Eye on Faith

Friday, January 7, 2011

Communion cups: Does type matter?

(Masip, 16th century)

As Rev. Ken Collins points out, it is still unclear whether Jesus used a single or a common communion cup during the Last Supper.

However, we do know that the Last Supper was greatly linked to Passover customs. One such custom was to eat and drink while semi-reclining, rather than while sitting up straight in a chair. According to Alfred J. Kolatch in The Jewish Book of Why, the reclining position had been adopted since Persian times, and was then also practiced by Jews, Greeks and Romans. The biblical Greek terms anekeito, anakeimenon and anapese are usually translated by some form of the verb recline, rather than the verb sit.

Collins therefore raises this question: If it is so important to strictly follow the dining customs of the Last Supper, why then isn’t it essential to drink from the Communion cup while reclining? Collins also explains that the Bible wording simply states that Jesus drank from “the” cup, and doesn’t conclusively specify whether this means “the” communal cup, or “the” individual cup.

Because there have been numerous health concerns regarding shared Communion cups, this issue is still

very much on the table. Just recently, Newsday reported that Hepatitis A warnings are being linked to the use of common Communion cups at a Nassau County, New York church. According to The Free Library, this type of public health concern is far from new. Reports of concerns linked to the use of common

Communion cups have been occurring in both scientific and religious publications since at least 1887.

Concerns have been reported not only about the danger of spreading infectious disease, but also about the heavy metals that many Communion cups are partially made of. Churches have therefore been experimenting with ways of minimizing the possibilities of health risks. Two such ways are to use individual cups made from healthful materials.

The question then remains: Would these latter types of cup preferences truly affect the spirit and intent of

Holy Communion?

Resources

Kolatch, Alfred, J. The Jewish Book of Why.

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+effects+of+receiving+Holy+Communion+on+health.-a019736122

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/officials-churchgoers-exposed-to-hepatitis-1.2584839

http://www.innvista.com/culture/religion/bible/compare/recline.htm

http://www.kencollins.com/question-24.htm

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Psalm 109:8 or 'An eye for an eye...'

Gandhi (1931)

Those who are avidly quoting Psalm 109:8 with the hopes of disparaging President Obama, might wish to take a good hard look at an underlying message of this Psalm.

The logic that King David (or perhaps a different author) was using to make this case against a faithless (from his perspective) adversary sounds a lot like “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” At best, this is an equation for the lowest common denominator of justice - one that is stripped of all mercy. At worst, it is a vengeful recipe for disaster.

For those who may be thinking – that’s the Old Testament, the New Testament is completely differrent – please note the direct reference to Psalm 109:8 in Acts 1:20. Here Luke (or perhaps a different author) is using similar logic to rail against Judas, and is quoting Psalm 109 to support his position. This all seems a very far cry from “Judge not…” and from “… turn the other cheek.”

This type of merciless thinking (and politics) results in the type of violence that is detailed in both Psalm 109 and Acts 1. In Psalm 109, the author not only wishes his (and, he assumes, God’s) enemies to be deposed from office - but also fervently prays that they and their families fall prey to shame, sin, condemnation, curses, hunger, poverty, homelessness, extortion, and confusion. Apparently, the author feels himself to be exempt from this same justice equation, for he seems to wish nothing but God’s mercy for himself. (If the author was actually King David, then he seems to have forgotten his own formidable sins as he begs: Help me, O

LORD, my God: O save me according to thy mercy (Psalm 109:26). Perhaps the author of Acts 1:18 also felt somehow personally above the law of karma while seeming to almost gloat over Judas’ disembowelment.

Mahatma Gandhi seemed to have a kinder gentler solution for the world’s ills. He firmly believed that “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” – and therefore set about to “love thy enemy” rather than to wish eternal torment on anyone.

Resource

http://www.postchronicle.com/news/original/article_212341686.shtml

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Guru Gobind Singh: Five for Five

Photo by Harisingh

Guru Gobind Singh was the tenth - and last - Sikh Guru in human form.

Unlike his nine predecessors (all of whom chose humans as successors), Guru Gobind Singh picked a holy scripture (the Adi Granth, thereafter referred to as the Guru Granth Sahib) as the next, final, and eternal Sikh Guru. Guru Gobind Singh’s other unique contributions included the Five Ks that were thereafter to be incorporated into the everyday Sikh lifestyle.

