Often overlooked in #theological writings is the fourth wise person, magi #4. A somewhat neurodivergent unnamed individual who brought the gift of "I'm shutting the fuck up, how about I'll take care of the screaming poop machine for an hour so you can take a peaceful bathroom break."
Often overlooked in #theological writings is the fourth wise person, magi #4. A somewhat neurodivergent unnamed individual who brought the gift of "I'm shutting the fuck up, how about I'll take care of the screaming poop machine for an hour so you can take a peaceful bathroom break."
But for most people who become #Jewish; God is at the end of the process, not at the beginning.
This follows the pattern established by #Ruth, one of the most famous non-Jews to become Jewish. She states, “Where ever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people, shall be my people. Your God, shall be my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Why does Ruth list God at the end of the process, and not at the beginning?
#Judaism does not teach that everyone needs to become …
But for most people who become #Jewish; God is at the end of the process, not at the beginning.
This follows the pattern established by #Ruth, one of the most famous non-Jews to become Jewish. She states, “Where ever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people, shall be my people. Your God, shall be my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
Why does Ruth list God at the end of the process, and not at the beginning?
#Judaism does not teach that everyone needs to become Jewish to be saved or to go to heaven.
Judaism does not teach that everyone has to believe in #monotheism in the same way #Jews do.
For Jews, behaving like a #Mentch is more important than believing the correct #theology."
[…] In the battle against antisemitism we must accept that Zionism means different things to different people
Or, in the battle against #antisemitism, we should recognize when historical antisemites deflect from Europe and #Christianity’s burden by targeting the very people #Zionism has sought to displace since its inception?
The Holy Bible is the word of God given to men over many centuries. Christians turn to it for guidance in life, comfort in pain, strength in trials, and hope for eternity.
I went to Christmas Vigil Mass with my family this evening.
My relationship with Catholicism is best described as “estranged” at this point. That said, not going to Mass isn’t an option in this case - not if any sort of peace is expected among family for the holiday - so I went. I offered my silent protests in attending, though - my skirt was a kilt with a pattern designed to memorialize witches that had been prosecuted and burned in Scotland, and I wore a hairpin designed by a friend - one with meanings the Church would not approve of.
Whenever I go to Church, I notice something that confirms that leaving the church was a good idea. In this case, it was in the prayers offered. So… while the prayers are being offered, the following is said:
“For the oppressed.”
I was mildly surprised …
I went to Christmas Vigil Mass with my family this evening.
My relationship with Catholicism is best described as “estranged” at this point. That said, not going to Mass isn’t an option in this case - not if any sort of peace is expected among family for the holiday - so I went. I offered my silent protests in attending, though - my skirt was a kilt with a pattern designed to memorialize witches that had been prosecuted and burned in Scotland, and I wore a hairpin designed by a friend - one with meanings the Church would not approve of.
Whenever I go to Church, I notice something that confirms that leaving the church was a good idea. In this case, it was in the prayers offered. So… while the prayers are being offered, the following is said:
“For the oppressed.”
I was mildly surprised and intrigued at this point. What would the Catholic Church have to give for the oppressed? Allyship and advocacy to their cause? Aid? Liberation? Mercy?
“That they may be given the strength to endure.”
🤦♀️
What?
Just… what?!?
In that moment, I realized I had chosen my wardrobe well. Praying that oppressed people be given the strength to endure is like praying that those persecuted as witches had the strength to endure the flames.
Oppressed people don’t need your prayers. Oppressed people need action; oppressed people need your help.
As a friend of mine put it, Love is a verb.
And that “prayer” was as far from love as a church could get - literal performative prayer to justify their own indifference.
Every couple of years, I re-read my favorite books of all-time: The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis. The books are, “Out of the Silent Planet”, “Perelandra”, and, “That Hideous Strength”. Just (re)started the latter.
I’m not writing by this post to proselytize or to convert anybody. Maybe they’re not for you and that’s OK! I love these books so much, and perhaps you will, too.
"During the #ThirdReich, German Protestant theologians redefined Jesus as an Aryan and #Christianity as a religion at war with #Judaism. These theologians established the Institute for the Study and Eradication of Jewish Influence on German Religious Life. It became the most important propaganda organ of German Protestantism, producing a nazified Christianity that placed anti-Semitism at its theological center." #History#Religion#Politics#Fascism#Books#Literaturehttps://newbooksnetwork.com/the-aryan-jesus
"A thought-provoking look at the intertwining of religion and social control."—Publishers Weekly
● Explains what "empire" is in our modern day ● Gives practical spiritual guidance for resisting empire's daily influence ● Explores how early Christians navigated imperial pressures ● Unpacks how empire influences how we see ourselves and others
"A thought-provoking look at the intertwining of religion and social control."—Publishers Weekly
● Explains what "empire" is in our modern day ● Gives practical spiritual guidance for resisting empire's daily influence ● Explores how early Christians navigated imperial pressures ● Unpacks how empire influences how we see ourselves and others
