I really enjoy the theater. I am fascinated by the art of an accomplished actor convincingly becoming another person. Such a one displays expert play acting–and, by definition, is a hypocrite. A hypocrite: someone playing another part, pretending to be someone else. So every time we go to see a performance, either live or on film, we are looking at a bunch of hypocrites. Now, on the stage or in film, that kind of hypocrisy is accepted and admired. ... Read more
As a real master of procrastination, I know the mantra, “I’ll get to it later.” A couple of days ago, I sat down at my desk and looked at my “I’ll get to it later” stack. It was not a pretty moment. Everything in me wanted just to shove it aside. After all, I could get to it later. I bet I’m not alone. Most everyone will occasionally delay tasks or the formation of habits that are difficult for the... Read more
I was watching “Clean House” for a little while last night as they tackled the “messiest home in the country.” It was pretty horrific, to be sure. I sat there wondering how on earth that family had managed to get into that mess, and feeling somewhat superior to them. Then I came to work this morning to try to clear some things off my desk. Now I know how they got into that mess: neglect of the little things that... Read more
Last week’s column on Excuse Number Ten for missing worship, “God will understand” sparked some interesting comment–and I do welcome those responses. They hone my thinking about this human tendency to place the responsibility for both major and minor decisions squarely on the shoulders of others. I know how often I become what I call “othered.” That’s not “bothered,” by the way. ”Othered” is the act of letting the actions of others dictate my own actions. I set aside personal... Read more
As I work my way through my list of excuses people give for choosing not to give regular time for the care and nurture of their souls in a corporate gathering, I have to look at myself. I have used Excuse Number Ten, “God will understand” multiple times as a justification for doing something I know I shouldn’t–or for not doing something I know I should. When I look at that statement just by itself, I become aware of my... Read more
Come into this scene with me: a loved one has died and the family wants a clergy person to guide them through the really tough time of loss and grief. We clergy who spend much of our life at the crossroads of death and life are often able to bring not only some comfort, but helpful perspective at these times. When the person who had died is unknown to me, I seek to learn the history and find the patterns... Read more
Today, I explore excuse Number Twelve of fifteen for staying away from a worshipping community: “They all teach and believe different things. How do I know which one is right?” Let’s consider the logic to the statement. We see different ways to practice medicine, educate children, repair cars, cook chicken, clean a house, run a business, grow a garden, program a computer, cut hair, have a satisfying marriage. Multiple opinions do not mean that we quit seeking medical help or... Read more
The excuses continue. Why do people neglect caring for their own soul by avoiding regular gatherings, which I call church? Here is excuse number thirteen of the fifteen I’ve heard over the years: “The church has done terrible things to people.” To this I say, “Yes, it has.” I myself have been a vocal critic of the harm done by many religious groups. It saddens me to think about it and I see no sense in whitewashing this. In the... Read more
I just got off the phone with my oldest son. He was phoning from Abu Dhabi, where it was 1:45 a.m. at the time of call. He was preparing to board a flight to London, where upon landing, he will immediately switch terminals, find his wife and two young children and the four of them take off for Bogota, Colombia. By the time they land, Jonathan will have been traveling for about 35 straight hours. His wife, the lovely and... Read more
Today I offer reason number fourteen of fifteen about why people choose not to attend a place of worship. I define a place of worship this way: a gathering of unrelated people where, for at least a couple of hours a week, they intentionally attend to the transformational development of their spiritual life. Excuse Number Fourteen: “The church didn’t help when I needed it.” I receive somewhere between three to six calls a week from people I do not know... Read more
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