These Five Ks are as follows: Kesh (hair that remains uncut because it is a natural gift from God); Kanga (a wooden comb that is used to keep hair, and metaphorically life itself, tidy); Kara (a steel bracelet, the circularity of which symbolizes infinite life, and the wearing of which serves as a reminder to keep one’s hands out of trouble); Kachera (a knotted drawstring undergarment that serves as a constant warning against lust and other uncontrolled impulses); and Kirpan (a short curved dagger that symbolizes bravery, as well as protection of the meek).

These Five Ks were introduced by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 AD. They signify a commitment to following the Sikh teachings, as well as to avoiding the Five Evils.

According to Wikipedia, the Five Evils of Sikhism are as follows: Kam (lust); Krodh (rage); Lobh (greed); Moh (attachment); and Ahankar (pride). They are also referred to as the Five Thieves because they will rob from one’s spirituality if left unchecked.

Resources

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Gobind_Singh

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalsa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Ks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Evils

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Patterson vs. Ali: Lord in the ring

Floyd Patterson (1962)

The famous 1965 fight between Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali seemed just as much about religion as it did about boxing.

Patterson was a known Roman Catholic. In those days of Camelot, he had many of the worldly powers that be on his side. For a while there (until Patterson lost to Liston), even President Kennedy proudly displayed an autographed photo of Patterson. Frank Sinatra was another such fair-weather friend. He very publicly supported Patterson until Ali won this 1965 fight. After that, Sinatra (literally) turned his back on Patterson.

This fueled Ali’s beliefs all the more. He was at that time staunchly associated with the Nation of Islam, a group that was then known for its adamant opposition to all things white (including traditional “white” religion). He considered “Mr. American-Dream Patterson” to be an “Uncle Tom” who kowtowed to the white man in order to achieve success. He would continuously refer to Patterson as a scared rabbit, and would bring him insulting batches of lettuce and carrots to drive the knife a little deeper.

For his part, Patterson was having none of what Ali was espousing. He considered the Nation of Islam teachings of that time to be hate-based, and did not honor their religious aspects. Patterson therefore insisted upon calling Ali by his birth name, Cassius Clay. He was quoted in Sports Illustrated as saying this about Ali: I have been told Clay has every right to follow any religion he chooses, and I agree. By the same token… I am a Roman Catholic. I do not believe God put us here to hate one another…

Both men continued their soul-searching journeys long after their pivotal clash in the ring. Patterson’s

reputation for being a kind and charitable gentleman grew and grew. Ali embraced a more universal

interpretation of Islam. The two even made their peace with one another. Although Patterson never

did stop his use of the name “Cassius Clay,” Ali eventually accepted this – but only from him.

Resources

http://www.renewamerica.com/columns/bates/060516

http://books.google.com/books?id=WiTLhuqN1AQC&pg=PA172&lpg=PA172&dq=floyd+patterson+religion&source=bl&ots=0cQt5HPI97&sig=gS0tcYhCmMwj44sAglnGMBVnv1I&hl=en&ei=j0gfTdT0FsOblgeMqbm1DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=floyd%20patterson%20religion&f=false

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floyd_Patterson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali

Monday, January 3, 2011

Coptic Church: A brief introduction

The Flight into Egypt

In order to better understand the recent tragedy at the Al-Qiddisin (Saints) Church in Alexandria, it is important to know some background about the Coptic Church.

Christianity in Egypt goes as far back as the Holy Family’s flight there. Many Christians believe that Jesus’ link to Egypt was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible. Hosea 11:1 states: When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. That is why Matthew 2:15 refers directly to this Hosea quote when telling about the flight to Egypt.

Many also hearken to Isaiah 19 as being predictive of the Coptic Church. Isaiah 19:1 states: See, the LORD rides on a swift cloud and is coming to Egypt. Isaiah 19:19-21 speaks of the day when there will be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a savior and defender who will rescue Egyptians from their oppressors.

The Church of Alexandria, one of the original Apostolic Sees of Christianity, was founded by St. Mark the Apostle in approximately 42 AD. All Christian churches in Africa are considered its daughter churches, as well as the following three specific ones: Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria (Oriental Orthodox); Eastern Orthodox Church of Alexandria (Greek Orthodox or Byzantine Orthodox); and Coptic Catholic

Church (Eastern Catholic in full communion with Rome).

St. Mark, who the Coptic Church believes was born in Africa, is considered to be the father of Christianity in Africa. He also became the first bishop of Alexandria. According to Coptic history, St. Mark was martyred in 68 AD by Hellenistic Alexandrians who resented his efforts to convert them.They allegedly dragged him through the streets by a rope around his neck until he was dead.

