George of Sylvania

Tag: bible

  • Welp… it isn’t much

    I took that picture on my way into work Monday. What a nice view.

    This week, I do not have much to say. The writers block has been very present these past few weeks, and it is what it is. It doesn’t help we said so long to the interim priest we have been working with for over a year, and everyone’s favorite staff member is on tour for the North American production of Dirty Dancing.

    So what is blocking the ideas from flowing? Well, we are less than a week away from another nightmare of a presidential term, and I am nervous for friends and loved ones. And if the confirmation hearing of Hegseth that occurred yesterday is a taste of what is to come…

    Speaking of cabinet picks, I will never forget when my wife and I lived in West Michigan, and the first Tr*mp administration had been going for a little while. The church we had attended the majority of the time we lived there was Mars Hill Bible Church, founded by Rob Bell. Bell had been long gone by the time we had gotten there, and the place was changing under the newly called pastor. Things started off well, but the moment Betsy DeVos, who had been the Secretary of Education for a few months, came over to me during the passing of the peace. She gave me the most uncomfortable hug I have ever had in my life, and while she was trying to make small talk, I just kept reminding myself that the person standing in front of me was a child of God. We left the church pretty soon after.

    The look on my wife’s face though, seared into my memory. One of shock, horror, and concern about what was going to come out of my mouth. I was in such shock at what was unfolding before me that I was pretty much frozen.

    Scraping the barrel but still showing up is strength in its self, and that is what I wanted to remind everyone of today. So, to close today, I want to offer up the closing prayer I lead every other week during the Wednesday intercessory prayer services. It was introduced to me by a dear friend who passed away almost a year ago called, The Coventry Litany of Reconciliation. Because it is me however, I tweaked a few things to make it more inclusive.

    The Lord be with you my friends, never forget you all are loved, and not alone during this dark time to come.

    An updated version of the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation:

    All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

    The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,
    Lord, forgive.

    The covetous desires of people and nations to poses what is not their own,
    Lord, forgive.

    The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,
    Lord, forgive.

    Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,
    Lord, forgive.

    Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the unhoused, the refugee,
    Lord, forgive.

    The lust which dishonors the bodies of men, women, non-binary, and children,
    Lord, forgive.

    The pride which leads us to trust ourselves and not in God,
    Lord, forgive.

    Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.

    In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

  • Darts

    You can watch the scene here

    There are few scenes from television that I can re-watch like the dart scene from Ted Lasso. I’m sure most of those reading will have seen it but if not, let me set the scene. Two men are playing darts in a crowded English pub, and there is a bet on the line. The bet is that if the former owner of the team Ted works for wins, he can pick the lineup for the rest of the season. If Ted wins, the former owner can’t come near the owners box while Rebecca (his ex-wife) owns the team.

    Ted is down in points, and needs to triple twenties and a bullseye to win the game. Before he takes his turn, he begins to speak to his opponent about how he has been underestimated by guys like him his entire life. Ted points out how those people aren’t curious, and their assumptions of him, had nothing to do with who he actually is. Ted comes to this because, curious people ask questions, they don’t make assumptions.

    It is a such a simple observation by Ted, but personally, it really packs a blow at the same time.

    The ability to be curious in a world we know is such a rare thing found in adulthood. This is why I think Ted Lasso stands out compared to other positive characters written for TV. It is also something I think tends to be lost in the Church, an observation pointed out to me by a former mentor. One of the things I had found most helpful during the major deconstruction phase of my faith were good questions. It took a little while for me to want to be curious about reconstructing my faith, but curiosity is what helped it grow.

    Reading rabbinic materials did a great job in re-cultivating the curiosity that evangelicalism killed. Knowing that there is space in faith traditions to play with the text, imagine what it was like, and disagree was such a foreign concept. Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Weinreb in his article, Korack: Two Jews, Three Opinions, writes:

    It is noteworthy in this regard that every single chapter of the work known as the Mishnah, which is the core around which the Talmud developed, contains a dispute between the rabbis on one point or another.

    With the heaviness of the world to come, and the rhetoric that will continue to ramp up (we saw last week at the capitol over bathrooms), it is good to remember that curiosity and questions belong. Not only do they belong, but it curiosity is how we grow and become humans deeper in the image of God. Only those who are afraid (toxic people, christian nationalists, homophobes, transphobes, etc.) will tell you otherwise. The way the writers of Ted Lasso nail this point home in such a disarming way lends to the longevity of the show.

