{See previous column “Reluctant Spokesperson {Part 1}” for this column’s set-up.} Rarely do we stop to scrutinize how our actions have been shaped by the traditions we unconsciously participate in. Rarely do we ask why we flock en masse to see the latest Marvel action movie, why we so energetically follow sports seasons and favorite teams, or why we buy so many Christmas presents for our kids. In each case, we operate as adherents to the rules of dominant traditions—we... Read more
Sometimes I hear measures of a song so searingly truthful or heartrendingly beautiful they seem like prayer. Or I see a swallow swooping across a dawn-lit sky and the moment of perfection professes to me more than any sacred text. Other times, I read a passage in a book—maybe by George Eliot or Toni Morrison or Henry David Thoreau—that seems as laden with insight as any scripture, and I see the author must surely tune in to God as they... Read more
I didn’t intend to become a spokesperson for tradition. Of those who know me best, I doubt any would describe me as traditional. But along the way, I’ve become attached to the idea that we need tradition, which some find perplexing as I’m so questioning and critical of my own (Christianity ala Episcopalianism). Last month, two friends asked why I stay. The subtext of the question being: What is the use? As my friends’ questions suggest, tradition is not well... Read more
Along with two friends, I weekly visit Nora*, an elder experiencing the slow-motion slide into dementia. My friends and I go to accompany Nora and one another, to share soul-revealing conversation, and to keep vigil with our friend who charts the passing of cognitive abilities she always defined herself by. An inherently deep and intelligent woman, Nora is well aware of what’s happening to her. She grows frustrated searching for words—pulling up synonyms her net snags on, and relaying stories... Read more
I have this notion I call “cosmic flow” that is a large part of my worldview and faith structure. Indeed, I love to image God as a force or flow moving things in the direction of repair and redemption—especially the things we creatures break. In noticing how repair and serendipity are evident in a certain occurrence, I might refer to the occurrence or process as “part of the cosmic flow” (this elicits eyerolls from my husband. Next to the word... Read more
{See previous column “So What? (Part 1)” for this column’s set-up.} In my view, what is not adequately acknowledged by those noticing a breakdown in connection to tradition and a supportive, established ethical framework in American society, or an “unmooring” from these things, is that people absolutely do replace these moorings. It is natural. People do not stay generally unmoored, because our tendency is to hold on to something. In the absence of formal religions, we hold to something else—to other kinds... Read more
In 2008 I published a piece in a contest called: “30 sermons you would never hear in church.” I titled mine “Not a Sermon.” It was written during a six-year span of non-church-attendance for which I superficially blamed work (I worked every Sunday), though in fact my non-church-attendance was a choice. Not long after I wrote the non-sermon, I happened upon a Spanish-language Episcopal service I loved, and my church attendance resumed. But when I wrote the piece, I thought... Read more
It seems I’m always on the schedule to preach on Trinity Sunday no matter what church I’m in. Since I find the Trinity to be among the coolest insights of Christian theology, I appreciate this. It is something to be repeatedly reminded of. Every year, I deliver roughly the same sermon on Trinity Sunday for this reason: we need this reminding. The Trinity is often confusing to people (for decades, it was for me). Because we often don’t get it,... Read more
“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” ― Barbara Kingsolver In 2017 after Trump became president, I started reading Hannah Arendt’s The Origins of Totalitarianism. The book felt chillingly heartbreakingly shatteringly timely. At the moment, many viewed parallels between Trump’s ascendance and historical ascensions of authoritarianism... Read more
Among his last words to his disciples in John, Jesus says, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I admire how Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church USA, boils down the proclamation of Jesus to one key: The Way of Love. Love is the center. But what does this “love” look like exactly? The word... Read more
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