funerals and weddings.  I don’t like being a part of anything that either forces or guilts me into doing things I don’t want to do, and organized religion clearly falls under that heading. 

I am not “anti-religion” per se, I understand how and why people believe as they do and have no interest in trying to convince someone otherwise.  It would be great if people who are religious would accord me the same respect.  In big cities it’s easier to blend in and not feel a pull to model your life along the lines of someone else’s.  If you are a part of a large extended family that includes religious and cultural customs you’ll probably do as they do.

My thinking is not totally concrete; I have a sense of spirituality and order in the universe.  I don’t believe in one Supreme Being; mostly I think we just don’t have enough information to understand the why of things.  How can a human being grasp the concept of infinity?  It makes me dizzy to think the universe is either finite or infinite; I don’t think we have the mental capacity for that to make sense.  I’m inclined to believe there is a scientific explanation for almost anything we can conceive but also that there are many things we can’t conceive.

More and more these days I find that religion can be a destructive force in the world.  Not that this is new information, but I actually feel the waves of hatred in the air.  Everyone feels threatened by some group somewhere.  The main groups, Islam, Judaism and Christianity, although historically sharing a history and many beliefs, all feel threatened by each other.  Each group has been persecuted throughout their respective histories as well.  I grew up knowing more Jews than Christians; now I live in an area where Christianity is an assumption rather than an option.  Who you are and who you hate is your heritage.  Saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” is a clear offensive onslaught. 

I can’t say I believe in a future or past Messiah, but if I read the signs I might think the Apocalypse is imminent.  Honestly, I have no idea what I should do about that.  Overall, I think I’m a good person, if that is the deciding factor. 

I really don’t understand the continued dialogue about Christians being under attack, or there being a “war” on Christmas.  Every retail establishment across the country begins their Christmas displays and sales in early October.  In the south there are no items for sale denoting any other religions for holiday celebrations or otherwise.  When I want to purchase a menorah or candles I have to do so on-line.  Never mind Islamic or Hindu symbols, no point in looking. 

I know it is what it is and my feelings won’t change anything.  I just feel a need to point out that we are at risk, as a nation and as humans, when we practice intolerance for those who believe differently from us.  If you define yourself as “good” why not join that with “person” and not just “Christian”?

Stranger in a Strange Land

I have decided I am sane and therefore it must be the world that is crazy.  OK, not the whole world; fortunately I do know other sane people.  Yes, it's subjective--but I'm certain I'm right. 

Americans have gone stark raving mad about the Ebola virus threat.  This includes people I normally see as intelligent and clear thinking are talking about not shaking hands, not traveling by air, liberal use of sanitizing gel and avoiding everyone who has traveled by plane ever.  Plush Ebola toys have been manufactured and are out of stock.  Of course, it is highly political.  From the right wing we know it is a plot by Obama (although I'm not clear on the purpose of this plot); the CDC doesn't know what they're doing; he should have appointed an "Ebola Czar" and the one he appointed is clearly not qualified.. 

The scientific facts don't seem to concern anyone espousing these beliefs.  I am back in time to the early 80s when it was dangerous to touch a gay person because you could catch AIDS.  Anyone who had sex with more than one person, ever, was terrified, and people found every avenue to get secretly tested.  Feelings about Ebola, so far, seem more representative of xenophobia than homophobia.  But the right wing speculators are working diligently to affix the blame to someone they perceive as left wing (Obama will do for now).

Diseases and epidemics have existed as long as there has been life on this planet.  In the past, this has had the capability of decimating populations.  In parts of Africa, where medical knowledge and treatment availability is limited, this is still a possibility.  However, western medicine is now able to contain contagion and successfully treat affected individuals.  I am confident this current epidemic will eventually fade into history and eventually become just another treatable disease. 

No question that sensible precautions should always be taken.  Even before this, infections have been rampant in the health care field.  Hospitals are the biggest sources of infections such as MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus).  Training and oversight are emphasized and use PPEs (personal protective equipment--gowns, masks, face shields) are to be stringently enforced whenever there is potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids.  So, it seems like common sense would dictate that your risk is quite low if you are not a health care worker, have not been to West Africa, and have no symptoms whatsoever.  I'm afraid, though, regardless of all these facts the games will continue to be played.

On a totally separate subject, a woman in Florida is still fighting for her freedom because she tried to keep herself from being killed by her violently abusive husband.  The man has a well documented history of violence and abuse of women, yet he walks the streets freely, while she is under house arrest.  Maybe that's just Florida, but it seems like the number of crazy state is increasing exponentially. 

I'm thinking of avoiding the news and all potentially controversial conversations with humans, but I'm open to suggestions.