    Stay curious my friends, it will only strengthen our resolve as we march forward. I needed a somewhat uplifting post because I have been stressed, worried, and even a little scared. I hope this gives you room to jump into something new to help balance the way things are going. You can’t fight fascism without remembering the beauty that exists and is worth maintaining. Try Ted Lasso if you haven’t seen it, or Gardner’s World with Monty Don, two sources that allow you to unplug and be filled for an hour.

    Barbecue sauce.

  • Transgender Day of Remembrance

    Image sourced here.

    Two weeks ago today the election results were announced, and things continue to look dire. Today, as the title gives away, is Transgender Day of Remembrance; while I am not a member of the trans community, I am a staunch ally. Now, I know there are going to be a few people who read this, that do not recognize trans people’s right to exist. There will also be those who read, that also think supporting queer people, and, specifically trans people is heresy. Nothing I say to you will change your mind. To borrow a phrase from someone I respect, I do not make nice with oppressors, and I hope you hear God. For those of you who are here that none of this applies to, welcome.

    Our LGBTQIA+ siblings have been here from the very beginning and to not recognize that, to me, is the same as ignoring Christ on the cross. Those who know their church history, they should be aware of this, and also know they have always had a place in the family of God. If this is news to you, I highly recommend these two books to get started:

    Transforming by Austin Hartke
    Sex Difference in Christian Theology by Megan K. DeFranza

    For Christians, to believe that we are made in the image of God, is to (hopefully) accept one of the Jewish concepts in the Talmud that says:

    Rabbi Yirmeya ben Elazar: In the hour when the Holy One created the first human, He created him as an androgynos (one having both male and female sexual characteristics), as it is said, “male and female He created them.1

    Dr. Rachel Scheinerman wrote an incredible article, The Eight Genders of the Talmud, that you can read right here. The reason why I am posting about this article, is because the Talmud is a compendium of rabbinic commentary, laws, and other writings that has been around for over a millennia. Outside of the Torah, it is the most impactful pieces of Jewish writing. To know that Christianity was a religion born out of ancient Judaism, reading ancient Jewish writings can be very helpful. Of these eight genders, four of them are applicable to our trans siblings.

    Less than 1.5% of trans people make up the total population in the United States according to a June 2022 article by the UCLA school of law.2

    350 trans siblings have been murdered globally so far in 2024.3

    321 trans siblings were murdered globally in 2023.4

    391 anti-trans bills have been proposed in the United States in 2024.5

    In 1933, one of the life centers of LGBT+ culture and community was in Germany; and when Hitler came to power, his government targeted our trans siblings.6

    The incoming presidential administration is terrifying for almost anyone who is not a straight, white, cis, republican male.

    Today is a somber day, and unfortunately there is a lot of ground still to cover for our siblings. But I believe it is possible to build a world where they are not only safe, but can be the person God made them to be. And that they will have the support to do so.

    May we remember our lost siblings not just today, but every day.

    May we remember that our trans siblings need us, not just today, but every day.

    May we see the image of God reflected in them, as we do ourselves.

    May we stand for them, even if our friends and family do not.

    And may we take a moment to recite these words from Rev. Marie A. Trato, the Canon for Community Justice Ministry in the Diocese of Long Island:

    Gracious and loving God, you made all of humankind in your image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: On this International Transgender Day of Remembrance, we remember those who were killed because of their all-encompassing humanity; help us to overcome our anger and our fear of those whose lives move beyond our binary definitions; draw us closer to the mystery and complexity of your infinite creativity and creation; teach us to look upon all of God’s children with love and compassion, that we may all live in safety and in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.7

    Sources:

    1. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-eight-genders-in-the-talmud/ ↩︎
    2. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/
      ↩︎
    3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2024/11/16/350-transgender-people-murdered-in-2024-will-the-violence-ever-end/ ↩︎
    4. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiewareham/2024/11/16/350-transgender-people-murdered-in-2024-will-the-violence-ever-end/ ↩︎
    5. https://translegislation.com/
      ↩︎
    6. https://mjhnyc.org/events/transgender-experiences-in-weimar-and-nazi-germany/ ↩︎
    7. https://allsaints-pas.org/a-prayer-for-transgender-day-of-remembrance-november-20th/ ↩︎

  • Thomas: The Relatable Disciple

    Doubting Thomas and Jesus.

    I wrote this back in April for the Noon Day Prayer Meeting reflection for work.

