Eye on Faith

Monday, September 21, 2015

How Russell Wilson 'found God'

Transfiguration of Jesus (by Carl Bloch)

Because an omniscient God knows exactly where we are at all times, it is we who actually need to find Him.

This is sometimes accomplished within the dream state. Quarterback Russell Wilson had this happen to him at age 14.

During a video titled "The Making of a Champion,” Wilson explained that Jesus came to him in a dream saying, “Hey,you need to find out more about me.”

Unfortunately, this dream also included a foreshadowing of Wilson’s father’s death. The dream was so powerful that Wilson went to church and “got saved” that very same Sunday morning.

His young life then turned around remarkably. Wilson was no longer the “bad kid” who “beat up kids…”

The football star then went on to use “the talent God has given him.” Wilson continues to firmly believe: No one can stop what God has for you.

Resources

http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2013/10/17/russell-wilson-i-found-god-when-jesus-came-to-me-in-a-dream-at-14/

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Martin Luther: Vatican's 'Prodigal Son'

(Luther as an Augustinian Friar)

These days, exciting reversals are occurring in both science and religion. Physicists have been learning to unboil eggs, and Vatican officials have been learning to welcome back Martin Luther.

Having been excommunicated by Pope Leo X nearly half a millennium ago, Luther does not seem to be a likely candidate for having a namesake “central Roman square.”

Nevertheless, this supreme challenger of the Catholic Church’s authority is about to have “a park area that overlooks the Coliseum” officially named “Piazza Martin Lutero” in his honor. Rosie Scammell of RNS reports that the Vatican has “given its backing” to this ecumenical endeavor.

After all, the original term “catholic” (from the Greek katholikos) meant “concerning the whole” (i.e., “universal”).

Resources

http://wwrn.org/articles/44925/?&place=europe

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Slave trade: the ‘Deep North’

Cathedral of St. John (Photo by Max Binder)

We hear many wonderful stories about New England’s role in religious freedom.

What we don’t often hear about is New England’s role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Rhode Island, in particular, has been called the “Deep North.” Katharine Q. Seelye of The New York Times reports that 58 percent of the total United States slaving voyages “between 1725 and 1807...

left from Providence, Newport and Bristol.”

Worse yet, religious institutions played a prominent part in these sinful practices. For example, “many of the shipbuilders, captains and financiers of those slaving

voyages were Episcopalians.” Seelye also points out that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were “notable

Episcopalian slaveholders.”

To their credit, some Episcopalian dioceses have been “holding services of repentance and starting programs of truth and reconciliation.” The Diocese of Rhode Island “has been slow to respond,” but is now taking big steps to atone for its past.

Under the current leadership of Bishop W. Nicholas Knisely, The Diocese of Rhode Island is establishing a museum focused on the North’s complicity in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This museum is being housed in the Cathedral of Saint John in Providence, “seat of the Episcopal Diocese.”

Resources

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-church-taking-unusual-step-to-illuminate-its-slavery-role/ar-BBm1MLO

Friday, September 18, 2015

Body positivity amidst Boise bustle

Beautiful Downtown Boise (Photo by Patrick R.)

Amidst the hustle and bustle of America’s heartland stood one lone female in a bikini. She was not some rail-thin supermodel; in fact, she described herself as “fat.”

Determined to promote the message that “all bodies are valuable,” Amy Pence-Brown had propped up a sign in front of her which read: I’m standing for anyone who has struggled with a self-esteem issue like me…

Passersby responded beautifully. One woman immediately rushed over to tell Pence-Brown that she was “brave and powerful,” and to give her a hug. Many offered written, verbal and non-verbal affirmations.

The human body is a precious one, a gift to be cherished. Anyone who seeks a miracle might just want to look in the mirror. No matter what the fashion world promotes, all bodies are works of art, science and so much more.

Resources

http://mashable.com/2015/09/10/bikini-experiment-body-positivity/#R3pG74gs9qkr

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Relationship yoga: Reaching out

Sun and Moon Bay (Photo by Zhangmoon618)

Perhaps if the principles of yoga were applied to relationships, more of them would stretch rather than break.

As social workers Linda and Charlie Bloom point out, “Yoga” embraces far more than just physical postures. There is jnana (knowledge) yoga, bhakti (devotion) yoga, karma (service) yoga, and raja (meditation) yoga.

So why not add “relationship yoga,” a practice which could easily include elements of all these other forms. Since the core meaning of “Yoga” is “Union,” this would seem to be a natural fit.

Because the term “Yoga” can also refer to the yoke that enables two oxen to pull together in the same direction, “relationship yoga” may strengthen commitment bonds as well.

Just as Hatha Yoga allows people to relax into previously-untenable physical positions, relationship yoga could also help soften their psychological defenses.

Since the term "Hatha" encompasses both the masculine (“Ha” or “sun”) and the feminine (“tha” or “moon”), a yogic approach might assist with balancing masculine and feminine energies.

Resources

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-bloom-lcsw-and-charlie-bloom-msw/mastering-the-art-of-rela_b_8127550.html?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Extroverts: Not always ‘on’

Childhood Friends (Photo by Squelle)

Just as introverts often get a bad rap (i.e., too shy, quiet, cold, etc.), so do their counterparts.

Extroverts may be portrayed as loud, egocentric and boorish, but MSN Lifestyle asserts that these alleged traits are more mythological than they are factual.

There is a huge difference between an extrovert and a “blabbermouth.” Extroverts do enjoy lively conversations, but are often as adept at listening as they are at speaking. Blabbermouths, on the other hand, will not let you get a word in edgewise.

Although extroverts do have a large capacity for socializing, they also need their downtime. This includes doses of solitude, which allows them to process all the stimuli that they are so adept at gathering.

Rather than being overly self-absorbed, many extroverts are intensely interested in others. They are the “icebreakers” at parties, conferences and other group situations. Ideas are exchanged, humor starts flowing, and crowds loosen up when extroverts begin to work their magic.

Extroverts, in fact, are “the last people in the room to not care what you think.” As human as anyone else, they can be nervous about what kind of an impression they’re making. Since they thrive on social situations, that impression can become all the more important.

Resources

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/mind-and-soul/15-myths-about-extroverts/ss-BBlIppC#image=1

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

‘Preppers’ believe End is Nigh

Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (by Viktor Vasnetsov)

For some, the phrase "no end in sight" is welcome news. They are the ones who cherish life here on Earth.

For others, Judgment Day can’t come soon enough. Among the self-professed righteous, there may even be those who are hoping that this month is IT.

Cristina Silva of International Business Times reports that so-called Mormon “preppers” believe that the apocalypse could begin on September 28, 2015.

Their beliefs are allegedly based upon “biblical prophecies, the Hebrew calendar, an unstable economy, world politics and astronomical occurrences.”

As part of this “prepping,” sales of survival items such as freeze-dried food and tents have recently skyrocketed within certain regions of Utah.

“Officials with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, however, remain unconvinced. NASA has also debunked such speculation, affirming that the heavens seem void of any such imminent threat.

Resources

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/mormon-apocalypse-prediction-has-people-stocking-up-on-food/ar-AAehz8s?li=AA54ur