Coptic contributions to overall Christianity are profound. Today’s oldest catechetical school in the world is the Christian School of Alexandria (which some say was also founded by St. Mark). Christian Monasticism was born of Egyptian Desert Fathers such as Anthony the Great and Abba Pachomius. The Nicene Creed is said to be based largely upon the teachings of St. Athanasius of Alexandria.

Resources

http://allafrica.com/stories/201101020028.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coptic_Orthodox_Church_of_Alexandria

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+19&version=NIV

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_the_Evangelist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_Fathers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Athanasius_I_of_Alexandria

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Jupiter to Uranus: We've got to stop meeting this way

A Titan Thanksgiving

According to Space.com - for the third time in eight short months - Jupiter and Uranus will be practically rubbing orbs with one another.

Mythologically speaking, could this spell disaster for these two genealogical giants?

The ancient saga of King Jupiter and Grandfather Uranus is the stuff that blockbusters are made of. It all began long ago when Sky King Uranus developed a “thing” for Earth-Mother Gaia. Whenever atmospheric conditions were just right, he would envelop her curvy mounds with his gaseous gams. One thing led to another, and soon the Titans were almost born. “Almost” because Uranus attempted to cork them deep within Gaia’s womb…

“Cork you!” was Gaia’s feisty response. She therefore handed each of her sons a specially-fashioned sickle, and urged them to point it in dad’s direction. Only Saturn (eventual father of Jupiter) was up to the task. Using the “eye for an eye, and a…” philosophy, he wielded the sickle where he thought it would hurt Uranus the most.

The heavens then rang with the mightiest of ouches as Uranus’ private parts were strewn throughout the world. From his blood arose the Gigantes, Furies, Erinyes, Meliae, and (some say) the Telchines. From his

genitalia arose the beautiful Aphrodite (which just goes to prove, there’s an upside to everything).

As if that weren’t enough, Saturn later attempted to gobble up his own son, Jupiter. Again, it was the wily wife and mother who interceded. Jupiter’s mother, Rhea, fooled her brother/husband (yes, you read that right) Saturn by substituting a stone in swaddling clothes for Jupiter. After Saturn swallowed this ruse whole, Rhea then smuggled the real Jupiter off to Granny Gaia’s.

With a family history like that - what else was there for Jupiter to do but depose Saturn? He didn’t want to, he didn’t mean to, but…

As for Jupiter and what’s left of Grandpa Uranus, only time will tell. So keep an ear out for some big-bang

extravaganzas as they once again try to reunite.

Resources

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20101229/sc_space/nightskyuranustoalignwithjupiterthisweek

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus_(mythology)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_(mythology)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_(mythology)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy Year: Old, New or Both

Pope Gregory XIII

If you’re not quite ready to exchange the old for the new on January 1st, try sticking with the old year until January 14th. Then wish everyone a Happy Old New Year as many regularly do in Russia, Georgia, Ukraine, Montenegro, Belarus, Bosnia, Moldova, Republic of Macedonia, Herzegovina, Serbia (including Kosovo), Armenia, Kazakhstan, and in certain parts of the Scottish Gaelic community.

Who is responsible for this year-end confusion?

Some say Julius Caesar. He is often thought of as being instrumental in moving the Roman Empire away from its former lunar calendar. This shift to the Julian solar calendar noticeably affected Easter calculations. When the First Council of Nicea determined in 325 AD that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following March 21^st- working with a solar calendar made the Easter dates become more and more varied.

Enter Pope Gregory XIII…

In 1563 AD (more than 1200 years after these discrepancies began), Gregory XIII - with the help of priest/astronomer/mathematician Christopher Clavius - decided to realign Easter dates with what he felt was the First Council of Nicea’s original intent. This necessitated another major shift – over to what the world now calls the Gregorian calendar.

Pope Gregory XIII announced this change via a papal bull. At that time, bulls were utilized for only the most solemn of papal communications; however, they had no real authority outside of the Catholic Church and Papal States. Roman Catholic countries were slow to adopt the new calendar – slower yet were the other nations. Many European countries didn’t officially adopt the Gregorian calendar until the 1700s – Japan and Korea not until the late 1800s – Russia, Greece and the Republic of China not until the 1900s.

A number of Orthodox churches, however, still adhere to the Julian calendar for religious purposes. These Orthodox churches – including ones in Poland, Russia, Georgia, Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia, Jerusalem, and Old Calendarists in Greece – still therefore celebrate Christmas Day on the Gregorian January 7^th.

Resources

http://www.russia-ic.com/culture_art/traditions/648/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregorian_calendar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_calendar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_calendar

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_New_Year

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Clavius

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Gregory_XIII