    "But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
    A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."     - John 20:24-29 (NRSV)

    I doubt there is anyone more relatable in the Gospels than the Apostle Thomas.

    I mean, you miss one hangout with the crew and all of a sudden, you’re supposed to believe your teacher is alive. It sounds like a giant practical joke if you’re Thomas. It would be difficult not to respond with the, “I won’t believe anything until I put a finger through his hand!” After all, it was not like people came back from the dead all the time then. But when Jesus comes back, Thomas sees him, and while we are not told he touches the wounds, we know for Thomas, the world is turned upside down. Jesus has pulled one over on humanity, and the rest of the world because he has moved from death to life. When he asks Thomas, “have you believed because you have seen me?” what answer could be expected other than yes?

    While Hebrews tells us that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. I for one cannot imagine how it was expected of Thomas to believe without seeing. It reminds me of Exodus when Moses is tending Jethro’s flock and he walks by Mount Herob and sees the burning bush. Something that is on fire but not being consumed by it. If Moses had told me he’d seen a burning bush I would have believed him. After all, I have three in my yard. If he had told me he’d seen a bush that was on fire but not being consumed by it, it would take me a little time to let that sink in.

    But both of these interactions have something in common. It is the space between Jesus showing Thomas the marks, and Moses absorbing what God had to say that action comes forth. The Apostle Thomas eventually goes on to take Christianity to India and is eventually martyred for it. Moses, as we all know, after some convincing by God, goes on to free the ancient Israelite’s from slavery. Both of these actions have humanity partnering with God to bring about sharing the love of God.

    It is easy to ignore the holiness of space, and for that matter the time that takes place in the space. In his book The Sabbath, rabbi, and philosopher Dr. Abraham Joshua Heschel states:

    “we know what do with space but do not know what to do about time, except make it subservient to space. Most of us seem to labor for the sake of things of space. As a result we suffer from a deeply rooted dread of time and stand aghast when compelled to look into its face. Time to us is sarcasm, a slick treacherous monster with a jaw like a furnace incinerating every moment of our lives.”

    When I read this section of John’s Gospel this week, the space of the crucifixion wound and the time between Thomas hearing of Jesus’ resurrection, and seeing him really stood out. How many times do you think the Spirit tried to make contact with Thomas that week? Where there times when Thomas was sitting alone at night? Did he lay awake wondering if this was true that Jesus was back? Was he pushing the door shut while the Spirit was trying to break it open? What makes the Apostle Thomas so relatable for me, is there is space for his doubt. Space for his thoughts. And space for him to allow God to enter his midst and partner with him.

    I’d like to end with a meditation from Dr. Heschel’s book Between God and Man. Just so we are all aware, “man” in the title refers to humanity:

    “The presence of God is a majestic expectation, to be sensed and retained and, when lost, to be regained and resumed. Time is the presence of God in the world. Every moment is His subtle arrival, and man’s task is to be present. His presence is retained in moments in which God is not alone, in which we try to be present in His presence, to let Him enter our daily deeds, in which we coin our thoughts in the mint of eternity. The presence is not one realm and the sacred deed another; the sacred deed is the divine in disguise. The destiny of man is to be a partner of God and a mitzvah is an act in which man is present, an act of participation; while sin is an act in which God is alone; an act of alienation. Such acts of man’s revelations of the divine are acts of redemption. The meaning of redemption is to reveal the holy that is concealed, to disclose the divine that is suppressed. Every man is called upon to be a redeemer, and redemption takes place every moment, every day.” (pg. 80)

  • Welcome

    Welcome

    This is my personal website. The thoughts here reflect my own, and not those of my employers, unless they overlap.

    The title of the blog came from Sister Joanne Frania, a spiritual director I saw for a short time. During one of our sessions, I was lamenting about identity in ministry. During it, she blurted out, “what do you expect, you’re just George, George of Sylvania.” At some point I knew I’d restart a blog and I had found the perfect title.

    This is a space where I’ll drop ideas about religion, poetry, or whatever thing I’m writing about. Mostly religion though, as I work in a professional religious setting.

    A little about me, best I am infrequent blogger, and it’s been that way for years. It will most likely stay that way. I’m a suburban dad that lives in an affluent part of Northwest Ohio, with his family and three cats. Privilege is something I recognize and try to use mine to support others.

    Black lives matter.

    Trans lives matter.

    LGBTQIA+ support is not a negotiation.

    Abortion is healthcare.

    God loves everyone, no exceptions.

    I’m George of Sylvania and this is my dumping ground, welcome.